Obit: Hobbs, Caleb V. (1832 - 1909)
Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: HOBBS COTTON BOWEN

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 03/06/1909

Hobbs, Caleb V. (8 APR 1832 - 25 Feb 1909)

Caleb V. Hobbs died at the home of his son, T. M. Hobbs, at Iron River on Thursday, Feb. 25, 1909, at the age of 76 years, 10 months, and 17 days. He had been quite feeble for some months and the end was not unexpected. After the death of his wife last October. Mr. Hobbs made his home with Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Jones, near this village (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.), and less than a month ago went to Iron River to pass his remaining days with his son and family.

Mr. Hobbs was a native of the state of Vermont, being born in Washington County on April 8, 1832. About 1855 or '56 he came to Wisconsin and settled in Jackson Co. In 1862 he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Ann Cotton, whose death antedated his but a few months. To Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs were born six children, three girls and three boys. One daughter, Mrs. J. W. Bowen of Fargo, N.D., and two sons, T. M. of Iron River, and Clyde of Abbotsford, survive. His two sons were present at the funeral, but his daughter could not come.

He was an old settler in Garden Valley, and about thirty years ago….(missed some info on my copy)….served as sheriff of Jackson Co. About fifteen years ago the family moved into the village and resided here for five years, and for the ten years intervening lived at Iron River and Abbotsford. Last summer on account of Mrs. Hobbs' failing health they came to live with her sister Mrs. Jones, and after her death her death Mr. Hobbs remained here until a few weeks ago.

The remains were brought from Iron River Monday and were escorted to the M. E. Church by the Masonic Lodge, where the funeral sermon was preached by Rev. A. E. Smith, after which the lodge took charge of the services and the burial was in conformity to the rites of the order. The body was laid at rest in the family lot in the Garden Valley Cemetery.

Once more we are reminded that the silent messenger of death has passed this way, stopping in its flight to summon another friend and brother to that mysterious country, where during untold ages, countless numbers have gone before and from whose shores no traveler returns. His long career marked him as a man of well known honesty and integrity; his was a quiet, peaceful life, devoid of all display being a man of deeds rather than words. He believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. His devotion to his wife and family and his kindness to his friends will long linger as a fragrant memory in the hearts of those who knew him best. Thus marks the passing of another of the pioneers. Though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting memento of a life well lived and a duty faithfully performed.