Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 71

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 71

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HINRICHSEN, William H. (Vol. I, p. 234.)

HOFFMAN, George .- Although Lincoln, Sher- man and many of the other heroes who figured so prominently during the Civil War, are now dead, there remain in our midst those who knew them well and served their country iu a hum- bler, yet not less brave, capacity. One of these is George Hoffman, gate-keeper of Oak Ridge Cemetery, at Springfield. He was born in Bai- timore, Md., February 23, 1840, being a son of Charles G. and Christina (Schultz) Hoffman, the former boru in Hesse Darmstadt, and the latter in Baltimore. The father was a shoe- quaker, who came to American after learning his trade. He settled in Baitimore, Md., as early as 1837, there marrying and following hls trade. During the two years spent in Baltimore after their marriage, the only child born to these pa- rents was George, but after they located in St. Louls, Mo., four more were born. This city cou- tinued to be the family home until 1853, when the father went to California, with an ox-team, taking George with hlm. They were 125 days traveling across the plains from Fort Leaven- worth, Kan. Upon thelr arrival in the gold fields the father began prospecting; they re- turned vla Panama to New Orleans. They visited Havana, Cuba, eventually arriving at St. Louis. A short time later the family moved to Springfield, where the father con- tinued to reside until his death, which oc- curred May 4, 1910, when he was ninety-five years old. His wife died in Springfield in 1SS0. The grandfather, Charies G. Hoffman lived to

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be one hundred and three years old and a brother of his also lived to the same age, both being natives of Germany.

George Hoffman learned the process of manu- facturing sugar in St. Louis, and worked at it in that city. For several years he was on a Mississippi River boat, running from St. Louis to Memphis, and so was in touch with both sides of the question when the war broke out. In 1861 he was one of the first to offer his services, enlisting in Company G, Tenth Illinois Volun- teer Cavalry, and serving until January 6, 1866. He participated in many battles, including the Siege of Vicksburg, Helena, Licking Bend, Cot- ton Plant, and Holly Springs, being wounded at Cotton Plant and also at Little Rock, but never had the misfortune to be taken prisoner. His first commander was Col. Bar- rett, but later he was under Coi. Wickersham and Col. J. B. Stewart, being a part of the Sev- enteenth Army Corps under Geu. Steele. Mr. Hoffman was Commissary Sergeant, being mus- tered out with that rank. Mr. Hoffman was taken sick at Milliken's Bend, and was removed to Birds Point, at the time of the fall of Vicks- burg, there becoming much worse, so that his weight fell from 178 to 96 pounds. At the time of Mr. Lincoln's assassination Mr. Hoffman was at Greenville Parish, La. The regiment was sent to San Antonio, Tex., and Mr. Hoffman was sent to Sedwich Hospital, New Orleans, from Shrevesport, thence to Jefferson Barracks, and theu on to Camp Butler, where he was mustered out, as above stated.

At the close of the war he came to Spring- field, and began working in a lumber yard, re- mainiug with this firm for many years. He has also assisted in contract work for the city in its street department, but has been with the Oak Ridge Cemetery for thirteen years. He is a member of Stephenson Post, G. A. R. Iu po- litical faith, he is a Democrat. His member- ship is with the First German Lutheran Church.

In 1879 Mr. Hoffman was married in Spring- field, to Mrs. Mary Hosler, nee Gall, born in Germany, who came to America with her pa- rents in 1844. They settled in Springfield, her father being in the employ of the Wabash Rail- road Company until his death. His wife is also deceased. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, two of whom survive: Chris- topher, proprietor of a milliner establishment of Springfield; and Fred, a painter by trade. in the employ of R. F. Kinsella, of Springfield. Mr. Hoffman has a step-daughter, Mrs. Christina Paul. Mrs. Hoffman has eight grandchildren, seven of them having been born of her former marriage.

Mr. Hoffman was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and other great men of the times. He now lives on his son's property.

HOFFMAN, George, engine inspector for the Wabash Railroad, is another of the efficient men whom the above mentioned corporation has gathered among its employes. For some

years he has been stationed at the round house in Springfield, where he has proven his worth and demonstrated his thorough understanding of mechanics. He was born in Erie, Pa., Jan- uary 4, 1850, and belongs to the well known family of Hoffman, of whom so many represen- tatives appear in this volume. Mr. Hoffman was educated iu the public schools of Erie, but in 1865, left to become fireman on the Penn- sylvania Railroad. On December 1, 1866, his ability was recognized by promotion to be eugineer, but in 1877, being in the strike of that year, he came west, and the following year entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton as engineer, running out of Bloomington. November 9th of that year removing to Spring- field he entered into the employ of the Wabash Railroad, first as engine "tramer," then as night foreman, later becoming stationary en- gineer, and in 1908 was given his present re- sponsible position, for which he is so well fitted.

