Garret Hobart

Garret Hobart
Frances Benjamin Johnston · Public domain · source
Name	Garret Hobart
Birth date	June 3, 1844
Birth place	Long Branch, New Jersey
Death date	November 21, 1899
Death place	Paterson, New Jersey
Party	Republican
Spouse	Jennie Tuttle Hobart
Predecessor	Adlai Stevenson I
Successor	Theodore Roosevelt

Garret Hobart was an American politician who served as the Vice President of the United States under President William McKinley. He was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and played a key role in the 1896 United States presidential election. Hobart's life and career were closely tied to the New Jersey politics, where he served in various capacities, including as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey Senate. He was also a close friend and advisor to President William McKinley, who later appointed him as his running mate in the 1896 United States presidential election, which they won against the Democratic Party ticket of William Jennings Bryan and Arthur Sewall.

● Early Life and Education

Garret Hobart was born on June 3, 1844, in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Addison Willard Hobart and Sophia Vanderveer Hobart. He grew up in a family of modest means and was educated at the Long Branch Public Schools and later at Rutgers College (now Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey), where he graduated in 1863. During his time at Rutgers, Hobart was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and developed close relationships with his classmates, including Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, who later became a United States Senator from New Jersey. After completing his education, Hobart worked as a teacher and later as a lawyer, practicing law in Paterson, New Jersey, where he became involved in local politics and joined the Republican Party.

● Career

Hobart's career in politics began in the 1870s, when he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly as a representative from Passaic County. He later served in the New Jersey Senate and became a prominent figure in the Republican Party in New Jersey. In 1881, Hobart was appointed as the New Jersey State Bank Examiner by Governor George B. McClellan, a position he held until 1882. He also served as a member of the Republican National Committee and was a delegate to the 1884 Republican National Convention, which nominated James G. Blaine for President of the United States. Hobart's experience in politics and his connections to the Republican Party made him an attractive candidate for higher office, and in 1896, he was chosen by President William McKinley as his running mate in the 1896 United States presidential election.

● Vice Presidency

As Vice President of the United States, Hobart played a key role in the McKinley administration, serving as the president of the United States Senate and advising the president on various matters, including the Spanish-American War. He was a strong supporter of the Gold Standard Act of 1900 and worked closely with Senator Nelson Aldrich to pass the legislation. Hobart also played a key role in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War and established the United States as a global power. During his time as vice president, Hobart developed close relationships with other prominent politicians, including Theodore Roosevelt, who later became the 26th President of the United States, and Mark Hanna, a prominent Republican Party leader.

● Personal Life

Hobart was married to Jennie Tuttle Hobart, and the couple had two children, Fannie Hobart and Elizabeth Hobart. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and was involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross. Hobart was also a close friend of President William McKinley and his wife, Ida Saxton McKinley, and often visited the White House for social events. In his free time, Hobart enjoyed reading and was an avid fan of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. He was also a member of the New York Yacht Club and enjoyed sailing and other outdoor activities.

● Death and Legacy

Hobart died on November 21, 1899, in Paterson, New Jersey, after a long illness. His death was a significant blow to the McKinley administration, and he was remembered as a loyal and dedicated public servant. Hobart's legacy was honored by the United States Congress, which passed a resolution praising his service to the country. He was also remembered by his colleagues, including Theodore Roosevelt, who later became the 26th President of the United States and often spoke about Hobart's influence on his career. Today, Hobart is remembered as one of the most important vice presidents in American history, and his legacy continues to be studied by historians and scholars, including those at the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.

● Political Views

Hobart was a strong supporter of the Republican Party and its platform, which included support for the Gold Standard Act of 1900 and the Spanish-American War. He was also a strong advocate for the United States to become a global power and played a key role in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which established the United States as a major world power. Hobart's political views were influenced by his relationships with other prominent politicians, including President William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, and he often worked closely with Senator Nelson Aldrich and other Republican Party leaders to pass legislation. Hobart's legacy continues to be studied by scholars, including those at the Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, who are interested in the history of the Republican Party and its role in shaping American politics.