Hobbs Family, by Lonnie Deaton - Chambers & Lee Counties, AL Copyright 2000 by Lonnnie Deaton, TobysDad@aol.com ******************************************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ******************************************************************************************************* THE HOBBS FAMILY PREFACE: Mamie Hobbs is the maternal great grandmother of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas. The direct genetic bloodline is as follows: Mamie Hobbs I Amaryllis Smith Deaton I Amber Dawn Deaton Haas I Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas Members of the Hobbs families came to the New World very early. A Thomas Hobbs, age 22, arrived in Virginia-24-1635 aboard the ship "Assurance." It should be noted that this was the same vessel that carried William Deaton to Virginia some six years later (see "Emigrants to America 1600-1700," by John Camden Hotten, Genealogical Pub. House, Baltimore, MD, 1962). Another Tomas Hobbs was transported to the island of Providence aboard the "Expectation" on 4-24-1635 (see "Ship Passengers Lists, by Boyer). Robert Hobbs, age 216, arrived in Barbados on 11-20-1835 also aboard the "Expedition." This ship's master was Peter Blackner. Judith Hobbs, a maid, arrived in America (Virginia) in 1637 aboard the "Tristram and Jeane," a ship out of London piloted by Joseph Blowe. A Morris Hobbs was in Newberry, MA, in 1642, died 9-3-1706, and was the father of the Hobbs families of MA (see "Founders & Patriots," p. 147). Many Hobbs men served in the American Revolution including at least twelve brave men from North Carolina. A William Hobbs (b. 1741, d. after 1833), a private, served from Sampson Co., NC, and was placed on the Revolutionary War Pension Rolls 2-2-1833, at the age of 92. Since Sampson Co., NC, is the county out of which came our George Hobbs, perhaps this William is one of our ancestors. Scores of Hobbs served in the Civil War including Capt. Thoms H. Hobbs (son of Ira Hobbs and Rebecca Maclin) who commanded Co., "G" from Limestone Co., AL. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Cold Harbor, VA, on 6-3-1864 and died in Lynchburg, VA. In the Battle of Cold Harbor the Union lost 6,500 men ands the Confederacy lost 1,500 (see Vol. 4, p. 490, World Book Encyclopedia). MEANING OF THE SURNAME "HOBBS": The name Hobbs, Hob, Hobb, Hobbes, Hobbis, Hobbiss is an English name )see Elsdon C. Smith, "New Dictionary of American Family Names"). It refers to a "descendant of Hobb", a pet form of "Robert," meaning "fame or bright." There were Hobbs families noted in England as early as 1273 A.D. Once source reports that the name is actually Scottish in origin and means "brightstone" or " a heardsman in a town of flocks land herds." Of course, there was a famous English Hobbs Thomas Hobbs, an English philosopher and contemporary of William S. Shakespeare. GENERATION FOUR: MAMIE HOBBS: Mamie Hobbs (MHS), the maternal great grandmother of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas, was the oldest daughter and first of three children of Grover Cleveland Hobbs and Mary Frances Gauntt. She was born 6-9-1919 in Clay Co., AL, married Claud Alexander Smith on 6-6-1932 in West Point, Troup Co., GA, worked fifty years in the Lanett Cotton Mill, lived all but he last eleven years of her life in Chambers Co., AL, and died 3-14-1995. Mamie appear in the 1920 census of Chambers Co., AL, living at home with her parents and siblings. At the time of her death she was living with her daughter in Seymour, TN. She died at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Knoxville, TN. MHS was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Lanett, AL. The arrangements were handled by the Johnson Brown Funeral Home. The following is ASD's recollections of her mother and those early days in Chambers Co.: "My mother spent her entire life in the Chattahoochee Valley a cotton mill community composed of six small towns in Chambers Co., AL. She, and a great many of her relatives (e.g., her cousins named "Mason") lived and worked in these small "Textile Towns." Mother's family lived near Guinea Branch, a creek that ran through the center of Langdale. Mother reported that her childhood days were happy ones. She always called her father "Papa" and her mother "Fannie." According to my Aunt Ida, my mother was the favored child and considered brighter