Hoff, J. A.

HOFF, GILLEN

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/22/2006 at 12:47:20

HOFF, J.A.

J.A. Hoff, who came to Doon in 1892, to associate himself with Gillen Brothers in the management of their drug store, after being with some three years, purchased their entire stock, has become beyond question the leading and popular druggist in this section. His stock consists of drugs, paints, oils, and wallpapers, and is being constantly increased as the goods in market are changed by local or general conditions. What his patrons want he procures, and is so fair-minded, genial and courteous to all that his trade is constantly growing.

Mr. Hoff is a native of Ohio, where he was born January 6, 1865. While he was still small his parents came to Iowa, and made their home near Waterloo. There on a farm he passed his early youth and secured his academic education in the local schools, finishing in the Waterloo high school. When he was twenty years old he secured a position in a Waterloo drug store, and after a year in that position spent a year in the Pharmaceutical School at Iowa City. Following this he resumed his position in Waterloo, where he worked five years becoming so well versed in the secrets of pharmacy, that he took the examination before the state board. Successfully passing what is regarded as a very difficult examination, he soon after came to Lyon County, and located as noted above at Doon, where his enterprising spirit has met with large success.

Mr. Hoff was married in 1898 to Miss Mattie Gillen, a native of Pennsylvania, and their home in Doon has become a center of marked social attraction.

Mr. Hoff is a Republican, and belongs to Lodge 351, Knights of Pythias at Doon, of which he is a charter member. He has occupied the various official chairs of this body, and has represented the local lodge in the state lodge, which was held at Cedar Rapids. He also belongs to Royal Council, No. 380, Royal Arcanum, and with his wife attends the Congregational Church. She is a member of the Brethren Church, at Hudson, Iowa, while he was reared a Dunkard.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson