Christian Hofstetter

CHRISTIAN HOFSTETTER
It is likely that this man was primarily a harness maker, but since he entered the Portland scene
as a harness maker for JOHN CLARK, about 1882, it is likely that he was skilled in the repair, if
not the manufacture of saddlery. His appearance in Portland is brief, appearing in City
Directories for only three years. During the years 1883 and 1884, he was listed as
HOFFSTETTER and HENRY. The only Henry listed during those years that would qualify was one
Charles Henry. This man worked a sales stable a few doors down or across the street from
Hofstetter, at 248 Front Street. It is possible they worked in concert with each other for a few
years, but in 1885 only the Hofstetter business address was listed at 245 Front Street. He moved
to Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington about 1888. A small trade card indicates that he ran a
Harness and Saddlery in that town, probably from about 1889 on.
The 1900 Federal Census tells us that he was born in California, in September of 1859. Hofstetter
married, but was widowed by 1900. It appears he had two children, Fred and Violet, living with
him in Tacoma. His occupation was listed as a saddler.
In 1910 he was 50 years old, and daughter Violet was still living in the household. Still in
Tacoma, he was a retail merchant in harness equipment.
[The author knows of no maker marks by this person]
[Hofstetter was in business in Portland between ca1885 and ca1888]
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Federal Census for Washington, Pierce County, 1900 and 1910
City Directories for Portland, Oregon, 1881-1889
Trade Card for Christian Hofstetter, Tacoma, WA, circa 1888
City Directory for Tacoma, Washington, 1896
Research by Richard and Dorothy Egan

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