Zion German Methodist Cemetery

Submitted by Marge Womach

 

 Page H


The Zion German Methodist Church near Rocklyn was organized June 13, 1884 in the Gottlieb Mielke home by the Rev Adam Buehler. The first church was built in 1889. The second church was built in 1905. The parsonage was built in 1909. The 1905 church yet stands atop the hill with the cemetery situated on the hill to the east. The Zion district is 7 miles northwest of Harrington, and about 5 miles south and 2 miles west of the old site of Rocklyn. It is in the NW 1/4 of Sec 29 Twp 24 Range 36, on property dedicated by the Mielke family.

Hardy, Eveline Adelin: Born: Aug 18, 1915. Passed away at her home near Rocklyn, WA. Funeral in Zion Methodist Church, Rev W F Maas officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Evyln Adeline Hardy. Female. White. Infant. Birth: Aug 18, 1915, WA. Age: 5 ½ months. Father: William Hardy, born IL; Mother: Lydia Thees, born MN. Informant: William Hardy, Harrington, WA.  Death: Jan 30, 1916. ‘Did not see child but believe cause of death to be acute indigestion with intestinal obstruction.’ Duration: 2 days. L. F. Wagner, MD, Harrington, WA. Burial: German Church 8 miles NW of Harrington, Feb 1, 1916. Undertaker: none.” (WA State Board of Health: Register of Death)

Hardy, infant son:  “Infant Boy Hardy. Born: June 6, 1911. Passed away at his home near Rocklyn, WA, Sept 6, 1911. Funeral: Sept 8, 1911 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev G S Roeder officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “The funeral services of the infant son of  Mr. & Mrs. Wm Hardy were held at the Zion German M E church last Fri, Sept 1, Rev G S Roeder officiating.” (Citizen: 9-15-1911, heading, ‘too late for last week’)

Hardy, Lydia: (b. 1880; d. 1946) “Lydia Hoffman. Born: Feb 7, 1880. Passed away at her home near Rocklyn, WA, Dec 5, 1946. Funeral Dec 8, 1946 in Davenport Gospel Tabernacle, Rev LeRoy Duncan officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Mrs. William Hardy died at her home last week Thursday, Dec 5, of a heart attack. She had visited at the homes of her sons nearby earlier in the day, and was feeling well. Upon her return home she was suddenly stricken ill and passed away.  Lydia Thees was born Feb 7, 1880 at Newport, MN.  She came to Spokane in 1905, and in 1907 was married there to William Hardy. The couple went to the Hardy farm near Rocklyn to make their home.  Funeral services for Mrs. Hardy were held Sunday in Davenport at the Gospel Tabernacle, with the Rev LeRoy Duncan officiating. Rites were under the direction of Bumgarner’s Funeral Home.  Mrs. Sam Solen of Spokane sang several songs, accompanied at the piano by Mr. Solen, who provided the background music for the rites.  Pallbearers were George G. Doggett, Ed Mielke, Leonard Tess, Ed Deppner, C. L. Rux and Elmer Knack.  Interment was in the Zion Cemetery near Rocklyn. Mrs. Solen sang a number at the graveside.  Surviving Mrs. Hardy are her husband at the home, one daughter, Mrs. C. K. Jolly (Esther) at Coulee City; sons, Robert, Wilbur and Richard of this district; and Milton of Spokane; sisters, Mrs. Carrie Rhein, Newport, MN; Miss Martha Thees, Long Beach, CA; and Mrs. Annie Albin, Davenport; and 8 grandchildren.  Mr. and Mrs. Jolly and family of Coulee, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Hardy, and Mrs. Herman Bursch and sons, Cecil and Chester, all of Spokane, were among the out-of-town relatives and friends present at the services.”   (Citizen: 13 Dec 1946)

Hardy, Violet P.: (b. 1918; d. 1991) “Violet P Hardy. Born March 3, 1913. Passed away Tacoma Alzheimer’s Residence, Tacoma, WA, Dec 27, 1991. Funeral: Jan 3, 1992 in Chapel of Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, Rev Norman Lela Cheur officiating, 1 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “Violet P Hardy. Funeral services for Violet P Hardy will be held Friday, Jan 3, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Strate Funeral Home in Davenport. Interment will follow at Rocklyn Cemetery.  Mrs. Hardy of Rocklyn passed away Dec 27 at Tacoma.  She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Carol Hardy of Tacoma; one granddaughter, Kari Ann Hardy of Tacoma; three brothers, Willard Plush of Kuna, Idaho, Ralph Plush of McLaughlin, SD, and Sam Plush of Hood River, OR; two sisters, Irene Howard of Sacramento, and Betty Mae Schober of Nampa, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur A Hardy on March 17, 1972. She was a past member of Washington Association of Wheat Growers.” (Davenport Times: 1-02-1992)