On February 12, 1882, Mr. Hoffman was mar- ried in Erie, Pa., to Bridget Kerfy, of that city. They are members of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Their children are as follows: Ella, at home; Lucy, a teacher in the Enos public school; Lillian, George and Helen, all at home. Mrs. Hoffman died in 1896, leav- ing behind her a sorrowing family, for she was a devoted wife and mother and a kind and sympathetic neighbor.

Mr. Hoffman is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, being a devout Roman Catholic, in political faith a Democrat, and be- longs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers, which he joined in 1867, the order of Maccabees and Yeomen of America. John Hoff- man, the father of George Hoffman, was a Ger- man by birth, who came to the United States in 1844, locating first at Lyons, N. Y., where he worked on the Erie Canal, but later went to Erie, where he died. His wife who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Collins, was also born in Germany, but came to the United States in girlhood. Her death also occurred at Erie. There were thirteen children in this family, of whom George Hoffman is the only one surviving.

HOFFMAN, Philip .- Fidelity, attention to de- tails and strict probity mark some of the men employed by the State in cariug for the beauti- ful capitol building. One deserving of special mention is Philip Hoffman, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., January 19, 1847, a son of Charles and Sabina (Graser) Hoffman, natives of Hesse Darmstadt. Germany. The father was a shoemaker by trade, who early came to Amer- ica, first living in Baltimore, Md. Later he came west to St. Louis, which continued his home until 1849, when lie went to California. After four years of prospecting for gold, he re- turned to St. Louis. He crossed the plains with an ox team, but came back via Panama, Ilavana and New Orleans, to St. Louis. After a short stay in that city, he camue to Springfield, in

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1857. He continued to work at his trade until he was seventy-five years old, when he retired, living thus until his death, May 30, 1910, and his wife died November 14, 1875, aged fifty-one years. There were eleven children in the fam- ily, six of whom survive: George, gate-keeper at Oak Ridge Cemetery; Alexander, of the Springfield Plow Works; Mrs. Louise Hoffman, of Springfield ; Mrs. Ida Fetzer, also of Spring- field, and Philip.

Mr. Hoffman enlisted from Springfield in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-Fifth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Colonel Lackey, for 100 days. Returning home, he entered the city fire department as a volunteer, serving from 1864 to 1894. In 1867 the city organized the paid fire department, and Mr. Hoffman was made. pipeman. Since 1894, he has been engaged in carpenter and contract work, and for the past eight years has worked at the State House. For nine years he was lived at his present residence, No. 1006 North Eighth street.

On December 10. 1867, Mr. Hoffman was mar- ricd, in Springfield, to Frances Easton. born in Charleston. Coles County, Ill., September 10, 1849. Her father was born in Lexington, Ky., and her mother in Wales, and they came to Illi- nois at an early day, settling near Athens, where the father was a farmer, but now both are de- ceased. There were fourteen children iu the Easton family, and three sons took part in the Civil War. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman : Della. wife of Frank Don- nelly, of Springfield ; Maude, wife of Postmaster Wheeler, of Springfield ; and Augustus, a cigar maker by trade, residing in Springfield. Mr. Hoffman belongs to Stephenson Post G. A. R. and to Carpenter's Union. The family are mem- bers of the Baptist Church and Mr. Hoffman is a Republican.

HOLLIS, John W .- Veterans of the Civil War are now regarded with the veneration to which their great bravery entitles them, for no man can better prove his patriotism than by risking his life in defense of his principles. One of the veterans of Sangamon County is John W. Hollis, one of Springfield's substantial men. He was born in Roane County, near Knoxville, Tenn., September 15, 1837, a son of Zachariah and Sarah (Dann) Hollis, natives of North Carolina and Knoxville, Tenn. The father was a wagon- maker, as well as farmer, who went first to Knoxville in the early 'thirties, and there mar- ried. He and his wife had seven children: Pat- rick C., of Knoxville; John; Nathaniel; Eliza Jane, wife of Anton Cooper; Margaret; Polly and Zachariah. The Dann family is of Scotch origin.

