John H. Hoffecker

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John H. Hoffecker
John H. Hoffecker
In office
March 4, 1899 – June 16, 1900
Preceded by L. Irving Handy
Succeeded by Walter O. Hoffecker
Born September 12, 1827(1827-09-12)
Smyrna, Delaware
Died June 16, 1900 (aged 72)
Smyrna, Delaware
Political party Republican
Residence Smyrna, Delaware
Occupation engineer

John Henry Hoffecker (September 12, 1827 – June 16, 1900) was an American engineer, and politician, from Smyrna, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Republican Party, who served as U. S. Representative from Delaware.

Contents

[edit] Early life and family

Hoffecker was born September 12, 1827 in Kent County, near Smyrna, Delaware, the son of Joseph and Rachel Van Gasken Hoffecker. He studied civil engineering and entered into that profession in 1853. He married twice, first to Annie E. Appleton, with whom he had four children, Walter, John A., James Edwin, and Annie. He married secondly, Charlotte Jerman, the widow of Joseph H. Hoffecker. She had been a missionary in China from 1875 to 1878.

[edit] Professional and political career

Hoffecker was originally a member of the Whig Party, but like so many others, became a Republican, in 1856. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1876 and 1884. He was also president of the Smyrna town council from 1878 until 1898. Elected to the State House in 1888, he served in the 1889/90 session and was chosen to be the Speaker. He ran for Governor in 1896 as the candidate of the Union (Addicks) Republicans and the National Prohibition Party. However, enough votes went to the Regular Republican candidate, John C. Higgins, that the Democrat, Ebe W. Tunnell was elected.

Hoffecker was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1898, defeating incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative L. Irving Handy.. He served in the Republican majority in the 56th Congress. During a visit home from the 1900 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, Hoffecker suffered a stroke and died. He had served from March 4, 1899 until his death on June 16, 1900, during the administration of U.S. President William McKinley.

[edit] Death and legacy

Hoffecker died June 16, 1900 in Smyrna, Delaware and is buried in the Glenwood Cemetery in Smyrna. His son, Walter O. Hoffecker, was elected to finish his term in the United States House of Representatives.

[edit] Public offices

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1st. Members of the Delaware General Assembly take office the second Tuesday of January. The State House members have a two year term. U.S. Representatives took office March 4th and also have two year terms.

Office Type Location Elected Took Office Left Office notes
State Representative Legislature Dover 1888 January 10, 1889 January 10, 1891 Speaker
U.S. Representative Legislature Washington 1898 March 4, 1899 June 16, 1900 died in office

[edit] Election results

Year Office Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes %
1886 Governor John H. Hoffecker Temperance 7,835 36% Benjamin T. Biggs Democratic 13,942 64%
1896 Governor John H.. Hoffecker Union Republican 11,014 31% Ebe W. Tunnell
John C. Higgins		 Democratic
Republican		 15,507
7,154		 44%
20%
1898 U.S. Representative John H. Hoffecker Republican 17,566 54% L. Irving Handy Democratic 15,053 46%

[edit] References

[edit] External links

[edit] Places with more information


Seal of the US Senate
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