Mathias Hoffmann c1822-1895

HOFFMAN, COLLING

Posted By: J. Nicks (email)
Date: 2/22/2006 at 10:59:14

7 June 1895
Settlers who founded Dubuque and made it the magnificent metroplis it is claimed one, Mathias Hoffmann, who forty years ago was one of the most prominent and active figures in the city. Mr Hoffmann had reached and passed the alloted time of three scre and ten, yet coming from yhat province, Luxemberg, noted for its sturdy sons and comely women, who have been so largely instrumental in developing our country. He was possessed of all the health and vigor his countrymen are noted for, and for many years he has been a leader among his people and an active, untiring spirit in every enterprise that promised to benefit and improve his adopted home. Several years ago, however, increasing age began making inroads on his rugged constitution and for the past two or three years he has been in ill health, though not seriously ill, until two weeks ago, he became confined to his bed, and since then his decline has been rapid. The end came yesterday morning at 10:45 o'clock, when he passed away, surronded by his five beloved sons and comforted by the last sacrements of the church.
Seventy-two years ago the deceased was born in that land the Luxemburger's ever cherish and revere. In 1847, when 25 years of age, he came to America, and after visiting several states, returned in 1854 to bring his parents to America.Arriving here they located in Ohio, and after a years residence there, they removed to Douque. Mr Hoffmann was not long in associating with the other active spirits of the then thriving little village, and ws not long before he was recognized as one of the leaders He was one of the organizers and strongest promoters of the first volunteer fire department and as a member and Captain of Company No. 3, he did much to develope and improve it. Thirty-five years ago he became a member of the Pius society, and twenty-five years ago of the St Alphons society. he was also a member of the old man's society, and in all these was an active member and one revered and respected by all his brethren.
Mr Hoffmann has been during his entire life a consistent and consientious Catholic and for many years was a member and faithful attendant at St Mary,s church.
In Ohio in 1854, Mr Hoffmann was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Colling who was a loving faithful helpmate, and who in 1883 closed a most happy domestic life, five sons who had been born to them and who are now residents of this city, and numbered among our most respected and enterprising young business men , having contributed to the marital happiness of the beloved mother and father. These sons all of whom reside in Dubuque are, Peter B., Mathias M., Frank H., John and D.D. Hoffmann.
Since the death of his wife the deceased has made his home with his son, M.M. Hoffmann, corner of fifteenth and Clay streets, from where the funeral will be held Saturday morning at 8 o"clock to St Mary's church and thence to the German Catholic cemetery.