Charles Hobart Corson, commonly known as Hobart Corson, was born in Camden, New Jersey, on July 23, 1902, to W. Penn Corson and his wife, the former Catherine Kronenwetter. He had an older brother, William Wallace Corson, and two younger brothers, Edward Mahlon and John Marvin Corson.
Family and Early Life
W. Penn Corson, a successful building contractor, was Camden County’s sheriff from 1917 to 1920 and co-owned the Camden franchise of the Eastern Basketball League with Dr. Charles B. Helm from 1913 to 1925. After working for general contractor Frank B. Sweeten in 1898, W. Penn Corson started his own construction firm in 1904, focusing on paving streets and building sewer systems in Camden and its suburbs. His notable projects included the sewage systems in Westmont and Haddonfield and the paving of the White Horse Pike from Haddon Heights to Camden.
The Corson family lived at 540 Newton Avenue in Camden’s Ninth Ward from 1906 to at least 1912. By 1914, they had moved to 506 Haddon Avenue, where they stayed until 1920. W. Penn Corson later relocated to 119 White Horse Pike in Haddon Heights by 1924. He passed away on November 29, 1927, leaving behind his wife, Catherine, and three sons — W. Wallace, C. Hobart, and E. Mahlon. After his death, Catherine and her sons returned to 506 Haddon Avenue, where Hobart Corson lived until at least 1947 before moving to 417 Carteret Street.
Career and Military Service
Hobart Corson began his career as a clerk in the Camden Police Court on June 23, 1938. He was drafted into the United States Army on August 23, 1942, where he served in an Air Corps unit. After his military service, he returned to Camden and was appointed Chief’s Clerk for the Camden Fire Department on January 16, 1944.
In addition to his work, Corson was active in community organizations during the 1940s and 1950s, including the Elks and the 9th Ward Republican Club, where he served as president for a time.
Later Years and Health Challenges
By the fall of 1961, Corson’s work was increasingly affected by struggles with alcohol. He was suspended three times, first by Fire Chief Edward MacDowell in September and December of 1961, and then by Public Safety Director Borstein in March 1962. Health issues eventually forced him to leave the Fire Department on September 1, 1962.
Hobart Corson lived at 123 North 23rd Street in his later years. He passed away on May 15, 1964.
Legacy
Hobart Corson's life reflected his commitment to public service through his roles in Camden's city administration and his involvement in local community organizations, despite the personal challenges he faced later in life.
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