Charles H. Hobart Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 227

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Charles Hobart’s Pioneering in North Dakota consists of photocopies of five typed letters that he wrote between 1930 and 1934 to his nephews who, it is believed, grew up in Fargo. Apparently just before Hobart’s death additional compiled copies were made of the letters and a copy sent to his cousin Laura H. Walker of Concord, New Hampshire. The first two letters were published in North Dakota Historical Quarterly (vol. 7 and 8, 1933, 1941) and used extensively in Hiram Drache’s Challenge of the Prairie. These reminiscences provide an incredibly detailed story of a family’s settlement on the newly opened frontier of the Red River Valley in North Dakota. Mr. Hobart’s writings provide great detail with names, facts and figures, leading one to believe he relied upon other primary sources in their writing. The first letter begins with his traveling to Fargo, Dakota and shortly thereafter acquiring farm land near Cummings. The account continues with the hardships of pioneer, breaking the land, building the house and other farm buildings, farming, and family. The last letter concludes with him and his wife leaving the farm for Claremont, California and turning the operation over to Mason Spalding.

Dates

1930-1934

Creator

Hobart, Charles H., 1850-1934. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Copyrights

The Institute does not own the copyrights.

Biography

Charles H. Hobart was born at Enfield, New Hampshire in 1850, the son of Charles Hobart. He married Elizabeth Spalding on February 18, 1873. She was the daughter of Rev. Benjamin and Ann (Folsom) Spalding and born in 1856 at Croftsbury, Vermont. Charles came to Fargo, Dakota in 1881 where his wife’s brother, Burleigh F. Spalding was practicing law. Mr. Hobart purchased farm land about five miles northwest of Cummings, N.D. located in what is now Wold Township, Traill County (Section 17, T147 R51). In 1882 he brought his wife and father to Dakota after selling his farm in New Hampshire. He farmed there for thirty-three years before moving to California in 1914. His nephew Mason Spalding took over the farm when Charles retired to California. He died at Claremont, California in 1934 and his wife thereafter.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (0.2 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Consists of typscript copies of five letters written by Hobart to his nephews in which he reminiscences about his pioneer years in North Dakota, beginning in 1881 when he came to visit Fargo and his wife's brother Burleigh F. Spalding. He then purchased farm land near Cummings, N.D. where he brought his wife the next year from New Hampshire. Reminiscences are very detailed in describing his life, the hardships of pioneer life, breaking land, building farm buildings, farming, and family.