Ilion High School - Class of 1882

Source pdf file is here Illion Utica NY Herald Dispatch 1905 - 2137.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Death Removes John Hoefler

Prominent President Ill a Long Time

Was an Expert Mechanic

Succeeded in Life by Hard Work -
Climbed the Ladder of Success by His Own Efforts -
Interested in Many Industries - His Busy Career.

Ilion, Aug 31 - In ill health for several years and confined to the house, more or less, since last October, John Hoefler died at his home in East Main Street last night. He was a prominent resident and was always interested in the welfare of the village sharing his long resident here. He was financially interested in many industries.

Born in Badenheim, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, October 4, 1829, he remained there until he reached his twelfth birthday, when he came to America and settled in Utica. While in Germany he learned the trade of a machinist, and after he came to this country he followed that vocation having employment at various times in Utica and New York. He entered the employ of the Remingtons in 1856 and remained with the establishment until 1886. He first engaged as toolmaker and later he took the contract for reconstructing ...loading guns and still later the manufacture of cisterns for revolvers. At one time he employed over a hundred hands. he did all his own designing and superintending. In 1866, just after the close of the war, he took charge of superintending the construction of sewing machines for the Remington firm and also took contracts for making the machines. He continued in this until 1881, when he was made general superintendent for the arms company. This position he held until the firm failed in 1886. For four months he worked for the receivers, Messrs. Russel and Brill. He then retired and since had not been engaged in any business.

Mr. Hoefler succeeded in life by hard work. From only a mechanic, receiving ten shillings a day, he worked his way to wealth and influence and at the time of his death was one of the most prominent residents of the village. He was interested in the development and prosperity of Ilion and took an active and working part in many of its manufacturing establishments. He had been a stockholder in the Coleman Carriage Company since it was organized. During the time of its- existence he was also a Stockholder in the Ilion Manufacturing Company, Limited. He was one of the organizers of the Ilion and Mohawk Gas & Electric Light Co. and vice president of the concern. He was one of the incorporators of the Ilion National Bank, organized in 1867, and served as director and vice president of that institution.

Mr. Hoefler was a Republican in politics. He had served the village as trustee and at one time he was a member of the Board of Education. He was also a member of Remington Armory Hose Company and served also as assistant chief engineer of the first department. While living in Utica in 1864 he was a member of the Utica German Rifles, belonged also to Washington Fire Company, No. 7. when William White was foreman. In 1890 he was appointed by the Board of Trustees for a term of five years and served as president of the board. He was a member of Ilion Lodge, F. & A. M.. of Iroquois Chapter, R. A. M. and of Utica Lodge. No. 3. K. T. Mr. Hoefler was also a member of the Ilion Methodist Church and served on its Board of Stewards since 1878. In 1854 Mr. Hoefler married Elizabeth Eller of Utica, who survives with these children: William Henry of Denver, John J. of Denver, Charles of Schenectady, Frank S., an attorney, of Ilion, Philo R. of Denver, Elizabeth, wife of Dr. E. M. Draper of Pasadena, Cal., Harriet, wife of Carver Remington of Ilion, and Caroline, wife of C. C. Brill superintendent of the University of Vermont at Northfield. He leaves two brothers, Philip and Jacob of Ilion and four sisters. Phillipina, wife of Jacob Schaub of Utica, and Catharine Ottilia and Anna Marie of Badenheim, Germany.

John Hoefler Residence West Main St. Ilion, NY - 1904
Source: "Souvenir of Ilion," Ilion, N.Y.:Citizen Print. 1904. No Author.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70580378/john-hoefler