My Genealogy Hound

JACOB IMHOFF, an influential real-estate owner of Buchanan, was born in Perry County, Pa., October 15, 1851. His father, Benjamin, was also a native of that county and was a descendant of German ancestry. An honorable, upright man, he was prominent in his neighborhood and followed the trade of a cabinet-maker. The mother of our subject, who was also born in the Keystone State, bore the maiden name of Susanna Halman, and was the descendant of a long line of prominent and successful business and professional men.

The sixth among eleven children, our subject was early obliged to aid in the support of the family, and had few of the educational advantages which fall to the lot of most boys. Starting out for himself at the age of eighteen years, he came to Michigan, and arrived in Bertrand Township, Berrien County with only $5. Notwithstanding his poverty, he was hopeful and self-reliant, and as he possessed an abundance of energy and determination it was not long before success crowned his exertions. For four years he was employed on a farm belonging to William R. Rough, receiving a salary of $19 per month for the first year, but only $17 a month during the last three years. Going West, he invested $500, which he had saved from his salary, in land located in the Big Blue Valley, and it was in that way that he secured his start in life.

Upon returning to Michigan, Mr. Imhoff made his home with Mr. Rough until his marriage. This important event occurred March 9, 1876, and united him with Miss Mary C. Ulsh, who was born in Ferry County, Pa., the daughter of George and Susannah (Cauffman) Ulsh. During 1876 Mr. Imhoff located in the village of Buchanan, where he accepted a position as clerk in the mercantile establishment of the Berrien County Co-Operative Association. Afterward with Rough Bros., he formed a partnership in the hardware business and continued in that connection for a period of six years, when, selling out his interest in that store, he embarked in the lumber and sawmill business. This enterprise has grown from its inception until the present time, and from fifteen thousand to twenty-five thousand feet of lumber are turned out daily. In addition to his other enterprises, Mr. Imhoff was for a time in the boot and shoe business at Buchanan.

Mr. Imhoff’s property interests are extensive and valuable. He owns two business blocks, the postoffice building and the store across from Hotel Earl. In Galien Township he owns two hundred and sixty acres, constituting a well-improved farm, and embellished with a substantial new residence and good outbuildings. The firm of Peck & Imhoff owns more than twenty-eight hundred acres of land in Missouri, where Mr. Imhoff’s saw-mill is located. He has erected in Buchanan ten residences, which he has sold on the installment plan of payment. The residence on Detroit Street which he now occupies was erected in 1884 at a cost of $3,700.

Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Imhoff, namely: William B., Mary A., Cora M. and George E. In regard to social relations Mr. Imhoff is a Mason, belonging to Blue Lodge No. 68, the Chapter and Commandery at Niles. He is also actively connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, holding membership with the lodge at Buchanan. Politically, he is a Democrat. A member of the Evangelical Association, he aided in the building of the church here and has served as its Trustee for some time.