Hardy, Wilbur A.: (b. 1908; d. 1972) “Wilbur Alvin Hardy. Born May 11, 1908. Passed away in Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, WA, March 17, 1972. Funeral: March 21, 1972 in Chapel of Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA, Rev Norman LeLa Cheur officiating, 1 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “Wilbur Alvin Hardy, lifelong resident of the Rocklyn area, passed away Friday at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the chapel of the Strates Funeral Home and interment was in the Rocklyn Cemetery.  Born in 1908, Hardy would have been 64 in May.  After finishing school, he began his lifelong vocation as a farmer. He was also an associate member of the First Church of the Open Bible in Spokane. Survivors include his wife Violet and son Gerald Hardy; three brothers, Robert Hardy of Harrington; and Richard and Milton Hardy of Davenport.  Alice Fritsch provided organ music at the funeral service, while the Reverend and Mrs. Norman LeLa Cheur sang ‘Come to the Savior’ and ‘If I Gained the World but Lost the Savior.’  Casket bearers were Ed McFalls, Eugene Kruger, Thor Hanson, Homer Fritsch, Herbert Kruger and Harold Jenkins. Honorary bearers were Carl Mielke, Beroge Mielke, Rod Burgess, Wilmer Hoffman, Art Deking and George Scharff.”  (Dav. Times: 5-23-1972) 

Hardy, William: (b. 1874; d. 1955) “William Hardy. Born: Nov 4, 1874. Passed away at his home near Rocklyn, WA, Dec 17, 1955. Funeral: Dec 22, 1955 in Davenport Gospel Tabernacle, Rev Frank Schneider officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “William Hardy was born Nov 4, 1874 at Lensburg, Illinois, one of seven children. He was orphaned when a young boy and was reared in the home of an uncle and aunt. In 1902 he came west to Connell and soon after moved to the Rocklyn area where he worked on a farm for Herman Bursch for several years.  In 1905 Mr. Hardy began farming for himself at the place where the Richard Hardys now reside. In the spring of 1907 he married Lydia Thees of Spokane, Two daughters and five sons were born to them. One son and one daughter died in infancy. Mrs. Hardy died in December 1946 and Mr. Hardy chose to keep his own home rather than reside with his children. He enjoyed the various phases of farming and kept active. He cared for his cattle this winter. Mr. Hardy was a member of the Assembly of God church and recently received an award for faithful attendance in the Sunday School for a period of a number of years.  He loved music and although he had had no lessons he played and sang hymns and spent many hours at the piano in his home.  He passed away Dec 17 at his home. On his 81st birthday, in November, his children were all present at a birthday celebration in his honor.  Surviving Mr. Hardy is one daughter, Mrs. C. K. Jolly (Esther) of Coulee City; also four sons, Wilbur, Richard, Robert and Milton, all of the Rocklyn community; 8 grandchildren and one brother, Alex Hardy in Nebraska, and nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec 22 at the Davenport Tabernacle under direction of Strate Funeral Home. Rev Frank Schneider officiated. Rev and Mrs. Schneider sang ‘Where the Roses Never Fade,’ and Mrs. Schneider and Mrs. Dwaine Klein (Dorothea Duncan) sang ‘No Night There/’  Mrs. M. O. Olsen was pianist. Pallbearers were M. O. Olsen, Linas Klein, Edwin Deppner, Carl Mielke, Herb Kruger and Phil Henderson.  ‘The City Foursquare’ (No Night There) was Mr. Hardy’s favorite hymn. Interment was in the Zion Methodist Cemetery, Rocklyn, in the family plot.” (Citizen: 12-30-1955)

