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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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History of the Great Lakes
Illustrated, In Two Volumes, Vol. II
Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co., 1899

        [134]

              FREDERICK A. HOBBS, of Benton Harbor, Mich., is the efficient
           president of the Benton Fuel Company, doing a large wholesale
           and retail coal and wood business. For several years he has been
           agent for the Michigan Salt Association, and for the Washburn-
           Crosby Flour, in which he has a large wholesale trade in con-
           nection with the fuel company. In 1890 he entered the employ of
           the Graham & Morton Transportation Co., in the humble office of
           clerk, and by his zealous efforts to further the interests of
           that line, that it might not only be equal to all other similar
           companies, but that it be superior, he won the confidences of
           his employers, and in 1893 became its secretary, continuing in
           that capacity for five years.  MR. HOBBS is a native of the
           Hoosier State, born November 26, 1859, at Terre Haute, Indiana.
              ROBINSON HOBBS, the paternal grandfather, was of English
           descent, and ANTHONY CREAL, the maternal grandfather, was a
           native of the State of New York, the latter settling in Indiana
           in 1820.  The parents of FREDERICK A. HOBBS were THOMAS F.
           and HULDA (CREAL) HOBBS, natives of Indiana and of Maine,
           respectively. THOMAS F. HOBBS was a farmer and also a contractor
           and builder in his active life; he is now a resident of Benton
           Harbor.
              The boyhood and early school days of FREDERICK A. HOBBS were
           passed at DeWitt, Iowa, and later he attended school at
           Davenport, in the same State. He clerked for several years in
           the post office at Dewitt. In 1885 he came to Benton Harbor,
           became interested in the Palladium, and was connected with the
           paper and office for upward of three years, when he retired from
           the editorial chair, selling his interest to his partner, Mr.
           GIBSON.  Subsequently he engaged in the coal business, to which
           from year to year he has made additions until, by careful over-
           sight and close attention to details, he has built up a great
           business, both wholesaling and retailing coal, coke and wood.
           MR. HOBBS is one of the enterprising and active young business
           men of the city, and has given his talents and energy to its
           promotion. During his connection with the Palladium, a daily
           paper was started, and it is yet being published. On its
           incorporation as a city young HOBBS became the first mayor of
           Benton Harbor. He is alive to the marine interests of the twin
           cities and the commerce of the lakes.
              On May 4, 1884, MR. HOBBS was married to Miss NETTIE
           STEPHENSON, of Dewitt, Iowa, daughter of GEORGE STEPHENSON, and
           their children are: LAURA and EDITH. Our subject is one of the
           charter members of Benton Harbor B. & L. Association, and in
           politics he is a Republican. He is past chancellor of the
           Knights of Pythias.

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