HERMAN W. HOBSON
SAN JOSE FIRE CHIEF
Bio-Sawyers
SURNAMES: CALAWAY, BOYER,
San Jose is indeed fortunate in having the life and property of its
citizens safeguarded by one so trustworthy as the present chief of the
fire department, Herman W. Hobson. A man of great energy, intensity of
purpose and strong convictions, he was born December 17, 1872, a native
son of San Jose. He is the son of Thomas M. and Sarah (Calaway) Hobson,
who came to the Golden West in early pioneer days. The father was first
engaged in brick making, but later was engaged in farming and was for
many years a successful orchardist; in later years he retired from
active life. He passed away several years ago, but his wife is still
living, and makes her home with her son in San Jose.
Herman W. Hobson was educated in the public schools of San Jose. After
leaving. school he entered the employ of the Santa Clara Valley Lumber
Company and became an efficient workman in the sash and door
department. In the year 1908 he entered the service of the city fire
department as lieutenant on Engine No. 1 and in 1910 he was advanced to
the position of captain. In 1915 he became assistant chief and three
years later, in 1918, he became chief of the San Jose 'Fire Department.
Mr. Hobson's marriage in 1898 united him with Miss Mary J. Boyer, who
passed away in 1914. One daughter, Marion, survives her mother. He is
an upright, agreeable, and generous man, contributing to worthy causes,
and making his influence felt in Republican circles, and general city
government, having taken an active interest in his community's welfare.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Moose, Eagles, and Garden City
Parlor No. 22, N. S. G. W. He is a member of the National Association
of Fire Chiefs and the Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Association. When
enabled to do so, he spends his leisure hours in the mountains or at
the seashore.
Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California, published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 1112
Marriage License on file, San Jose Historical Museum
Iindex of California Room, San Jose Library
RETURN TO SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAMILY CHRONICLES
SANTA CLARA COUNTY The Valley of Heart's Delight