BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 584-585.


FREDERICK HOFFMAN, who was one of the pioneer business men of Bellaire, was
born in Meltonsburg, Monroe county, Ohio, in the year 1848, January 24. He
was the son of George and Margaret Hoffman, who were both of German birth.
George Hoffman located in Meltonsburg in 1840, in which year he came from
France. Moving to St. Paul, Minn., in 1861, Mr. Hoffman remained in that
city until his death in 1877. He died at the age of eighty years, leaving
children who now survive. His wife, and two children born to them, died
before the husband and father; the wife's demise occurred in 1860. George
Hoffman was a farmer by occupation, and his life was such that his death
was a calamity. Frederick Hoffman attended the schools in the cities of
St. Paul and Wheeling, having begun his education in the schools of Monroe
county, Ohio. Removing with his father to St. Paul, he remained there but
a short time; returning east and settling at Wheeling, W. Va., he entered
the employ of John Arbenz, as a clerk. Mr. Hoffman worked with him several
years at Wheeling, at this time the firm established a branch house at
Bellaire, and he was made manager of the same. In 1872, forming, a part-
nership with Solomon Arbenz, they bought the business from John Arbenz,
and conducted the business as a firm for about six years, at which time
Mr. Hoffman purchased his partner's share in the business, which he
operated until the time of his death, which happened October 26, 1883.
In 1873 he was married to Carrie Boeshor, a native of Wheeling. Alberta
M., William G., Laura E., and Fred O. are the children of this union.
After her husband's death, Mrs. Hoffman conducted the business for six
years, at the expiration of which time her brother Lewis purchased the
half-interest in the business. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman were members of the
German Reform church, and the former was also a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and although not a politician, was a true republican. His
death was a great loss, not only to his family, but also to the community,
as he was ever a public spirited citizen.