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Pleasant L. HOBBS is the son of Joshua HOBBS and Elizabeth (SMITH) HOBBS, and the grandson of Miah HOBBS who was a farmer in North Carolina. The great-grandfather of Pleasant L. Hobbs was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and on the maternal side the Smiths were also soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Joshua Hobbs was born in Guilford County, N. C., on the Guilford Court House battle-field, in 1799. To this union with Miss Smith were born three children: Dorcas, Jessie and Pleasant L. Mr. Hobbs moved
to Tennessee and settled on a farm in Hawkins County. Both himself and wife spent the latter part of their life with their son Pleasant L. The father lived to be seventy-nine years of age, and was a Whig in the time of that party, but was afterward a Democrat. Pleasant L. Hobbs was born in North Carolina in 1831, and attained his growth on a farm. He secured a common-school education, and in 1853 moved to Lawrence County, Mo., where he purchased land the following year. In 1857 he married Mrs. Minerva J. DAVIDSON, a widow, and the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (DOUGHERTY) ALLEN. The Allen family were among the early settlers, and one of the
most prominent families in Lawrence County. Thomas Allen was born in Rockingham County, N. C., September 15, 1790, and there lived for many years. He then moved to East Tennessee, settling there when the Indians were so hostile that the settlers were obliged to live in forts. Mr. Allen moved to Lawrence County, Mo., in 1840, and his eldest brother served in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Allen and two brothers were in the Creek War, and his eldest brother was wounded in the battle of Camp Lookout. Mr. Allen was the father of a large family. Several members of the same are now living in this county, and are much respected. A few years ago they were all together at a big family dinner. There were 119 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Then by including his own children, the sons- and daughters-in-law, the husbands and wifes {sic} of his grandchildren, the number ran up to over 150. They formed a procession which was a sight worth seeing, and which will probably never be seen again. Mr. Allen made his home with Mr. Hobbs the latter part of his life. Capt. William B. Allen, an officer in the Mexican War, was the nephew of Thomas Allen, and the son of Gen. Richard H. ALLEN, of Giles County, Tenn. He fell in the Mexican War while gallantly storming the fortress of Monterey. He was a young man of rare talent and ability. He was highly educated, was a graphic writer and an eloquent orator. He was only twenty-three years old at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs are the
parents of four children: Mary C., William J., Lemuel S. and Nora J. After marriage Mr. Hobbs engaged in farming four miles southwest of Mount Vernon. In his political views Mr. Hobbs is a Greenbacker, and in harmony with the Union Labor party. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Fourteenth Missouri Militia, and was in many skirmishes. He was in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark, Mine Creek and Battle of Blue. He was against Price in his raid, and served altogether three years in the war. Mr. Hobbs is a prosperous farmer and a representative citizen, standing high in the
community as a man of excellent habits, and who is respected by all. He is a self-made man, having acquired his property by his own exertions, and by the help of his faithful wife, who has faithfully performed her share. Their daughter, Mary C. Hobbs, married Harvey WILLIAMS, of this county; William J., is on a cattle ranch in Texas, the remaining two children are at home. John D. DAVIDSON, of Texas, is a son of Mrs. Hobbs by a former marriage. He is a banker and cattle dealer.
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