than her siblings. On occasion the sisters would be given money ( a nickel or a dime) to buy themselves a treat. "Mamie," as a rule, would purchase candy, while Aunt Ida favored dill pickles (the corner market always kept a barrel of dill pickles). Perhaps this is why the adults thought my mother to be brighter than her sister.' "After finishing the eleventh grade, MHS left high school in favor of a job in the local cotton mill a job she kept for fifty years. A regular pay check was just to hard to pass up. Many years later mother regretted not finishing high school. Eventually the Hobbs family departed Langdale in favor of Lanett, a journey of but a few miles. By this time, all but Uncle Ethridge were wording in the cotton mill. About 1931, "Mamie" met another cotton mill worker, Claud A. Smith. They were married in 1932. Those, of course, were the depression days when goods and services were dirt and cash money was exceedingly rare. Mother recalls eggs selling for 15 cents a dozen and bread for ten cents a loaf; unfortunately, no one had a dime!! The national unemployment rate was 16% and the people of Lanett, although paid very poorly, considered themselves fortunate to be gainfully employed. I was born in 1933 and my sister in 1934. After giving birth, my mother turned the babies over to JGS and returned to the cotton mill. MHS had never enjoyed housework nor homemaking and was not about to give up her job in the mill, even though the work was exceedingly tedious and made her "old before her time." "When Mamie Hobbs Smith retired became a member of the elite "fifty year Club"--- a very small and prestigious group in the Chattahooche Valley (my grandmother was also a member of this club). Each year all of the new members are invited to a special banquet where they are honored by the owner of the mill and are presented with gifts of appreciation." "My mother has always been a quiet and reserved person, not given to gossip, or "small talk." In later years I discovered that she did have very definite opinions on most subjects but was most reluctant to argue and certainly would never attempt to impose her philosophy on others—which made fora compatible arrangement with my father since he did not hesitate to speak his mind and attempt to impose his will and philosophy on others. Neither was mother ever concerned with fashion or stylish dress. "Shopping" was definitely nor a recreation for her and she would much rather have five more dollars "under the carpet" than a new dress in her closet. If fact, after retirement, in her later years, she wore an old knitted stocking cap night and day. It looked just awful!!" "Mamie Hobbs loved ‘Bear Bryant' and the University of Alabama football team. In fact she really was something of a sports freak, but always asa a spectator, never a participant. When LDD and I moved to Tennessee, the ‘Big Orange & Crimson Tide' football rivalry made for many a very interesting conversations. Unfortunately, for us in Tennessee during those years, Alabama invariably won, much to the pleasure of MHS." CHILDREN OF MAMIE HOBBS SMITH (see THE SMITH FAMILY): GENERATION FIVE: GROVER CLEVELAND HOBBS: Grover Cleveland Hobbs (GCH)), the great, great grandfather of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas, was the oldest son and first of three children of George Hobbs II and Emily Sprayberry. He was born 2-17-1884 in Clay Co., AL, married Mary Frances Gauntt on 4-4-1908 in La Grange, Troup co., GA, died 3-9-1949 in Chambers Co., AL, and was buried in Lanett Cemetery, Chambers Co., AL. The marriage license of GCH and MFG bears the signatures of W.R. Lord, Justice of the Peace, H.T. Woodyard, Ordinary, and J. Ely Hanson Jr., Probate Judge. . GCH's death certificate records that he was living at Rt., 5, Lanett, at the time of his death. He died of "cerebral hemorrhage...chronic rheumatic heart." By the time Dr. J.C. Morgan arrived at this home, GCH had already passed away. The funeral was Handled by Johnson and Blakely, Lanett, AL. The death certificate informant was Mrs. G.C. Hobbs (MFG). Grover and family appear in the 1920 census of Chambers Co., AL. Grover is recorded as working in the "card room" of the local cotton mill. The family is living in HH 49. Living with them is Grover's mother, Emily Sprayberry. I. Mamie Hobbs was the maternal great grandmother of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas. See