Biography of John P. Hoff, pages 446/447. History of DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., Indianapolis, 1914. John P. Hoff Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishments possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration., the qualities which have made Mr. Hoff one of the prominent and successful men of Auburn have also brought him the esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods. John P. Hoff, who is rendering efficient service as sheriff of DeKalb county, Indiana, is a native of this county, having been born at Auburn on October 2, 1885, and he is the son of Frank A. and Mary J. Hoff, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Hoff was reared in this city and received his education in the public schools, attending the high school up to senior year. He was then engaged for a time in his father’s grocery store, but later became an employe in the Auburn Steam Laundry, of which he acquired a one-third interest when nineteen years old. Shortly after attaining his majority, he became half owner of the business, but about a year later, sold out and going to Rockford, Illinois, went to work for the White Swan Laundry, a large concern, with which he was associated about six months. He then returned to Auburn and was again in his father’s store until January, 1909, when he was appointed a deputy under Sheriff Thomas, serving in this capacity for four years. So efficient was his discharge of his official duties that in the fall of 1912 he was elected sheriff of DeKalb county and is the present incumbent of the office. In was believed that at the time he took the office he was to youngest sheriff in Indiana, and the youngest but one in the United States. Physically, Mr. Hoff is well qualified for his position, being a man of large build and determined character and fearless in the discharge of his duties. He is genial in his relations with his associates, a good mixer and popular in all circles in which he moves. On November 24, 1909, John P. Hoff was married to Lottie Wolford, a daughter of Frank W. and Clara M. (Royer) Wolford. Her father was a native of Williams county, Ohio, and in his young manhood came to Garrett, Indiana, to take employment with the Baltimore & Ohio railway in the yards there, first as switchman and later as conductor. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoff has been born a daughter, Mary Josephine, whose birth occurred on October 19,1911. Politically, Mr. Hoff is a Democrat and, fraternally, is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus. Religiously, he is a member of the Catholic church, while Mr. Hoff belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, both being earnest supporters of their respective churches. In view of the energy, determination and integrity which have characterized Mr. Hoff’s life, and of his standing in the community where he has spent his life, he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one at hand. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com