Overview of the Collection
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Repository Name:
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University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html
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Collection Number:
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A 052
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Creator:
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Hoffman, William, 1801-
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Title:
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Journal of travel across the plains and Rocky Mountains, from Covington, Ind. to Jacksonville, Ore., in the year 1853
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Dates:
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1853 (inclusive)
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Quantity:
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1 folder
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Languages:
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Collection materials are in
English.
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Summary:
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The collection consists of the manuscript journal of William Hoffman, which
chronicles Hoffman's journey across the Oregon Trail from Covington, Indiana to Jacksonville, Oregon in 1853.
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Location of Collection:
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Collection is located with other small manuscript collections.
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Biographical Note
William Hoffman was born on September 7, 1801 in Baltimore, Maryland. Around the age of eleven or twelve, William Hoffman attended a
Lancastrian school kept by Mr. John Creery. There he gained the majority of his education. William Hoffman also attended a German school,
as his parents were of German descent. In 1816, Mr. Hoffman went to live with his brother Jacob Hoffman in Middletown, Maryland. There he
engaged in drinking and gambling. Soon after, he reformed his life and became a religions man. In 1820, Mr. Hoffman joined his sister and
brother-in-law in going to Ohio. There he worked at the business of his brother-in-law's brother in Urbana. In 1824, Hoffman returned to
Baltimore where he was an active member of the German Reformed Church and where he worked for D. &. J Ruddach as a clerk, then partner.
In 1836, William Hoffman was married, wife's name is not mentioned. In 1840, William Hoffman was elected as County Recorder. He held that
position until 1853. The Hoffman family moved to Covington in 1841. There he was the superintendent of the Sunday School, and a Ruling Elder
of the New School Presbyterian Church. On April 13, 1853, William Hoffman and his family began their journey across the American West from
Covington, Indiana. They arrived in the Rogue River Valley in October 1853.
Once in Oregon, William Hoffman attempted to farm, but failed. In 1855, he was nominated for the office of County Auditor under the
Territorial Government. He held this position until Oregon was organized as a state. After, he was elected as county clerk until 1866.
In 1866, William Hoffman was given the appointment of Notary Public, an office held until 1879. William Hoffman also held the position of
U.S. Commissioner and a U.S. Circuit Judge. In 1868, William Hoffman became business a partner of Mr. Henry Agent, who was based in Jacksonville, Oregon.
William Hoffman with his wife had six daughters. He had twenty-three grandchildren.
Content Description
Collection comprises a single manuscript, the journal of William Hoffman as he journeyed across the Oregon Trail
in 1853. The journal is typewritten and is seventy-one pages long. The original is in private hands. The manuscript also contains biographical materials.
Arrangement
The collection is contained in a single folder.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information The journal was a gift of David Linn, grandson, in June 1940.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access Collection is open to the public.
Collection must be used in Special Collections & University Archives Reading Room.
Restrictions on Use Property rights reside with Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries.
Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to the
Manuscripts Librarian in Special Collections & University Archives. The
reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation Hoffman, William, 1801-. Journal of travel across the plains and Rocky Mountains, from Covington, Ind. to Jacksonville, Ore., in the year 1853, A 052, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Oregon.
Subjects
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online
catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or
places should search the catalog using these headings.
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| Hoffman, William, 1801---Diaries |
| Jacksonville (Or.) |
| Overland journeys to the Pacific |
| Pioneers--West (U.S.) |
| Overland journals |
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in
the collection.
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