Jacob Hoffman. This gentleman has been for ten years identified with the business interests of Peoria, furnishing employment for a number of men and adding the circulation of "filthy lucre" by a flourishing trade in cigars and tobacco. He manufactures from six hundred thousand to seven hundred thousand cigars, annually, furnishing occupation for fourteen cigarmakers, besides other help of various kinds. His business was established in 1873, at which time he became a resident of this city. Mr. Hoffman is a native of Prastibor, Austria, where he was born October 5, 1849. His parents are Benedict and Barbara (Austria) Hoffman, his father being a general storekeeper in his native land. Some time before reaching his majority young Hoffman came to America, landing on her shores in 1867. He had already been employed as a clerk in the hardware business, and in it he continued for a time, locating in St. Louis, Mo. From that city he finally removed to Peoria, where he has made many friends and acquired a good reputation.

Mr. Hoffman votes the Republican ticket, but takes no special interest in politics. Outside of his business affairs and his home, his chief enjoyment is in social orders, in a number of which he holds membership. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Red Men, German Workmen, Rifle Club and Turners' German School. He was married October 5, 1876 to Miss Maggie Langjahr. The happy union has been blest by the birth of one child, Bertie.

Submitted by Londie Benson.