My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD M. COBB, whose handsome property lies in the town of Chesterfield, is a man of good business capacity, much intelligence, and enterprise, and is deservedly prominent in the agricultural community. A native of Hampshire County, he was born May 20, 1833, in the town of Northampton, being a son of John and Electa (Bolyne) Cobb. His father was a native of Bridgewater, Mass., where he was engaged for a while in the manufacture of shoes, and also gave instruction in vocal music. After residing in this county for many years, attending professional engagements in Hatfield and the surrounding towns, he died at Northampton in 1860. He was twice married. His first wife, formerly a Miss French, bore him nine children, two of whom are living. His second wife was Miss Bolyne, who survived him, making her home with her children until her decease, which occurred at the home of Mr. Cobb in 1880. Three children were born to them, as follows: Edward M., the subject of this sketch; Lewis B., who married Miss L. Field, and now resides at South Deerfield; and Anna, who lived but eighteen months.

Edward M. Cobb was educated in the common schools of his native town. At the age of eighteen years he entered a broom-making establishment at Northampton, and worked there and in Holyoke for ten years. On October 21, 1861, inspired by patriotic ardor, he enlisted in Company G, under Captain R. R. Swift, of Chicopee, and was assigned to the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel H. C. Lee, of Springfield. The regiment was sent to the front, and participated in the battles of Roanoke Island and Newbern. In the summer of 1864 it was detached from the division at Norfolk, and Company G went back to North Carolina. On March 8, 1865, the entire company was captured, and taken to Libby Prison. After spending three days here, it was sent to Annapolis, where Mr. Cobb was discharged June 26. On his return to civil life he engaged in his former occupation for two years, and then took charge of his present farm for one year. Then, after staying a short time in Northampton, he came to this town, and conducted the farm of his father-in-law for five years. After that he purchased his present estate, consisting of one hundred and twenty-five acres of rich and fertile land, in the care and cultivation of which since he has evinced much practical judgment and ability. He has brought the land to its present fine condition, and has made a most pleasant home for himself and wife, as well as an attractive resort for their many friends.

On the first day of May, 1868, Mr. Cobb was united in marriage with Mary A. Dady, a native of Northampton, born August 23, 1844, being the daughter of Liberty and Maria Dady. Mr. and Mrs. Dady lived in Northampton until 1862, when Mr. Dady bought a farm in Chesterfield, where they spent the remainder of their years. He died in 1884, and she followed him to the grave in 1895. In politics Mr. Cobb is independent, voting for the candidates who are, in his opinion, the best qualified for the positions to which they respectively aspire. He is a member of Northampton Post, No. 86, Grand Army of the Republic. Having been disabled by the exposure and hardships incident to his army life during the late war, he receives a pension from the government.