undisputedly the thrift and enterprise of the owner. The buildings are all of solid construction, well arranged for the economic prosecution of agriculture. Among the adornments are numerous shade and fruit trees, all of which he has planted himself, that serve greatly to increase the value of the property and make its appearance home-like. Mr. Hoffmann is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and brains and business tact, combined with steady industry, have brought him to the front. His fellow-citizens, recognizing his ability and superior qualifications for civic life, have called him to many positions of responsibility within their gift. Among the offices he has held are treasurer of Delapre township ten years, and treasurer of the local school board twenty years. He has also served as a member of the town board.

While a resident of Sheboygan county, Wis., Mr. Hoffmann won for his helpmate Miss Caroline Schwartz, who is a native of Germany, and their happy married life has been productive of a family of thirteen children, nine of whom are still living, viz.: Emma, Robert, Albert, August, Alma, Ida, Charles, Anna, and William. Of the deceased members of the family, Selma died when eighteen years old, Clara when she was seven, and the other two children in infancy.

ILLIAM G. BOWER.  Among the business enterprises that contribute to the welfare of the city of Vermillion, the brick works of which Mr. Bower is proprietor are certainly deserving of mention. This

manufacturing establishment turns out a large number of brick per annum and furnishes employment to a number of workman as well as increasing the circulation of our medium of trade in other ways. The establishment is one whose work is considered reliable and whose proprietor enjoys the confidence and esteem of the people among whom he has made his home.

Mr. Bower first saw the light of day in Orange county, N. Y., January 11, 1842. When he was seven years old he came with his parents to Dane county, Wis., where the family settled on a farm, and there our subject was educated in the common schools of the district, and grew to manhood. He was still a member of the parental household, when the first assault on the national honor was made, and April 12, 1861, he offered his services as a soldier and was accepted and enrolled as a private in company A, Seventh Wisconsin regiment, infantry. He took part with his regiment in the battles of Gainesville, Va., South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was slightly wounded in the foot at the engagement at Gainesville, and after faithful service of three and a half years, was mustered out and discharged at Madison, Wis.

On returning again to civil life our subject engaged in farming in Dane county, Wis., until the spring of 1869, at which time he started for Dakota territory. April 17th he arrived at Vermillion and after homesteading 160 acres, he also purchased a claim of the same number of acres in Spirit Mound township, and on this property he continued to reside until 1873, coming at that time to Vermillion to engage in the meat business as well as