Addison Ray Hobbs

Addison Ray Hobbs, son of George Washington and Eliza Hobbs, was born at Marrietta, IL., November 24, 1841. He died at Mount Ayr, Iowa, January 30, 1919, at the age of seventy-seven years, two months and six days.  Mr. Hobbs spent most of his life in Illinois, about Marrietta.  He was married here to Serena E. Lutz on January 23, 1868.  The wife died on October 9, 1888.

In 1896 deceased came to Iowa, settling first in Clarke County, then moved to Mount Ayr, where he resided until the time of his death. He had been married, while still in Illinois, to Mrs. Alice Jackson, on October 31, 1889, who survives him.

On February 22, 1917, Mr. Hobbs was received into the Methodist Church at Mount Ayr.  He had become an invalid and could not attend services, but after mature consideration he decided that he wished to become a church member and so he summoned Rev. R. M. Shipman, pastor, to his home and made confession of faith in his savior and was baptized and later admitted into full connection, September 16, 1917.  During the remaining years of life this act gave him great consolation, and he had frequently expressed regret that he had delayed it so long.  He was a faithful, consistent and brave Christian, a good neighbor and citizen, a true friend, a good father and husband.

Nine children were born to him. All are living and all were able to attend the funeral.  There are also 32 grandchilren.  Two sisters and a brother also survive him, namely, Mrs. J.M. Wallace of Canton, IL.; Mrs. A. J. Franklin of Los Angeles; Willis Hobbs of New Philadelphia, IL.  The children are: Mrs. May Coons of Lorimor, Iowa; John Hobbs of Bunshell, IL.; Mrs. Nina Wheeler of Bushnell, IL.; Mrs. Eliza Lance of Mount Ayr; Mrs. Jessie Gripp of Thayer, Iowa; Mrs. Bessie Kenney of Webb, Iowa; Lee Hobbs of Mount Ayr; Mrs. Lou Jackson of St. Joseph, MO.; Mrs. Ruth Benson of Hatfield, MO.

Funeral rites were performed at the Methodist Church by Frank Bean, the pastor, on February 1 at 2 p.m. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery.