W. L. Hoff, proprietor of Hoff's Art Studios, of Carroll City, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, July 11, 1854. His parents, George and Mary (Berg) Hoff, reared a family of five children, our subject being the second child. When three months old his parents removed to Lagrange County, Indiana, where he was reared and educated. In 1872 he began the study of the art of photography, which profession he followed in Lagrange until 1887, when he removed to Angola, Steuben County, remaining there two years; then sold out to his brother, John B., and came to Iowa in 1879, locating in Dunlap, Harrison County, where he conducted a very successful business until 1885, when he sold out and came to Carroll County, locating in Carroll City, where he has a fine establishment, on Fifth street, and his work is considered by all competent judges to be the best made in Northwest Iowa. He was married October 22, 1875, to Miss Flora R. Waitly, of Mongo, Indiana, eldest daughter of C. H. and Rosella Waitly. To this union four children have been born — Archie C., Edwin C., Ira G. and Herbert W. (deceased). Mr. Hoff has always been an earnest worker and a close student in his business and stands at the head of his profession, and by honest dealing has secured the confidence of all.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~