Hoff Family of Silverhill
Returns to Roots
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

     She wasn’t around in those days, the early 1900s.   Elna says, "All I know is that Charles Hoff came from Nebraska for the blacksmith trade and Oscar Ledeen came from Illinois for the leather work. Their sons, Gustav Hoff and August Ledeen, followed in their trades." But, we know that both Charles and Oscar were Swedish emigres who came to the United States, ultimately settling in Silverhill.

     In 1913, Charles Hoff built his house and a blacksmith shop directly behind the Peoples Supply store in Silverhill. The shop no longer exists, however the house still stands in its original place on highway 55.

     Here’s what we know. Both men moved to Silverhill. They were skilled in livery services. Elna Hoff Davis is the granddaughter of both Charles Hoff and Oscar Ledeen who had married, Elna Bloomquist Hoff and Charlotte Ledeen. They and their children were active in the life of Zion Lutheran Church in those early days just after the historic church had been completed. The families continued in the community, but the life of a blacksmith or a harness-maker doesn’t continue very far into the 20th Century.

     In 1913, Charles Hoff built a modern machine works and blacksmith shop. He installed a trip hammer (a large gasoline powered machine used to sharpen the plow shares), the first in Silverhill.

     Elna returned "home" to Silverhill this past week for the interment of her brother, Terrence Heiter Hoff, in the Silverhill Cemetery. She left Silverhill as a young child in 1941, but had vivid memories of her time in Silverhill, including the great fire that consumed the Norden Hotel, an historic event for the small Silverhill community at the time. She recognized people and names in the pictures and artifacts in the Zion Lutheran Church Museum, as Curator Ernest Burnett escorted the group through the historic Zion campus. The group looked for Elna's Silverhill home and came near to the site.

     Lyle Davis, wife Elna Hoff Davis, joined niece Lisa Hoff-Shipley and family friends Phil Hutchins and Alta Hutchinson (l to r) in the Zion Lutheran Church sanctuary in Silverhill after the interment of Terrence Hoff, brother to Elna and father to Lisa, was put to rest in the Silverhill Cemetery near his mother, Evelyn Maria Ledeen Hoff. Pastor David Johnson (r) joined the family for a tour of the historic church, led by Museum Curator Ernest Burnett (taking the picture).

     Elna resides with husband Lyle in Naperville, IL. They met in Mobile when Lyle was in the Navy and Elna was taking nurses' training. Their niece Lisa Hoff-Shipley and friends Phil Hutchins and Alta Hutchinson accompanied Terence’s ashes as they traveled as a group from Jackson, MS.

     Zion Lutheran Church Museum visitors examined church archival pictures going back to the early 20th Century. Lisa Hoff-Shipley (l) points out a relative with early Silverhill roots.

Obituary Published in Clarion Ledger on February 20, 2010

     Terry H. Hoff

     Mr. Terry H. Hoff, 68, died Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Chapel in Pearl, Mississippi with private interment in Silverhill, Alabama. Visitation will be Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 4 - 7 PM and Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 12 noon to 2 PM at Baldwin-Lee.

    Mr. Hoff was a very loving and generous person and became friends with everyone he met. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kay Sumrall Hoff.

    He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Hoff Shipley of Inverness, FL and his sister, Elna Davis (Lyle) of West Bauer, Ill.

Hoff Family Update
Thursday, March 4, 2010


Vera Blomquist, wife of Tom Blomquist (cousin), Esther Hoff Thurber,
Evelyn Ledeen Hoff holding Elna, Matilda Blomquist Hoff, in front of the Hoff home in Silverhill. - Click to Enlarge.

     4 March 2010

     Dear Pastor (Dave Johnson),

     Thank you very much for officiating at the interment of my brother, Terry Hoff, on February 24th (2010), at Silverhill Cemetery. My husband, Lyle and I appreciate your tour of Zion Lutheran Church sanctuary and the church museum. We have visited your church website.

     I am enclosing two copies of Terry's biography provided by the funeral home in Mississippi. Our niece, Lisa gave the cemetery caretaker an uncorrected copy, so all the data in it is not accurate. Please give him one of the now corrected copies for his records. Thanks.

     Enclosed are some old photos from my mother, Evelyn Ledeen Hoff's album. Lyle copied them for you from the originals.

     My grandfather who was the biological father of my father, Gustav, was named Karl Pearson. I do not have a photo of him. When I discussed our family with you in Silverhill on February 24th, I could not remember his full name. He died in World War I.

Karl's wife, Elna Blomquist Pearson, mother of Gustav and Esther died in Sweden in 1914 at age 37 years. The children were adopted by her sister Matilda Blomquist Hoff and her husband Charles Hoff who were then living in Silverhill, Alabama. They traveled by ship alone to the United States and were met in New York City, NY by Matilda. I have a small picture of Elna which was owned by Matilda and I am sending you a copy of Elna's photo.

Elna Blomquist Pearson, mother of Gustav and Esther Hoff.

The Hoff Family in Silverhill

The Hoff Family. Standing left to right, Gustav, Matilda, and Esther. Charles Hoff is seated.

Gustav and Esther (Pearson) Hoff, about 1915.

     I am enclosing some family photos taken in front of the Silverhill Hoff home. After seeing the pictures of the Hoff home on the church's website, we feel the house you showed us after the interment could be the Hoff homestead.

	I have a picture of Oscar Ledeen, my great-grandfather whose last name was changed from Peterson to Ledeen upon entering the United States. He came from Leden, Sweden.
Oscar Wilhelm Ledeen (Peterson) in Sweden.

