Hofsteater, W. O.

HOFSTEATER, STRAIN, SWEET, HAYDEN

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 5/25/2021 at 15:42:22

W. O. Hofsteater is a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 22, Oregon Township. He is a native of Putnam County, Ohio, born June 8, 1848, and is the son of Eli and Eliza (Strain) Hofsteater, the former a native of Ohio, and of German descent, and the latter of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent.

The family came to this county in 1852, when the subject of this sketch was but four years of age. Here he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Washington County. He was married in Louisa County, Iowa, in 1873, to Maria A. Sweet, daughter of Oliver and Charity (Hayden) Sweet, who were among the pioneers of that county, settling there in 1836 but three years after the territory was open to settlement, and ten years before the admission of Iowa as a State. She was born in Louisa County, Dec. 28, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Hofsteater have three children – Nettie V., Nora I. and William F.

Mr. Hofsteater is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, while Mrs. Hofsteater is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both are highly respected by friends and neighbors. On, a native born Iowan, the other having spent all his life here with the exception of the first four years, they know something of pioneer life, and have lived to see most of the changes that have been wrought in Washington and Louisa Counties. In the development of this section of the State, each has contributed his or her part. The parents of Mr. Hofsteater are yet residing in this county, and are numbered among its best citizens, enjoying the respect and esteem of all who know them.

Mr. Hofsteater was a resident of Dallas County, Iowa, nine years, and in that as in Washington County, he followed his chosen occupation of farming. He was elected by the Republican party to the office of Township Assessor of Lincoln Township, Dallas County, two terms, and filled the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. Hofsteater is a public-spirited man and feels an interest in the upbuilding of the county in which he lives.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of W. O. Hofsteater, pages 523-524.