My Genealogy Hound

JOHN P. LOBB, junior member of the firm of William Lobb & Sons, and one of the influential citizens of Pen Argyl, is a native of England, born in Cornwall February 11, 1855. The family of which he is a member was long represented in Cornwall, and was interested especially in quarrying. His paternal grandfather, John Lobb, was a worker in the quarries of Cornwall, and spent his entire life in England.

The father of our subject, William Lobb, was born in Cornwall, April 29, 1830, and in early life became familiar with the manufacture of slate in the quarries of the home locality. Emigrating to the United States about 1857, he located at Pen Argyl, Pa., and there and at Chapman he was engaged in the slate business until 1877, being in the employ of others. He then leased part of the Albion Quarry, and operated his lease until about 1888, at which time the firm of William Lobb & Sons was established. He still remains at the head of the enterprise, the success of which is largely due to his untiring exertions, seconded by the assistance of his capable sons. In addition to the quarry he has other interests, being a Director and stockholder in the Pen Argyl Electric Light and Power Company, and he also owns and operates a general store, containing a stock valued at about $6,000.

Actively interested in political matters as a member of the Republican party, Mr. Lobb, Sr., has served as Burgess of Pen Argyl and has been prominent in public affairs. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He married Miss Mary Ann Prout, a native of England, where their marriage occurred. To them have been born nine children, named as follows: John P., Marwood, Marcenia, Thomas and William F., all of whom are members of the firm of William Lobb & Sons; James; Mary Elizabeth, who is the wife of William Blake, of Bangor; Anna, Mrs. George Rowe, of Pen Argyl; and Jennie, wife of James Jackson, of the firm of Jackson Bros.

Attending the public schools of Pen Argyl in boyhood, John P. Lobb left school in order to learn the business in which his father was successfully engaged. As his knowledge of the work increased he was given positions of larger responsibility, and finally became Superintendent, in which capacity he is now serving. In 1877 he and his brothers became equal partners with their father, the title being changed to William Lobb & Sons. The firm also owns a quarry at Rockville, Lehigh County, which, however, is not now in operation.

The Republican party has in Mr. Lobb one of its stalwart adherents, and any measure tending to its success receives his hearty endorsement. He has served as Burgess and is a member of the Borough Council at the present time. In the Methodist Church he is an active worker and a teacher in the Sunday-school. Socially he affiliates with Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594, F. & A. M., and Bangor Council No. 274, R. A. M. His marriage, occurring March 2, 1879, united him with Miss Sarah, daughter of Theodore Cowell, of Williamsburg, Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County. They have had six children, of whom Laura, Bertha and Stella are deceased, two dying of diphtheria. Those living are Lizzie, Harrison and Ethel.