Hoffman Family and Riverside Farm Collection

Identity elements

Reference code

US ILfC SC/071

Level of description

Collection

Title

Hoffman Family and Riverside Farm Collection

Date(s)

  • 1870-1936 (Creation)

Extent

1 box

Name of creator

(1822-1903)

Biographical history

***With much of this collection focusing on Riverside Farm, the biographical history thus focuses on the founder of this farm, Francis Arnold Hoffman.

Francis Arnold Hoffman was born in Prussia to Frederick William and Wilhelmina Hoffman. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 18. Soon after arriving in the United States Hoffman took a job as a teacher for a Lutheran congregation in Dunkley’s Grove, Illinois. As the congregation did not have a clergyman at the time, he also conducted services. Enjoying this work, Hoffman became ordained and started work as a pastor.

Hoffman was married in 1844 to Cynthia Gilbert. The couple had several children.

In 1851, due to health issues, Hoffman changed career paths, moving to Chicago to study law and real estate. This eventually led him into banking, the industry in which he worked from 1854-1861.

Hoffman was also active in politics. In 1853 he was elected as a member of city council and in 1860 was elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. Hoffman also wrote and edited a variety of articles for largely German publications throughout his life. He wrote about a multitude of topics, but much of his writing focused on agriculture. His writing was often completed under the pen name, Hans Buschbauer.

In 1875, upon retirement, Hoffman purchased and moved to a farm in Jefferson, Wisconsin, which he named Riverside Farm.

Hoffman was part of a number of organizations throughout his life, including a member of the school board in Dunkley’s Grove, president of the Board of Chicago Underwriters and Deutsches Haus president.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

This collection consists of a photo album containing black and white photographs, mostly of Riverside Farm, some with people. There are also small black and white photographs of unknown people, each contained within an envelope labeled with photographer information and subject matter on the outside.

Additionally in the collection are several documents pertaining to the Hoffman family and the history of the farm, as well as a figuring book that contains annual financial reports and contact information for various individuals listed alphabetically.

System of arrangement

The materials in this collection are arranged in their original order.

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Languages of the material

  • English

Scripts of the material

    Language and script notes

    Finding aids

    Acquisition and appraisal elements

    Custodial history

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    Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

    Accruals

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