John W. Hollis received a common school edu- cation in Roane County, and was taught to farm by his father. When he was twenty years old he left his home and came to Springfield, ar- riving there in 1857, and immediately secured work on a farm on Lake Creek, Sangamon

County. When the war broke out Mr. Hollis was one of the first from his neighborhood to offer his services, enlisting at Camp Butler, early in 1861, in Company B, Tenth Iilinois Cavalry, and served three years and three months, under Captain Hitt, and was mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., in 1865. He participated in the bat- tie of Little Rock and many others. Severely wounded a number of times, in shoulder and ankle, he has never fully recovered, but has lived out nearly half a century, which has fol- lowed, maimed because of his devotion to his country. His record is singularly clear, for he was never piaced under arrest. nor did he ever do anything unbecoming a soldier and a gentle- man.

Returning from his service, Mr. Hollis began farming for himself near Curran, in Curran Township. In 1886 he married Martha C. Young, born in the township, daughter of James and Martha Young. Mr. and Mrs. Hollis had five children : Fatima, Margaret, Arthur, Nora and Martha. In 1898 Mr. Hollis was married for the second time, the maiden name of his wife being Alice Boyd. She was born in Tennessee, where the marriage took place, a daughter of John Boyd, and was one of a large family, ail of whom are now deceased except her. Two children have been born of this union : Julietta, March 16, 1901, and Romeo, born April 18, 1903. Mr. Hollis is a Republican but has never as- pired to public office. He has retired from farm- ing aud is comfortably situated.

HOOD, Thomas (deceased) .- The late Thomas Hood, who passed away at his home in Spring- field, Ill., January 17, 1908, has been a resident of the city since 1868, and had for many years been established in the business of florist. He was well known in many circles and his death was sincerely mourned by a large number of friends. He was born in County Kent, Eng- land, September 23, 1830, and was a son of Thomas and Lydia Hood, both natives of Eng- land, who died there, he is in his eightieth year and she in very old age. The father was a florist and the son Thomas worked for him as a young man. The latter received his education in subscription schools in his native country and upon leaving school learned the trade of gardener and fiorist, which he followed up to the time of his death. He landed in New York in September, 1855, lived two years on Long Island, being employed tbere as a gardener, worked in a similar occupation eight years on Staten Island, and in 1868 located in Spring- field, Ill. He engaged in business as florist soon after coming to Springfield and became quite successful. He thoroughly understood all the details of his trade and was an excellent busi- ness man. He was a public-spirited citizen and became actively interested in public affairs. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1860, while living in New York, but afterward became a Democrat. He was a member of the Episcopai Church and fraternally was affiliated with the

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United Workmen Lodge No. 39. He Is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Mr. Hood was married in England, March 21, 1853, to Miss Margaret Shepard, who was born in that country, September 8, 1837, daughter of Thomas and Anna Shepard. Her father was a farmer. Mr. Sbepard and his wife had nine children and Mrs. Hood Is the only one now liv- ing. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hood, as follows: Edwin H., In the employ of the Illinois Watch Company ; Mrs. Lydia Smith, a widow ; Minnie married Louis Patrick, an en- gineer in the employ of the Union Pacific Rail- road Company, whose run is in Canada ; Anna, married Philip Land, who for the past twenty years has been in the employ of Somner & Pierik, a jewelry firm of Springfield; Emma, wife of Frank Frinfrock, a carpenter by trade ; Ella, wife of W. C. Blodgett, a machinist in the Elgin Watch Company's factory, in Elgin, Ill .; Samuel, employed for the past nineteen years in tbe Illinois Watch Company's factory ; and two who died in infancy and are buried on Staten Island, N. Y. Mrs. Hood has lived for the past seventeen years in her present home, 1246 Mon- ument Avenue, and owns this property. She bas twenty-three grandchildren living and four great-grandchildren. She has a remarkable memory and is of a most sociable and pleasant disposition.

HOOPER, William W., one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Pawnee, Ill., who carries on an extensive contracting busi- ness, is a veteran of the great Civil War, in which he fought as a soldier in the Confederate Army. He was born at Spring Place, Murray County, Ga., May 24, 1847, a son of Gallant A. and Astamira (Payne) Hooper, and a great- grandson of a brother of the Hooper who signed the Declaration of Independence. Great-grand- fatber Hooper attalned the age of 106 years, and hls son, who was a native of South Caro- lina and a farmer, was 102 years old when he died. Gallant A. Hooper was born In Franklin County, Ga., May 22, 1814, and died in 1858 in Murray County. He was marrled on November 30, 1830, to Astamira Payne, also a native of Franklin County, and they had six children, namely : Harriet M., May E., James A., Jobn F., Irene J. and Willlam W.

