Contributed by Charlene Saunders:
ABSALOM HOFFMAN, who has been identified with the interests of
Tippecanoe County many years, was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 20,
1815, a son of JONAS HOFFMAN, who was a native of Kentucky, and an early
settler of Ross County. Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits
until fourteen years of age when he learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he followed several years. He was married November 8, 1840, to
MISS NANCY CONRAD, a daughter of JOSEPH CONRAD, deceased, and of the
eleven children born to this union eight still survive--MARTIN A., who
was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion; WILLIAM, DAVID, OWEN, EDWARD,
SOPHIA, MARY and EASTER. Two sons, named SILAS J. and ABSALOM, died
after reaching maturity.
MR. HOFFMANN came with his family to this county in the fall of 1840,
and settled on section 28, Lauramie Township, where he has since made
his home. His land when he settled on it was almost entirely
unimproved, but by hard work he has brought his farm under a fine state
of cultivation. He has hauled much grain to La Fayette, and one time
took a load of corn there which he sold for 12 1/2 cents a bushel,
receiving for the load just 75 cents less than he was paid for hauling a
load of pork for another party the same year. He sold wheat there for
30 and 35 cents per bushel, receiving his pay in trade. He received $35
for a horse; sold cows for $6 each, and calves for $1. He bought eighty
acres of land at one time, paying for the same but $40. He has met with
success in his agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a fine
farm of 116 acres.
In connection with his general farming, he devotes some attention to
stock-raising. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
among the respected citizens of Lauramie Township.
Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana
pp. 524-527