According to ancestral data and U.S. census records, Hermann Hoffmann was born in November 1855 in Germany. Some historical records spell his last name with two n’s while others use one, which is common in 19th-century records because names were often recorded inconsistently. We did not find any sources that spell his first name with two n’s. On bottles, the difference could also simply be an embossing error, which was not uncommon.
He is listed in the 1899 South Bend city directory as a beer bottler, and the 1900 U.S. Census also gives his occupation as a beer bottler. That is the earliest record we have found showing him connected with the bottling or saloon trade. We do not have access to the 1897 or 1898 city directories, but he is not listed in the bottling or beer business in the 1896 issue.
By the 1905 directory, he is no longer listed in the beer business, and in 1906 he is recorded as working for the Singer Manufacturing Co. Based on this, his bottling activity appears to have been fairly brief, roughly from about 1899 to 1904, give or take a year. City directories are not always exact by year, since the information was often collected the year before publication.
See the articles and directories tab for more detailed information.
1) The South Bend Tribune, January 31, 1901, p. 5
Runaway Scattered Beer.
A team owned by Herman Hoffman, which was hitched to a beer delivery wagon, ran away this afternoon and scattered several cases of beer about the vicinity of Chapin street. At the same time a man driving a buggy got caught in the street car tracks and was injured in the overturning of the carriage.
2) The South Bend Tribune, March 19, 1902, p. 7
AFTER THE HOFFMAN PLACE.
Charges of Robbery Lodged Against Owner of Bottling Establishment.
Herman Hoffman, who conducts a bottling establishment at 1010 North Wilber street, was in the police court this morning on a charge of selling liquor on Sunday and paid a fine and costs amounting to $21.60. Three other cases against him were continued until tomorrow morning. These charge him with selling liquor to a minor, with robbery and with keeping a gambling house. It is understood that State’s Attorney Clarke proposes to push these cases with vigor and secure a conviction if possible.
The place kept by Hoffman on Wilber street is near the end of the Michigan avenue street car line and is said to be almost anything but what it should be and a proper object for official investigation. It is alleged that a young farmer named James Ray was robbed of some $30 and a watch in the yard back of the saloon a few weeks ago and that Hoffman has been importuned by the young man’s father not to sell the son liquor. It is said that a colored man interfered after Ray’s watch and money disappeared and compelled a restoration of all or a part of the property.
James Babcock, a hostler, was arrested this morning on a charge of robbery. It is understood the charge grows out of the alleged Ray robbery.
3) The South Bend Tribune, March 4, 1903, p. 1
Hoffman Declared Not Guilty.
Herman Hoffman was declared not guilty of assault and battery in Justice Luther Lindeblad’s court this morning. Hoffman conducts a bottling works at the corner of Michigan and Laporte avenues and was charged by Jacob Nowak with forcibly ejecting the latter from the premises. From the evidence given it was concluded Nowak was drunk.
4) The South Bend Tribune, September 16, 1903, p. 7
NEWS OF JUSTICE COURTS
Herman Hoffman Arrested For Selling Liquor to Minors.
Herman Hoffman, who was arrested several weeks ago on a charge of selling liquor to minors and who refused to put in an appearance in court when requested, has been brought before Justice Lindeblad by Constable Carskaddon. His hearing will take place Saturday.
5) The South Bend Tribune, September 19, 1903, p. 1
Hoffman Guilty of Provoke.
Herman Hoffman pleaded guilty to provoke before Justice Lindeblad today and was fined one dollar and costs. He stayed the docket.
6) The South Bend Tribune, December 3, 1904, p. 11
Transfers
Herman Hoffman to Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Co., a lot on Michigan ave. near Wilber st., $7,000.
7) The South Bend Tribune, January 17, 1905, p. 1
Muessel Brewing company vs. Herman Hoffman, account and attachment; finding for plaintiff for $756.40.
8) The South Bend Tribune, July 31, 1919, p. 5
Herman Hoffman, 63 years old, 2017 Kenwood avenue, died Wednesday night at 10:20 o’clock following an illness of six months with stomach trouble. He was born in Germany Nov. 4, 1885 (should be 1855), and came to this city 37 years ago. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:15 o’clock from the residence and at 3 o’clock from St. Peter’s German church, Rev. Hugo Weichelt officiating. Burial will be in Riverview cemetery.
South Bend City Directories
Note: Some are spelled Hoffman or Hoffmann.
1899 — Hoffmann Herman, bottled beer at 1010 N Wilber, residence is 1002 N Wilber.
1901 — Hoffman Herman (Amelia), bottled beer at 1010 N Wilber, residence is 1002 N Wilber.
1903 — Hoffmann Herman (Amelia), 1010 N Wilber (Sample Room), proprietor of South Bend Bottling Works at 1010 N Wilber, residence at 1002 N Wilber.
1904 — Hoffman Herman (Emma), Sample rooms dealer in a full line of wines, liquors and cigars, 730 N Wilber (1016), residence is same.
1905 — Hoffman Herman (Amelia), residence 1613 Florence.
1906 — Hoffman Herman (Amelia), works at Singer Manufacturing Co., residence at 2015 Kenwood Ave.
Bottle Type: Pint blob top
Embossing: HERMANN HOFFMANN / SOUTH BEND / IND.
Glass Maker: R.G&B.Co. (on base), Rhodes Glass & Bottle Company, Massillon, Ohio.
Other Marks:
Notes: If Herman stopped bottling beer by 1904–05, this bottle would likely date between about 1901 and 1904–05.
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors