Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 27 Jun 2005

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854

WILLIAM H. HOBLIT, farmer; P. O. Waynesville; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Feb. 13, 1834; is a son of Meritt and Anna (Sacket) Hoblit, natives of Ohio; the paternal grandparents were Boston and Elizabeth Hoblit, he a native of Maryland and she of Virginia; they emigrated to Ohio and located in Greene County between 1790 and 1800, being among the first settlers of the county; opened out right in the woods, braving all the trials and dangers of those early days, and remained and died on the farm where he first settled, living to a very advanced age; he died about 1850; he was a soldier in the war of 1812; was quite a prominent man in his day, and held several offices; was Constable and Township Trustee. The maternal grandparents were Cyrus and Nancy Sacket, natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Greene County very early, about the same time of the Hoblit family, and settled near them, and lived and died there. Meritt Hoblit was born, raised and grew to manhood in the wilds of this new country, accustomed to the scenes of pioneer life; was married and became the father of twelve children, six now living: Sarah, now Mrs. Hagerman, residing in Auglaize County; Nancy, now Mrs. Bowman; Boston, William .H., David and Benjamin. Mr. Hoblit died in July, 1877, aged 77 years; his wife is still living on the old home place, now 80 years of age, and has made a continued residence thereof sixty years. Our subject was raised in, Greene County, remaining with his father till after his majority; was married, July 19, 1863, to Rebecca M., daughter of Edward P. and Abigail Thomas, he a native of Ohio and she of Pennsylvania; Abigail was a daughter of James and Lydia Benham, James being a brother of Robert Benham, of historic fame, who, with his companion, were shot by the Indians and suffered so long in the wilderness before being rescued from their perilous condition. Edward and Abigail Thomas had seven children; six now survive: Julia Ann, Eliza Jane, Benjamin, Joseph, Rebecca and Charles Franklin. Rebecca Thomas was born December 18, 1837; Mr. Hoblit and wife have two children, Luvillie Magruder and Valentine Monterville (twins), born May 29, 1864; Mr. Hoblit, after his marriage, resided on a place adjoining where he now lives till 1879, when he bought and located where he now lives and has since resided; here he has erected new and substantial buildings, and now has a very pleasant home and farmer's residence