Hoffman, Elmer: (b. 1905; d. 1915) “Elmer Hoffman. Born: July 3, 1905. Passes away at his home Aug 11, 1915. Funeral: Aug 14, 1915 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Carl A. Wentsch officiating.” (Church Diagrams)  “Elmer Hoffman, while riding horseback Sunday evening in search of the cows, in the neighborhood near his father’s place some thirteen or fourteen miles northwest of Harrington, was seriously injured internally when his horse stumbled and threw him into a pile of rocks. He was taken to Spokane where a surgical operation was performed, but he died Wednesday evening. The remains were brought here yesterday morning, and will be given burial at Zion Sunday, the services being held at the Zion church. The lad was ten years old, and the son of Julius Hoffman.” (Citizen: Aug 13, 1915)

Hoffman, Friederich Paul: (b. 6-25-1890; d. 3-06-1899; s/o S. Ludwig & Henrietta) “Friederich Hoffman. Born: Jan 25, 1890. Passed away at his home near Rocklyn, WA, May 6, 1899. Funeral: May 9, 1899 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Joseph Hepp officiating.” (Church Diagrams) S Ludwig Hoffman married Henrietta Wittlief on March 5, 1868 in Wabasha Co, MN. Census reports indicate that 12 children had been born to them, however, the names of only ten children were available, and of those, Friedrich Paul Hoffman was the last born. His death was the first to be recorded in the church ledger of deaths, showing May 6, 1899, aged 9 yrs 3 mos and 12 days. No cause of death was given and no obituary was found locally. In addition to being survived by both parents, he was survived by siblings: Julius, Ida, Simon,  Emma, Henry, Louie, Lydia and Benjamin. He was known to have been preceded in death by other brothers, Samuel, Emil and August who died in MN, with burial in Greenland Cemetery, also known as Farmington Town Hall Cemetery in Olmstead County.

Hoffman, Henrietta: (b. 1846; d. 1928) “Henriette Hoffman. Born: August 1, 1846. Passed away at her home in Davenport, WA, Aug 19, 1928. Funeral: Aug 22, 1928 in Davenport Methodist Church, Rev A. F. Kroneman, Rev Joseph Hepp officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Mrs Henrietta Hoffman, age 82, a resident of this district for 45 years, died at her home Monday. She had been ailing for many months. The funeral was held at the Davenport ME Church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, with Rev A. F. Kroneman officiating. Special music was furnished by a mixed quartet: Mrs Elijah Huffman, Mrs. Albert Zelmer, Jason Horwege, and Claudius Horwege, accompanied by Mrs. Anna Jarvis. Burial was in the Zion Cemetery seven miles south of Rocklyn, near the church which the Hoffman family helped build in pioneer days. Pallbearers were D Rademacher, Emil Zelmer, John Albin, W. F. Gauger, August Rux and Herman Bursch. Mrs. Hoffman was born in Posen, Germany, Aug 1, 1846. She came to the United States when 20 years old, and was married in 1868 to Ludwig Hoffman and settled with him on a farm near Rochester, MN. The family came west to Washington Territory in 1883 and settled on a farm 11 miles southeast of Davenport. In 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman moved to Davenport, and here Mr. Hoffman died in 1906. Mrs. Hoffman has made her home with her daughter, Miss Lydia Hoffman, in Davenport since that time. She is survived by one daughter, Miss Lydia Hoffman of Davenport, four sons, Henry R Hoffman and Simon Hoffman, of Rocklyn; Bennie Hoffman of Grants Pass, OR; and Julius Hoffman of Portland, OR, as well as 18 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Another son, Louie Hoffman, died in California a few days before his mother’s death.” (a Davenport paper: 22 Aug 1928) One source gave her maiden name as Wittlief. The 1880 census for Farmington, Olmstead Co, MN shows Lewis and Henrietta Hoffman with five children: Julius, Ida, Simon, Emma and Samuel. Further investigation shows the burial of three children of Ludwig and Henriette in Greenland Cemetery (also called Farmington Town Hall Cemetery) in Olmsted County. These children were August (b. 1 Jan 1880; d. 1 Jan 1880), Emil (b. 11 May 1871; d. 20 July 1877) and Samuel (b. 6 June 1878; d. 22 July 188_). These extra children assist in understanding that she reported on the 1900 census that she had given birth to 12 children, and that 8 were surviving at that time: Emma, Henry, Lewis, Lydia and Benjamin, on the census with them, and Simon, Julius and Ida.

Hoffman, Henry Albert: (b. 1881; d. 1973) “Henry Albert Hoffman. Born: March 9, 1881. Passed away at his home near Rocklyn, WA, Feb 23, 1973. Funeral Feb 26, 1973 in Strate Funeral Home, Rev R. J. Raygor officiating, 11 a.m.” (Church Diagrams) “One of the oldest settlers of this area, Henry A Hoffman, died last week. After services in Davenport, Hoffman was buried Monday in Rocklyn, not far from the ranch where he had lived 89 years of his life. One of the founders of the local Assembly of God church, chartered in 1938 as Gospel Tabernacle, Hoffman was born in Minnesota and came to Lincoln County in 1883. He was widowed in 1969 by the death of his wife, Hermine. They were married in 1903 in Rocklyn. He is survived by four children, Wilmer, of Rocklyn; Eleanor Bursch of Spokane, Thelma Butcher of Rocklyn, and Viola Stone of Pendleton, OR; 19 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.” (Davenport Times)

Hoffman, Herbert O. W.: (b. Dec 23, 1907; d. Oct 3, 1934) “Herbert O W Hoffman, Born: Dec 23, 1907; Passed away in Colville, WA Hospital on Oct 3, 1934; Funeral: Oct 6, 1934 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev DeVries & Rev Duffin officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Herbert Orlin Wesley Hoffman, son of Mr. and Mrs Henry Hoffman of the Rocklyn district, passed away Oct 3, after an illness of but several days. He was stricken ill at Kettle Falls while working in the apple harvest, where he was staying with friends. He was born Dec 23, 1907 near Rocklyn, WA, and received his schooling at the Duck Lake and Earl schools. When a boy of 12 years, he was gloriously saved and was faithful to his Lord till the end. His plans for the future were in line with the Gospel work. He preached some, filling vacancies in various missions, once in Davenport at the Gospel Mission there, and Thursday, Sept 27, 1934, from the text John 7:37-39, he delivered his last message, in the Pentecostal church at Kettle Falls. He had a splendid voice, loved to sing, and assisted through this medium at the missions. Funeral services were conducted at the Zion church last Saturday afternoon and a large assemblage of friends was present as testimony of their admiration and respect for this young man. Surviving him are his parents, three sisters, Miss Thelma Hoffman, Mrs. Chester H. Bursch of Spokane, Mrs Harold White also of Spokane, and one brother, Wilmer, at home; grandmother, Mrs. Johanna Bakenhus of Anaheim, CA, and many other relatives besides a host of friends. All of the immediate family were present at the services except his sister, Miss Thelma, who is in Illinois with an evangelistic party. Herbert spent most of his time at home. This season he worked at the Roy Nichols farm near Davenport until after harvest. He had been at Kettle Falls only about two weeks.” (Citizen: 12 Oct 1934)

Hoffman, Hermine B.: (b. 1885; d. 1969) “Hermine M. Hoffman. Born: April 1, 1885. Passed away in Lincoln Hospital, Davenport, WA, Feb 1, 1969. Funeral: Feb 4, 1969 in Strate Funeral Home, Rev Donald Dalan officiating, 1 p.m.” (Church Diagrams) “Hermine M. Hoffman.—Her home, Davenport, WA. Survived by the husband, Henry Hoffman at the home. One son, Wilmer Hoffman, Davenport, WA; three daughters, Mrs. Eleanor Bursch, Spokane; Mrs. Viola Stone, Pendleton, OR; Thelma Butcher, Davenport, WA; 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, two brothers, Herman Bakenhus, Paul Bakenhus, both in CA; six sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Knack, Davenport; Mrs. Hanna Tess, Hartline; Mrs. Margaret Jackson, Great Falls, MT; Mrs. Theresa Dietrich, Chelan, WA; Mrs. Eleanor Gibson, Mrs. Hulda Kraft, both in Ca. A member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church of Davenport. Funeral services Tuesday, Feb 4, 1 p.m., Chapel of the Strate Funeral Home, Rev Donald Dalan officiating. Interment Rockland Cemetery, Rockland (sic), WA.” (Spokesman: Feb 1969)

