Isaac Newton Hobart passed away at the family home in Hancock township, April 20th, 1911, aged 77 years, 3 months and 10 days.

He was the eldest of fourteen children born to Norman and Ura (Holliday) Hobart, who were of the first settlers of this county.  The father emigrated from Vermont in an early day.  The mother came from Kentucky, making her journey on the trial trip of the first steam boat which came up the Mississippi river.

Of this immediate family there is but one survivor, Mrs. Maria Courtwright, of Wakeeny, Kansas.

The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 10, 1834, one-half mile west of Fountain Green.  His lifetime residence in this county gives him a name and place among its honored pioneers.  Like a dutiful son he gave his father the benefit of his labor for some years and then began business for himself, and has since been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits.  In his young manhood he located upon the farm, which he made his home until called to his final rest.

On Jan. 3 [31], 1861, Mr. Hobart was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Duffy, and to them eleven children were born.  All but the youngest daughter, Mabel Mosley, who passed away September 10th, 1908, survive with the wife to mourn the loss of this loved one, are: Mrs. Emma Kuntz and Denins [sic] Hobart, of Centralia, Mo.; Mrs. Carrie Sowers and Mrs. Lillie Heron, of Nebraska; Joseph N. and I.. [sic] N. Hobart, Jr., Mrs. J. W. McConnell, Mrs. M. H. Yetter, Mrs. Wyman Mills and Mrs. W. E. Koontz, of the near vicinity.  There are also forty-two grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

These good people have the sympathy of a circle of relatives and friends in this time of sorrow. Upon his fond and faithful wife, who for more than half a century, has shared his joys and sorrows, the blow falls most heavily.

For long years the sunshine of peace and prosperity cast brightness and blessing across the pathway of this worthy couple.  Their life was very free from deep sorrow and corroding cares.  They were most fortunate in the abundant life and health given to them and their dear ones, and in having an unbroken family circle.

The first heavy shadow came with the death angel, who bore away their youngest child less than three years ago.  Now, for a second time their home is saddened as they mourn the passing of the beloved husband and father.

A lifetime resident of this county, Mr. Hobart has witnessed its growth and development, and has borne his part in the work of public improvement.  He gave his support to those enterprises which be believed tended to advance the welfare of the people, and promote the best interests of human kind. He has been for many years, a respected member of the Masonic order.  He was the warm friend of all educational interests; was himself a great reader and looked upon his books as choice companions.  He was well informed on all questions of historical, national or local interest and his mind was well stored with useful knowledge.  With his wide and careful reading the "Book of books" was not neglected; he was well posted upon its sacred pages.  His family came to him for advice on all subjects and at all times, knowing he would counsel them wisely and well.  Mr. Hobart was among the most prominent farmers and stock dealers of Hancock county.  The measure of his prosperity is well deserved, having been secured by his own honest and earnest efforts.  His advancement has been made step by step, as the result of industry and fine business ability.  His tireless energy and resolute spirit carried on to successful completion whatever he undertook, and with wise management made his career especially prosperous.

As his financial resources increased he added to his estate and his home and business stand today a monument to his thrift and enterprise.

He was a man of strong vitality, and great powers of endurance and retained his abundant health and strength until some three years ago, when he began to decline and his fine constitution to show signs of weakening, while frequent spells of illness, resulting from organic heart trouble, caused him much suffering and his family much alarm.  His great vitality enabled him to rally again and again and led his loved ones to hope for permanent improvement.  No expense has been spared to promote his recovery.  Medical skill and efficient nursing has been added to his own endeavors, while he has been most tenderly cared for by his faithful and devoted wife, who has done much to lighten his suffering and lengthen his days.

The children were ever ready to assist with any aid they could bring.  This winter his decline has been more rapid.  He was about his usual duties the earlier part of the week, but grew suddenly and alarmingly worse.  After some 48 hours of great suffering, the summons came and he entered into rest.

When Mr. Hobart was in a measure laid aside from the active industries of life, he took more time for deeper thought and to clearly estimate, at their true value, the affairs of time, and the interests of eternity.  His spiritual nature, which in early youth had been so deeply touched as to lead him to make a public confession of his faith in Christ, was now quickened into new life, and he lately entered into covenant relation with the Lord, giving abundant proof of his consecration to the Master's cause.  He expressed his entire resignation to the will of God, his implicit trust in the atoning blood of the Redeemer and spoke with utmost confidence of his full assurance of peace and pardon. He asked his friends to think of him as a new man, one who was glad to be numbered with the people of God.

Without a doubt or fear he resigned his soul into the care of his heavenly Father and with faith and courage met the death angel, knowing he was but a messenger to bear his spirit to that home "not made with hands eternal in the heavens."

M. W. Barr.

The funeral services were held from the residence Sunday, April 2d, at 11 o'clock a. m., Rev. W. H. Love officiating.  The burial was at Moss Ridge with Masonic ceremonies.  Chas. S. Dehart acting worshipful master.

We wish to express heartfelt thanks to all friends and neighbors for the many kindnesses shown during the sickness and after the death of Mr. Hobart.

Mrs. I. N. Hobart,
and children

See also: Children of Norman and Ura Holliday Hobart

Isaac and Mary were married on January 31, 1861, by a minister from the Fountain Green area, Thomas M. Walker.  Marriage License  (48k)

Mary E. Duffy was born June 10, 1840, in Hancock Township, Hancock County, Illinois, the daughter of Anthony Duffy and Mary Matilda Spangler.  Her name was recorded as Mary or Mary E. in all censuses, a biography of her father and in her obituary, and as Mary Ellen in the obituary of her daughter, Lillie Estella Yetter.  Some researchers have her as Mary Emily Duffy. State of Illinois death records indicate her middle name was Elizabeth; this was also the middle name included in the obituary of her son, Joseph.  She died April 13, 1928, and was buried at Moss Ridge Cemetery, Carthage, Illinois.

A 1907 biography of Isaac Newton Hobart stated that all of his children were born in Hancock Township.  The obituary of Lillie Estella Hobart Yetter, their sixth child, stated she was born in Fountain Green Township.  The Hobart children were:

i.	Mary Emma Hobart, born about 1862, died after Apr 13, 1928.
ii.	Carrie L. Hobart, born about 1863, died after Apr 13, 1928.
iii.	Joseph N. Hobart, born June 12, 1864, died August 28, 1940, in Iowa, burial at Moss Ridge Cemetery.
iv.	Dennis W. Hobart, born March 3, 1866, died September 7, 1927, in Kansas City, Missouri.
v.	Eva Elizabeth Hobart, born in 1867, died in December of 1911.
vi.	Lillie Estella Hobart, born January 29, 1870.  She died June 2, 1942, in Fountain Green Township, burial at Majorville Cemetery.
vii.	Matilda E. Hobart, born about 1872, died after April 13, 1928.
viii.	Ura A. Hobart, born about 1875, died after April 13, 1928.
ix.	Isaac Newton Hobart Jr., born January 29, 1878, died June 3, 1947 in Carthage Township.
x.	Ethel Bell Hobart, born about 1880, died after April 13, 1928.
xi.	Mabel G. Hobart, born about 1884.  She died September 10, 1908, in Hancock Township.

Norman Hobart, 39, male, farmer, born VT
Ura E, 34, female, born KY
Isaac N, 15, male, farmer, value of real estate 430, born IL, attended school within the year
Sydney L, 8, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Celia S, 7, female, born IL, attended school within the year
John S, 3, male, born IL, idiotic
Rachel, 1, female, born IL

Anthony Duffy, 39, male, farmer, value of real estate 3000, born PA
Mary M, 35, female, born PA
Samuel S, 13, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Mary E, 10, female, born IL, attended school within the year
John, 8, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Joseph T, 7, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Rebecca, 5, female, born IL
Robert, 10/12, male, born IL

Norman Hobert, 49, male, farmer, value of real estate 2000, value of personal estate 500,
born E. India [sic]
Una, 46, female, born VT
Newton, 25, male, farmer, value of real estate 1400, value of personal estate 200, born KY
Sidny, 17, male, farmer, born IL, attended school withinthe year
Sophia, 16, female, born IL, attended school within the year [Celia S.]
John, 13, male, born IL, idiot
Millard, 7, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Moriah, 4, male, born IL [Maria]
Annetta, 6/12, female, born IL

Andrew Mc Duffey, 48, male, farmer, value of real estate 5000, value of personal estate 1400, born PA
Mary, 44, female, born PA
Samuel, 23, male, farmer, born IL
Mary, 20, female, born IL
John, 17, male, farmer, born IL, attended school within the year
Joseph, 15, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Rebecca, 13, female, born IL, attended school within the year
Robert, 11, male, born IL, attended school within the year
William, 7, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Scott, 4, male, born IL

Hobert, Newton, 35, male, white, farmer, value of real estate 10000, value of personal estate 200, born IL, "first boy born in Fountain Green T"
Mary, 30, female, white, keeping house, born IL
Mary, 9, female, white, born IL, attended school within the year
Carrie, 7, female, white, born IL, attended school within the year
Joseph, 5, male, white, born IL, attended school within the year
Dennis, 3, male, white, born IL
Eva, 2, female, white, born IL
Lilly, 4/12, female, white, born IL

Hobert, Isaac N, white, male, 45, married, farmer, born IL, father born VT, mother born KY
Mary E, white, female, 39, wife, married, keeping house, born IL, both parents born PA
Mary E, white, female, 18, daughter, single, teaching school, born IL, both parents born IL
Carrie L, white, female, 17, daughter, single, keeping house, born IL, both parents born IL
Joseph N, white, male, 15, son, single, farmer, attended school within the year, born IL, both parents born IL
Dennis W, white, male, 13, son, single, farmer, attended school within the year, born IL, both parents born IL
Eva E, white, female, 12, daughter, single, keeping house, attended school within the year, born IL, both parents born IL
Lillie E, white, female, 10, daughter, single, attended school within the year, born IL, both parents born IL
Matilda E, white, female, 8, daughter, single, attended school within the year, born IL, both parents born IL
Ura A, white, female, 5, daughter, single, attended school within the year, born IL, both parents born IL
Isaac N, white, male, 2, son, single, born IL, both parents born IL
Blanch, white, female, 2/12, born March, daughter, single, born IL, both parents born IL

Hobart, Newton, head, male, white, 75, married (1st) for 49 years, born IL, father born VT, mother born KY, spoke English, farmer, general farm, employer, could read and write, owned his farm home free of mortgage, farm schedule 9

Mary, wife, female, white, 69, married (1st) for 49 years; mother of 11 children, 10 living; born IL, both parents born PA, spoke English, could read and write

Hobart, Mary E, head, owner, free of mortgage, female, white, 79, widow, could read and write, born IL, both parents born PA, spoke English
Kuntz, Mary E, daughter, female, white, 58, widow, could read and write, born IL, both parents born IL, spoke English