HENRY HOEFER, a substantial German farmer of Loran Township, first opened his eyes to the light in the Fatherland, May 21, 1823. When a young man twenty-four years of age, not being satisfied with his condition or his prospects in his own country, he resolved to emigrate to America. After an ocean voyage of nine weeks on a sailing-vessel, he arrived in this country in 1847, and came directly to Freeport, where he soon secured employment at wagon making, which he had learned in the old country. He established the first shop for the manufacture of these vehicles in Freeport, but after two years concluded to change his occupation and location, and accordingly purchased forty acres of land in Florence Township, near the southern line of the county, upon which he settled and remained for a period of thirteen years. He then sold out and removed to Loran Township, of which he has since been a resident and is the owner of 120 acres of improved land. He has a set of handsome and substantial frame buildings, good stock and farm machinery, and all the appurtenances of a first-class agriculturist.

Our subject was married in Freeport, Ill., Aug. 21, 1853, when just past thirty years of age. The maiden of his choice was Miss Sophia Meiers, also a native of Germany, and born Sept. 9, 1833. The record of the twelve children born of this union is as follows: Fred W. married Miss Paulina Koertermeier and is living in Freeport, Ill.; Bertha is the wife of J. C. Siekmann, of Florence Township; August married Miss Sophia Sandmeier; Matilda is the wife of Jacob Sprague; Sophia married Henry H. Kahl; Henry, Emil A., Simon, Murray A., Minnie C. and Saddie E. are at home with their parents; Willie died in infancy. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and enjoy the society and friendship of the best people of their community. Mrs. Hoefer when a child came near losing her life. He parents occupied a two-story frame house, which caught fire, and Mrs. H. only saved herself by jumping from the window of the first story. She fortunately escaped uninjured, to the surprise of all the spectators, who expected that she would at least sustain some broken bones.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 349