Rev. L. M. Hobbs: Teacher, Chaplain, Thief?

Lewis Merwin Hobbs was born in 1824 in the Delaware County town of Bloomville. He became a teacher in New York State before relocating to Lancaster County, Pa., where, in 1854, he became a moving force in the creation of the teachers’ academy which would one day become Millersville University.

During the Civil War, Rev. Hobbs served as the chaplain of the Third Regiment United States Colored Troops, labored for the Freedman’s Bureau, wrote a school bill for freedmen in the south and later became a circuit preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Philadelphia Conference.

He was also accused of a very serious crime.

The Winter Lecture Series at the Old Stone Fort Museum will continue at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 with “Rev. L. M. Hobbs: Teacher, Chaplain, Thief?”, presented by local author and historian Katherine Hawkins.

The great-granddaughter of Rev. Hobbs, Ms. Hawkins has conducted extensive research on her ancestor and will provide a uniquely personal and textured look at the man, his many accomplishments and the intrigue of his accused crime.

The lecture will be held in the Badgley Museum Annex at the Old Stone Fort Museum Complex, located at 145 Fort Road in the village of Schoharie.

Admission is $5 for adults and free for students and Schoharie County Historical Society members. Refreshments will be provided.

To learn more about this and other programs, events and activities ongoing at the Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society call (518) 295-7192 or visit TheOldStoneFort.org.

Illustration: The banner of the 3rd United States Colored Infantry.