Hofford    

            Reuben F. Hofford is President of the First National Bank of Lehighton, and is a leading and prominent citizen of this place.  The business men are the life of the city, and it is to such progressive and public-spirited men as our subject that the prosperity and progress of Lehighton are due.  We take pleasure in presenting this record of his life to our readers, knowing that it will be received with interest by his many friends.

            Mr. Hofford is a native of Bucks County, Pa., born January 15, 1825, and is a son of Daniel and Susan (Maugel) Hofford.  The father was also a native of Bucks County, and was a cabinetmaker by trade, following that business for a number of years.  The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Hofford, was a native of Austria, and became the founder of the family in America, whither he emigrated when a young man.  Reuben F. Hoffman was the fourth in order of birth in the family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, eight of whom are yet living.  He attended the public schools of his native county until sixteen years of age, when he laid aside his text-books and began learning the trade of a blacksmith under the instruction of his uncle, Joseph Hofford, serving a two-years apprenticeship.  He was then employed for three years, after which he went to Allentown and secured a position with Peter Heller, a blacksmith of that place.  Later he attended school at the Allentown Academy, where he was engaged two years.  He afterward went to his home in Bucks County, and attended the Friends’ school at Quakertown, to which place his father had in the meantime removed.  He pursued his studies for one year, and then began teaching school, being employed for one term in Milford Square.  In the summer he attended Allentown Academy, and in the autumn went to Northampton County.  The following spring he returned to Allentown, and afterward became a student in Strasburg Academy, in Strasburg, Lancaster County, there pursuing his studies during the summer session.  We then again find him in Northampton County, serving as a teacher in the schools of Hellertown.  For three successive summer terms he attended Strasburg Academy, and then again returned to his first school in Milford Square, Bucks County.

            Mr. Hofford was long engaged in educational work, and was a most excellent instructor, his ability winning for his excellent positions.  He taught school for a time in Lancaster County, and again went to Strasburg, after which he was called to the schools of Annville, Lebanon County, where he served as an assistant to Professor Burnsides for a period of two years.  He was next employed for three successive terms in Palmyra, after which he became a teacher in Arcadian Institute in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, where he remained for four years.  During that time he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Decker, of Lebanon County, the wedding being celebrated in 1854.  After his marriage he removed to Weissport, and became Principal of the high school, in which position he acceptably served from 1857 until 1862, and the schools were greatly benefited thereby.  The latter year witnessed his arrival in Lehighton, where he was employed as a teacher for some time.  Later he was elected County Superintendent of Schools for a term of three years, and proved a most efficient and faithful officer.  He also established the high school in Lehighton, and employed Aaron Christine, who assisted him for two years and succeeded him in the school.  Our subject was elected County Superintendent for six successive terms, filling the office for eighteen years, an honor which has been conferred upon but few other incumbents of that office.  His record in connection with the educational interests is one of which he may well be proud, his ability winning him a place among the leading instructors of the state.

            During the succeeding five years Mr. Hofford was engaged as sale and collecting agent with Joseph Obert.  He was then elected President of the First National Bank, of which he was one of the organizers, and that position he has continuously filled.  He is also President of the Lehigh Stove and Manufacturing Company, and Vice-President of the Lehighton Water Company, in the organization of which he bore a prominent part.  In connection with William B. Romig he established the Lehighton Wagon Manufactory, with which he was connected until 1891, when he sold his interest in the same.

            Mr. and Mrs. Hofford are the parents of three children: Edward F., who is Superintendent of the gas works of Galion, Ohio; Laura V., at home; and Sadie, who is now attending school.  The family is one of prominence in Carbon County, and its representatives occupy a leading position in social circles.  They have a pleasant home in Lehighton, and their hospitality reigns supreme.

            Mr. Hofford is strongly in sympathy with the Prohibition party, but has neither time nor inclination to seek public office.  In his business dealing he has met with signal success, and through the legitimate channels of trade has acquired a handsome competence.  He carries forward to a successful completion whatever he undertakes, undaunted by the obstacles and difficulties which may arise, and his fortune is therefore the just reward of his labors.