Hoffman, Theodore R.

HOFFMAN, HENT

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/22/2006 at 12:52:12

HOFFMAN, THEODORE R.

Theodore R. Hoffman, whose presence is familiar on the streets of George, where he has built up a substantial trade as one of the reliable blacksmiths of Lyon county, was born in Germany, August 20, 1875. When he was only five years old he came to this country in care of his grandfather. He was too young to realize the immense change this step was working in his fortunes, but his grandfather was a man of character and strength, and gave him much care and attention.

When young Theodore had reached eleven years of age that worthy man was called to his home above, and left an unfortunate lad alone among strangers. Theodore, however, was unusually tall and large for his age, and when he sought employment as a farm laborer was readily engaged. In this capacity he continued until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he began to look into the future, and ask himself what should be his life. He chose the trade of blacksmith, and sought a reliable man from whom he could learn the trade thoroughly. He found him, and was instructed in every detail of the work. He found he could run a shop of his own, and for this purpose came to George, to take work with a Mr. Erickson.

A friend, who had been watching, and was sure there was good stuff in the young man, determined to put him at work in his own shop, and accordingly, Mr. Bernard, for such was his name, advanced the money needed to build the smithy and furnish it. There were already two shops in town, and the competition promised difficulties, but Mr. Hoffman did not long lack a good patronage. He was quick, reliable and a thorough workman. He paid close attention to business, and what-ever he promised was always ready. To such a man success was sure. In February, 1903, he was able to meet all obligations to his friend, purchase the shop, and do business entirely on his own account. He has the leading patronage in his line today, and is regarded as one of the most successful men of Lyon county.

Mr. Hoffman was married to Miss Maggie Hent. Her father, who was a miller by trade, died in Germany, but she left home when she was sixteen years old, to join a sister who had come to America a short time previously. To this union there have come two children: Morse A., and Esther.

Mr. Hoffman belongs to the George Lodge, No. 571, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all the official chairs, and to the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is a Republican, but is very independent, believing that every man should determine political questions only after much thought and study. In his physique he is large and very muscular, standing six feet in his shoes, and his pride in his strength is often shown in difficult athletic achievements.

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