1890 Portrait and Biographical Album for Peoria County. Page 62.

Charles B. Hoffmann. In noting the business establishments of Peoria, the cigar and tobacco house of C.B. Hoffman should not be passed by, although the number of men employed is not large-only nine being at present engaged. The trade is a flourishing one and the lovers of the weed in its various forms bestow their approval upon the goods made here.

The proprietor of this business establishment is a native of Peoria, in which he was born December 18, 1852. After pursuing the usual studies he went into a cigar and tobacco house as a stripper boy, afterward being apprenticed to Burton Bros. with whom he thoroughly learned the business. After a period spent on the road as a journeyman, he, in 1878, established a business of his own, devoting himself to supplying the home market. He has at times had as many as fourteen or fifteen hands
employed.

The marriage of Mr. Hoffman was celebrated at the home of the bride December 21, 1873, the lady of his choice being Miss Luella Sights, a native of this city and a woman of intelligence and many virtues. The family comprises three living children named respectively, Clemens, Ramie and Burt. Mr. Hoffman belongs to the social societies of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Red Men. In his political views he concurs with the Republican party, voting with it on all national issues, but in the minor elections giving his suffrage to the best man irrespective of party.

The parents of our subject were Charles and Louisa (Tzacka) Hoffman, natives of Prussia, whence they came to America in 1845-46. In 1849, the father joined the gold seekers in California and for two years engaged in mining with considerable success. Returning to Peoria he took up work at the trade of a tailor and was also for some time occupied as an hotel-keeper. For a time he was proprietor of the Illinois House on Washington Street, likewise keeping an hotel called the Globe Exchange,
on south Water Street. He was also the owner and operator of a soap and candle factory. During the late Civil War he spent three years, three months and tend days in the Union army as a private in Company F, Forty-Seventh Illinois Infantry. The family comprises four sons and five daughters, all still living and the brothers of our subject occupied as follows: Frank is a painter in Omaha, Neb.; Otto G., a sickle maker in Canton Ohio; Anthony is assistant book-keeper at Barker's distillery.

Submitted by Londie Benson.