His son August Ledeen was a young boy at the time of their family immigration to the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, where he met my grandmother Emily Maria Johnson who also came from Sweden by herself. I don't know from what city she came or when she arrived in Illinois. Their three older children, Rubye, Evelyn and Theodore Ledeen were born in Evanston north of Chicago Robert, Rudolph and Harriet Ledeen were born in Robertsdale, Alabama after the family move south. I do not have a picture of Oscar's wife Maria Charlotte Ledeen who was August's mother.

Mr. and Mrs. August Ledeen

August Maurage Ledeen (Peterson) with Dolly the horse, brought from Evanston, Illinois in a boxcar.

Emily Maria Johnson Ledeen, mother of 6 children.

Ledeen and Hoff Family
Click potos to enlarge.

Ledeen family in 1934 (left to right). Rudolph, Rubye, Theodore, Harriet in front, Evelyn, and Robert.

Evelyn Ledeen Hoff holding Elna in front of Hoff home in Silverhill in 1938.

(Back row, left to right), Evelyn and Gus Hoff. (Front row), August Ledeen, Emily Ledeen, Robert Ledeen holding Elna, in front of the Hoff home in Silverhill, 1938.

Elna Hoff in the front yard of the Hoff home in Silverhill, directly across the street from the Norden Hotel.
Click potos to enlarge.

Elna Hoff was born in 1938.

Elna Hoff says her fist childhood memory was of the fire that destroyed the hotel in 1940.

     I really appreciate the many things you have done to help me and my family and I want to thank you again for all your kindness to us. May God continue to bless you.

     Cordially,

     Elna Hoff Davis

Biography

Mr. Terry Hoff
October 2, 1941 - February 18, 2010

     If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mr. Terry Hoff. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Terry was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

     Terry was born at Mobile Infirmary Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. He was the son of Evelyn Maria Ledeen and Gustav Helmer Hoff. Terry was raised in Mobile until the age of six and then in Jackson, Mississippi. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Terry was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Terry's personality throughout his life.

     Though Terry was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Terry was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Terry worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Terry was raised with one sibling, his sister Elna Emily Hoff-Davis. Terry and his sister had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

     As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Terry was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Terry was always tactful. One thing Terry will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Terry had a number of interests and was an active child. Terry took part in Little League Baseball and was a Cub Scout. In his spare time he liked riding and fixing motorcycles; swimming and anything to do with the water; building and collecting small cars & trucks and building his own dirt ramps for them; bicycling; and collecting baseball cards. Terry's memorable achievements included building his own box car in the Soap Box Derby in Jackson where he won a prize for it. He also worked for the Clarion Ledger delivering newspapers on his bicycle.

     For Terry, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Terry was also adept at details. Terry was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He attended Provine High School in West Jackson and attained his GED while in the Army National Guard. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school included Shop, Physical Education and Math. He loved tinkering on things and working on motorcycles.

     College can be a challenge, but Terry appeared to be well equipped to succeed. He had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around him. Terry had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Terry enjoyed using the skills he'd already learned and applying them to new courses. He knew the facts and rarely made factual errors Terry took some technical, computer and mechanical classes with various jobs.

     There was one thing that all of Terry's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything This quality is one of the primary reasons that Terry was such a popular person throughout his life But Terry was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Terry was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Terry was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Terry was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Terry was fairly comfortable playing the role of "host" for just about any occasion. When Terry made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, Terry was friends with the whole neighborhood. His best friends were Pat & Don Renger and Harbert Smith and Jimmy when he was in high school.

     Terry was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Terry cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. Terry was married in 1965 to Pat and later in life, married Kathryn "Kay" Diane Sumrall in Clinton, Mississippi in 1973. Compassionate and devoted, Terry worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

     Harmony was important to Terry and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Terry was blessed with one child, one daughter Lisa Maria Hoff. Terry was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Terry was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Terry would listen before he would act.

     Taking his work seriously came naturally to Terry, and he expected the same from those around him. Terry was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a "people person" and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Terry was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Terry handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad "big picture." His primary occupation was as a computer technician, mechanic and licensed Commercial Driver later in life. He worked on cars, boats, motorcycles (especially Honda and Yamaha's) 4-wheelers, and jet skis; he worked on telephone line installations; installed computers for hotel chains in the Cayman Islands and the British West Indies; he was a licensed CDL operator for several companies; a printer copier technician and cash register technician for Jackson Cash Register. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

     Blessed with a practical nature, Terry was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. He was in the Army National Guard in Jackson, MS.

     A methodical man, Terry enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were building and repairing computers, working on cars, motorcycles, boats and 4-wheelers.

     Terry was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Terry was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Terry enjoyed roller skating and swimming as well as recreational sports such as water skiing. Terry also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Olympics and baseball.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Terry well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Silverhill, Alabama, where he was baptized, but he also attended other Baptist and Presbyterian churches with his wife Kay Sumrall. He took confirmation classes at our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

     Not only did Terry enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Cayman Islands, Florida and camping on the sand banks of the Pearl River.

     Terry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Among his favorites were cats; and he always took care of any strays that wandered his way. He loved dogs as well including labs and hound dogs, but his favorite childhood pet was a Springer-spaniel mix named Stubby.

     Since it was easy for Terry to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Terry was ready when that day to retire finally came in Terry never did retire. He was always working. Even in retirement, Terry stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

     Terry was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Terry was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Terry Hoff.

     Terry passed from this life on Thursday, February 18, 2010 while hospitalized at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center of Jackson. Funeral services were held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. In accordance with his wishes, his body was then cremated and his remains interred in Silverhill Cemetery, Silverhill, Alabama.