Rev. Hiram Hoff, farmer, P. O., Malta Bend. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, November 30, 1821. During his youth, he availed himself of all the educational faculties within his reach, after which he acted as overseer upon the farm of a Mr. Howard. January 2, 1840, he was married to Miss Susanna Vancil, of Union county, Illinois. By this marriage he had nine children, six of whom are now living: Sarah E., wife of Thomas Lynn, residing in Sacramento City; John W., living in Leadville, Colorado; Martha J., wife of William G. Vogt; Lydia C., wife of Grayson Throckmorton, living in Butt City Montana; Mary M., wife of Thomas Davis, and Samuel T. Mr. Hoff was twice conscripted by the Confederates, being released however, each time, after a medical examination. His son, John William, enlisted in the Confederate army, Colonel Preston’s regiment, under Major General Longstreet. He participated in all of the battles in which his command was engaged, while in East Virginia. From Virginia, Mr. Hoff moved to Adams county, Ohio, remaining two years; thence to Dodge county, Nebraska, remaining three years; then to Fremont county, Iowa, living two years; from thence to Johnson county, Missouri, residing there four years. In 1871, he came to this county, where he has resided since, engaged in farming. Mr. Hoff is a clergyman of the Predestinarian Baptist denomination, having preached more or less during the last twenty-five years.