above. II. Ida Arizona Hobbs was born 6-9-1913 in Langdale Chambers Co., AL, and married Thomas "Bill" Stevens on 2-18-1939 in Lafayette, Chambers Co., AL. Ida and Bill had no children. Ida died in Huguley on 5-1995. Bill died in 1998 in a Veteran's facility in Gulf Shores, AL. He had been living with his grand nephew, David Potts, since the death of Ida. Bill is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett. The following are ASD's recollections of her "Aunt Ida." "My mother told me that she and her sister were very close during their childhood days. Evidently, my mother was her father's favorite and this, from time to time, caused conflict between the sisters. ‘Mamie' was the oldest child, performed better in school, and was more responsive to her father's needs and wishes. Perhaps Ida felt somewhat rejected because of this. At any rate, she eventually quit high school, accepted work in the local cotton mill, and continued there until the end of WWII. In 1939, at age 26, she married Thomas "Bill" Stevens, a native of Chambers Co., AL. Their marriage license bears the signature of Rev. P.D. Wilson, officiating minister, J.C. Grady, Probate Jude, and N.A. Wheeler, physician. Bill and Ida's marriage license is a fascinating document and ,perhaps, reflects some of the fears and prejudices of the deep South and Chambers Co., in the late 1930's. Bill was required to provide a great deal of historical information about his family and to submit to a medical examination proving that he was free from venereal disease. Evidently, Ida was not required to provide similar information. Bill was born 2-27-1915 and was the son of Arthur Stevens and Fannie Lee. He was a textile worker, had previously been married, ane was divorced as of 12-1938. This divorce took place in Chambers Co., AL. Bill did serve in WWII. After the War, he and Ida lived in Lanett and Huguley for several years. In about 1957, they moved to Ohio, then to California, but soon decided that the South was really the place for them. They purchased a home in Atlanta, GA, and lived there for many years. Eventually they returned to Huguley. Ida Hobbs Stevens died in Huguley 5-1995. She is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery." III. Ethridge Geoffrey Hobbs was born 11-25-1915 in Langdale, Chambers Co., AL, married Gladys Yarbrough ca 19325 in West Point, GA, and lived his entire life in Chambers Co., AL. When Ethridge was a teenager, the Hobbs family moved from Langdale to Lanett. After his marriage and WWII, he moved to Huguley, Chambers Co., AL. As a returning WWII veteran, Ethridge first took a position with the "West Point Foundry" as a welder, but, like many other veterans, experienced some difficulty re-adjusting to civilian life. In time, his fondness for strong drink began to interfere with his work performance. He resigned from the foundry and accepted a position with "Batson Cook," a building supply company. In a few years, he found the he could not remain gainfully employed and eventually assumed the role of "disabled veteran" (at the age of 41) with all the benefits thereof. ASD remembers "Uncle Ethridge" as a man who made her eat a "biscuit" as a child against her will and, thus, forever turned her against biscuits. She also remembers her uncle as a kind and generous man but somewhat insensitive and prone to inappropriate remarks. Ethridge died 3-9-1`981 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Lanett, AL. Gladys Yarbrough Hobbs died 12-1-1994 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. CHILDREN OF ETHRIDGE GEOFFREY HOBBS: A. Gerald Lewis Hobbs who was born 10-14-1936 in Lanett, Chambers Co., AL, and died 12-1936 of a childhood disease. B. Frances Laverne Hobbs who was born ca 1940 in Chambers Co., AL, graduated from high school, married Phillip Hammock, and eventually moved to Oak Ridge, TN. Children of Frances Laverne Hobbs Hammock: 1. Cynthia Hammock who was born 7-1963 in Birmingham, AL. 2. Cheryl Hammock was born 5-1964 in Birmingham, AL. 3. Karen Hammock who was born 5-1968 in Birmingham, AL. 4. Cathy Hammock who was born in Oak Ridge, TN, and died in infancy. C. Ella Gail Hobbs who was born 12-23-1947 in Huguley, Chambers Co., AL. Before finishing high school she 1st married Hilton Jesse Potts of Lanett on 3-12-1966 in West Point, GA. Jesse was underage at the time of their marriage and required the permission of his father, H.H. Potts, to marry. Ella Gail 2nd married Robert McClain and 3rd married Paul Cook. Children of Ella Gail Hobbs Potts McClain Cook: 1. David Potts was born 9-10-1966 in Lanett, AL. David became a policeman. 