Peter Hoffman, a well-to-do farmer of Central Township, Perry County, Mo., was born June 29, 1847, one half mile from where he now resides and is a son of John and Catherine (Feist) Hoffman, natives of the Grand Duchy of Baden, born on December 24, 1816 and 1821 respectively.

In 1839, John Hoffman left the fatherland and came to America locating in Perry County, where he worked on St. Mary�s Seminary farm until 1844, when he purchased 80 acres one half mile south of where his son, Peter now lives. He afterward became the owner of 982 acres in Perry County and 95 in Ste. Genevieve County.

He was a man who attended strictly to his own business, was a hard worker and a good citizen. He died on January 11, 1881, having been twice married.

His second wife, Magdalena Walter, nee Zimmerer, is yet living and has one child, Elinora. Mr. Hoffman�s first wife, Catherine, died on October 20, 1865 having borne nine children, five of whom are living, viz.: Francis (wife of August Klump), Ellen (wife of Anton Huber), John, Andrew, and Peter.

Peter grew to manhood on his father�s farm, and on June 5, 1871, married Mary H. Prevallet, a daughter of Melchior Prevallet. She was born in Perry County and died June 18, 1872.

After his marriage Mr. Hoffman located on his present farm, three and one-half miles southwest of Perryville. He has 250 acres of good tillable land with also good prospects for lead mines.

In November 1872, he wedded Mary H. Rouseau, a native of the county, born on July 25, 1852. She died on March 10, 1877, leaving two children, William F. and Mary F.

September 9, 1877, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage with Mary A. Huber, a daughter of Andrew Huber. She was born in Perry County on November 21, 1854.

Mr. Hoffman erected on his farm a brick residence at a cost of $1,500. He also had a good barn and other improvements. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he and family are devoted Catholics.

The Goodspeed Publishing Company compiled a series of histories of various counties in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The information in the History of Southeast Missouri, published in 1888, was provided by the contemporary residents of Perry County and her neighboring counties. The biographies are a valuable source of genealogical information, despite a few minor inaccuracies. We are glad to present the transcribed biographies here for anyone researching Perry County's history.