Antedating of "Hobo" (1886)

[Douglas G. Wilson]

>Using Google Book Search, I find an earlier cite for the term, but
>nothing helpful to explain the term, only that it would appear to be
>more recognized at the time by Western citizens.
>
>"Social Problems of To-Day;  or The Mormon Question in Its Economic
>Aspects" by A. Gentile, 1886,  From
>http://books.google.com/books?id=IkMlAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA4-PA33&dq=hobo+tramp+date:1850-1889&as_brr=0
>
>"Mr. RICHARDS. Yes, sir; if you had gone into the city of Ogden,
>situated 37 miles from Salt Luke City, two weeks ago, it would have
>been as impossible to find what we call a hobo in that city as it
>would be to find one in the paradise of Heaven.
>Senator DAVIS. What is a hobo ?
>Mr. RICHARDS. A tramp who comes there to vote, votes as many times
>as he can, and gets as much money as possible for doing it."
>
>So, the term was familiar to Mr. Richards, who was from Ogden.

Looks to me like the date is actually 1892. The above is on p. 33:
page back to p.1 and you'll see the date, I think.

Google Books is full of these pitfalls. In the current case, maybe
two or more books have been combined.

-- Doug Wilson


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