Hoffman, Ed Sr. 1836-1904

HOFFMAN, LYTLE

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/15/2010 at 20:31:38

Merrill Record: Ed Hoffman Sr., one of the best known and oldest settlers in the Broken Kettle valley, died rather suddenly last Saturday evening at his home about three miles southwest of Adaville. Mr. Hoffman had not been in the best of health the past three or four weeks, but his friends didn't think him seriously ill until Friday evening. His death occurred the following evening at 5 p. m.

Ed Hoffman Sr.. was born in Germany. January 2, 1836, and died Saturday, December 2, 1904, aged was 68 years, 11 months. He came to America at an early age and settled first at Smithland, Woodbury community. In the year 1807 he came to Plymouth county and took up a homestead near Adaville where he has since resided except about two years of retired life at Akron. A life of inactivity did not suit Mr. Hoffman so be returned to the farm last spring.

Mr. Hoffman was married twice. His first wife preceded him, having passed away October 15. 1890. Ten children were born to them! Eight are still alive. George Hoffman resides in North Dakota, the other seven children live in Plymouth county, namely: Mrs. Lizzie Morehead, Ed Hoffman Jr., Charles, Frank, Delbert, Fred and Will. The last three are unmarried. Mr. Hoffman's second marriage occurred February 3, 1893. By industry and good management Mr. Hoffman acquired a nice competence and was taking life easy.

The funeral occurred Monday afternoon, December 3. The services wereheld in the U. B. church by Rev. Blackman of the Akron Baptist church.

~Source: Le Mars Sentinel, 13 Dec 1904
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Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, December 8, 1904
Akron, Iowa

HOFFMAN—At his home near Adaville, Iowa, Saturday, December 3, 1904, Edward Hoffman, aged 68 years, 10 months and 29 days. It had been the intention of Mr. Hoffman to join an Akron party on a trip to California, Saturday, but he was taken sick that morning and Dr. Cilley was summoned from Akron.

He was found to be suffering with acute toxic gastritis, but there was no indication of a fatal termination until toward evening, when there evidently occurred the rupture of a blood vessel, and the end came very suddenly.

Deceased was born- January 2, 1836. Was married August 3, 1860, to Miss Harriet Jane McKeel, at White Cloud, Donaphin County, Kansas, who died October 15, 1890. To this union were born ten children, eight of whom are living. February 1, 1893, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Lucetta Morehead, of Adaville, who survives him. In 1870, thirty-four years ago, Mr. Hoffman took a homestead on the south half of section thirty-six, Westfield township, this county on the banks of the Broken Kettle, where for years he farmed with such success as to amass a comfortable fortune. That has since remained his home, except for a brief residence in Akron about two years ago.

Ed. Hoffman was one of the best known farmers in western Plymouth County, and is counted as one of the pioneers that broke the virgin soil and contributed to the up building of this great agricultural commonwealth.

A large concourse of sympathizing friends and neighbors followed the remains and assembled in the church at Adaville, where Rev. A. C. Blackman, of Akron, preached the funeral sermon. Interment was made in the nearby cemetery.