Hoffman, Ida: (b. 1872; d. 1919) “Ida Wilhelmina Hoffman. Born: May 29, 1872. Passed away near Harrington, WA, Dec 31, 1919. Funeral: Jan 3, 1920 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev H. F. Lange officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Miss Ida Hoffman, aged 47, died at noon Wednesday, Dec 31, at the home of her brother, Julius Hoffman. The cause of death being cancer of the stomach, an ailment that has afflicted her for years. Most of her life the deceased was a nurse and at one time was head nurse of the Deaconess Hospital in Spokane. For the past 12 years she has been keeping house for her brother. Deceased was born in Minnesota in 1872. She is survived by a mother, Mrs Henrietta Hoffman of Davenport, one sister, Miss Lydia Hoffman of Davenport, and five brothers, Julius, Simon, Henry, Louis and Ben E. A., all of Harrington. The funeral was held at the Zion church last Saturday, the body being cared for by J E Turner. The Rev R. D. Streyffeler conducted the funeral services, other pastors assisting. Interment was held in the Zion Cemetery. Rev R D Streyffeler of Seattle spent a few days this week with friends near Harrington.” (Citizen: 9 Jan 1920) “Ida W Hoffman. Female, white, single, housekeeper. Birth: May 29, 1872, MN; Aged: 47 yrs 8 mos 1 day. Father: Ludwig Hoffman, born Germany; Mother: Henriette Wittlief/Wittluf, born Germany. Informant: B E A Hoffman, Harrington, WA.  Death: Dec 31, 1919, R-3, Lincoln County, ‘no physician in attendance.’ Cause of death: cancerous growth internally, according to her relative. Duration: 12 years. H. S. Bassett, Registrar, Harrington. Burial: Zion Cemetery, 8 miles from Harrington, Jan 3, 1920, J E Turner, undertaker.” (WA State Board of Health Register of Death)

Hoffman, Julius W.: (b. 1869; d. 1945) “Julius W. Hoffman. Born: Nov 30, 1869. Passed away in Spokane, WA, May 29, 1945. Funeral: June 2, 1945 in Thornhill Carey Funeral Home, Rev G. E. Rasmussen officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Julius William Hoffman.—Home at E 904 11th. Survived by his wife, Geneva, at the home; 2 daughters, Mrs. Lydia McCollum, Mrs. Florence Lesch, both of Portland, OR; 3 brothers, Simon Hoffman, Spokane; Henry Hoffman, Rocklyn; Rev Ben Hoffman, Bellingham, WA; one sister, Mrs Lydia Imus, Ephrata; one niece, Miss Emma McMaster, Spokane; one grandson. He was a member of the Stevens St. mission. Funeral Saturday, June 2, at 10 a.m. from the Chapel of Memories at the Thornhill-Carey Funeral Home. Interment at Zion Hill Cemetery, Rocklyn, WA at 2 p.m.” (Spokesman Review: 29 May 1945) Edit: Julius Hoffman  was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Buob Hoffman, and his oldest daughter, Lillian, and only son, Elmer, were all buried here in Zion Cemetery.

Hoffman, Letha Smith: (b. 1925; d. 1995) “Graveside service for Letha (Smith) Hoffman of Rocklyn was held on Tuesday at the Rocklyn Zion Cemetery, with a memorial service following at the Davenport Assembly of God Church. Pastor Pat Hogan officiated.  Mrs. Hoffman passed away Nov 24, (1995) at her daughter’s home in Spokane, following a battle with cancer. She was 70.  She was born July 10, 1925, at Telford and graduated from Creston High School in 1943.  She was an active member of the Davenport Assembly of God Church and was a longtime officer of the Women’s Ministries group. She was a Sunday School teacher and served as the church nursery attendant for 13 years. She also was a loyal sports fan, following her children’s and grandchildren’s sports careers with great enthusiasm and devotion.  Mrs. Hoffman will be remembered for her unceasing love for the Lord and her family. She cared for those around her with unending love and generosity.  She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Wilmer Hoffman, at the family home near Rocklyn; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Linda Hoffman of Harrington, and Dick and Nancy Hoffman of Pullman; one daughter and son-in-law, Doris and Kevin Norris of Spokane; 10 grandchildren, Lori Hashimoto, Janine, Todd, Denise and Scot Hoffman, Stacy Wendle, and Erin, Erica and Dana Norris; one great grandson, Black Hashimoto; two brothers, Jim Smith of Yakima, and Gerald (Jerry) Smith of Selah; four sisters, Leila Dunn, Darlene Olin and Ocy Brymer-MacIntosh, all of Kent, and Edra (Eddie) Ogan of Colville; and 42 nieces and nephews. Strate Funeral Home in Davenport was in charge of arrangements.”

