An early settler and prominent, business man of Fayette County, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., October 17, 1823, and is a son of John W. and Abigail Bishop (Scott) Hobson. He was reared in his native city, being educated by a private tutor and in his youth was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker but not favoring that occupation, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years, On April 15, 1847, he was married in Sharpsburg, Pa to Miss Elizabeth Baker, daughter of James and Rachel (Wakefield) Baker. In the autumn of 1848 Mr. Hobson removed to Connellsville, where he was employed at his trade awhile, was partner in a foundry business and also pursued the study of law which he had begun before leaving Pittsburgh. He continued to reside in Connellsville until the spring of 1853, when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and from there to Sanilac County, Michigan. In April, 1855, he came to Iowa and entered a body of land, situated a little south of Westfield, Fayette County. After two years of unsuccessful farming, he decided he was not intended for agricultural pursuits and leased his land. He then located in Fayette where he opened a law office, having previously been admitted to the at West Union in 1856. In the fall of the succeeding year, he was elected Clerk of the District Court for Fayette County and in December of that year, he removed with his family to West Union. In politics, Mr. Hobson was a Whig in early life and so earnest was he in his political faith that he rode fifty miles on top of a stage coach to cast his first vote, which was given to Henry Clay. He joined the Republican party at its organization and on coming to Iowa. soon took prominence as a leader in his party, both in conventions and as a campaign speaker. In 1869 he was elected a member of the Thirteenth General Assembly in which he was an industrious and useful member. In June 1869, he was appointed United States Assessor for the Third District of Iowa and held that position for three years or until the office was abolished by law. He was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Fayette County National Bank. He was elected and served as Mayor of West Union, and was with the School Board of this city at intervals for twelve years. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, a member of West Union Lodge. No. 69. A. F. & A. M., and of Round Grove Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. P. of West Union. Mr. Hobson was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.