Thomas Hoffner
Thomas Hoffner was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1796. He came with his parents to Hamilton county in 1805, he and his brother Jacob walking the entire distance, and crossing the river at Wheeling, Virginia. Although but a youth of sixteen, he enlisted in the War of 1812. After an absence of six months, he returned to the parental roof unhurt, and crowned with all the honors to which our brave sons were justly entitled. After the close of the war he returned and aided his father in the cultivation of the pioneer home. In 1815 he was married to Miss Sarah Bolser. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoffner were born eight children -- one son and seven daughters: John C., Catharine, Rebecca, Eliza, Elizabeth, Amanda, Sarah, and Mary. Eliza, Amanda, and Mary are dead. In the year 1824 the wife also died. He was married again in the year 1836, to Miss Abigail Smith. They are both active members of the church of United Brethren and have always been among its most staunch supporters. In the year 1827, he aided his father in carrying on the farm, and in 1839 returned to Massachusetts, and brought back with him Miss Sarah Adams, whom he soon after married, and who is now his companion. His first purchase was made in the woods, with no improvements whatever to give evidence of his ever having had a predecessor. Here he began life in reality. As time wore on, six children were born to this pioneer couple -- four sons and two daughters: Thomas, Charley, Cynthia, Joseph, Isaac, and Ella. Thomas and Charles are now deceased. The sympathies of Mr. and Mrs. Weston have ever been with the Universalist church, to which they give their support.
From History of Hamilton County, Ohio, Henry & Kate Ford, L. A. Williams & Co., Publishers, 1881