2. Brandy Lynn McClain was born 6-13-1969 in Lanett, AL. Brandy was murdered by "a bad crowd" ca 1998. GENERATION SIX: GEORGE T. HOBBS II: George Hobbs II (GHII), the grandfather of MHS) was the second son and sixth of ten children of Charles Hobbs and "Rebecca." He was born 8-1842 in Talledega, AL, and married Emily Sprayberry before 1880, perhaps in Coosa Co., AL. He spent much of his life away from home and died in Clay Co., AL, sometime after 1900. This family appears in the 1870 census of Clay Co., AL, post office "Ashland." George is living in HH 345. He is farming and owns real estate valued at $125 and personal property valued at $440. This record shows him married to "J.E.," age 22. It is wondered Emily might not have been George's 2nd wife? Hobbs oral family history has George and Emily somewhat incompatible and, thus, has George working away form home most of the time. Another family legend has Emily "running George off because he ate so much." In 1900, in Clay Co., AL, he was living alone and working as a "copper miner," although he was married to Emily who was living in Coosa Co., AL. Emily Sprayberry was the third daughter and seventh of eleven children of John Israel Sprayberry and Ascenith Mitchell. She was born 4-1849 in Talledega Co., AL, and married George Hobbs before 1880. She died in Lanett, AL, on 7-7-1933. She in buried in Langdale, AL. As mentioned above, Emily and George did not get along well. Perhaps this accounts for their having only three children at a time when most families were having eight and ten. In 1880, although married to George, Emily was living in Coosa Co., with her sister Sarah and Leconia W. Sprayberry, age 12. George was in Clay Co. Alabama death certificate File No. 17324 states that Emily Sprayberry died 3-7-1933 in Lanett, AL, after having been attended by Dr. W.L. Marshall from 2-12-1933 until the time of her death (she was 82 years old and widowed at the time of her death). Cause of death was "hypertension and kidney insufficiency." She had been living at 732 Jennings St., Lanett, AL. The morticians were Johnson & Co. CAS recalls meeting Emily Sprayberry during the time he was courting Mamie Hobbs. When their marriage plans were announced, Emily remarked to CAS, "You are getting the best of the bunch!" CHILDREN OF GEORGE T. HOBBS II: I. E.C. Hobbs (f) born ca 1868 in AL. (by 1st wife). II. Lum Hobbs born 4-1870 in AL. (by 1st wife). III. Grover Cleveland Hobbs is in the direct bloodline of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas. See above. IV. Elizabeth Hobbs was the only daughter of George and Emily. She married Lester Johnson and moved to south Alabama. She eventually died in a nursing home somewhere near Selma, AL. The following are ASD's memories of "Aunt Betty": "In the late 1930's, for financial reasons, ‘Aunt Betty' was offered the hospitality of our home by my father. She had been earning a few dollars by house cleaning and other domestic chores. Since she had no place to live my father allowed her to live with us in exchange for her ‘keeping house and baby sitting.' I was only four years of age and my memories of her are very vague. I remember her being ‘old fashioned' and very fat. When she married Lester Johnson she our left home. I do recall that our family once took the train to Selma, Al, to visit Uncle Lester and Aunt Betty. I also seems to recall a long taxi ride into the country where they lived. III. Enoch Hobbs who died in infancy. GENERATION SEVEN: CHARLES H. HOBBS: Charles H. Hobbs was the great grandfather of Mamie Hobbs. He was the son of George J. Hobbs and Mary Burkhalter. Charles was born ca 1807 in Sampson Co., NC, and married Rebecca Tamlinson before 1830 in Monroe Co., GA. By 1830, he was in Butts Co., GA, and by 1840 in Talledega Co., AL. In 1850, while in Talladega Co., AL (HH 805), he was living two doors from his father, George Hobbs, age 78, a farmer. Also living in home of George Hobbs were "R," a 48 year old female, born in NC; "P", a 44 year old female born in SC; and "C", an eleven year old female born in GA. The identity of these persons is speculative. Perhaps "R" is a daughter, "P" a daughter-in-law, and "C" a granddaughter. Living in the same neighborhood was "Y" Hobbs, age 37, born in GA, and "W.W." Hobbs, age 56, a gunsmith, born in NC. This is William Horton Hobbs, Charles' brother, who was living in Talladega Co., AL, in 1850. The "W.W." is an error on the part of the census taker. Charles and family appear in the 1870 census of Clay Co., L. He was living in HH 346, post office "Ashland." He was farming and owned real estate valued at $300 and personal property valued at $990. CHILDREN OF CHARLES H. HOBBS: I. Jane Hobbs who was born ca 1830 in GA, and married Mr. Watley. II. Emaline Hobbs who was born ca 1831 in GA, and married Absolem Allen. III. Mary Susan Hobbs who married William Ramsey. IV. Erasmus Rasby "Rad" Hobbs was born ca 1835 in GA, and married Martha Jane Jenkins. Martha was born ca 1843 in TN. This family appears in the 1870 census of Clay Co., Al. They are living in HH 343, next door to Charles Newton Hobbs. Erasmus was farming and owned real estate valued at $400 and personal property valued at $365. CHILDREN OF ERASMUS HOBBS: A. P. S. Hobbs (f) born ca 1859 in AL. B. A.F. Hobbs (f) born ca 1862 in AL. C. L.E. Hobbs (f) born ca 1864 in AL. V. Caroline Amanda Hobbs was born ca 1837 in GA. VI. Angeline Martha Hobbs was born ca 1838 in AL. VII. George T. Hobbs who is the direct bloodline of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas. See above. VIII. Sarah Elizabeth Hobbs who was born ca 1842 in AL, and married James Dickerson. IX. Charles Newton Hobbs who was born ca 1845 in AL, and married Mary I. McClelland. Charles appears in the 1870 & 1880 census of Clay Co., AL. In 1870 he is living in HH 344, post office "Ashland." He is farming and owns real estate valued at #125. His personal property is valued at $200. CHILDREN OF CHARLES NEWTON HOBBS. A. Lola Hobbs (t) was born ca 1867 in AL. She married L.L. Wesley on 12-14-1882 in Clay Co., AL. B. Viola Hobbs (t) was born ca 18677 in Al. She married Sidney Pitts on 10-12-1882 in Clay Co., AL. C. Lillie B. Hobbs was born ca 1869 in AL. D. Nancy Hobbs was born ca 1874 in AL. E. Mary S. Hobbs was born ca 1875 in AL. She married William Ramsey on 4-14-1880 in Clay Co., AL. F. William E. Hobbs was born ca 1876 in AL. G. Charles Owen Hobbs was born 10-12-1877 and died 3-18-1930. He is buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Clay Co, AL. H. James M. Hobbs was born ca 1879 in AL, and married Lucy Wesley on 3-28-1901 in Clay Co., AL. I. Alvin Hobbs was born after 1880 in AL. J. Tyrell Hobbs was born after 1880 in AL. K. Mark Hobbs was born after 1880 AL. l. Phyllis Hobbs was born after 1880 in AL, and married Pat Hobbs, son of W.I. Hobbs. XI. Rebecca Frances Hobbs was born ca 1846 in AL, and married James M. "Toad" Shaddix on 8-24-1882. XII. Clementine Hobbs was born ca 1848 in AL. XIII. James D. Hobbs was born ca 1849 in AL, and 1st married Mary Elizabeth Ray. born ca 1851 in AL. He 2nd married Maggie M. David on 11-4-1879 in Lee Co., AL. James and his 1st wife appear in the 1870 census of Clay Co., AL. They are living in HH 347, next door to James' father, Charles Hobbs. The post office is "Ashland."At this time they had one son, "C.L.," age 2, born in AL. James was farming. GENERATION EIGHT: GEORGE JOSEPH HOBBS: George Joseph Hobbs, the son of either a George Hobbs, Simon Hobbs Sr., William Hobbs Sr., or Abraham Hobbs (all recorded as neighbors in the 1820 census of Sampson Co., NC), was born ca 1780 in Sampson Co., NC, married Mary Martha Buckhalter (who was born ca 1845 NC), and died after 1860 in Talledega Co., AL. George was listed living in Sampson Co., NC, in 1820 but moved to Monroe Co., GA, by 1830 and was still there in 1850. He was living next door to his son Solomon. By 1860, he was in Talladega Co., AL (HH 1058) living next door to his sons Charles and William. He is recorded as farming and owning real estate valued at $1500 and personal property valued at $500. Living with George is "B." Hobbs, a 48 year old female born in NC; "P." Hobbs, a 44 year old female born in SC; and "C." Hobbs, an 11 year old female born in GA. There were many Hobbs families in Sampson Co., NC, in the 1700's and early 1800's—e.g., George born 1755-1774, Simon Sr., born before 1775, William born before 1775, and Abraham born before 1775. One of these men is surely the father of our George