Elias Hoffman, son of John, established the first coal yard at New Tripoli, along the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad, about the time of opening the Berks County Railroad, which was the predecessor of the railroad mentioned; and he carried on a farm of 71 acres, in connection with the coal business. He was a prominent member of the Reformed congregation of Ebenezer church, which he served as deacon and elder, having died while serving the latter office.

His wife was Lydia, daughter of Michael Wehr, and they had four children, of whom two died in infancy; Owen, died when two years old, and William H., whose history follows.