Jacob Hoobler III was a fourth generation descendant of Jacob Hoobler, who traveled from Germany in 1733 and landed at the Port of Philadelphia. The travels of Jacob Hoobler took the first family westward to the Tulpehocken Valley of Pennsylvania - Cumberland County, Pennsylvania - Germantown, Ohio - Taylor’s Creek, Ohio (near Cincinnati) - and Fountain County, Indiana, near Veedersburg, where Jacob III was born November 21, 1847.
When he was three years old, the Hoobler family moved to Streator, Illinois, where young Jacob grew to manhood. On September 3, 1867, Jacob III married a Streator home town girl, Margaret Elmira Smith, who was born November 20, 1848. Jacob III and Margaret had thirteen children, the first seven were born in Streator. Two children died at birth. The Streator children were Minnie Estella, William, Ezra, John and George. In 1877 the family bought $5 an acre railroad land along the Kansas river, near St. Marys, Kansas, where they begin farming on a large scale.
Jacob III and Margaret had six more children born in St. Marys, Kansas. The children were; Myrtie, Alta, Frank, Mabel, Elva and Clarence. Floods probably prompted the next move, which was led by Myrtie, her husband Lewis Ramsey and her brother George. They settled near Anselmo, Nebraska.
Many from the St. Marys area soon followed, including Jacob and Elmira and Frank, Mabel, Elva, Clarence and John and his small son, Francis, in 1902. They purchased a large tract of land in the Dry Valley district, in Loup County. In 1905, a large two story house and a huge barn were erected. They sold their Kansas property to Estella and her husband, Steve Smith. After Elmira’s death, October 27, 1910, the family scattered. Myrtie and Lew Ramsey, Alta and Fred Smith, Mabel and George McCleery, and Clarence and Nellie Hoobler went to Texas. William and Anna Hoobler went back to Kansas. John and Pearl, George and Dora, Frank and Lona Hoobler, and Elva and Elmer Dunbar stayed in Nebraska.
Jacob purchased property in Texas and went to live there in 1918, returning to Nebraska often to care for his ranch there. He passed away at his home in Texas, February 11, 1937 and was laid to rest beside his wife in the Moulton Cemetery, Loup County, Nebraska.
All of his children have long since passed on and many of the grandchildren, but those who are left continue to carry on a wonderful tradition started by Jacob and his children - family reunions. The last ones the elders attended were in 1929 in Nebraska, 1930 in Texas, and 1931 in Kansas.
Plans had been made to go to Oklahoma in 1932, but the depression put a stop to it. In 1970, cousins revived that tradition and they have met every two years since, rotating among the three states, Texas, Kansas and Nebraska, where Jacob’s children reared their families. (additional information from Lewis Frank Hoobler)
Jacob Hoobler III, born in Van Buren Township, Fountain County, Indiana, moved with his family south of Streator in Livingston County, Illinois, shortly after 1850. There on beautiful farmland along the Vermilion River, he grew to manhood. There was a huge colony of Hooblers and related families near the prosperous little town of Manville, as witnessed by the tombstones in area cemeteries. In 1867; he married Margaret Elmira Smith. In 1877, they joined the westward movement, buying $5 an acre railroad land along the Kansas River in Kaw Township, Wabaunsee Co. They lived in St. Marys while they built their home. An April 1878 St. Marys Twp. record shows he bought 15 bridge tickets, allowing him to cross the iron bridge for 15 cents, with two horses and one wagon. On the 1885 Kansas census, his parents, Jacob II and Mary Dice Hoobler were living with the family, Jacob had 300 acres valued at $9000, and he raised corn, wheat, cattle, and swine. By 1895, the value of the farm had grown to $12,000; all was under fence, 200 acres were corn, 20 acres timothy, and 2 acres were Irish potatoes. He had 27 horses, 5 mules, 30 swine, 1 dog, 26 cattle and 100 bearing apple trees. One of his Sons remembered "Jake" as a white shirt—bow tie farmer, strictly a boss and never a laborer. "I never saw my father dirty," he said. Elmira was a frail woman, but she drove her own team and buggy to town, while he loved to race his spirited team. When the Kansas River flooded the Hooblers joined in the Nebraska movement. In the Sand Hills of Loup County, he built a huge barn and ranch house. After her death, he moved to Texas about 1918. Jake must have made a break with the Illinois relatives; (he is not mentioned with the Kansas brother William and sister Mary Anderson in his parent’s obituaries). Still, he loved his family, and began the reunions in 1929, which were revived by Texas cousins in 1970. We hope it's a tradition that will continue for many more generations.
