The morning call., 1891-08-10

pital, where there were better facilities for
administering to his welfare. There his
continued struggle against the grim de-
stroyer was considered remarkable.
LIFE HAD PASSED AWAY.
Last Friday his condition became more
critical. and Dr. Whitney was of the opin-
ion that the end was liable to come at any
hour. although the patient might live sew
eral days longer. Southland Hoffman, the
Judges brother, secured rooms in the hos
pltai, so as to be present when dissolution
came. Judge Hoffman appeared so tranquil
Saturday night, however, that his brother
decided to spend the evening at home with
his family. In the light of the early dawn
the two nurses in attendance upon the ill.,
valid discovered that he breathed very
family. Before DR.. Whitney and Colonel
Hoffman arrived, in response to hasty sum-
mons, the noted jurist's life had passed away.
Had he lived another year he would have
reached mans allotted three score years
and ten.
Colonel Hoffman stated last night that ar
rangements for the funeral would be made
to-day. The ceremonies will be held to-
morrow or Wednesday, and will be as SIM
pie as possible. Early this morning the
remains will be placed in the mortuary
chanel of Trinity Church, from which place
the funeral win take place.
A NATIVE OF GOTHAM.
Judge Hoffman was born in the city of
-NSM L VI n, DSiODcL ~, To-. Ills GuCGSLOTS
were from Holland and were among the
early settlers of New Amsterdam. His
father, Hon. Ogden Hoffman. was long one
Of The most influential leaders Of the Wing
party. He possessed the graces and power
of oratOry in a wonderful degree: was un-
riYa.ed as debater and proudly eminent
on the hastings He was one of the most
accomplished lawyers of the Empire State,
his fame eclipsiug even that of his father,
Josiah Ogden Hoffman. AT the time of his
death, in May, 1853. meeting of the New
\ Grk bar was held, at which William NJ
Eyarts and others, who had witnessed his
forensic triumphs and his able manage
ment Of great civil and criminal causes.
paid feeling tribute TO the nobility Of his
nature, the greatness of his mind anu the
fullness OF his learning.
GRADUATED FROM COLUMBIA.
Judge Hoffman, whose decease has Just
occurred, graduated from Columbia College
in 1910, and Immediately commenced the
study of law with view to practice. He
studied at the Dane Law School, Harvard
University, for about two years under Judge
Story and Simon Greenleaf. He afterward
read law under Mark Sibley of Canandai-
qua, n. Y, and under Benjamin d. Silljman
of New York City. After having been ad-
mitted he spent nearly two years in foreign
travel, and, returning, opened an Office in
New York City and practiced law for nearly
three years.
he came TO this State, arriving in this city
May 16, 1850, and Immediately opened an
Office and resumed practice.
HoNoRED WHILE a YOUNG MAN.
In March. 1851, when only IS years of age
President Fillmore appointed him United
States District Judge for the Northern Dis
tfict of California.
There were several weighty reasons
which nearly moved tie young appointee
t0decline the prOffered honor. Recognizing in
the appointment graceful compliment to
his father. who had long been the warm per-
sonal friend of Mr.. Fillmore, and being
young and inexperienced, he hesitated to
accept the responsibilities of Il position for
which he felt himself unqualified. More
over, litigation Was rife at that day in San
Francisco, and his prospects were lattering
to acquire an ample reward for his labors in
the profession. But, having been urged by
his friends and advised by his father he as
sumed the ermine, and, it is not undue
praise to say ii, though he many times re-
GREETED his acceptance of the office, the peo-
pie of California have been grateful that he
did accept.
DISTINGUISHED FOR HIS INTEGRITY.
As District Judge, position which he
has held continuously since his appoint
ment, he distinguished himself, and won an
envisble reputation among the people of
his adopted State. for his integrity and
learning. Upon him devolved, in large
degree, the settlement OF the conflicting
land titles of the State, In controversies ex-
listing between the Federal Government and
claimants under Mexican grants His de-
clsions, while uniformly sound and impair
tial, have given stability to titles. and have
acquired the confidence and commanded the
respect OF the entire community. In all the
varied duties of the bench over which he
presided lie exemplified high degree of
capacity and intelligence, and the opinions
which lie delivered from time to time have
been made the subject OF publication of
reports, in addition TO a volume of decis-
ions i'll land cases.
A MEMBER OF A PROMINENT FAMILY.
Judge Hoffman belonged to family of
distinguished men. In addition to those
mentioned, his brother, Hon. John T. Hoff-
man, a distinguished New York lawyer,
served as Mayor OF the city of New York,
and afterward as Governor of the State, be-
sides filling ether important political posi-
tions. He died a short time ago.