Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B.F. Bowen 1920 Surnames in this biography are: HOBAN, McDermit, Rifner, Reed, Sullivan, JOSEPH D. HOBAN. Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will invariably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities, which have enabled Mr. Hoban to mount from round to round the ladder of success, have also brought him the esteem of his acquaintances, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods. Joseph D. Hoban was born April 7, 1857, in Niles, Michigan, the son of Patrick and Mary (McDermit) Hoban, both natives of Ireland. They were united in marriage in Niles, Michigan, in and became the parents of nine children, all of whom are yet living. Their names are as follows: Joseph D., Mary, Anna, John, Frank, Elizabeth, Ella, Fenton and Florence. Patrick Hoban was employed for the long period of forty-one years on the Michigan Central railroad, and his death was caused by being thrown from a train. His widow still survives. The subject attended the public schools of Niles, Michigan, until the age of about sixteen years. Upon leaving school he went to work as a member of a track gang on the Michigan Central railroad and after a time was advanced to the position of foreman of a section. Later he was made foreman of construction of new railroad and was afterwards promoted to the position of foreman of car repairing. He then went onto an engine in the capacity of a fireman, but was soon advanced to the other side of the cab. He was attentive to duty and efficient in its performance and the higher officials of the railroad were not slow to recognize this fact. At the age of twenty-two years he was given the responsible position of conductor. Still further promotion awaited him, for he was soon afterward made yardmaster, and subsequently trainmaster on the same road. In 1884 he was tendered the position of roadmaster on the Wabash railroad and served in this capacity until 1888. He was then appointed superintendent pf the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad in Virginia and remained in that position until 1891. On account of ill health he then returned to Indiana and accepted the position of roadmaster and trainmaster on the Lake Erie & Western railroad, with headquarters at Muncie. He had long cherished the idea of eventually retiring from railroading and making his permanent home on a farm, and in pursuit of this purpose in 1896 he purchased the Peter P. Rifner farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His family moved onto this place in 1899, and in 1898 he also purchased the Jesse Reed farm, one mile east of Mt. Summit, the latter farm also containing one hundred and sixty acres. In the spring of 1902 he purchased the William A. Rifner farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his first purchase. He has thus obtained what is unquestionably the finest farming land in Henry County, the William A. Rifner farm having long been considered the prize farm of Henry County. Besides this farming land Mr. Hoban also owns other property in Mt. Summit. He has not confined his attention exclusively to his farming land but since 1891 has been actively engaged in the Indiana oil fields, real estate in Muncie and also to some extent in gas stock. He is quite largely interested in the breeding and raising of livestock and never handles any but the best of thoroughbred stock. On the 10 th of October, 1883. Mr. Hoban was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Ella Sullivan, who was born in Michigan City, Indiana, February 15, 1858. This union has been a happy one and has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Frankie, the eldest, is deceased; Florence J., born December 23, 1889, in Decatur, Illinois; George W. born in Muncie. Indiana, October 7, 1897 Charles S., born at the present home July 26, 1899, and one that died in infancy In the casting of his ballot the subject is entirely independent of party lines and votes for whatever policy or candidates meet with his approval. He was reared in the Roman Catholic Church and has always remained faithful to his early teachings. It is impossible in the limited space at the disposal of the biographer to give more than the mere outline of his life career, but the facts stated are sufficient to bring out the predominant traits in his character, traits that have enabled him to attain the enviable position he now occupies in the community.