History of Bucks County, Pa Volume 3 by William H. Davis
Names and Page # Index

B. FRANK HOBENSACK. When Pennsylvania was numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain the Hobensack family was founded within its borders and representatives of the name since that time have been loyal to the interests of the colony and have taken an active and helpful part in its material development. The progenitor of the family in America came from Germany in pioneer times, and was the great-great-grandfather of B. Frank Hobensack. He was one of the early promoters of the development and progress of Bucks county along many beneficial lines.

Isaac Hobensack, grandfather of B. Frank Hobensack, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and became well known as a successful and enterprising farmer. In choosing this walk of life he followed in the footsteps of his ancestors. He was content to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, having no aspirations for political office, although he ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He gave his early support to the Whig party, and he served as township supervisor and in other minor positions. He was a devoted and consistent member of the Primitive Baptist church, and was well known in the locality where he resided, commanding the good will and trust of all because of his own reliability and integrity in all life’s relations. He wedded Emily Fetter, also a native of Bucks county, and their children were: Margaret, Rachel, Isaac C., John, William, Mary E. and Elizabeth.

Isaac C. Hobensack, whose birth occurred in Warminster township, Bucks county, was reared upon the home farm and there remained until his marriage, when he rented a tract of land, which he continued to cultivate until his efforts had brought him capital sufficient to enable him to purchase land. He then bought a farm in Southampton township, upon which he spent his remaining days, successfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits and also attending the Philadelphia market. In his business career he was progressive and practical, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. His interest in the political questions and issues of the day led him to give earnest support to the Republican party. He served as county commissioner for one term and held some minor township positions, including that of school director. He was reared in the faith of the Primitive Baptist church and never united with any other religious denomination. He possessed a genial manner, was kindly and charitable in disposition and the poor and needy found in him a warm friend. He died January 9, 1903, respected by all who knew him. His wife, whose maiden name was Joanna Hogeland, was born June 29, 1832, in Southampton tonship, Bucks county, and died April 17, 1905, at the age of seventy-three years. Her father, Abraham Hogeland, was a farmer who settled in Bucks county at an early period in its development. He became prominent in community affairs and as a representative of agricultural interests. His daughter, Mrs. Hobensack, became a member of the Presbyterian church. She was the youngest in a family of nine children, the others being: Elias, a farmer, who at one time served as sheriff of Bucks county; John, Joseph, Theodore, William, Morris, and Charles, all of whom followed farming; and Susan, the wife of H. D. Leffert. Unto Isaac C. and Joanna (Hogeland) Hobensack were born eight children: Mary A., the wife of H. B. Krewsen, deceased; Isaac M., a western man; William, who is engaged in business at Ivyland; B. Frank; Albert C., also in business in Ivyland; Emily, the wife of W. C. Yerkes; Wilkins, of Norristown; and Joanna.

B. Frank Hobensack was born in Southampton township, Bucks county, September 30, 1864, and at the usual age entered the common schools, where he acquired a good practical English education. In his youth he became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and he continued to assist in the operation of the home farm until he had attained his majority. He afterward spent some time in working at the printer’s trade, but following his marriage he resumed farming, renting a tract of land for four years. He then went to Ivyland, where he joined his brother. William Hobensack, in an industrial enterprise under the firm style of Hobensack Brothers, the partners being William and B. Frank Hobensack. They operated a mill for grinding, also handled feed, and dealt extensively in lumber together with agricultural implements and fertilizers. Mr. Hobensack of this review continued successfully in that line of trade until 1899, when he was elected high sheriff of Bucks county, serving for a full term with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He discharged his duties without fear of favor, and his course awakened the confidence of all law-abiding citizens. On the expiration of his term he retired from office as he had entered it—with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He then engaged in the stone crushing business at Quakertown, also dealt in real estate and bought a large trading business. He is still following those pursuits, and is regarded in his locality as a broadminded, intelligent and successful business man, meriting the respect of his fellow citizens. His efforts have likewise extended to other lines of activity, for he is a stockholder and director in the Jenkinstown Trust Company. He is enterprising and public-spirited, well known and highly respected. His political views are in accordance with the principles of the Republican party, and he is deeply interested in its success, believing that it contains the best elements of good government. He attends various party conventions, has been judge of elections and has often served on the election board. He has also filled township positions, has been school director, was auditor for three terms and was chosen for the position of justice of the peace. With a full recognition of the duties that devolve upon him as an officer, he has ever been true to the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen and in performing his public service has displayed marked fidelity and capability.

In 1886 Mr. Hobensack was married to Miss Catherine Cornell, who was born in Warwick township, Bucks county, August 11, 1863, her parents being Hiram and Jennie (McKinstry) Cornell, the latter of Warrington township and a member of one of the early families of Bucks county, of Scotch-Irish lineage. Hiram Cornell’s ancestors also located in this county at an early day. He became a leading farmer, well known for his activity and reliability in business. He voted with the Democracy, and was a loyal adherent of the Presbyterian church in which he held membership. His death occurred March 29, 1895, and his widow, who still survives him, finds a good home with Mr. and Mrs. Hobensack. She is a daughter of James and Agnes McKinstry, natives of this county. Her father was a carpenter by trade and later in life followed farming, and was both a successful and practical mechanic and agriculturist. He served as school director and also held some minor positions, and was deeply concerned in the welfare and progress of his community, although he did not seem to figure prominently in public life. He held membership in the Neshaminy Presbyterian church, and nearly all of the members of the McKinstry family became identified with the same denomination. These were Robert, Jessie, Mary, William, Catherine, John, Sarah and Jane. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Cornell were born two children: James, who is married and resides in Ivyland; he is a popular salesman in a clothing house in Philadelphia; and Catherine, wife of Mr. Hobensack. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hobensack has been blessed with one son, Wilkin C., born October 5, 1896. The parents are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hobensack is a worthy Mason, belonging to the lodge, chapter and consistory, so that he has attained high rank in the fraternity, the leading elements and teachings of which he exemplifies in his life.

Transcribed June 2002 as part of the Bucks Co., Pa., Early Family Project, www.rootsweb.com/~pabucks/bucksindex.html