Hobbs and the others are likely his uncles. The following Hobbs men would appear to be brothers or cousins William born 1775-2794, Benjamin born 1775-1794, Simon Jr., 1775-1895, John born 1775-1794, and Gabriel born 1794-1802. CHILDREN OF GEORGE JOSEPH HOBBS: I. Solomon Hobbs who was born ca 1803 in Sampson Co., NC (one record has him born in GA, but clearly his father was still in NC, in 1803). He married Malinda (Malina?) Davis in 1825 in Monroe Co., GA, and died after 1860 in Monroe Co., GA. Malinda was born ca 1805 in NC. Solomon's LWT, recorded in Forsyth , Monroe Co., GA, mentions his living children and his two grandchildren, Amy and Levy Holder. Solomon's father, our George, seems to have moved to Talladega Co., AL, prior to Solomon's death. CHILDREN OF SOLOMON HOBBS: A. John M. Hobbs (see 2850 census of Monroe Co., GA) was born ca 1826 and married Mary Hay Grant ca 1849 in Monroe Co., GA. She was living next door to her father in 1850. Children of John Hobbs: 1. Martha born ca 1848 in GA. 2. Dock Hobbs. 3. Jim Hobbs. 4. Bud Hobbs. 5. John Hobbs Jr. 6. George Hobbs. B. George Franklin Hobbs (see 1850 census of Clay Co., AL) was born ca 1829 in GA, and was still at home in 1850. He married Sarah Webb Grant who was born ca 1834 in GA. This family appears in the 1870 census of Clay Co., AL. They are living in HH 378, post office "Ashland." George is farming and owns real estate valued at $800 and personal property valued at $400. Living with them was a certain farm laborer, W.G. Garrett, age 17. Children of George Franklin Hobbs: 1. Edwenna Hobbs was born ca 1854 in GA. 2. Etta S. Hobbs was born ca 1866 in AL. (Note the gap between child one and two). Perhaps several children were born between 1854 and 1866 but did not survive? Etta married James Brown 7-24-1892 in Clay Co., AL. 3. Mary E. Hobbs was born ca 1868 in AL. 4. Elbert B. Hobbs was born ca 1871 in AL. 5. Ella Hobbs was born ca 1873 in AL. C. Mary Martha Hobbs was born ca 1835 in GA, and was still at home in 1860. D. Virginia Hobbs was born ca 1834 in GA, and married A.J. Holder after 1860. Children of Virginia Hobbs Holder: 1. Amy Holder who married Ed Sutton and moved to Geneva, FL. 2. Levy Holder. E. William H. Hobbs who married Martha Holden. F. Minerva (Mariana?) Hobbs who was born ca 1841 in GA, and married Thomas R. Pruel on 9-18-1873 in Clay Co., AL. G. Elizabeth (Ely?) Hobbs was born ca 1845 in GA. H. Henry Hobbs was born ca 1846 in GA, and was still at home in 1860. I. Synthia (Cynthia?) Hobbs was born ca 1847 in GA. J. Sarah Hobbs was born ca 1848 in GA. II. William Horton "Billy" Hobbs (see 1880 census of Clay Co., AL) was born 12-11-1805 in Sampson Co., NC. He 1st married Martha Davis (Grant?) on 5-10-1827 and 2nd married Elizabeth Reid "Little Grandma" (McClellan) McCullough. Elizabeth was born 8-24-1821 and died 6-14-1906 in Clay Co., AL. She was the daughter of John McCullough & "Isabella." She is buried in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, in Clay Co. Elizabeth's 1st husband was Watt McClellan who was killed when kicked by a mule. She bore Watt three children, one of which married Charlie N. Hobbs (Mary Isabella McClellan). William died 5-26-1895 in Clay Co., and is also buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. William and family appear in the 1850 census of Talladega Co., AL. They are living in HH 927. William was a gunsmith. This family also appears in the 1870 census of Clay Co., AL. They are living in HH 341, post office "Ashland." William is now farming and owns real estate valued at $1000 and personal property valued at $500. CHILDREN OF WILLIAM HORTON HOBBS: A. William George Thomas Hobbs was born 2-12-1833 in GA, and 1st married Louisa Caroline Johnson. He 2nd married "Minerva" & 3rd married Vidda Adcock. He died 2-2-1906 in Clay Co., AL. He is buried in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Clay Co. Louisa died 2-1890 and is buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Clay Co. Children of William G.T. Hobbs: 1. Maneva C. Hobbs (f) born ca 1854 in AL, and married Tom Pruett. 