FRED HOFFMAN, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania
A highly popular Erie engineer who resides in Susquehanna and runs a switch engine in the yards there is Fred Hoffman. He is the son of Fred Hoffman, Sr., a tanner, and was born in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1863. His educational training was much above the average, for in addition to attending common school he was also a student in the Academy of Wayne County, Pennsylvania. On leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it until the fall of 1886, when he joined the great army of Erie Railroad employes as a fireman. He fired but three years, two on freight and one on passenger, when his superior ability won him promotion to engineer. This occurred in December, 1889, and after a few years in the road service he was given an engine in the Susquehanna yards, which he has run for the past six years. Mr. Hoffman is regarded as one of the Erie's most efficient and conservative men, and, of course, stands high in the estimation of his superiors, at the same time being on most cordial terms with his fellow workmen.
On November 28, 1895, he was married to Miss Minnie May Doolittle, daughter of Nelson Doolittle, a substantial farmer of Susquehanna County. She is a member of the G. A. R. Relief Corps of Susquehanna, while Mr. Hoffman belongs to Starrucca Lodge No. 137, B. of L. E., and has held a subordinate office in the same. This worthy young couple are society favorites in Susquehanna and entertain quite often in their own pretty home.
Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.
From the April, 1915 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Susquehanna Division engineer Fred Hoffman was commended for running his engine for 21,188 miles between July 31, 1913 and February 25, 1915 without any engine failures.
From the May, 1916 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
F. Hoffman, Susquehanna Division Engineer, discovered a broken 90 pound frog on the East end of SR crossover, east bound track, Susquehanna, just ahead of the second section of train 6, and took prompt action in protecting same: he also notified the proper persons, so that repairs were made.
From the April, 1933 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
F. Hoffman, Susquehanna Division Engineer of Susquehanna, was retired recently at age 70 after 45 years, ten months of service.