Essex

HOBSON, Samuel Decatur

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 196-197

Samuel Decatur HOBSON, of Island Pond [Essex County, Vermont], was born 05 
October 1830 in Hollis [York County], Maine, son of Samuel and Hannah 
(SAWYER) HOBSON. The subject is of English descent, and was educated in the 
common schools and at Limerick Academy. In 1852 he removed to Island Pond, 
and aided in the erection of the first building in the village. He continued 
the business of builder and contractor until 1857, when he was engaged by 
Isaac DYER, of Portland [Cumberland County, Maine], as foreman of his mill 
and lumber business, and he remained with him two years, when he became the 
agent of St. John SMITH of the same place, whose interest he soon purchased. 
After continuing here for three years Mr. HOBSON bought the Woodbury Mills at 
East Brighton [Essex County, Vermont] in 1886, and "Hobson's Mills" has since 
that time been his residence, until in 1890 he removed to Island Pond, and 
his sons have been associated with him. In addition to their regular trade, 
they maintain an extensive mercantile establishment and carry on a large 
stock farm.

Mr. HOBSON is an active and influential Republican. Having performed the 
duties of the various town offices, he was chosen to the state Legislature in 
1856, and again in 1882 and 1883. The following year he was elected to the 
Senate from Essex County [senator 1884-1885] and was appointed by Governor 
DILLINGHAM a member of the committee to locate the new state asylum for the 
insane. In 1860 he received the honor of an election as assistant judge of 
the county court. Judge HOBSON is a liberal and public-spirited man of 
strong temperance views, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He possesses good judgment and remarkable energy, in consequence of 
which he has been financially successful. In January 1854 Mr. [Samuel 
Decatur] HOBSON was united in marriage to Mary E., daughter of Eben and Sarah 
(HALEY) SAWYER, of Hollis [York County], Maine. To them have been born: 
Harry Howard, Helen M. (Mrs. K. B. FLETCHER, Jr., of Lancaster [Coos County], 
New Hampshire), John E. (deceased), Eugene F., Sarah M., Albion W., Mary C., 
and Elsie G.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly