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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
LUTHER HOFFMIRE, deceased, was born in Knox County, Ohio, Aug. 18, 1821, and died at his home in New Sharon, Sunday, May 9, 1886, having been a resident of this county since May 12, 1855. His early life in Ohio was passed on the farm, and here he grew to manhood. For many years he traveled over that State, engaged in the sale of farm implements, manufactured at the Ohio Penitentiary, and this being prior to the days of railways, he used the old-fashioned four and six horse wagon in order to carry a large supply of goods. He was also engaged there for many years in the buying of wool. In the year 1850 Mr. Hoffmire was united in marriage with Ann J. Kirk, a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmire became the parents of six children, three of whom died in infancy, and one at the age of eighteen years. The living children are; Thomas T., a resident of this county; Harriet J., now the wife of Dr. M. G. Hart, of Chicago, and an adopted daughter, Lulu M., is a member of the family. Mrs. Hoffmire still survives, and resides in this county. When the family first came to this county they settled in Adams Township, and engaged in farming for three years, and then removed to Union Township, residing there until 1874, when the farm of 200 acres was rented, and they removed to New Sharon. During his residence on the farm, Mr. Hoffmire studied law and was admitted to the bar, and after coming to New Sharon gave his attention entirely to legal matters. In the year 1880, his health having become somewhat impaired, he made a trip to Kansas, the family remaining at New Sharon, and while there was admitted to the bar of that State and practiced law one year, then returned to his home. All his life Mr. Hoffmnire was a very active politician. In his earlier days he was an old-line Whig, and a delegate to the convention in Ohio which nominated John Sherman for Congress the first time. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and in 1856 cut his vote for John C. Fremont for President, and from that time until his decease was a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He held the office of Justice of the Peace in this county for twenty-four years, and was Mayor of New Sharon eight terms. He was a man of excellent legal judgment, and his decisions were never reversed. He possessed many excellent traits of character, and these made for him numerous friends and admirers.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy