Mr. Hoef is one of those citizens who have come to our shores, leaving their native country, and seeking a new home in a new world. In early times all of our people crossed the seas, “but their hardihood and enterprise has all but been forgotten. Those who emigrated in more recent times serve to remind us of the dangers and privations attending the long voyage from another continent. Mr. Hoef was born in Cobenz, Germany, on March 16, 1851. He came to America with his parents in 1865 and settled in Madonnaville. Here he attended the parochial and public schools, and after finishing his schooling helped on the farm of his parents. The father died in 1878, the mother in 1892, on August 17th.
But previous to this Mr. Hoef had taken a farm for himself. In 1883 he rented 54 acres of fertile bottom land near Prairie du Rocher. This soil, with the careful management which he gave it, yielded abundantly and brought him such prosperity that he purchased it in a short time. In 1889 he bought land adjoining to his and became the possessor of 240 acres. The large farm, situated on Rural Route #3, has been his home to the present time and has become a perfect farm in every sense as a result of his industry and prudence.
Mr. Hoef was married in 1884, on October 28, to Miss Elizabeth Crewet. His wife was a daughter of Nicholaus Crewet, the organist and school teacher of Saint Viett. She was educated in the public school and academy in Buechlein, Germany, and after her father’s death in 1868 she came to America to be housekeeper for her uncle the Reverend Crewet of Prairie du Long. She remained in this capacity until her marriage. Her work for the Church has been notable, and she is a member of the Altar Society. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hoef are Mary A., Katherina W., and Elizabeth M., the eldest being the wife of George Eicheuser.
Mr. Hoef is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Knights of America and an ardent autoist. He is a faithful worker for the Church.