Leonard S. Hoffman
Leonard S. Hoffman, who was appointed assistant postmaster of Vail on the 1st of July, 1897, has since ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection.
He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Crawford county, his birth having here occurred on the 21st of February, 1877. His parents were Thomas J. and Debbie (Leonard) Hoffman, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work.
He attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. Starting out to earn his own livelihood, he entered the service of the Northwestern Railroad Company and remained in the employ of that corporation for a year and a half. On the 1st of July, 1897, he was appointed assistant postmaster of Vail and has held the office continuously since, aiding his father, who has acted as postmaster for the past fourteen years. He owns a fine residence and also a lot in Vail and is widely recognized as a substantial and respected citizen of the community.
On the 30th of November, 1897, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Crampton, who was born in Crawford county on the 11th of April, 1880, her parents being Benjamin and Jane Crampton, natives of England. Following their emigration to the new world they took up their abode in Clinton county, Iowa, but are now residents of Vail. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have four children, namely: Gladys, Grace G., Dorothy J. and Edward C.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hoffman has supported the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Diamond Lodge, No. 422, at Vail, of which he has served as secretary for eleven years. He is also a member of Homestead Lodge, No. 659, of the Yeomen and likewise belongs to the Pioneer Homestead Association of Des Moines, Iowa. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. with which his wife is also affiliated. They have spent their entire lives in Crawford county and enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.