Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis
Pub. Co. 1893.  p. 757.
 
JOHN HOBSON

     a pioneer of Astoria, was born in England, December 4, 1824, a son of
William and Margaret (Hutchinson) Hobson, also natives of England. The mother
died when her children were small, and in 1843 the father set sail for the
United States.
     After arriving at New Orleans he took steamer for St. Louis, with the
intention of locating in Wisconsin. While in that city, detained by ice, he met
some men from Oregon, and was induced by them to seek his fortune in the far
West, immediately fitting out wagons for the overland trip. He, with Miles
Eyers, and their families, traveled through the State of Missouri to
Independence, the place of rendezvous, as soon as the snow was off, with male
teams, arriving the 12th of May, 1843, and finding about 100 wagons and about
300 persons preparing to cross the mountains. Leaving there about May 15, they
arrived at Fort Vancouver the last of November, and the mouth of the Columbia
the 25th of December, 1843. Of this trip across the plains the subject of this
sketch can talk for hours, in an interesting and intelligent way, giving
incidents and reminiscences which few pioneers are able to remember. Also of
the early days in Astoria, he remembers trials and hardships which none else
recollect, and if all he has seen and experienced should be written it would
make a large and highly interesting volume. To such men as Mr. Hobson the grand
possibilities and material prosperity of the great Pacific Northwest is greatly
due. They braved hardships, faced dangers and overcame difficulties which none
but men of iron will and iron constitutions would ever dare to face, thus paving
the way for posterity to make pleasant homes and dwell in safety. They, in the
pioneer days, had to battle with the elements, tight with savage tribes, cut
roads through thick brush, ford dangerous streams, and where proud ships sail
to-day they, in 1843, rowed their frail canoes on the still, smooth waters of
the great Columbia. Too much praise cannot be given these hardy, whole-souled
pioneers for the grand work they have done in opening the way to the shores of
the great Pacific. Only one American was in Astoria when Mr. Hobson arrived
here, and he and Mr. Shively remain here today.
     For several years our subject labored on his father's farm on Clatsop
plains, driving cattle from place to place and trading for flour. I 1843 he
started out in life for himself, bringing a band of cattle from the Willamette
valley and engaging in the dairy business, in company with Solomon H. Smith.
From 1848 until 1850 he was engaged in mining in California, but in the latter
year returned to this State. Mr. Hobson then bought, forty head of cattle of a
Mr. Riley, which he drove from the Willamette to Clatsop plains, bought a claim,
and was engaged in agricultural pursuits there until 1863. The following year he
purchased property in Astoria, and now owns large tracts of valuable residence
property in this city and Portland. Since his residence in Astoria he has been
engaged in the wholesale butcher business, and, in company with John Badolet, H.
Aikens, George Warren and C. Leinweber, he built one of the first canneries in
the city. Mr. Hobson subsequently went to Tillamook, this State, and established
a cannery at what is known as Hobsonville, which was named in his honor. In 1885
he was appointed Collector of Customs at Astoria, under President Cleveland, and
in 1890 was made vice-president of the First National Bank of this city.
Socially, he affiliates with the I. 0. 0. F., Beaver Lodge. No. 35.
     He was married in 1851, to Miss Diana Owens, a native of Kentucky, and a
daughter of Thomas Owens; a well-known pioneer. To this union were born four
children: Frank P.; Ada, wife of C. W. Fulton; Harry B.; and Maud, wife of G. F.
Fulton. The mother died in 1874, and in 1875 Mr. Hobson married Mrs. Anna K.
Reeves, and they have had four children: Minnie (deceased), Edwin, Reba and
Bertha.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in May 2008 by Diana Smith.  Submitter has
no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.