Representative Fetter Schrier Hoblitzell

Fetter Schrier Hoblitzell (October 7, 1838 – May 2, 1900) was an American politician and Congressman from Maryland. A lifelong Democrat, he represented Maryland in the United States House of Representatives for two terms during a significant period in American history, contributing to the legislative process and representing the interests of his constituents in the post–Civil War era.

Hoblitzell was born in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland, on October 7, 1838. He attended local primary schools and continued his education at the Allegany Academy in Cumberland, from which he graduated. After completing his preparatory studies, he turned to the study of law, laying the foundation for a professional career that would span both legal practice and public service.

In 1859, Hoblitzell was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in Baltimore, Maryland. His early legal career was soon interrupted by the outbreak of the American Civil War. During the conflict, he served as a private in the First Maryland Regiment of Infantry of the Confederate Army. Following the conclusion of the war, he returned to Baltimore and resumed his law practice, reestablishing himself in the legal community during the Reconstruction period.

Hoblitzell’s entry into public office began at the state level. He was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, serving first in 1870 and returning to the chamber in 1876. He was again reelected in 1878, and during this later period of service he rose to the position of speaker of the house, reflecting the confidence placed in him by his colleagues and his growing influence in Maryland Democratic politics.

As a member of the Democratic Party representing Maryland, Hoblitzell advanced to national office when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth Congresses from March 4, 1881, to March 3, 1885. During his two terms in Congress, he participated in the democratic process at a time when the nation was grappling with the political, economic, and social consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction, and he worked to represent the interests of his Maryland constituents in federal legislative affairs.

After leaving Congress, Hoblitzell returned once more to public service at the municipal level. He served as city counselor of Baltimore in 1888 and 1889, providing legal guidance to the city government while continuing his broader legal career. Following this period, he resumed the full-time practice of law in Baltimore, maintaining his professional activities into his later years.

Hoblitzell died in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 2, 1900. He was interred in Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore. His career reflected a progression from local education and legal practice to state legislative leadership and national office, and then back to influential roles in municipal government and the legal profession in Maryland.