My Genealogy Hound

DR. AMORY W. HOBERT of Homer village, Cortland County, N. Y., has passed through a multitude of varied experiences, and during his life has traveled a road that has led him from quiet professional pursuits into the busy whirl of mercantile and financial life. He has for some time past been a retired citizen of Homer, yet he still keeps up a lively interest in the affairs of the day, and occasionally puts his strong arm to the tiller to better direct the course of events.

Amory W. Hobert entered upon his earthly career in the town of Venice, Cayuga County, N. Y., September 11, 1825. Daniel Hobert, his father, was, however, a native of Homer. The father was in his younger days a farmer, but took up the trade of shoemaking, which he followed all his active life. His first business location was at Venice, where our subject was born, and where the father remained for several years. Thence he repaired to Genoa, Cayuga County, where he remained until his death at the age of seventy-five. The wile of Daniel Hobert was Mary Abbott, a native of the State of New Hampshire; she reached the ripe age of eighty-five years. Six children were born to them, and were named: Lucetta (Curtis); Merrick; Amory W.; Sarah; Edward; and Mary (Van Liew).

Of the above family, our subject obtained his educational training in the schools of Venice and at the Cortland Academy. He decided that a medical career should be his, so he began to read medicine in the office of the able Dr. Finney of Genoa. Later he continued his course with Dr. Loomis of Homer, where he received his certificate, and began the practice of his profession. In Homer the Doctor continued for a number of years. Subsequently he went to Ottawa and became associated with his brother in the practice of dentistry, a profession in which he was very well posted and informed. Two years he spent in that line, from 1855 to 1857, then becoming interested in mercantile life, he engaged in the dry goods business with a partner, and there remained for the following two years. At the close of this period he sold his interest to his partner, but previous to this he had in company with Mr. E. R. Fay become engaged in the loan and exchange business, a line that had become very lucrative. This interest, together with a private banking business, Dr. Hobert superintended for two years until failing health warned him that he was attempting too much, and compelled him to discontinue. He then came back to Homer, where he has lived since. After his return, his natural activity would not permit him to rest, so he entered upon the manufacture of wagons in company with Mr. Jones and Mr. Sticker. Two years were profitably employed in this industry, during which time the Doctor had received an appointment from President Grant as deputy postmaster of Homer, Newell Jones being the postmaster. He served on, in company with Newell Jones, into the administration of President Hayes. Later on he became associated with Mr. Jones in buying wool, and for several years they handled large shipments, and paid out many thousands of dollars. Of late years, Dr. Hobert has not given his time to any regular business, but has spent his days in caring for the several interests, which are the results of his life of varied toil. He is politically a strong Republican, and has served as supervisor for his town. He was also elected a magistrate, but never opened an office. He has been a trustee of Homer Academy for five years, and has been president of the board for four years. It was during his administration in 1893 that the academy was destroyed by fire. He was the most active worker for the rebuilding of the same, and devoted most of his time and attention to its erection in 1894. He was one of the promoters in the organization of the First National Bank of Homer in 1879, and has been on the board of directors, with the exception of one year, ever since. The Doctor even now does considerable work in the settling of estates, and acts as guardian for several minors.

In 1844, Dr. Hobert wedded Miss Eliza Roberts of Homer, N. Y. She was a daughter of Benjamin Roberts, and has been an appreciated ally of her husband in all the walks of life. There are few men residing in Homer who possess such a wide range of talents as the Doctor. Whatever he turns his hand to, he does thoroughly and well, his efforts being invariably followed with unqualified success. He is a broad and liberal-minded gentleman in every way, and is held in the highest respect by all who know him. His portrait*, appearing on a preceding page in proximity to this, will be viewed with interest by many of the readers of this volume, who have come to know and honor Dr. Hobert.