John Joshua Cobb

Narrative:

     John Joshua Cobb was born on 20 Sep 1859 in Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana.^9,10,11
     He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana, in the household of his parents, Elkanah Cobb and Sarah Jane Youtsey.¹⁹
     His mother died on 18 Jul 1866, when John was 6 years old.^20,21
     He appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana, in the household of his father, and his stepmother, Lucy Barnaby.²² He appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Jackson Twp., Indiana in the household of his father and stepmother.²³

Getting A Varied Education --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     John reported in 1880 that he was a law student. Whether he was attending school or "reading law" with a local attorney is unclear. No other evidence of him seeking a career in law has been found.²⁴
     By 1881 he was attending Franklin College, in Franklin, Indiana.²⁵ John and Ella O. Steinning, his future wife, both graduated there with bachelor of science degrees in 1887.^26,27
     John attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, for four months in 1887-1888.²⁸ He had begun preaching while in college, and continued until his marriage. In Sep 1884 he was reported as having "preached a very acceptable sermon at the Baptist church" in Seymour. In Apr 1888 he preached at Mt. Pleasant for Rev. Puckett. The newspaper notice of his marriage listed him as Rev. John J. Cobb, but no record has been found of him preaching after that.^29,30,31
     John married Ella O. Steinning, daughter of Henry Steinning and Emily Crafton, on 10 May 1888 in Lett's Corner, Decatur Co., Indiana, at her parents' residence, with L. B. Albert offciating.^12,13,14
     John and Ella appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Jackson Twp., Jackson Co., Indiana, enumerated 2 Jun 1900, reporting that the family owned its home, which was mortgaged. Their children Henry and Agnes were listed as living with them, as was a servant, 15-year-old Carrie Thiel.³²

Becoming a Serial Entrepreneur --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     He was in the harness manufacturing business by 1900, though he continued to operate the family farm.³³
     In May 1907 John sold his home place a mile west of Seymour to G. C. Borcherding and his wife, and Lizzie M. Miller. He received $12,000 for the 73-acre farm, half of that by taking in exchange the L. F. Miller store building in Seymour. He was to give possession of the farm 1 Sep. He still had 200 acres in the Muscatituck bottoms.³⁴
     John and Ella appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana, at 525 Poplar, enumerated 20 Apr 1910, reporting that the family owned its home, free of mortgage. Their children Henry, Agnes and Alice were listed as living with them.³⁵
     John reported his occupation in 1910 as having his "own income," and was listed in the alumi directory of his college as a retired farmer. But in Jun 1910 he purchased an interest in the Hadley Poultry Company. According to press reports the firm had a well-equipped plant near the Pennsylvania freight depot, from which it bought and shipped produce from several miles around Seymour. The report said he would "be actively identified with the business."^36,37,38
     The assets of Hadley Poultry Company were turned over to an assignee 18 Jan 1911. The firm had purchased several car loads of eggs and butter that were unsold before prices fell. They were held in cold storage for the usual price increase in the winter, but warm weather created an increase in supply of fresh eggs and prices dropped. Eastern houses that had made advances demanded cash, which caused the firm's failure. Total losses were estimated at $10,000 to $15,000, but depended on fluctuation of prices. John was identified as the firm's heaviest local creditor.³⁹
     John purchased the ice business operated by Claud Carter and Harry Jones, taking possession 25 Sep 1911. His purchase included the horses, wagons, and other equipment. As part of his payment, they received his building on North Pine St., while he occupied the Carter residence on the corner of Pine and Fifth Streets. He operated the business for two years, then sold it in Sep 1913 to John Morton.^40,41
     By 1920 he was working for wages as a hardware clerk, most likely at the store operated by his brother-in-law, Nelson Carlson.⁴²
     John and Ella appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana, at 512 West 6th St., enumerated 10 Jan 1920, reporting that the family owned its home, free of mortgage. Their children Agnes and Alice were listed as living with them.⁴³
     John and Ella appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Jackson Twp., Jackson Co., Indiana, enumerated 12 Apr 1930, reporting that the family owned a home valued at $3,000, and did not own a radio. Their daughter Alice was listed as living with them.⁴⁴

Stepping Away from Business --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     He was retired by 1930.^45,46
     John and Ella appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana, at 602 West 6th St., enumerated 9 Apr 1940, reporting he owned a home valued at $3,100, and that he had lived in the same house in 1935.⁴⁷
     John died on 5 May 1941, at his residence, 6th St. and Elm St., Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana, at age 81.^15,16 He was buried on 7 May 1941 in Riverview Cemetery, Seymour, Jackson Co., Indiana.^17,18