Charles W. Hobbs was one of the early and chief factors in the settlement and organization of Delaware County. He settled near Gilbert D. Dillon's, in North Fork Township, in 1840, and in the following year he removed to Penn's Grove. This pioneer was born in Queen Annes County, Maryland, in 1805. From October 1836, to October 1837, he served as clerk in St. Louis and in the latter year went to Dubuque. Leaving Penn's Grove in the spring of 1841, he
removed to Delhi Township and built a cabin on his and, just outside of the confines of Delhi. The stone chimney of this primitive home remains standing as a landmark of the first habitation in that locality.
      In the year 1857 Mr. Hobbs left Delhi for Osage, where he served two and a half years as receiver of the land office. The office was then abolished and he returned home. he was the first clerk of the District Court of Delaware County and also clerk of the Commissioners' Court, which position he held for seven years. Mr. Hobbs was also recorder of deeds one term, took the United States census for the county in 1860, was justice of the peace several years and also
postmaster at Delhi.