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Little is known about the origins of our Hoffman ancestors - other than they were from Germany. Based on information that has been researched, some speculative information has come to light in recent days, however, speculation is just that - speculation. As continued research progresses, we hope to find more information on our Hoffman family. The purpose of this website is to share the information we have about our Hoffman immigrant ancestor, and hopefully, someone out there can add pieces to our puzzle on our Hoffman family. What we Know
We have been able to place Moses and Mary Cadwallader in Tiffin between 1830 and 1837. They then appear in McConnelsville, Ohio on the 1940 census. A letter in the Tiffin, Ohio post office addressed to a "Frederick or Philip" Hoffman is listed in the July, 1837 newspaper requesting someone to claim it. We believe Philip was Oscar's father, but have found no proof - only circumstantial evidence. Frederick Hoffman and his family came to the USA from Meisenheim Germany in the summer of 1833 and stayed in Baltimore until the fall. They met William Lang's family aboard the ship. William Lang was a friend (and the same age) to Frederick's son John. According to an historical document from 1880 that William Lang wrote, Frederick Hoffman's family arrived in Tiffin, Ohio and opened the first German Inn and held the first German Christmas party at the Inn in 1833. We have found and copied the deed that was indeed signed on December 24, 1933. Is is any coincidence Oscar named one of his son's William Lang Hoffman? We don't know. We do know, however, that Frederick had a brother name Philip born the same year as a Philip Hoffman that arrived in Baltimore on September 30 of 1933. Could this be Oscar's father? Is this why Frederick stayed in Baltimore when he arrived in the states instead of immediately traveling to Tiffin? Hopefully, we can soon find the answers. During the past year, Hoffman cousins from Oscar's line have been able to "meet" - thanks to the internet! Information about Oscar has been shared and cousins have reunited. As we continue to find more information about Oscar, we will post it here to share with all of Oscar's descendants. One other tidbit of information. Oscar had an older sister that was adopted by a family in Tiffin, Ohio. Nothing is known of her. If we can find the ship manifest, we can possibly find other Hoffman relatives! Thanks go to Don Mason and Fred Wollerman for their very special contributions to the Hoffman family history. A very special thanks to Jim Hoffman for following me around Ohio to the libraries, deed offices, and more in search of Oscar's parents.
Family Stories The Hoffman family story of Oscar's youth is a fascinating one. A number of family members have shared the story of Oscar going with the Cadwalladers out West with the 49's. Because Oscar had similar features to the indians, he was accepted by the indians and sent ahead of the group to make friends with the indians. Our cousin Don Mason tells a story of Oscar being captured at one point and trading his red vest for his freedom. My Aunt Annis and father tell me a story of Oscar taking a picture of Sitting Bull. According to my Aunt Annis, Grandma Cook (Edith Hoffman Cook) took her to the library at Columbus University to see the photograph, where it hung back in the 1940s. Hopefully, we can find the photograph. Important Links http://www.handfamily.org/xxwillis.htm - Annis Cheadle's Family Information Hoffman Pictures
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