GEORGE LAMBTON HOBSON

[Welland Telegraph, 7 September 1900]

After an illness extending over nearly a year, G.L. Hobson, treasurer of the County of Welland, passed over to the great majority on Friday morning last, August 31^st.

In the death of Mr. Hobson, Welland loses its best beloved citizen-popular alike with both political parties-although at all times himself a keen politician and a Conservative of the old school. But Mr. Hobson’s popularity-his genial, courteous bearing to all-made him as popular with his opponents as with those of the same political stripe-and his removal will leave a void in Welland, both in social and official circles, that it will indeed be hard to fill. And not only in Welland but throughout all sections of the county will the people feel that in his demise they have lost one of their best friends.

A Welland county boy from his birth, G.L. Hobson lived his life among the people to whom he was endeared. He was born at Fonthill on May 31^st, 1841.

He was a son of the late Sheriff Robert Hobson, who had lived 60 years in the neighborhood, and who died in 1881. Sheriff Hobson was first appointed to office in 1856; G.L. Hobson was appointed deputy-sheriff in 1866, prior to which time he was for a while in the registry office, then at Fonthill. In ‘61 Mr. Hobson joined the party from this neighborhood that went to California at the time of the discovery of the Cariboo gold fields. He returned in ‘64. He was appointed division court clerk by Judge Macdonald on the death of the late Henry Willett. In June 18891, he was appointed county treasurer and up to the time of his death he filled both positions with marked ability.

Both in municipal and Dominion politics Mr. Hobson was a prominent figure in the Conservative party. He had the honor of representing the town as deputy-reeve and reeve on various occasions-having been deputy reeve in 1882, 1885, 1888, 1889, and reeve in 1886, 1890 and 1891. Mr. Hobson was chosen warden of the county in 1890. In 1882 he contested the county in the Conservative interest for the Local Legislature, opposing Col. Morin. Although defeated by 55 votes, Mr. Hobson polled the largest vote ever given a Conservative in the County of Welland up to that time. But for an unfortunate illness the week prior to the election, it might have been closer. But he took his defeat gracefully, and he and Col Morin were the best of friends to the end.

Up to less than a year ago, Mr. Hobson had always been blessed with the best of health, and to meet and converse with him was as good as a tonic. Bright, cheery and witty, a clever and entertaining speaker, he was in great demand at social and public gatherings, and the brilliant tilts of wit between he and his friend Cruikshank will be remembered by county councillors who have attended the annual gatherings at the warden’s dinners for many years past. He was present at Warden Henderson’s supper last December, and at the annual gathering of the officers of the 44^th he was apparently at his best, making a stirring patriotic address, that warmed the hearts of the soldiers present. This was his last appearance as a public speaker.

During the summer Mr. Hobson went to Kane, Pa., to visit relatives, and the change apparently did him good, as he stood the journey well and returned home so much improved that he resumed his official duties. But gradually he grew weaker. The best medical advice was obtained and the disease diagnosed as Addison’s disease of the kidneys-and then it was known there was no cure. Mr. Hobson bore his illness with much fortitude, and did all in his power to lessen the blow to his loved ones at home.

Despite the terrific rainstorm on Monday afternoon, there was a large and thoroughly representative gathering at the funeral obsequies. The services at the house were conducted by Rev. F. McCuaig. Before the service Miss Lizzie Morin sang very impressively, “Lead, Kindly Light,” and at the conclusion of the funeral discourse God Save the Queen was sung. Interment took place at Fonthill cemetery, the pall-bearers being Warden C. Henderson (Marshville), Cols. Morin, Raymond and Cruikshank and Messrs. T.D. Cowper and R. Cooper.

The floral offerings were chaste and elegant-the casket being completely covered with them. The county council sent a wreath, the county officials a pillow; Judge Fitzgerald and Mr. and Mrs. German sent wreaths; the Messrs. Crowell a pillow, besides numerous others.

The immediate relatives surviving are his aged mother, his wife (nee Fanny Crowell, daughter of Theodore Crowell, New York,) the two daughters, Misses Daisy and Fanny Hobson, and his brother, Harry W. Hobson of Niagara Falls.

The county council attended the funeral in a body-Warden C. Henderson, and Councillors Jas. Henderson, Fares, Cruikshank, Morris, Upper, Bennett and Morden. Among others from a distance were Messrs. J. Crowell and R. Crowell of New York; Mr. and Mrs. T. Crowell of Kane, Pa.; S.J. Sidey, R. Greenwood, A.K. Scholfield, Port Colborne; H.G. Macklem, Chippawa; L. McGlashan, J.G. Cadham, and D.R. Pursel, Niagara Falls South, and many others from surrounding villages. The flag on the court house was at half mast out of respect to the memory of one of the most efficient officials the County of Welland has ever had. A kind and indulgent husband and a faithful friend-the memory of George Lambton Hobson will ever be cherished with feelings of love and respect. To the bereaved family and friends the Telegraph tenders sincere sympathy.