' William W. Hooper was educated in Murray County, where one of his youthful playmates was Sam Jones, who was later to become the great Evangelist. When only fifteen years of age, Mr. Hooper enlisted, In May, 1862, at Spring Place, Ga., In Company H, Eleventh Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, for service during the Civil War, under Captain Ramsey, and his service covered a period of nearly three years. he being captured near Dalton, Ga., in 1865, and taken to Summersville, Ky., where a month later he took the Oath of Allegiance. He had many thrilling experlences during his military career, being always a falthful and active sol- dier. He was struck by a piece of shell at the

battle of the Wilderness and injured on both shins, was also struck by a piece of shell at Spottsylvanla Court House, and at Petersburg contracted the measles. His battles included Chickamauga, Knoxville, Wilderness, Spottsyl- vania Court House, and Petersburg, not to mention Gettysburg, where after a terrific struggle Mr. Hooper's regiment was successful in taking a stone fence, and during which sev- eral color-bearers were killed, Mr. Hooper finally carrying the flag to victory. From Sweetwater to Knoxville the regiment was in a running fight of something like 100 miles fol- lowing Burnside, and finally made a charge on Fort Sanders, being defeated with heavy loss and retreating towards Rogersville, Tenn. The regiment went into winter quarters De- cember 24, 1863, at Morrisonville, Tenn., and in the spring of 1864 returned to Virginia, where the terrific Battle of the Wilderness, lasting eighteen days and nights, was fought. After Spottsylvania Court House and Petersburg, where Grant's forces were engaged, Mr. Hooper took the measles and was granted a furloughi, and In the fall of 1864 went to Athens, Ga., and thence across country inside of the Federal lines to hls home. After remaining there for some time he essayed to rejoin his command, but was captured. One of Mr. Hooper's most interesting reminiscences of his war experience is his account of how, at the battle of the Wil- derness, he went onto the field of battle to see if he could not get a pair of shoes, his own bav- Ing long before worn out to such an extent that they were useless. Approaching a wounded soldier, Mr. Hooper noticed that he was pos- sessed of a good pair, and just as he was about to take them, the wounded fellow opened his eyes, smiled and said: "Take them. I won't need them." 'Mr. Hooper then refused to take the shoes, but Instead brought the wounded man some water and later found that he had been taken to the hospital. Years later, in 1877, while telling of this experience in Summers- ville, Ky., a stranger stepped up and asked him if he would recognize the wounded soldler if he should see hlm. It turned out that this was the injured man, whose life had probably been saved by Mr. Hooper's kindness, and the two later spent many pleasant hours together. On leaving Knoxville most of the army was bare- footed and orders were given that mocassins were to be made of beef hides. This was done, but at Pigeon Creek the banks were so slip- pery that the soldiers could not climb with the mocassins and were compelled to take them off and throw them away, and Mr. Hooper tells of seeing wagon loads of these articles cast into the river.

After his army service was over Mr. Hooper went to Ohlo, where be was engaged in farming for two years, but at the end of this time went back to Georgia, where he remained until 1869 and engaged In working at the carpenter trade, and later followed the same occupation at Bowl- ing Green and Grayson Springs, Ky., and for one

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year at Lincoln, Nebr. He then went to Liteb- field, Ky., and later to Florence, Colo., hut fin- ally came to Illinois, and after a short period in Springfield eventnally located in Pawnee, in 1893, and there he has continned to reside until the present time, now having a large contract- ing business. He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows and the Anti-Horse Thief Association, is a Democrat and a Local Optionist, and his re- ligious connection is with the Methodist Church, although when at home he was connected with the Baptist Church of Pleasant Valley, Ga.

Mr. Hooper was married (first) in Litchfield, Ky., Augnst 3, 1869, to Eliza Goldsberry, wbo was born March 17, 1846, in Grayson County, Ky., and who died in 1891, in Litchfield, Ky., having been the mother of the following chil- dren : Robert G., Nora C. and Mabel B., all de- ceased ; Texanna, born in 1871 in Litchfield, Ky., married John R. Purtle and lives in Paw- nee, having two children-James H. and Elsie ; Charles W., born in 1875, in - Litchfield, Ky., married Mary Heaton, resides in Chicago and has one child-Willlam W .; Mary E., born in 1877, in Litchfield, Ky., married Charles L. Blakey and lives in Pawnee; and William J., born in 1885 in Litchfield, Ky., is single and a member of the Coast Artillery, San Francisco, Cal.

