Chemung County NY
History of Tompkins, Schuyler, Chemung, Tioga 1879
Page 274 - William Hoffman Biography
Home Page
1879 Four County History - Table of Contents
Typed for Tri-Counties by Janice Walker
Formatted by Joyce M. Tice
William Hoffman was born in the town of Northumberland, county of the same name, in the State of Pennsylvania, Sept. 7, 1780. He was of German parentage, and inherited from them much of that industry, self-perseverance, and energy which led him in early life to strike out for himself, afterwards leading him to success and position, where first was naught but danger, trial, and discouragement.

In the year 1799 young Hoffman made a trip on foot from his home to the then "far west," Geneva, where he worked at his trade, as a hatter, for a few months, and in the fall of the same year returned home.

In the spring of 1800, placing his scanty effects in a boat, he struck up the beautiful Susquehanna into the quieter waters of the Chemung, -not then as now, their banks free and open, with cultured fields and busy villages teeming into varied life scattered along, -but, rather, the little boat, with the young man’s all, cut its almost unfrequented way, propelled by the strong arm of hopeful youth, amidst comparatively untried scenes, into the very primeval solitude of the wilderness itself. Reaching the Chemung valley, he selected Newtown (now Elmira) for the scene of his future struggles. He was absolutely poor, but full of that ardent hope and invincible determination of spirit which have ever been the marked characteristics of his life.

Possessed of a good trade, a strong and vigorous constitution, industrious habits, frugality and temperance, incorruptible integrity, and deep, unchanging love of country that constitutes the true American citizen, he boldly looked the world in the face, and earnestly commenced the struggles incident to pioneer life.

Mr. Hoffman at first carried on the hat business here. His first little shop, in years long gone by, was just where Hubbell’s furniture store now is. A little case contained all his stock in trade, -a half-dozen hats and as many caps, maybe, -made for rough service, for what else would the rough pioneers wear? That same little hat case which, perhaps, was the foundation of his after-success, is treasured by revering descendants among the precious heirlooms that he left behind, -sacred mementoes of his earliest struggles, and eloquent of his worth.

But while the most careful attention was given to business and personal prosperity, the best interests of the little community of which he had become a member were by no means overlooked or forgotten. To his energetic and self-sacrificing efforts, in common with the noble spirits who acted in unison with him, the county, as such, owes its existence. The first church in Elmira was erected by his assistance and determined public spirit. He was ever noted for his liberality in aiding to erect public buildings, and was ever a true and steadfast friend in works of local improvement. The greater portion of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. His extensive farm might be said at one time to have been a "model one," and was patterned after by others. He introduced in this county what came to be known as the "Hoffman Corn," which was peculiarly profitable of culture hereabouts. The farm owned by Mr. Hoffman forms, in 1878, a part of the beautiful city of Elmira, extending from what is now Walnut Street far above the old family homestead on Water Street. He was poor when he took it, and it was not until many years of the hardest labor and untiring industry that he was able to pay for his land, which he originally bargained for at higher rates than did most of his neighbors; but with an honesty that characterized his whole life, he eventually fulfilled every requirement upon him. For more that a half-century Mr. Hoffman contributed to the growth and development of the county, and took a leading part in its success. He was a wise counselor, and ardent worker in every good enterprise, a stanch friend, and a strong supporter of good morals and religious institutions.

He married Peggy Smith, sister of the late Dr. Uriah Smith and Solomon L. Smith, March 28, 1805, who died Nov. 11, 1805, leaving an infant daughter, Peggy Smith Hoffman, born Nov. 11, 1805. March 2, 1809, he married Sally Smith, of Southport, who was born Feb. 3, 1786, in Orange Co., N. Y., and was brought, when only three years of age, by her parents to Chemung County. The mode of moving from one place to another in the pioneer days was so different from that nowadays, that this instance will quite well illustrate the contrast. The children were placed in baskets, one being suspended on each side of the horse, and in this novel way Mrs. Hoffman was brought to her new home, where she grew to womanhood, was married, and raised a family of children. She did her part well; was a woman exemplary in all her ways, and instilled into the minds of her children all that makes true manhood and womanhood. She died Dec. 7, 1865. Their children are by this marriage: John S., born July 2, 1811; Jacob, born July 28, 1814, murdered by the Cayuse Indians, in Oregon, Nov. 29, 1847; William, Jr., born April 6, 1817, died Nov. 11, 1876; Joseph, born Aug. 16, 1819; George W., born Feb. 9, 1822; and Col. Henry C. Hoffman, born Jan. 14, 1827.

Joyce Tip Box -- December 2007 -
If you are not navigating this Tri-Counties Site via the left and right sidebars of the Current What's New page you are doing yourself a disservice. You can get to any place on the site easily by making yourself familiar with these subject and place topics. Try them all to be as familiar with the site's 16,000 plus pages as you can. Stop groping in the dark and take the lighted path. That's also the only way you'll find the search engines for the site or have access to the necessary messages I may leave for you. Make it easy on yourself.