Bios: SOLOMON HOFFMASTER : Lawrence County, Pennsylvania ________________________________________________________________ Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Lawrence Co transcribers. Coordinated by Ed McClelland Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm _____________________________________________________________ Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens Lawrence County Pennsylvania Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo, N.Y., 1897 An html version with search engine may be found at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/lawrence/1897/ _____________________________________________________________________ SOLOMON HOFFMASTER, [p. 581] deceased, whose demise was mourned in 1886, occupied a prominent place among the progressive and successful farmers of Mahoning township. He was ushered upon the stage of life in Mahoning Co., Ohio, in the year 1827, and was a son of honest and thrifty German parents, George and Catherine (Eutler) Hoffmaster. George Hoffmaster was born in the Fatherland, where he followed the occupation of a farmer until he came to this country, continuing in that vocation after his arrival on this side of the Atlantic, and his settlement in Lancaster Co., Pa. He afterwards moved to Springfield township, Mahoning Co., Ohio, purchased a tract of 110 acres, and built a log-house, where he died at the age of eighty-five. He was in his life-time married twice. His first wife bore him thirteen children: Philip; John; Joseph; Christie; Godlop; Elizabeth; Mary; Christina; Jacob; John (2); and three, who died in infancy. For his second helpmeet he married Catherine Eutler, and to them were given nine children: David; Jonas; Parker, who died in childhood; Michael, who died in youth; Solomon; Levi; Catherine; Rachel; and Lydia Ann. It is a fact well worth recording in this connection that every one of these children, who grew to be adults, became very prosperous in worldly goods, and were men and women of influence in their respective communities. Solomon Hoffmaster was endowed with as much education as the country schools of a pioneer district could then afford. As a step towards an independent life he learned the carpenter's trade. Marrying Anna Koch he managed the home place for six years, at the end of which period he came into Mahoning township, Lawrence Co., Pa., and bought the Cook farm, now owned by William Duff. For six years that place continued to be his home, and then he purchased and removed to the George Henley farm, once called the Rev. Whitten Place, of forty-seven acres. This estate still continues to be the home of the Hoffmaster family, the farm work being superintended and administered by Guy C., one of the-younger sons. Finding the buildings somewhat run down and in sad need of repairs, our subject remodeled them and inaugurated a series of improvements that resulted in making his property one of the best appearing as well as productive farms in Lawrence County. A fine barn was built in response to the increased needs of the place, and outbuildings added from time to time. After years and years of hard work Mr. Hoffmaster's rugged constitution failed him, and for seven years prior to his death paralysis held its heavy restraining hand on him. He was fifty-nine years of age when he passed away. His widow survives him, living on the homestead with her son, Guy C. She was a daughter of Martin and Susanna (Shriner) Koch, both of whom were natives of Wittenberg, Germany. When Martin Koch was seventeen years of age he came to this country and found a home in Unity township, Mahoning Co., Ohio. He followed farming in that vicinity, and died when about fifty years old, his wife reaching very nearly the same age. Their children were: Daniel; Elizabeth; Martin, Jr.; Susanna; Leah; Christina; Anna; Sarah; Mary; Samuel; David; Solomon; and Rosanna, who died when a child of five years. These are the children born to Solomon Hoffmaster and his wife: Celesta Jane, the wife of Freeman L. Stacy of Ohio and the mother of seven childrenÑEdward, Clark, Harry, Raymond, George, Lucy, and Nellie; William Henry of Colorado, who married Ada Brecount and has four childrenÑFrank, Helen, Hulda, and William Brecount; Albert M., who married Lizzie Williams; Lucy, the wife of N. P. Patterson, and the mother of three childrenÑOcie E., Anna M., and Gertrude; May; Ella, who became the wife of Clarence M. Duff, and who has borne him two little onesÑWalter W. and Lillie E.; Harry E., a teacher, who was graduated from the Slippery Rock State Normal School in 1895; Lillie; Emma; Guy C., and Anna Marie. Solomon Hoffmaster was a true and loyal citizen, taking a lively and abiding interest in whatever concerned the public good. He followed the teachings of the Republican party from true convictions, based upon an actual study of political conditions. At one time and another he held the positions of assessor, constable, and school director. He willingly and cheerfully gave of his time and means to religious matters, and was faithful in his membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Guy C. Hoffmaster was born on the homestead, of which he has now the charge, Aug. 4, 1872. He attended the home schools, and finished his education with a practical course at the New Castle Business College. He was graduated from this institution on June 1, 1893, and at once assumed full control of the home farm. He early learned the value of time and applied effort, and is proving a worthy successor to his father. In the management of the farm he shows rare skill and judgment, and in all business affairs is keen, accurate and upright. On account of his pleasant social ways he has the friendship and esteem of all who know him.