George W. Hoffman
Many years have passed away since this gentleman closed his eyes upon earthly scenes, but he is still remembered with affection by the citizens of Circleville. It was in that city that he died, in 1864. By his upright and conscientious life, he built for himself a monument that will outlast shafts of granite or statues of bronze, and carved his name higher and in a more enduring manner than though written in brass.
The son of John and Susan Hoffman, natives of Kentucky, Mr. Hoffman was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, February 7, 1823, and received his education in the common schools of that place. In early manliood he spent several years in the mercantile business and also had charge of extensive farming interests. He served with valor through the Mexican War and then returned to his Ohio home. In 1855, he located in Wayne Township, Pickaway County, and for three years was occupied in farming pursuits, removing thence to Circleville on account of failing health.
In 1854, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage with Miss Sallie J. Crouse, who was born near Chillicothe, Ross County, this State. Her grandfather, John Crouse, was a soldier during the War of 1812 and was a native of Pennsylvania, whither his ancestors had removed from North Carolina. At an early period in the history of this State, he removed hither and settled on a farm near Chillicothe. There his son David was born and reared, his youth being passed in rural pursuits and in assisting his father in the distillery. He built the first paper mill in the State of Ohio, which was located in Ross County, about seven miles from Chillioothe, and operated it during the remainder of his life, transacting an extensive business.
The death of Mr. Crouse, which took place in 1838, removed from the scenes of his usefulness one who had been actively connected with the growth of the county. He was a firm Democrat and a member of the Legislature at the time of his death, always taking an active interest in politics. So successful was he, that at the time he was called hence he was one of the wealthiest citizens of Ross County, owning large tracts of land in various localities and being interested in the banks of Chillicothe, as well as in other places. He was a man of note, wielded an extensive influence and possessed excellent judgment and splendid business qualifications.
The mother of Mrs. Hoffman was known in maidenhood as Elizabeth Boggs and was the daughter of John, and a half-sister of Capt. John Boggs, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Crouse became the parents of eight children who grew to maturity, but only two are now living: Mrs. Hoffman and D. J. Crouse, a very prominent retired citizen of Chillicothe, who has established a national reputation as a breeder of thoroughbred horses, in which he has been very successful.
The early education of Mrs. Hoffman was received in the schools of Hillsborough, Ohio, and she subsequently attended Dr. Beaty's Seminary, at Steubenville, Ohio, graduating from there in 1849. She spent about four years in travel, visiting many places of interest in the East and South, and in 1854 was married to our subject. They became the parents of three children: Wood, Crouse and Georgia, the latter being the wife of Will C. Tompkins, a lithographer of New York City.
Mrs. Hoffman is the owner of about five hundred acres of choice land bordering on tlie Scioto River, where Westfall, one of the first villages of Pickaway County, was located. The house of Logan, Chief of the Mingoes, was situated on that farm, the fort being on an adjoining estate. Much of the time since the death of her husband, Mrs Hoffman has resided in Circleville, where she has an attractive residence. She is a member of the Episcopal Church and has helped the city along in the line of religion and education, philanthropy and general culture.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]