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Hoffman name is based on profession, trades occupations. The German term Hof can mean a farmstead, also court. Jews at court were called Hofjuden in German and court jews in English. They were in finance, commerce, and diplomacy. Hoffmann is Jewish name from the 1808 in Eastern France and 1813 in Mecklenburg, Germany. This name is taken from a Hebrew given name Tikvah (Hope) abbreviation of Hoffnung the German for hope in which case Hof(f)mann could mean hopeful man.
Otto Hoffman traveled to America by boat, arriving in Galveston,Texas when he was about 17 years old. It is assumed he traveled alone, as there is no record of other family members arriving with him. It is also said that Otto had at least one brother who remained in Germany to take care of a business there. Jewel and Paulina Hoffman recall talk of the Hoffman's being watch maker's in Germany. Otto worked as a druggist, or in a drug store, in Texas.
Paulino (Harbich) Hoffman and her family ( three brothers and one sister) also traveled to America by boat. Her sister was buried at sea during their trip to the new world. Paulino's mother, Anna Harbich was born Sept 14 1831 and passed Nov 11 1919. Her father was Anton Harbich.
Otto and Paulino met in Texas, married on Feb 22 1885. They were blessed with nine sons and four daughters. Their life started around Rockne, Texas then later moved to Cistern, Muldoon, and Schulenburg, Texas where they spent the remainder of their lives farming.
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