Images(2)

Garret Augustus Hobart

Artist James Birnie Jr.

Periodca. 1920 - 1930

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions34 × 25 in. (86.4 × 63.5 cm)

SignedSigned lower right, "James Birnie Jr."

ClassificationsPortraits

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Garret A. Hobart, 1932

Object number152

DescriptionThree-quarter length portrait of a heavy set male facing right, with a full face, receded light brown hair, and bushy mustache. He is wearing a dark blue suit with wide lapels, a white shirt with an upturned collar, and a dark tie. The background is a mottled brown to green.
Curatorial RemarksThis portrait is based on a photograph of Hobart copyrighted in 1896 by Davis & Sanford, photographers in New York City. A second portrait of Hobart by artist S. S. Rowe also based on the same photograph is owned by the Zimmerli Art Museum of Rutgers University.NotesGarret Augustus Hobart, a Vice President of the United States, was born near Long Branch, Monmouth County, on 3 June 1844, a son of Addison W. Hobart and Sophia Vanderveer. He attended local common schools and graduated from Rutgers College in 1863. At first, Hobart taught school. He also served as a clerk for the grand jury of Passaic County in 1865. After studying law, Hobart was admitted to the bar in 1866 and commenced practice at Paterson, Passaic County. On 21 July 1869, he married Jennie Tuttle, a daughter of Socrates Tuttle, a leading New Jersey lawyer with whom Garret read law. Hobart served in many public offices, including: city counsel of Paterson in 1871 and 1872; elected counsel for the Passaic County Board of Freeholders in 1872; member, State house of assembly 1872-1876, and served as speaker in 1874; member, State senate 1876-1882, and served as president 1881-1882; banker; member of the Republican National Committee 1884-1896, when he was nominated as the Republican candidate for vice president on the ticket with William McKinley; elected Vice President of the United States in 1896 and served from 4 March 1897 until his death in Paterson on 21 November 1899. Garret A. Hobart was interred at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson. While Paterson was their primary residence, the Hobarts summered at Monmouth Beach, Monmouth County.

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