My Genealogy Hound

EDMUND HOBART, whose portrait* is here given, is one of the leading citizens of North Amherst, where for years he has been engaged in farming and lumbering. He was born in Leverett, Mass., May 7, 1822. His parents were Joshua and Sybil (Woodbury) Hobart, the former a native of Taunton, the latter of Leverett. The family is of English origin, the first of the name in this country being Edmund Hobart, who came to America in 1633, landing at Charlestown, and who settled in Hingham, which was then called Bare Cove, in 1635. That town was the home of many succeeding generations of Hobarts, and the family is still represented there. Notable among the early Hobarts of Hingham, Mass., were two sons of the first Edmund, namely: the Rev. Peter Hobart, who was educated in Cambridge, England, came to Massachusetts with wife and four children in 1635, and was pastor of the church in Hingham nearly forty years; and Captain Joshua Hobart, an officer in King Philip’s War, a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and a very prominent man in public affairs, being a Deputy to the General Court for twenty-four years. Joshua Hobart of a later day, the grandfather of Mr. Hobart of North Amherst, above named, was born in Hingham, Mass. He was a cooper by trade, being an industrious and thrifty man, who worked at farming in the growing season and at cooperage in the winter. He was one of the pioneers of Leverett, establishing a home, where he spent the remainder of his life. Grandfather Hobart was a member of the patriotic militia. He lived to be about eighty years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Goddard, attained the age of ninety. They reared eight children — four sons and four daughters — the second child and eldest son bearing the name Joshua.

The early part of the life of Joshua Hobart, Jr., was spent in Leverett, he being nearly forty years of age when he moved to North Amherst and purchased land, some of which is still owned by the family. He was an industrious and successful farmer. He died at the homestead in North Amherst in his eightieth year. Mrs. Sybil W. Hobart also was nearly eighty at the time of her death. In politics Joshua Hobart, the younger, was a Whig, and later a Free Soiler. In religious belief he and his wife were Congregationalists. They reared ten children, who were all present at the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Of these children four are now dead: George W., J. Woodbury, Stillman, and Mary. Fanny, who is the widow of Sylvester Roberts, lives in North Amherst. Sarah A., who is unmarried, resides at Clarendon Hills, Ill. Eliza H. is the wife of the Rev. William E. Dickinson, of Amherst. Isabella is the wife of Dr. Homer Ducep, of Philadelphia. Ellen is the wife of Daniel Dickinson, of Clarendon Hills, Ill. Edmund, of North Amherst, is the only son living.

Edmund Hobart was seven years of age when his parents removed to this place. He attended the district school in the neighborhood, acquiring a fair education, at the same time, under the paternal direction, gradually becoming familiar with practical farming, and, when he attained his majority, left home in pursuit of a livelihood. Purchasing a farm of fifty acres, he made a small payment only, and at once set to work to clear the debt, his toilsome and well-directed labor bringing most profitable results. He has now for many years been engaged in farming and lumbering, and is one of the well-to-do men in North Amherst. He lived for some time on the old Hobart homestead; but thirty years ago he disposed of that property, and moved to his present place, where he has a very handsome residence.

Mr. Hobart’s first wife, to whom he was united on February 21, 1844, was Esther P. Montague, a native of Sunderland, born February 7, 1824. Her parents were Moses and Polly (Pomeroy) Montague, the former a native of Sunderland, the latter of Williamsburg. Mrs. Esther P. Hobart died October 21, 1851, leaving one son, Moses M., who was born March 26, 1846, and is now a well-known lawyer of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Hobart’s second marriage took place October 28, 1852, his bride being Harriet Adams, a native of Shutesbury, born November 28, 1822. Two sons were the fruit of this union, namely: Henry W., born July 31, 1855, who died December 23, 1858; and Frank Adams, born November 22, 1866, who resides with his parents.

In politics Mr. Hobart is independent, favoring Republican principles; and he is a strong Prohibitionist. He takes an active interest in the public weal, and has served as Selectman for several terms and as Assessor for some years. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church in North Amherst, in which he has officiated as Deacon for the past thirty years. Deacon Hobart is one of the oldest and most respected residents of North Amherst to-day; and his life career exemplifies the power of accomplishment in the union of industry, perseverance, and integrity.

*Editor's note: Portrait was included in the original printed book.