Joseph Cotton Hobdy
Joseph C. Hobdy was born in Allen County, KY., September 10, 1848, (died July 31, 1928) and is the third of five children, only four of whom are living, born to Moore C. and Matilda J. (Harrell) Hobdy, both natives of Sumner County Tenn., and of English descent, born in 1820 and 1819 respectively. More C. Hobdy received a good common school education in youth, for that early day, in his native county and State. He was married in his native county, but soon after removed to Allen County, KY., where he bought a partially improved farm, to which he afterward added other lands, and where he resided until the fall of 1882, when he sold out and removed to the northwest part of Simpson County, where he bought another farm, upon which he yet resides. He and wife have been from early life devoted members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which church he has been a ruling elder for many years. He is also member of the Masonic fraternity, having held various official positions in his lodge. Joseph C. Hobdy received an excellent English and scientific education in youth, at the Presbyterian Academy of Bowling Green and at the Greenwood Academy of Sumner County, TN. He remained on the old homestead until he was twenty eight years old, but after attaining his majority he farmed the place ion partnership with his father for about seven years. In January, 1879, he removed to the northwestern part of Simpson County, KY., where he bought a farm of 351 acres, upon which he now resides, and where he is extensively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. The farm is said to be one of the best, and is surely one of the best improved places in the county. Mr. Hobdy has, near his dwelling, the largest and best spring to be found in southwestern Kentucky. He first married, November 17, 1874, Mary F., daughter of William G. and Elizabeth C. (Horn) Hinton, both natives of Allen County, KY., and of English descent. She was born in Allen County, KY., August 17, 1856. To this union were born two children, viz.: Leslie (deceased) and Cora, (1877-1946, married Ben D. Harris). Mrs. Mary F. Hobdy’s death occurred June 7, 1880. She was a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hobdy next married, September 11, 1883, Fannie M. Wilkins, a native of Franklin, Simpson Co., KY., born March 30, 1855,(died January 16, 1914). She is a daughter of Nathan S. and Sarah B. (Finn) Wilkins, both natives of Simpson County, KY., and of Irish descent. Mrs. Hobdy’s parents both died when she was only an infant, after which she remained with her father’s people in Texas until she was eleven years old. She then returned to Kentucky and resided with her guardian, John A. Finn, until September 1867, when she was admitted to Nazareth Female Academy, of Nelson County, KY., graduating from that institution in June, 1872. After this she taught music for four years at Leitchfield, KY., and for two years near Franklin, KY. After her return from college she made her home, until her marriage, with Thomas H. Hampton, of Franklin. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hobdy has been blessed by one (three children) daughter, Mary Francis (1884-1942, married Alfred J. Carpenter; Anna Thomas 1886-1934, married Ben F. Harris; and Nathan Wilkins 1891-1931 married Nancye Elizabeth Helm). Both Mr. Hobdy and wife are members of the church – he of the Cumberland Presbyterian and Mrs. Hobdy of the Catholic Church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, having advanced to the R.A. degree. He has held various official positions in, and was a charter member of his lodge, viz.: New Roe Lodge, No. 592, of Allen County, KY. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the most successful and extensive farmers and stock raisers of the county.