JOHN ALMON HOBART (MAINE / ILLINOIS, 1841-1918) PATRIOTIC FOLK ART CARVED WALNUT SECRETARY DESK AND BOOKCASE WITH CIVIL WAR ASSOCIATION, two-piece construction, the upper cabinet featuring a cove-molded carved cornice over two single-pane glazed cabinet doors carved with foliate designs which open to reveal two adjustable shelves, over two short drawers, one with lyre carving; the lower case featuring a fall-front desk elaborately carved with horses flanking a shield featuring "HOBART" carved in the center, this opens to reveal a fitted interior, below are two short drawers with foliate carving, and two doors with carved panels, all flanked by turned columns; the end panels with carving featuring an eagle atop a shield next to a cannon and three rifles, a stag, and a Dutch-style windmill and cottage scene, all of these surrounded by geometric and foliate designs. The panels of one side of the lower case are oddly devoid of carving. The back of the desk is has an inscription reading "[?] 70 yrs old [?] / 1934 / BELONGED / TO MAJ T. J. HOBART / 44 Ills REG / CARVED BY JOHN ALMON CLAR HOBART / Given Almon A Clarke / of Seattle / Grandaughter [sic] of Maj T J Hobart / FOR CLIFFORD D CLARKE / AND CHILDREN". Retains an old, likely-original, surface with warm color. White pine secondary wood. Circa 1864. 78" HOA, 45 1/2" WOA, 21 3/4" DOA.
Catalogue Note: The elaborate inscriptions on the back of the lower case outline the carver, receiver, and familial lineage of this piece quite clearly. Major Thomas Jefferson Hobart (Maine/Illinois, 1805-1879), was listed as a carpenter in Maine, and left for Illinois around 1851 with his family. He would go on to fight in the American Civil War alongside his son, John Almon Hobart (Maine/Illinois, 1841-1918), serving in the 44th Illinois Regiment. It is unknown whether Major Hobart continued his work in carpentry in Illinois, but it is very possible that this is where is son gained his woodworking skill. John Almon Hobart is named as the carver of this piece in the inscription, and he is listed as an artist in the 1880 census alongside his wife, and a nephew who is residing with them, Wallis Barrows (b. c.1878). It is possible that upon John's death the desk goes to Wallis, who is listed as his son in his 1918 obituary. John's sister Mary Sophia Dearborn (Hobart) Clarke (Maine/Illinois/Washington, 1842-1925) is listed as living in Seattle, Washington in his obituary, and it is her daughter, Almon A. Clarke (Illinois/Washington, b. 1880), who is next to receive the desk. The inscription lists her as the granddaughter of Major T. J. Hobart, and goes on to list her brother, Clifford Dearborn Clarke (Illinois/Washington, 1883-1956) and his children as the next receivers. The inscription is dated 1934, which makes it possible that it is Almon A. Clarke's hand inscribing this object, and likely relates to the "70 yrs old" part of the inscription implying that this desk is made circa 1864, or very shortly after the end of the American Civil War.

Good condition overall with several minor losses to carving, a repaired shrinkage crack to end of bookcase, breakage to fronts of lopers, but pieces are retained; scattered moderate to minor surface wear.