Margaret Elmira Smith was born in Streator, Ill., on Nov. 20, 1848, and died at her home in Dry Valley on Oct. 27, 1910, at the age of 61 years, 11 months, 7 days. She was married to Jacob Hoobler at Streator, Ill. on Sept. 3, 1867, and they made their home at this place for several years, coming to Loup County about 8 years ago. Her husband, 11 children, 29 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild survive her. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoobler, two having died in infancy. All the children - 6 sons and 5 daughters - were present at the obsequies, also a sister, Mrs. Amy Hoobler of Streator, Ill.
Mrs. Hoobler had not been in very good health since last spring, when she was quite seriously injured by a fall. Her last sickness, liver and stomach trouble was of one week's duration, which caused her much suffering. She called the family to her bedside at one o’clock on Thursday morning, bade each one goodbye, and peacefully breathed her life away, death occurring at 5:35 in the evening. The deceased endeared herself to all by her goodness, her cheerful disposition, and her kindness to everyone. She was devoted wife, a loving mother, and a sincere friend. Many tears fell as the silent form was lowered into its resting-place to await the coming of the Lord.
Mrs. Hoobler had often remarked that when she passed away, that her daughters should prepare her body for the casket, and that her sons should act as pallbearers, which request was complied with. O.O. Wood of Taylor, who preached a very eloquent and comforting sermon, conducted funeral services at the home on Sunday, Oct. 30. The choir under Mrs. Jameson's direction rendered several favorite selections. Interment was at Moulton Cemetery. About 200 friends and neighbors were present to pay their last respects to their departed friend. Mr. Hoobler, sons and daughters, have the sympathy of the entire community.
Jacob Hoobler was born Nov. 21,1847 in the state of Indiana, and passed away Feb. 11,1937 at his home near Canadian, Texas at the age of 89 years, 2 months, and 21 days. When three years of age, he moved with his parents to Streator, Ill., where Jacob grew to manhood. Sept.3, 1867, Jacob Hoobler and Margaret Elmira Smith were united in marriage. Ten years later, they moved to the vicinity of St. Marys, Kansas, where the family lived until 1902. Mr. Hoobler was a farmer and stockman in a big way. His greater interests in the latter were the motive for seeking a location in Loup County, in the grazing area, where he bought a large tract. In 1902, the Hooblers came to make their home here. He built a large ranch house and conducted farming and stock operations on a wide scale for many years.
Mrs. Hoobler died in 1910. After this great loss, Mr. Hoobler’s interest wandered. He made investments in Texas, and finally in 1918, went to Canadian to make his home in a warmer climate. He was, however, attached to Loup County; several of his children lived here, and he was still interested in a financial way. He made many trips back to Nebraska. Aug. 6, 1929, the Hoobler family had a reunion at the Hoobler ranch, now owned by a son, John. They were host and hostess to approximately 80 relatives and a host of friends. This was one of the most enjoyable events in the aged fathers advancing years. Three following reunions were held at Canadian, Tex., Madison, Ks., and Rosedale, OK. Mr. Hoobler was blessed with excellent health and amazing vitality almost to the last. A businessman said of him, "Jacob Hoobler possessed a keen mind for business transactions even to the year 1936." Mr. Hoobler leaves to mourn his passing four daughters and six sons: Estella Smith, Rosedale, Oklahoma; Myrtle Ramsey and Mabel McCleery, Canadian, Texas; Elva Dunbar, Loup Co.; William, Madison, Kansas; Frank, Halsey, Nebraska; Dr. George, Sargent, Nebraska; and Clarence, Canadian, Texas. 49 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, two children died in infancy, and daughter Alta Smith in 1920. Funeral services were held in the Taylor Evangelical Church Sunday, Feb. 14. Internment was in Moulton Cemetery. Pallbearers were Leo, Ray and Vern Hoobler, and Earl, Mark, and Arnold Dunbar.
