"WILLIAM HOPKINS was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, February 16, 1830, a son of Joseph and Agnes T. Hopkins, who were born, reared and married in the same State, the father dying when our subject was five years of age.  The mother is yet living.  They were the parents of three sons, our subject being the eldest.  The others are -- Samuel, who lives near the old homestead, and Alfred, who died about thirty-five years of age, leaving a wife and five children.  After the death of the father, the mother married Daniel Hopkins, and reared another large family.  William Hopkins, our subject, grew to manhood on a farm, being reared by his uncle, Charles Hopkins.  July 31, 1851, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Horner, who was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, October 22, 1827, a daughter of Stacy and Sarah Horner.  About one year after their marriage, they started for California via the Nicaraugua route, in company with the parents of Mrs. Hopkins, reaching San Francisco August 5, 1852.  Mr. Horner died in Alameda County many years ago.  His widow still resides in that county, in fair health, aged over ninety-two years.  She is able to number in children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, over 100 living descendants.  On coming to California, Mr. Hopkins settled in Alameda County, and engaged in farming and raising vegetables for the wholesale markets of San Francisco and San Jose.  To Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins were born five children, all being natives of Alameda County, California.  They are as follows -- Alfred, the eldest, died aged ten months; John Franklin, living on his father's homestead; Clara, married William Allen, and died in Fayette Township, Decatur County, in 1879, leaving two children, named Ada and Franklin, the former living with her paternal grandparents; William Alexander.  The youngest sons of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are engaged in the furniture and agricultural-implement business, at Lamoni.  In the fall of 1871, the climate not agreeing with them, Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins removed from California with their family, and returned to the State of New Jersey.  In the spring of 1872 they came to Decatur County, and bought 105 acres of partially-improved property, on section 14, Fayette Township.  Mr. Hopkins soon afterward added 240 acres adjoining his original purchase, the latter being on section 12; he also bought forty acres on section 14, and eighty acres on section 11, near Lamoni.  He built for himself a comfortable and commodious residence on section 14, and also erected two other residences on section 12, which were occupied by his sons.  In April, 1885, Mr. Hopkins removed to Lamoni, where he owns a good residence, and is now living somewhat retired from the active duties of life.  He and his family are members of the Reorganized Church of the Latter-Day Saints, and respected citizens of Fayette Township.

(Submitted to the Decatur County GenWeb site by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com)