Alexander Henry Hoff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Henry Hoff
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Major Alexander H. Hoff
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| Born | December 18, 1822 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | August 19, 1876 (aged 53) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1876 |
| Rank |  Captain, USA Major, USV Bvt. Colonel, USV |
| Unit | 3rd New York Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Eliza van Rensselaer Hoff |
| Relations | Col. John van R. Hoff (son) Col. Edward Hunter (son-in-law) |
| Other work | physician, surgeon |
Alexander Henry Hoff (born December 18, 1822 – died August 19, 1876) was an American doctor and army surgeon. He served during the American Civil War. He helped design the first special hospital ship for the US military. He was also the first army doctor in Alaska.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Alexander Hoff was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 18, 1822. His parents were Caroline Clay Hoff and Rev. Brogan Hoff. He studied medicine at Jefferson Medical College. He earned his medical degree in 1843.
Even though he wanted to be an army doctor, he first worked at Blockley Hospital. In the late 1840s or early 1850s, he moved to New York State. There, he became a private doctor. He also worked as a surgeon at a recruiting office in Albany. From 1852 to 1854, he was the Surgeon-General of New York.
Hoff's Family
Soon after moving to New York, Hoff married Ann Eliza van Rensselaer. Her family was well-known in politics. Their son, John van Rensselaer Hoff, was born in 1848. John also became a military surgeon. He started the Army Hospital Corps in 1898. He later served in World War I.
In 1850, their daughter Caroline Clay Hoff was born. She married Lieutenant Edward Hunter in 1870. He later became a Colonel. Alexander and Ann had another daughter, Harriet L. Hoff. She passed away in 1915.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Alexander Hoff joined the U.S. Army. He became a Surgeon with the rank of Major. He was assigned to the 3rd New York Infantry Regiment.
Key Battles and Roles
Major Hoff took part in the Battle of Big Bethel. During this battle, a lamp was shot right out of his hands! He also served in other battles in the Eastern Theater. On August 3, 1861, he became a Brigade Surgeon. He then moved to serve under Maj. Gen. John C. Frémont in Missouri.
In the western part of the war, he became the Superintendent of Medical Transportation. This meant he managed medical transport on the Mississippi River. He worked under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.
Hospital Ships and Medical Changes
During this time, Major Hoff made important changes. He helped modify and oversee the D.A. January. This was the first hospital ship owned and run by the government. Before this, hospital ships were usually rented or run by groups like the U.S. Sanitary Commission. He also made a rule to stop using mercury in operating rooms. This was a big step for patient safety.
In 1864, he moved to New York City. He was promoted to Medical Director of Transportation for the East Coast. Here, he planned the medical details for a new ocean steamer called the J.K. Barnes. This was the first American ship built specifically to be a hospital ship.
When the war ended in 1865, Major Hoff was recognized for his hard work. He received honorary ranks of Lt. Colonel and Colonel of Volunteers. These were given for his "faithful and meritorious services during the war." He left the army in the summer of 1865.
Life After the War
Alexander Hoff wanted to stay in the regular army. He took a special test for army doctors and scored very well. In 1867, he became an Assistant Surgeon with the rank of Captain.
Serving in Alaska
When Alaska became part of the United States, it was managed by the army. Captain Hoff was sent there as the Medical Director. This made him the first army doctor in Alaska. Later, he served in California and New York. In 1874, he joined the Army Medical Examination Board in Philadelphia.
Captain Hoff passed away in Philadelphia on August 19, 1876. He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
