Edward Henry Hoppe, who is identified with agricultural interests and is also serving as justice of the peace in Sacramento, was born in Evansville, Indiana, June 6, 1859. His father, William Hoppe, was a native of Germany, belonging to a prominent family of that country, owning one of the largest cutlery establishments in Solingen. He came to America in 1847, locating in St. Louis, where eh followed the chosen pursuit of the family, being engaged in the cutlery business there. He afterward removed to Evansville, Indiana, in 1852, and in connection with a partner conducted what was called the Mechanics Foundry, situated at the corner of First and Pine streets in that city. There he remained continuously for more than two decades, and in 1875 came to California, locating in Sacramento. Here his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1880. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Julia Fisher, who was born in the fatherland, where her ancestors had lived through many generations. She survived her husband for almost a quarter of a century and died in Sacramento in February, 1903. In the family were five sons and three daughters.

Edward Henry Hoppe as a student in the public schools in Evansville, Indiana, mastered the elementary branches of English learning, and then graduated at the comparatively early age of fourteen years. He then began to learn the trade of general blacksmithing, serving an apprenticeship, when his health failed him and he came to California, arriving in this state with the family on the 3d of May, 1875. Here he worked in the Southern Pacific Railroad shops or six months and was afterward employed by different firms of Sacramento as a general or traveling salesman. About 1892 he located in Sutterville and became engaged in farming, which pursuit he has since followed, and in his agricultural labors has met with good success.

On the 9th of March, 1885, Mr. Hoppe was united in marriage in Sacramento to Miss Carrie Taft, who was born in Nevada City, California, and is a daughter of C. C. Taft, a pioneer miner and mill owner of this state. The family, however, is of English descent and was founded in Vermont in early days. Five sons and two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoppe; Edward, Charles, Willie, George, Atkinson, Crystal and Aloma, all in school. Mr. Hoppe is connected with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and gives stalwart political support to the Republican party. He has been active in its councils, frequently serving as a delegate to its county conventions, and he wields considerable influence in its ranks. All matters pertaining to the welfare of his community have received his earnest endorsement. In 1900 he was appointed justice of the peace and soon afterward was elected to that office for four years' term. In the fall of 1903 he was once more chosen for the position, so that his present term will cover the period from 1904 until 1908. Being chosen for a second term by popular suffrage is certainly an indication of the confidence of the general public in his ability and his fidelity to the trust reposed in him.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine