Moses Hoffert was born and reared in Brecknock township, and there he was spent his whole life engaged in agricultural pursuits, his tract now consisting of 150 acres. He is a Democrat in his political belief and was township supervisor for five years. He attends Allegheny Union church, being a member of the Reformed congregation. Mr. Hoffert married Sarah Mosser, who bore him these children: Amanda, who married James Fritz; Nathan; Albert; Phoebe, who married Fred Miller; Herman; Moses M.; Hebner and Harvey.

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Reading Eagle - Oct 21 1885
~~~~ SIX DIE IN TWO WEEKS ~~~~
The Affliction In the Family of a Brecknock Township Farmer

Reports have just reached this city of a sad affliction that has overtaken the family of Moses Hofferd, a small farmer residing in Brecknock township, this county, near Hummel's store. A month ago his family consisted of himself and wife and 9 children at home and several who are married and who reside in the neighborhood. The family has been made desolate by the death of no less than 6 of the children, while the three others are lying ill at death's door and the parents are almost distracted over their great loss. Diphtheria is raging in that locality to an alarming extent, two and three children being ill in many households. About 3 weeks ago one of the children in the Hofferd family was stricken with the disease and died in a few days. Then some of the others took sick, and two more died on the same day and were buried in one grave. On Sunday last two more died and on Monday the sixth succumbed to the dread disease. The interments took place yesterday, and not side by side in the family burial ground a Allegheny Church cemetery. The neighbors, it is stated, fear to go to the house any longer, and the family are left in sore distress. One of the sons came to Reading several days ago, and laid in a supply of eatables for the family, and now, he too, is sick with the disease, as well as two others. The mother is prostrated from the shock of this sever affliction, while the father is likewise seriously ill. Diphtheria is carrying off many little ones in that neighborhood. Many children have died, but it is not believed that there is another case on record in this county where 6 persons in one family have died in less than 2 weeks.

Transcribed by Vicki Raifsnider
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