Hoffman, Lillian: (b. 1899; d. 1916) “Lillian Emma Hoffman. Born: Aug 6, 1899. Passed away in Davenport, WA, May 5, 1916. Funeral: May 8, 1916 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev A. F. Hilmer and Rev W F Maas officiating.” (Church Diagrams) ”Lillian Emma Hoffman. Female, white, single. Birth: Aug 6, 1899, in Spokane. School Girl, aged 16 yrs 8 mos 29 days. Father: Julius Hoffman, born MN; Mother: Mary Buob, born CA. Informant: Miss Lydia Hoffman, Davenport, WA. Death: May 5, 1916, 12:30 p.m., Dist. 1, Davenport, Lincoln County. Cause of death: myocarditis of 1 yr duration. Physician: Morton Myers, MD. Burial: May 7, 1916, Zion Cemetery by J. T. Lyse, undertaker, of Davenport, WA.” (WA State Board of Health Certificate of Death) She was preceded in death by her mother and her younger brother, Elmer, in 1915.

Hoffman, Ludwig: (b. 1840; d. 1906) “Ludwig Hoffman. Born 1840. Passed away at his home near Davenport, WA, July 1906. Funeral: 1906 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Ludwig Gaiser officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Louis Huffman, father of the Huffman boys who live northwest of Harrington, died at his home near Davenport Sunday night from an attack of typhoid. Deceased was about 60 years old. Mr. Huffman had lived about eight miles northwest of Harrington for years, was an energetic and conscientious farmer who had prospered by his thrift. He had been making his home near Davenport of late years.” (Citizen: 27 July 1906)  “United States of America. Be it Remembered, that at the May Term 1889 of the District Court of the Territory of Washington and for the Fourth Judicial District thereof, holding terms at Sprague, Lincoln County, in said Territory, Hon. William H Calkins, sol Judge presiding, among other, the following proceedings were had, to wit: In the Matter of the Application of Ludwig Hoffman, a native of Prussia, to become a Citizen of the United States, On this Tenth day of May AD 1889, the said Ludwig Hoffman appeared in open Court with his witnesses Charles H. Hannum and J. Wortz and made application to become a Citizen of the United States. And the Court being fully satisfied from the evidence of said witnesses, as well as other evidence produced in Court, that said applicant hath fully complied with the laws of the United states relative thereto; that he hath resided in this Territory for one year last past, and in the United States at least five years; that during said time he hath behaved as a man of good moral character, is attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States and is well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same, and having in open Court taken the oath as required by law; therefore, it is ordered and adjudged by the Court that he, the said Ludwig Hoffman be and is hereby admitted to be a Citizen of the United States.” (Document copy from Eastern Regional Archives, Cheney, WA) Ludwig Hoffman was born in Germany, emigrated to the US where he was married to Henriette Wittlief in 1868 and they resided near Rochester, MN. More specifically, they were on the 1880 Farmington, Olmsted Co, MN census. Ludwig was the father of 12 children, 3 of whom were buried in the Farmington Town Hall Cemetery and 9 that migrated with the families to the Zion district of Lincoln Co in 1883. Ludwig was one of the founders of the Zion German Methodist Church.

