Hoffmann, Mary (Martin) (1841-1895)

MARTIN, HOFFMANN

Posted By: Phyllis Layton Wingerak (email)
Date: 10/21/2003 at 20:33:05

From the Webster City Tribune, Feb 15, 1895
DEATH OF A NOBLE WOMAN

Mrs. Albert Hoffmann died at her home on Division street Monday, Feb. 11, 1895, at a little after 9 o'clock. She had not been in the enjoyment of robust health for years, but the sickness that finally ended her earthly career dated back only a few short weeks, being confined to her bed less than two weeks. All that loving hearts and tender hands could do was administered in the hope that her life might be spared, but she gradually grew weaker and sank to her final rest last night like a child falling to sleep, surrounded by her loved ones and those with whom she had been closely associated through life.

Mary Martin was born in Monroe county, Kentucky, July 22nd 1841. She came to Lakin's Grove in this county, with her father's family in 1856, and was united in marriage to Albert Hoffmann in 1866. Their union was blessed with three children - two sons and one daughter - the two sons, Louis and Charles, having been their mother's support since the death of their father on Nov. 16th 1886. They have both grown to manhood, the latter having been married since last October and lived near his mother in a cozy home of his own. The daughter, Mina, died June 16th 1884, just as she was entering the bloom of young womanhood. Her father, Samuel Martin, 85 years of age, and three brothers survive her. Her father and brother, Robert living a few miles south of this city, and the other brothers, Lewis and James, residing in Missouri Valley in this state.

We gladly pay tribute in loving remembrance of her model life. We knew her noble and loving traits of character so well from having been closely associated with her youngest son in business for over seven years. She seemed to live only for those she loved, and the pride she exhibited in her two earthly treasurers as they grew to manhood, and the filial devotion of the two sons for their widowed mother, was as beautiful as it was noble and true, and was the subject of frequent comment among those in intimate acquaintance with the family. And no more beautiful has been the devotion of these sons than was that of Miss Minnie Brockschink, who has made her home with Mrs. Hoffmann during the past year and a half. Though not a relation by blood, she was bound to her by the tender ties of an abiding friendship that are known only to those of a noble and generous nature. To the deceased she has been a loving friend, a faithful companion and a devoted nurse in seasons of sickness. Such examples of generous friendship and true devotion are so seldom found today in this busy, jostling age, and when it is it is worthy of all commendation and emulation. She was at no time as contented and happy as when nestled in her cozy home arranging pleasant surprises for her boys and every effort seemed to be toward making their home pleasant attractive and happy. She remained constantly at home for months at a time, and seemed ill at ease when away. She was, indeed, one of God's noblest and truest women, and in her death there is the sweetest consolation for those left behind, for the future to her is secure, and the quiet, honest, noble and sweet life she lived while "journeying through this vale of tears" will forever live in the hearts of her loved ones. She united with the Congregational church in 1876, and lived the exemplification of a perfect christian life.