Hoefgen - Julia Brown - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Julia F. Brown, daughter of Elijah and Mary B. Brown was born in this city in the old house that stands just east of the library on June 3, 1839. At the age of 11 she with her parents removed to a farm north of town in the Breaks neighborhood.  In a few years after their removal from town to the country she united with the Roberts Chapel ME Church of that neighborhood and remained a consistent member of this congregation.  She was married to Samuel B. Hoefgen of Indianapolis on Feb 10, 1869 with whom she lived in happy companionship till his death which occurred March 1st, 1904.  Since that time she has gradually declined from a disease known as cirrhosis of the liver. She passed away at 7 a.m. Jan 10 at her home, 205 South Walnut Street.  Mr. and Mrs. Hoefgen were childless, Mrs. Hoefgen was a woman of rare intellect.  She was well educated, graduating in Indianapolis from a select Episcopal boarding school for young ladies in the early sixties.  Her school days did not end her work as a student for she continued to read and study, and always kept posted with the current events of the day.  Her husband was also very intelligent.  This created an affinity between them that drew them closer and closer together and when he was taken away from her it almost broke her heart and ever since that time she was gradually declined.  Mr. Hoefgen was educated for a lawyer and practiced his chosen profession in Indianapolis until his hearing became so impaired he went to farming.  For this reason they lived on a farm north of town until about seven years ago when they came to this city. Although these good old people were childless, many an orphan has been sheltered, clothed and fed by them.   Mrs.  Hoefgen was a very industrious woman she was also cultured, kind, hospitable and above all, charitable. The charitable deeds done by this woman will never be known only by Him, “who knoweth the sparrow that falls,” for her good deeds were always done without ostentation. She detested display or show in any direction.  She was a woman of strong character and remarkable courage.  During her long illness she would wait upon herself when most anyone would have been in bed under the care of a nurse.  She will greatly be missed by all classes of people for her knowledge was broad and sought in many ways. The high esteem in which she was held was shown in her last illness by the many kindnesses she received.  Although no kinsmen were near her every attention was given her that money or duty would give.  Her funeral occurred at her home on south Walnut Street Saturday at 2 p.m.  Rev. Williams who had been her spiritual adviser, comforter and closest adviser officiated. By her request he read the 91st Psalm and he and his wife sang Rock of Ages, Jesus Lover of my Soul and Nearer My God to Thee. She was laid to rest in a pretty vault by the side of her husband and mother, whom she loved so well in the beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery – MSE (typed by kbz)