Hoffman, Mary Buob: (b. 1878; d. 1907) “Mary Buob Hoffman. Born: Oct 17, 1877. Passed away at Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, WA, following a train accident near her home, Moran Prairie, May 4, 1907. Funeral: May 7, 1907 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Ludwig Gaiser officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “The remains of Mary Hoffman was brought here for interment Tuesday evening. It was a sad case. Her home is on the Inland electric line south of Spokane. Last Saturday while eating dinner she heard the approach of one of the electric trains. The home being close to the track she noticed that the garden gate was open and her little boy’s wagon was on the track. The mother saw only danger to her offspring and hurried out. The home was behind the depot and the train was a freight and did not stop there.  Mrs. Hoffman reached the wagon and while looking for the child was struck by the train. She was taken to Spokane to the Deaconess hospital for treatment and died shortly after admission.  Services will be held at the Zion’s church south of Rocklyn today (Thursday) and Rev Gaiser will officiate. Her parents live south of Rocklyn and the remains were held for the arrival of a sister from California.  She leaves a husband and four children.”  (Dav. Tribune: 5-09-1907)  The 1900 Ward 1 Spokane Census shows her husband Julius, Mary and their daughter Lillian. According to this census, they had been married two years.  Elmer died in 1915; Lillian died in 1916 with burial in Zion. Two daughters survived their father in 1945, Lydia E and Florence.                                                                                                                                                               " Mrs. May Hoffman, wife of Julius W. Hoffman formerly of this city died in Spokane last Saturday from the effects of being struck by a Spokane & Inland freight train while trying to save her two year old child.  The accident happened a week ago Monday afternoon at Sharon station where Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman lived on a ranch. The men folks we doing some work in the field and when they left the house omitted to close the gate.  The children, seeing the gate open, proceeded to the railway tracks where they were at play. When the train whistled Mrs. Hoffman looked out and not seeing the smallest child with the other children, thought it had remained on the tracks where she saw the little one's express wagon, and with all the anxiety of a loving mother rushed excitedly to the spot, her view of the fast approaching train being obscured by the depot.  Not seeing the child there  she tried to jump back , but was struck by the train, cutting a deep gash in the side of her head, breaking several ribs and fracturing her collar bone.  She was immediately taken to the Deaconess hospital in Spokane, and although all that medical skill could do was done to save her, she died last Saturday after a terrible suffering.  Her  remains were shipped here for burial Monday, and were taken from here yesterday to /Zion church near Rockly, where the last servcices were held. Rev. Gaiser of the Davenport German Methodist church officiating.  The floral offerings were many and beautiful.  Interment took place at Zion cemetery and the funeral procession was one of the largest seen here in a long time.  Mary Buob was born in California 29 years ago, and at the age of 15 moved with her parents to Harrington where she lived until nine years ago when she was married to Julius W. Hoffman, a brother of Louie Hoffman, whose mother and family still live in this city.  At the time of her marriage to Mr. Hoffman they moved to Moran Prairie near Spokane, where they lived until three years ago, when they moved to the ranch where the accident occurred.  Besides a husband and four small children to mourn her loss she leaves father and mother, who lived at Baird, and three sisters and six brothers, all of whom were present at the funeral.  The sorrowing husband and relatives have the sincerest sympathy of a large circle of friends in this vicinity in their sad bereavement. " ( Lincoln County Times, May 10, 1907) Submitted by Barbara Curtis 

Hoffman, Simon N: (b. 1874; d. 1955) “Simon Ned Hoffman. Born: August 18, 1874. Passed away in Spokane, WA, January 24, 1955. Funeral: Jan 28, 1955 in ‘Chapel of Chimes’, Thornhill-Geraghty Funeral Home, 2 p.m., Rev J. E. Rasmussen officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Graveside services were held for Simon Hoffman at the Rocklyn Zion Cemetery Friday afternoon. Mr. Hoffman was a former resident of Rocklyn when he farmed south of here. After the services about twenty-five guests gathered at the home of Henry Hoffman, a brother, for sandwiches, cookies and coffee. Mr. Hoffman’s daughter, Violet, from Texas, his daughter Esther and family of Spokane, his son Clarence and family from Inchelium were present, among others.”  (Citizen: 2-04-1955)  Edit: Simon Hoffman married (on 13 June 1899 at Zion) Ida Dickmann, the daughter of Ferdinand Dickmann and his first wife, Eva Milgert. Ida was the twin of Bertha Dickmann who married Virgil Duncan.  Four children were born to Simon and Ida: Clarence A. (1900), Violet E. H. (m. Andy Quick), Esther E. G. (b. 1906), and Earl Stafford Hoffman (b. 1910). Apparently Ida and Simon did not live well together, as Ida was found on the 1930 census re-married to William Rinehart, at which time Earl was residing with them.

Hoffman, Vernon: (b. July 13, 1910; d. July 14, 1910) “Baby Boy. Funeral: July 14, 1910, Graveside services: Rev G S Roeder officiating.” (Church Diagrams) Vernon Hoffman was reportedly the infant son of Henry Hoffman with burial in their family plot.

