For the General Election of 1925, John H. Hoffman, of Williamstown, was selected by the Republican Party of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to be their candidate for Jury Commissioner. The Democratic Party had two candidates, Samuel H. Lane, of Harrisburg, and Gus A. Geisel, a former commissioner. Hoffman also had the support of both the Labor and Prohibition parties and was elected as the majority member of the Commission. Lane narrowly edged out his challenger to get a minority seat. [See: Harrisburg Evening News, November 4, 1925].
The Lykens Standard, August 14, 1925, gave a brief biography of Hoffman’s qualification for the position:
FORMER LYKENS BOY SOLICITS YOUR VOTE
John H. Hoffman, 133 Tunnel Street, Williamstown, will be the Republican candidate for Jury Commission at the September primaries.
Mr. Hoffman has been a resident of Williamstown for many years coming to this place from Lykens, where he was born and has a host of friends. His boyhood days were spent in the breaker at this place. At the age of 19 years he entered the butcher business, learning the trade under the late W. G. Neiffer. Thirty-three years of age he went to Williamstown, where he entered the employ of former County Commissioner D. E. Lebo, who was then engaged in the butcher business at that place. It was while in the employ of Mr. Lebo that Mr. Hoffman made a host of friends thru his prompt, courteous and thoughtful treatment.
Fraternally he is a member of the U. M. W. of A., L. O. O. M. [sic] of Lykens, and a member of the State Freeman’s Association.
Mr. Hoffman holds the honor of being Williamstown’s first Fire Chief, he being a member of Liberty Hose Company No. 1, and has always taken a very active part in all firemen affairs.
At present, Mr. Hoffman is employed as a carpenter by the Susquehanna Collieries Company at Williamstown. Mr. Hoffman has been very active in Republican Party work and will be the candidate to succeed Aaron M. Hoffman of Halifax, who is completing his second team [sic] as Republican Jury Commissioner.
From the active part Mr. Hoffman has taken in all social and civic affairs he deserved the support of the Upper End and will receive a big vote.
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Story from Newspapers.com.
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