Ursinus College - Ruby Yearbook (Collegeville, PA)

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II n flDemoriam IaRI l.A.XDC 'i’.SON 1.1.. I).. f« I twelve year ;• director of I'rsinus A College, and treasurer if the institution, was born in Collegevillc, fitober 13, 1851 I laving an ardent desire to scetire a good education, after completing the course in the township public schools, he entered I'rsinus College, from which he graduated in 1876. with the degree of Hachelor of Art . He then took up the study of law. and was admitted to the bur October 1. ;S8o. lie soon cstablislted a profitable practice as the result of his untiring energy and legal knowledge. In 1881 thi Norristown Trust Company was organized, and Dr. Hobson wa it treasurer and trust officer from that time until bis death. In financial affairs he wa very prominent, as i shown by the honorable positions he held. He was vice president of the National Hankers Association and president of the Trust Company section of the State Hankers' Association. In 1905 the College con ferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Dr. Hobson was widely known in the Reformed Church and in Christian Ktideav r circles. He was an elder in the Trinity Church, Collegevillc. and superintendent • the Sunday school. He represented the congregation in the annual meeting of the Philadelphia Cla i for many years, was a representative of thi CJassis to the Eastern and General Synods. He had been a member f the General Hoard of Home Missions for a number of years. Dr. I lobson was married to a daughter of iIk- late Rev. Joseph 11. Hendricks, D. I). IK i survived by bis widow and three children. Frank H.. '03: Anna Mabel. •. and Kathryn, a former student in I'rsinus Academy. He died at In home in Collegevillc. at n.45 o’clock P. M.. January 10. 1906. There is a world above. Where parting i% unknown; A long eternity of love Formed for the good alone; And faith beholds the dying here. Translated to that glorious sphere. »o

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MEMORIAL SERVICE Bombcrgcr Hall, Monday, January 15th, 1906 AHSTR CT OF DDKKSS DE1.IYKRFD RY KEY. I. CAI.YTN FISHER. ' Rugged. robust : ml indomitable, the incarnation of physical force and intellectual eticrgv, l)r. Freeland G. Hobson seemed a part of nature inseparable from life, and exempt from infirmity. Ills prodigious activity, his indefatigable labors, his strenuous life we all recall with a distinct and keen interest. Stricken as he was. it seemed as it a torrent paused midway in its descent, or a tempest had ceased suddenly in itv stormy progress, lie lingered for awhile, as the prostrate oak, to which we might appropriately compare him. retaining its verdure for a brief interval after its fall, or as the Hattie flickers when the candle is bunted out; but his work was done. It was the end. Dr. Hobson was a man of line gifts and splendid attainments, lie was endowed with a mind that caught its ideas oil the wing. There was no friction and no confusion in his mental machinery. His brain was always fresh, vigorous, equipped and ready for duty. No sophistry. Imwevet adroitly veiled, could deceive it. In yonder halls he received Ins preparatory as well as collegiate training. It was to this institution that he gave some of the Inst of hi life. Not only his life, hut lie gave liberal!) of his means, so that the institution might go onward and forward. On more than one occasion was he means to an end by which the institution might lie continued, so as not to be crippled or paralyzed in its work. Even now. as the institution s passing through a most severe crisis, though smitten with disease, his master mind was active, and aside of his dear family there was nothing that was of s ( much import to him as his lma Mater. He believed in I t sains College and in the principles for which she was established, lie believed that there was a marvelous future in store for the college. Have we this enlarged faith? Grant that we may. It was he who had a large heart, tender sympathies, a kind appreciation and a power tc interpret the character of all with whom he eatnc in contact. Noble as was his head, his heart was n bier still, and throughout his career his heart strove to help, to cheer, to befriend those who were in need of friendship. There was light in his eye. a music in his speech, a grasp in the hand, a cheerfulness of speech, a heartiness of manner which lifted burdens from the shoulders of those who came near him. His honor was unstained. He bore himself with a lofty rectitude. In connection with his legal labors lie yet found time towork for the college which he loved, Foi a t cririd of more than ten years he was the treasurer of the institution iewed from a di-tancc this may have meant rather little to the alumni and friends. Hut from close-range investigation it meant skill and dexterity, patience and fortitude, willingness and faith. His place will be hard to till He was the College's counselor and friend. Professor and student alike knew and realized his worth. Aye. since he has gone out from amongst us, possibly we feel the greatness of his spirit and soul more than ever. Professors, students, friends. I'rsinus never had a better friend. His service to the Reformed Church in the United States was unstinted. Front the day he was ordained to the eldership in the church to the time of his death, he was always ready to do Ills part in furthering the interests of the church of his choice. Several years ago the General Synod, the highest judicatory of out church, honored itself by honoring our departed friend and brother by calling him to the vice presidency. The Hoard of Home Missions lias lust one of its most distinguished members. His fealty to College and Church was paramount to aU other obligations, his pride in the grandeur and power of both touched the extremes! limit of exultant enthusiasm, his veneration tor the principles for which I'rsinus stands was the supreme sentiment of his soul; his faith in its destiny transcended the wildest dreams of optimism. I ng ma his 'pitit live in our hearts and minds. ii