Hoffmann, Nicholas 1830 - 1912

HOFFMANN, HOFFMAN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/4/2010 at 15:42:23

Note: Sometimes the last name is spelled Hoffman but for this family the actual spelling is Hoffmann.

AGED PIONEER IS GONE NICHOLAS HOFFMAN HAD LIVED HERE FORTY YEARS WAS WELL KNOWN IN THIS COUNTY

Nicholas Hoffmann, one of the pioneer residents of Plymouth county, passed away on Friday morning at his home on north Court street his end came peacefully although suddenly.

Mr. Hoffmann had been in feeble health owning to the increasing weight of years and infirmities, and was subject to sudden attacks of the heart. Recently he had been feeling better, and the night before his death told his son-in-law, Antone Thomas that he was feeling well and fine. Since the death of his wife Mr. Hoffmann made his home with the Thoma family.

About half past six on Friday morning he rang a bell, which was within reach at his bedside, and his daughter, Mrs. Thoma, went to his room and assisted him to rise and dress. He asked for a drink of water after getting settled in his easy chair and Mrs. Thoma went to get it. On her return his head had fallen to one side. Thinking he was in a faint she bathed his face and put some water to his lips but he gave no sign of animation and she discovered he was dead. Mr. Hoffmann was a familiar figure in the community, having been for many years a resident of this city, and had lived in the county forty years.

He was a native of the grand duchy of Luxemburg, Europe, and was born in Hovelinger on June 22, 1830, and was upwards of eighty-two years of age. He grew to manhood in his native land and in 1853 came to America. Shortly after his arrival he settled in Jackson County, where he was united in marriage at St. Donatus on November 14, 1855, with Susanna Hoffmann, who although bearing the same name was no relation. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann were the parents of ten children, four of whom are living. They are Mrs. G. M. Hazel and Mrs. A. Thoma, of this city; Mrs. Peter Mich, of Granville, and J.P. Beck, of Remsen. The deceased also leaves a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann lived to celebrate their golden wedding in November, 1905. His brother, Charles Hoffmann, who still survives him, lives at St. Domatus and was married on the same day as his brother, and also celebrated his golden wedding anniversary on November 14, 1905.

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Hoffmann came to Plymouth County in 1871, and engaged in farming until 1882, when they took up their residence in Le Mars. Mr. Hoffmann owned a fine farm just north of the city limits for many years. He was well known by the older residents and enjoyed the respect of the community. He was a good upright citizen a loving husband and father. In his last years when broken in health he was tenderly cared for by his daughters. He was a devout member of St. Josephs’s church and its societies and the requiem for his soul was celebrated in that church yesterday morning. Rev. F. X. Feuerstein and other priests officiating.

I was unable to read the rest but interment was made in the St. Joseph’s (Calvary) Cemetery, Le Mars, Iowa.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, April 2, 1912
Le Mars, Iowa