JOHN J. HOFFMAN, a representative, wide-awake successful agriculturist of Amwell township, was born January 24, 1856, in Washington township, Greene county, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, George Hoffman, came to Greene county at an early day, and took up 250 acres of land. He married a Miss Frye, and they had three sons and four daughters, as follows: Peter (deceased), George, Abraham, Mahala (Mrs. McCarl), Sarah (Mrs. Cameron), Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Eliza Hedley. Mr. Hoffman was a successful business man, and in his political predilections always upheld the principles of the Democratic party. George Hoffman, son of George, was born April 2, 1817, in Washington township, Green county, Pennsylvania, and received his education in the common schools. Although his educational opportunities were limited, he was an ernest Bible student, making himself familiar with all its truths. He was united in marriage with Susan Stegner, of Greene county, Pennsylvania, who formerly lived near Philadelphia, and the following children were born to them: Jane (Mrs. Ross Johns), George, Thomas and John J. Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Hoffman began farming for himself, which vocation he followed very successfully, and in connection engaged to a considerable extent in sheep raising. At one time he had about 1,450 acres of land in his own name, after giving his sons a generous portion to start them in life. He is not a politician, but has held several offices of trust in the township. In religious faith, he is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been one of the most faithful workers in that body. John J. Hoffman passed his earlier years at home, working on the farm in summer, and attending the common school during the winter. He attended the academy at Jefferson, Greene county, one term. On November 16, 1876, he was married to Miss Alice Swart, who was born April 20, 1857, in Amwell township, this county, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Swart, and to this union has come one son, George Clarence, born May 8, 1886. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman settled on the farm adjoining his father's in Greene county, Pennsylvania (formerly owned by Samuel Braden), and remained there until the fall of 1890. They then removed to the farm of 182 acres in Amwell township, this county, where they now reside. Mr. Hoffman is also the owner of 287 acres in Greene county. He and his family are honored and useful members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a straight Democrat, liberal in his views, and voting more for principle than for political influence.

Text taken from page 1079 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Richard Singhaus of Carlsbad, CA as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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