2. Asa Turner Hobbs (m) born 4-30-1856 in AL, and died 10-19-1925. He is buried in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Clay Co. He married Susan Clementine Pruett, daughter of Carson Pruett and "Susan." Asa ran a general store in Erin, AL, for about ten years. He was a blacksmith, a farmer, a postmaster, and minister of the Gospel ( Church of Christ). He rode a mule to church and preached without pay most of the time. He also ran a grist mill and cotton gin operated by water power. As a boy he assisted his father in making rifles and whiskey during the Civil War. He helped found the Liberty Church of Christ. He was still living in Clay Co., Al, in 1910. Children of Asa Turner Hobbs: a. Ethridge Houston Hobbs who was born 1-31-1877 in AL, and died 12-27-1938 in Talladega Co., AL. He is buried in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Clay Co., AL. He 1st married Minnie Elby Griffin and 2nd married Ola Solona Burgess. She was the daughter of Joel Burgess & Margaret Haynes. Children of Ethridge Houston Hobbs: (1) Ida Lee Hobbs was born 4-25-1897 in Ashland, AL, and died 11-19-1975 in Talladega Co., AL. (2) Coreen E. Hobbs was born 6-1-1899 in Clay Co., AL, and died 8-5-1928 in Talladega Co., AL. (3) Herman Hobbs. (4) Maude Hobbs was born 4-23-1914 and died 5-4-1914. (5) Minnie Lucretia Hobbs was born 5-7-1916 in Clay Co., AL. She married Almond Smith on 4-21-1937. Children of Minnie Hobbs Smith: (i) Ethridge Smith was born 11-29-1937 in Talladega Co., AL. He married Betty Ellen Slocum on 6-5-1960 in Garnett, Kansas. Betty, who was a genealogist, was the daughter of Oliver Slocum and Grace Hall. Betty shared her information about the Hobbs family with your author. Ethridge Hobbs attended the Munford High School and graduated in 1956. He joined the U.S. Air Force shortly there after. He was stationed at Lackland Air Base in San Antonio, TX. He also was stationed at Biloxi, MS, Little Rock, AR, Topeka, KA, and in the country of Turkey. He was discharged from the Air Force on 6-5-1960 in Topeka, KA. He then married Betty Slocum at 2 P.M., 6-5-1960. Ethridge and his new bride moved back to Munford, AL, where they made their home. Ethridge worked construction for about a year before going to work for the U.S. Army as a citizen employee at the Anniston Army Depot near Anniston, AL. He remained in that position until retiring in 11-1995. Betty attended Garnett High School in Garnett, KA. She graduated in 1959. She worked for a year for the State Highway Department in Topeka, Ka, before her marriage. In Munford, AL, she worked for the Linen Thread Company as a Key Punch Operator. After her children were grown she returned to work for Wal-Mart. Children of Ethridge Smith and Betty Slocum Smith: (A) Cheryl Lynn Smith born 10-26-1961 in Talladega Co., AL. (B) Pamela Jean Smith born 8-2-1963 in Talledega, AL, and died of cancer 5-2-1978 in Munford, AL. She is buried in the Hill Crest Cemetery, in Munford. ( C) Brian Craig Smith born 9-23-1972 in Anniston, Calhoun Co., AL. (ii) Lorenza Joe Smith was born 12-23-1939 in Talladega Co., AL. b. Susan Frances Hobbs was born 2-1879 and married Mr. Crabb. c. Emma Lucretia Hobbs was born 9-29-1881 and died 1-11-1911. d. Maude Lee Hobbs was born 11-1883 and married Wilber Young Smith. e. Cecil Martin Hobbs was born 7-7-1886 and died 2-8-1964. He married Myrtie Hobbs in 3-1920. He is buried at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Clay Co. f. Willie Carson Hobbs was born 10-20-1890 and died 4-6-1963. He married Rosia Anna Clark in 3-1920 in Bowden, Ga. He is buried in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Clay Co, AL. 3. Thomas Alexander Hobbs (m) born ca 1859 in AL. 4. Arbelle H. Hobbs (f) born ca 1868 in AL. 5. Alix Hobbs who was born ca 1869 in AL. 6. Albina G. Hobbs (f) born 7-1870 in AL, and died before her first birthday. 7. William T. "Bill" Hobbs who married Annie Sykes. 8. Andrew Hobbs who married Emma Hobbs. B. Solomon Hobbs who was born ca 1836 in GA. C. Frances Malinda Hobbs was born ca 1837 in GA, and married Mr. Tate. D.Matilda Hobbs was born ca 1839 in GA, and married William Martin. E Louisa Hobbs born ca 1841 in GA, and married David Vernon Fern. E. Sarah Jane Hobbs was born ca 1843 in GA, and married Watt Thompson McClellan Jr. F. R.O. Aira Hobbs who was born ca 1845 in AL. G. Emily Hobbs who was born ca 1847 in AL. H. Parasade D. Hobbs (f) born ca 1850 in AL. I. Amanda Melvina Hobbs (f) born ca 1852 in AL, and married Mason B. Camp on 12-15-1876 in Clay Co., AL. J. Virginia Moriah Hobbs. K. Nancy R. Hobbs was born ca 1862 who married Isaac Newton "Dick" Walls on 1-28-1882. L. John Marion Hobbs who was born 4-1863 in