“Name: (not given). Male, white, Birth: July 13, 1910. Age: 7 hours. Birthplace: Rocklyn. Father: Henry A Hoffman, born MN; Mother: Hermiene Bakenhaus, born SD; Informant: Henry A Hoffman. Death: July 13, 1910 at 12 midnight in Lincoln County. Cause: Myocarditis, duration of 7 hours. Contributory: Breech presentation. Physician: Morton Myers, MD of Davenport, WA. Burial: Zion. Undertaker: O W Stone of Davenport.” (WA State Board of Health: Certificate of Death)

Hoffman, Wilmer: (b. 1908; d. 1998; married: 4-24-1943) “Graveside service for Davenport’s Wilmer M Hoffman will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Rocklyn Zion Cemetery, with Pastor Pat Hogan officiating. Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Davenport Assembly of God Church, where Mr Hoffman was a member and deacon. Mr. Hoffman will lie in state at Strate Funeral Home in Davenport today (Thursday) from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.  Mr Hoffman is survived by two sons, Jim and his wife Linda Hoffman of Harrington, and Dick and Nancy Hoffman of Pullman; one daughter, Doris, and her husband Kevin Norris of Spokane; nine grandchildren, Lori Hashimoto, Jenine, Todd, Scot and Denise Hoffman, Stacy Wendle, and Erin, Erica and Dana Norris; 3 great grandchildren, Black, Grant and Trent Hashimoto; one sister, Viola Stone of Longview, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Letha Hoffman, in 1995, one brother and two sisters.  Strate Funeral Home in Davenport is in charge of arrangements.” (Dav. Times: 4-30-1998)

Hubenthal, Mary: (b. 12-23-1854; d. 4-21-1909) “Mary Hubenthal. Born: Dec 29, 1854. Passed Away near Harrington, WA, April 21, 1908. Funeral: April 24, 1908 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev Charles H Wiese, Rev Ludwig Gaiser officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Mrs Thomas Hubenthal died of heart failure, at her home north of Harrington, Tuesday evening, April 21st, just 58 days from the date of her husband’s death. It is understood that when informed that death was imminent she made her will before Attorney E D Reiter of Davenport, who was called to her bedside for that purpose, she leaving her property to relatives in Switzerland.  Mrs. Hubenthal was about 80 years of age. She was laid to rest beside her husband Thursday, April 23rd, in the German Methodist Cemetery. Mrs Hubenthal was a very pleasant lady and will be greatly missed by her friends and neighbors.” (Citizen: 24 April 1908) “Notice to Creditors. In the matter of the estate of Marie Hubenthal, deceased...Ludwig Gaiser, Executor of the Estate of Marie Hubenthal.” (Citizen: 12 June 1908)

Hubenthal, Thomas: (b. 6-03-1838; d. 2-24-1908) “Thomas Hubenthal. Born: June 3, 1838. Passed away near Harrington, WA, Feb 24, 1908. Funeral: Feb 27, 1908 in Zion Methodist Church, Rev G. J. Solm and Rev Ludwig Gaiser officiating.” (Church Diagrams) “Thomas Hubenthal, a pioneer of Lincoln County and a close-in farmer of the Harrington Wheat Belt, died at his home Sunday evening, following a sickness of two weeks’ duration, at the age of 72 years.  Mr. Hubenthal was born in Hessen, Germany, but has been a resident of this section of Lincoln County for the past 25 years. The funeral was conducted from the home by Rev Sohm, and he was laid to rest in the German Methodist Cemetery at 10 o’clock, Tuesday, Feb 25, Undertaker J. E. Turner officiating. Mr. Hubenthal leaves a wife to mourn the loss of a loving husband, and a large number of friends who regret the loss of a good neighbor and true American citizen. A large number of friends followed the remains to the cemetery.” (Citizen: 28 Feb 1908) Thomas Hubenthal was born on June 3, 1838 in Hessen, Germany. He migrated to Lincoln County as a single man about the year 1883. Marie was born in Switzerland on Dec 29, 1854 and migrated to the US in 1890. They were married in 1892 and were both quite active in the church, both leading classes at various times. They had no children of their own but opened their hearts and home to an orphan, Joseph, of Italian parentage. Joseph appears to have been born about 1886 per census data. Thomas and Marie owned the grove where the first camp meetings reportedly had been held.

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Zion German Methodist Cemetery Obituaries, Rocklyn, Washington 

submitted  to the WAGenWeb by Marge Womach, February 2007.

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