My Genealogy Hound

ISAAC J. HOAG, deceased, a man of native ability and sterling character, was one of the successful pioneer teachers of Michigan, and, arriving in Berrien County in an early day, materially aided in the educational advancement of this part of the State. Receiving the esteem and confidence of the community, he held various township offices, and, universally beloved, was mourned when he passed away. Our subject, a native of New York, was born in Dutchess County in 1826, and remained in his birthplace until he had arrived at mature age. The father, who was a Quaker, died when Isaac was only a young lad. The widowed mother, a sister of the famous Quaker divine, John Mott, was a woman of remarkable character and stern self-reliance. The death of her husband left to her care six children; Philip, John, Charles, Isaac, Phoebe and Peter. The family made their home in Michigan in the pioneer days, and the five deceased remained within the boundaries of their adopted State until their death. Peter, the youngest and the sole survivor of the brothers and sisters, resides in Otsego, Mich., and is one of the leading men of that vicinity.

The mother of Mr. Hoag was unable to give her son Isaac the education he desired, and he was, therefore, obliged to work his way, but by diligent industry and energetic perseverance accomplished his purpose. He first attended the common school, and then entered a well-known institution at Macedon, N. Y., and after a course of four years of study graduated with honor. In a brief time he came to Michigan and, at once receiving employment as a teacher, continued for several years in his chosen profession, and was from the first successful in obtaining the confidence and respect of his pupils. In 1858, Isaac J. Hoag and Miss Elizabeth Meech were united in marriage. Mrs. Hoag, a native of Williamstown, Mass., was educated in the excellent schools of Albany, N. Y., and began her career as a teacher in the Empire State. Journeying to Michigan in 1858, she met and married Mr. Hoag. The family clustering about their fireside consisted of one son and two daughters. Samuel F. is a resident of Iowa; Alice M. is the wife of Adolph Reichle, of Benton Harbor; and Lillian resides with her mother.

Immediately following his marriage, our subject engaged in the nursery business and sold the largest number of peach trees ever handled by any one man in Berrien County. Mr. Hoag predicted the disease brought into the State of Michigan by those shipping from New Jersey. In the latter part of his life he devoted much of his time to the real-estate business, and, year after year, prospered, accumulating a large acreage to be divided among his heirs. Passing away regretted by all who knew him in 1874, he left to their capable mother three children to rear and educate. Mr. Hoag was a member of the Friends’ Church, and was an upright and conscientious man, generous to a fault, and liberally assisting every worthy enterprise presented to his notice. Politically, he was a Republican and an earnest advocate of the party. Well posted in the local and national affairs of moment, he gave intelligent consideration to matters of public welfare and was ever a true and loyal citizen. He served for several years with efficiency as Supervisor of Benton Township, and gave universal satisfaction by his prompt and faithful discharge of duty.

The property left as a bequest to the widow and children consisted mainly of a large farm. In the management of the estate, Mrs. Hoag displayed exceptional ability and judgment, and was through her conduct of affairs well able to provide for her children and give them comforts and a thorough education. Her parents were of the Presbyterian faith, and in her walk through life the estimable wife and widow of our subject has done honor to her early training, and won the well-deserved esteem of a wide acquaintance.