Mr. Hooper's second marriage occurred Jniy 16, 1903, when he was united with Lnlu J. Hen- sell, who was horn in West Virginia in 1861, danghter of John W. and Sarah C. (Byers) Hensell. John W. Hensell came from West Vir- ginia to Illinois and died in Pawnee in 1901, while his widow still survives him there. They were the parents of Lnlu J., Emma, Sarab (de- ceased), and John W.

HOPKINS, Leon P., a prominent plumber and steam and gas-fitter of Springfield, Ill., whose business is located at 309 East Adams Street, has been in business tbere since 1887, and en- joys an extensive patronage. He is skilled in all branches of his trade, which he has fol- lowed since leaving school. Mr. Hopkins was horn in Springfield, July 15, 1851, son of Caleb and Elizabeth (Dennis) Hopkins. The father, · who was born near Cape Cod, Mass., was a carriage maker and came to Sangamon County in 1841. He followed roofing there until he died. in 1880. His wife was born in the same place and they were married there. Sbe died in San- gamon Connty in 1890. They were Universal- Ists. They had thirteen children, six living : Leon P., Emma, Angusta, Eben, George and James. Those dead: John, Willie, Artbnr, Thomas, Frank, Ellen and Maggie.

The childhood of Leon P. Hopkins was spent in Springfield and he received his education In tbe public schools. At the age of seventeen years he left school to become an apprentice to his trade, with Colonel A. J. Babcock. Upon completing his apprenticesbip he worked as journeyman plumber until 1887, wben he. en- gaged in business on his own account, which he

has since continued with gratifying success. He is now one of the city's most substantial business men and is held in bigh esteem hy all who know him.

Mr. Hopkins was married in Springfield, De- cember 27, 1875, to Miss Lizzie S. Hesser, daugb- ter of Joseph and Mary (Hillman) Hesser, of Springfield. Children blessed this union as fol- lows: Pearl, married Bert Bnnnell, of Bloom- ington, Ill .; Kate, Mrs. Kimble Young, of Athens, Ill .; Lewis L., of Springfield; Grace and Helen, at home. Lewis L., is a successful dentist in Springfield.

Mr. Hopkins has always felt an active inter- est in the public welfare and the progress of tbe community, and has been identified with the Republican party since attaining his majority. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pytbias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is not a member of any church, though be formerly belonged to the Universalist denomina- tion. He is an energetic business man and has attained success through his own industry and ambition, coupled with the fact that the work he bas turned out has always been of a su- perior grade. The family reside at 431 New Street, in the home which be erected in 1876.

HOPPER, Hugh, who has been retired from ac- tive life abont five years, has heen a resident of Springfield the past twenty-seven years, and Is well kuown throughout Sangamon Connty, wbere he was for a long time established in business. Mr. Hopper was horn in Devonshire, England, March 25, 1832, a son of Samuel and Jane (Hoke) Hopper, also natives of Devon- shire. The father was a farmer and brought his family to Hamilton, Canada, where he lived the rest of his life. He and his wife were mar- ried in England and hecame parents of six sons and six danghters, and of them hut three are living : Hugh, of Springfield, and a son and daughter living In Canada. Samuel Hopper served in the English Army and took part in the Battle of Waterloo.

Hngh Hopper received his education In Can- ada and after leaving school engaged in farm- ing, which he continned fifteen years, then ac- cepted a position in the employ of L. D. Saw- yer Company, of Hamilton, Canada. mannfac- turers of farm implements. He remained witb this firm eighteen years as traveling salesman and finally became a general agent for them. He came to Pana, Ill., where he lived bnt a short time, then came to Springfield, where for twenty years he was engaged in breeding fine horses and established a lucrative hnsiness. He is a highly respected citizen of Springfield and has won many warm friends. He is a mem- her of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Democrat.

Mr. Hopper was married In Lindsey, Canada, in 1855, to Miss Ann Pedeler, who was horn in Lindsey, and one child was born of this union. Mrs. Hopper died in 1879. Mr. Hopper mar- ried (second) in Canada, Elizabetb J. Pinrose,

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a native of Oakland, Canada, where her father was a farmer and both parents died there. Three children were born of this uuion, all of whom are living : William, John and George, all of Springfield, and engaged in the moving picture business having houses near the city. The family reside at 223 West Mason Street.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 71

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774