Biographical Sketch of

Rev. Adolph Hoyer

Transcribed by Barbara Voss


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 461 - 462

Rev. Adolph G. Hoyer, pastor of the Lutheran Church at Princeton, Green Lake County, was born May 26, 1856, in 
Hamburg, Germany, and is a son of Rev. John A. and Agnes (Moraht) Hoyer, both of whom were also natives of the 
same country, In 1865, the family crossed the broad Atlantic to America, and located in Richville, Monroe Co., 
Wis., where for two years the father was pastor of the Lutheran Church. He then received a call from the church 
at Eldorado, Fond Du Lac County, where two years of his life were passed, when he removed to Princeton. The date 
of his removal was 1869, and for the long period of fifteen years he engaged in preaching the Gospel to the people 
of that place. It is needless to say that his services were appreciated and that he won many friends, for his long 
residence plainly indicates that fact. He next made his home in St. Paul, Minn., for two years after which he was 
engaged in church duties at various places until called to Nicollet County, Minn., where he still resides, having 
charge of the church in Nicollet.

The family of the Rev. John Hoyer and wife numbered ten children, but three died previous to the removal to this 
country. Elizabeth, the first born is now deceased; Otto is Professor of the college at New Ulm; Minnie is the 
wife of C. C. Fricke, real estate dealer of Chicago; Edward has also followed the ministry and now has charge of 
the church at West Bend, Wis.; Mary is still at home; Adolph of this sketch is the next in order of birth; and 
Gustave is a prominent physician of Princeton. The good mother of these children was called to her final rest in 
1876 and was interred in the cemetery of that city, where she and her husband were so widely and favorably known. 
Their upright lives and high excellence won them the love of all, and deep regret and sorrow was felt throughout 
the entire community when the estimable lady was called home.

The early boyhood days of our subject were spent under the parental roof, and when a young man he determined to 
devote his early life to the cause of the Master. He entered upon a preparatory course of study at the College of 
Watertown in 1870, graduating from that institution at the close of seven years. His education was very thorough, 
and without further preparation he began the study of theology in Concordia Seminary under Prof. C.F. Walther, 
where he continued one year. Returning to Princeton at the expiration of that time, for the next twelve months he 
assisted his father in his arduous labors and then completed his studies in the Lutheran Seminary in Milwaukee in 
1880. His father then had charge of five congregations and Adolph resolved to lighten the burden resting upon him. 
He took charge of the churches at Montello and Mecan, where for four years he performed the duties of pastor, until 
1884, when he accepted a call of the St. John’s Lutheran Church at Princeton and the St. Stephen’s Church in 
Princeton Township. The congregation of the former numbers 175 families and of the latter sixty five families. Some 
years previous, St. John’s Church had as their pastor the honored father of our subject, and on the son they bestow 
the same love and respect which was tendered to the elder gentleman, Since residing in Princeton he has been offered 
the pastorate of St. John’s Church of St. Paul, Minn., and of the Jerusalem Church at Milwaukee, but his people were 
so loath to part with him that he declined both positions. He has accomplished a good and grand work in Princeton. 
Both by precept and example he teaches the people the way of life, and many have been brought into the church under 
his preaching. He is a member of the Lutheran Synod of Wisconsin of which Rev. P. H. Rohr is President, the 
organization numbering 150 ministers and having under its charge 250 congregations and 170 schools. The St. John’s 
Church of Princeton has connected with it a school, the attendance numbering 140 pupils. 

Mr. Hoyer was united in marriage with Miss Clara H. Thiel, on the 19th of May 1881. She is a daughter of August and 
Henrietta (Luethe) Thiel, who for a number of years were residents of Princeton, the father’s death there occurring. 
After her sad bereavement, the mother removed to Milwaukee. Later she was united in marriage with August Swanke, a 
citizen of Princeton.

Mrs. Hoyer was born in the same city in 1863, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of four children. 
Hug and Martha, the two elder, are now deceased. Oswald was born October 7, 1885; and Clara was born January 7, 1887. 

In political sentiment, Mr. Hoyer is a Republican, having given his support to that party since becoming an American 
citizen. He believes in a policy that will support churches and schools, and has at all times identified himself with 
those interests which tend to promote the welfare of the community. His sterling worth and ability as indicated by the 
high regard in which he is held, not only by his own people but by all with whom he comes in contact, justly entitles 
him to representation in this volume and we are glad to thus perpetuate his history.


Transcribed by Barbara Voss






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