Hofer, Michael R. (1829-1932)

"Der Wahrheitsfreund" obituary: 1932 Nov 16 p. 13

Birth date: 1829 Aug 4

Mennonite Weekly Review: 1929 Sep 4 p. 6

Freeman, South Dakota. — Sunday, Aug 4, was a big day at the John R. Hofer home northwest of Freeman when the children of Michael R. Hofer had arranged for a program in honor of his 100 birthday anniversary. A fine program was given by his descendents, and other speakers were Rev. P. P. Tschetter, Prof. Eschliman and Rev. D. M. Hofer of Chicago. A tent was put up, but even though it held a thousand people it was far too small to hold the large crowd that gathered to honor him and help him celebrate. There were between 3000 to 4000 people there and over 1000 cars. The band played as he marched into the tent to his seat of honor. He was entirely at ease during the whole day. After the program hundreds of people shook hands with him and wished him happy birthday greetings. He was indeed glad that so many friends came to see him. A picture was taken of the entire family which numbers 280, and then a bounteous supper was served them. Many bouquets of flowers decorated the tables and tent. Two large beautifully decorated birthday cakes were given him by his son and daughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. M Hofer. it was indeed a happy day of rejoicing and everybody was pleased and happy that they could help him celebrate this day as it is a rare occasion that anyone attains such and age.

Life History of Michael R. Hofer

At the Hopkins University at Baltimore, Maryland, they are making a study from many different points of view of the factors and influences which make for long life. Through some newspaper article they got to hear of Mr. Hofer's old age, so they sent out a questionnaire to be filled out. Some of the questions asked on this paper were: Did you ever use alcoholic beverages? To what extent did you use tobacco? What were your general habits in regard to eating, drinking, sleeping and working? and what occupations did you follow? It is interesting to note that he never used tobacco. He was moderate in his general habits of eating, drinking, sleeping and working. He has always spent a great deal of his time in sleeping. In regard to eating he always preferred a simple meal. He has never eaten butter. He is however a lover of fruits. it is said that he usually filled his pockets with apples before he went out into the field and then whenever time permitted he would eat an apple. He had a strong physical body being able to stand a great deal of cold without using any covers. He has never undergone a surgical operation nor did he ever have any dental work done. This does not say that he never was sick. According to reports he was very sick two times in Russia. One time his family thought he was dead and wanted to make preparations for his funeral.

History — Michael R. Hofer was born at Radichewa, Russia, Aug 4, 1829. When he was 13 years old he moved with his parents to the Kremin [sic Crimea?] and settled in the community of Hutterthal. Here he worked in a flour mill. After 12 years residence in Hutterthal they moved to Johannesruh, here he followed the occupation of a farmer. They lived here for 24 years. In the fall of the year 1878 they sold their land and what other belongings they had. The following spring of 1879 (June) they took a train from a nearby town to Bremen, a seaport in Germany. Here they took a ship, after a 16 days' travel they reached New York. Today we travel the same distance in less than 6 days. Lindburgh [sic Lindbergh] made it in 33 hours. Having reached New York their destination was set for South Dakota. After 4 days' travel by rail they arrived at Yankton. Their oldest son Mike and son-in-law John L. Hofer who came to America 2 years previous were there to meet them. The trip from Yankton to this locality (6 miles northwest of Freeman) a distance of about 50 miles was made in a lumber wagon drawn by oxen. It required 2 days to make this trip. Having reached a place where they wanted to settle, their next object was to build some kind of a home, a sod one-room building 21x40 ft. was erected. They had no stove to begin with, so a hole was made in the ground to serve as such. Later they built a fireplace. This first house was about a quarter of a mile north from his present home. The highway passes over that place today. Hard times were certainly their lot the first few years. It is hard for us to imagine such a condition, being in a place with no communication with anyone. No telephone, no automobile, the nearest town 50 miles. At the same time probably being in danger of starvation. The first winter must have been a severe one as part of the winter they kept their live stock in their dwelling house. On one side of the fireplace were the horses and cattle and on the other side the family lived. They lived in this sod building for 2 years. Then a brick building was erected. 45 years of their life were spent in this building. Had it not been self wrecked 2 years ago, it no doubt would still be standing. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Micheal [sic Michael] R. Hofer moved into a new brick building with their children Mr. and Mrs. John R. Hofer. The new brick building is about 2 feet back of where the old one stood. These aged people lived on the same place for 48 years. So in the time of his life Mr. Hofer lived in at least 5 different houses. He has seen the change from a one room sod building to a modern home equipped with steam heat and electric light. It must be great to experience such a change and that all in a person's lifetime. in America he also had a big farm. He always had a great many sheep and cattle. He also tended an orchard. Her [sic] certainly experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. We live in an age that is altogether different. We have machines to do our farm work, they had very little of that. Our homes are equipped with steam heat and electric light. Their first light was a candle, a fireplace was the only means they had of keeping a building warm on a cold winter day. Their means of transportation was a lumber wagon and a team of horses. Who would think of going on a trip like that today? A horse and buggy is almost history to some of us. In conclusion is a short biography of his life. Michael R. Hofer was born in Russia Aug. 4, 1829. He was the oldest of a family of 11 children. His youngest sister is the only one living. She is Mrs. Rebecca Walter. He was married twice. His first wife died after they were married 13 years. Of the first 5 children 4 are still living. With his second wife who is still living, he has lived 65 years. He is able to name 4 generations, 13 children are living, the oldest son is 73 years old, the youngest 45. 81 grandchildren are living, 160 great grandchildren and 26 great, great grandchildren. At present his physical condition is rather weak but still he is able to walk around quite a little however with the help of a cane. His eyes are weak and so is his hearing. His mental condition is very good. Last week when threshing at the Hofer home he counted the loads and when they were through threshing he knew exactly how many didn't use a pencil for figuring — Freeman Courier.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1932 Nov 9 p. 1

text of obituary:

Oldest Mennonite Resident Answers Summons of Death.

Freeman, S. Dakota. — After waiting patiently for several years for his final summons, Michael R. Hofer, South Dakota's oldest resident, passed away at his home near here Tuesday, October 2.

Mr. Hofer celebrated his 103d birthday on August 4 of this year. On his 100th anniversary in 1929 his children and friends prepared a special program in his honor, which was attended by nearly 1000 people. He was a member of the Huttertal church where funeral services were held Friday afternoon, Oct. 23. Since the death of his wife in 1931 he lived with his children, and passed away at the home of his son, John Hofer. Although confined to his bed for nearly a year, he was not seriously ill until the last 24 hours of his life.

The deceased witnessed many changes in the agricultural, economic, and political aspects of the world in his lifetime. In his early years he saw Czar Alexander of Russia as he drove through his native village; he took active part in the migration of Russian Mennonites to this country, and lived to see great changes take place in his immediate community in South Dakota.

He is survived by 12 children and 316 direct descendants.