AL, and died 2-16-1931 in Clay Co., AL. He married Julia Talitha Ray. M. Priscilla Hobbs who was born ca 1886 in AL, married James Monroe Sikes on 12-24-1885. Both Priscilla and Rebecca's families moved to Texas. III. Charles H. Hobbs who is the direct bloodline of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas. See above. IV. Elizabeth J. Hobbs was born 12-7-1809 and married James Arnold on 7-15-1833. James was the son of William W. Arnold. CHILDREN OF ELIZABETH J. HOBBS ARNOLD; A. Frances Serena Arnold who married William Hinkle. B. George L. Arnold who married Elizabeth Ann Smith. Children of George L. Arnold: 1. Bethian Cumi Arnold who married William Benton Wesley. 2. George Davis Wyatt Arnold who married Eliza Pruet. 3. Mary Matilda Arnold. 4. Martha Ann Arnold. C. James Thomas Jefferson Arnold who married Martha E. Watts, daughter of Hollingsworth Watts. Children of James Thomas Jefferson Arnold. 1. Ira Arnold who married Lizzy Todd. 2. Julia E. Arnold who married J. B. Watts. 3. Effie Arnold who married J. D. Shirey. 4. Martha E. Arnold who married Elisha Garrett. 5. Marshall Arnold who married Dele Ann Powell. 6. Lonnie Jefferson Arnold who married Mary Guilliam Caldwell. D. Sarah Jane "Sally" Arnold who married James Franklin Hurst. Children of Sarah Jane "Sally" Arnold Hurst: 1. Cumi Rebecca Elizabeth Hurst who married Walter Hawthorne. 2. Serena Ellen Hurst who married Needam McLeroy. 3. Mattie Beth Hurst who married William Canady. 4. Talitha Jane Hurst who married John Wesley Caldwell. 5. Annie Hurst who married G.L. Milstead. 6. George Hurst who married Alice Murphy. 7. Nora Hurst who married Tom Hallman. 8. Avie Hurst who married Joe Milstead. 9. William Hurst who married Lenora Milstead. V. An unidentified female born 1810-1820. VI. Rebecca Hobbs born ca 1824 and listed in the 1850 census of Monroe Co., GA. VII. Mary Hobbs born ca 1826 and listed in the 1850 census of Monroe Co., GA. VIII. An unidentified female born ca 1810-1820. IX. An unidentified female born ca 1815-1820. X. "T." Hobbs (m) born ca 1822 in GA. He appears in the 1860 census of Talladega Co., AL (HH 1060, two doors from George Hobbs). He married "A." who was born ca 1825 in GA. This man was farming and owned real estate valued at $250 and personal property valued at $150. CHILDREN OF "T." HOBBS; A. G. Hobbs (m) born ca 1845 in GA. B. L. Hobbs (f) born ca 1847 in LA. C. T. Hobbs born ca 1852 in AL XI. Clementine Hobbs. XII. James Hobbs. EPILOGUE: It is regrettable that no more detailed information could be found re: our Hobbs family. In the area where the Hobbs family lived their surname was very common; hence making the tracing of the name difficult. They did not seem to be very well off financially and, thus, did not leave a paper trail. It would be interesting to know the nature of the alleged difficulties experienced by George Hobbs and Emily Sprayberry. Efforts were make to trace the Sprayberry family but, unfortunately, the living Sprayberrys, who appeared to be related to Emily, were not interested in genealogical research. The author wished to extend his thanks to Betty Slocum Smith of Talladega Co., AL, for sharing her Hobbs family research with him. LDD APPENDIX a1. Picture of Grover Cleveland Hobbs & Mary Frances Gauntt. a2. " " Emily Sprayberry Hobbs & Grover Cleveland Hobbs. a3. " " Mamie & Ida Hobbs. a4. " " Ethridge Geoffrey Hobbs. a5. " " Mamie Hobbs. a6. " " Mamie Hobbs. a7. " " Caskett of Mamie Hobbs Smith. a7. " " Mary Frances Gauntt Hobbs. a8. Grave of Grover Hobbs. a8. Grave of Mary Frances Gauntt Hobbs. a9. Graves of Ethridge G. Hobbs and Gladys Yarbrough Hobbs. a10. Obituary of Mamie Hobbs Smith. a11. Estate of Mamie Hobbs Smith. a12. Death Certificate of Mamie Hobbs Smith. a13. Death Certificate of Grover Cleveland Hobbs. a14. 1870 census record of Clay Co., AL, Erasmus Hobbs. a14. " " " " " " " Charles Newton Hobbs. a14. " " " " " " " George Hobbs. a14. " " " " " " " Charles Hobbs. a14. " " " " " " " J. D. Hobbs. a15. " " " " " " " William H. Hobbs. a16. 1850 census record of Talledega Co., AL, Charles Hobbs. a17. " " " " " " " William Hobbs. a18. 1870 census record of Clay Co., AL, George Hobbs. a19. 1860 census record of Talledega Co., AL, George Joseph Hobbs. a19. " " " " " " " T. Hobbs. a20. 1920 census record of Chambers Co., AL, Grover Cleveland Hobbs., a20. " " " " " " " " Emily Sprayberry Hobbs.