Ludwig Hoffmann
Within this document is a series of letters initated by the farmhand Ludwig Hoffmann requesting to be exempt from parish tax. Due to the lack of complete church records it is often difficult to verify family connections. This record verifies that Ludwig Hoffmann is the brother of Michael Hoffmann. No primary records have been found for Michael except that his marriage record says that he was born in about 1844. Primary records for Ludwig record that his parents were Gottlieb Hoffmann and Anna Louise Hoffmann.
Ludwig was 25-years-old, working for his brother. He was not listed on the 1876 tax list nor subsequently on the 1878 list. He was taxed more than other day laborers. He probably was receiving a share of the proceeds of the farm as compensation for his labor which generated the tax.
Gembitzhauland November 1, 1877
I am to pay my parish dues directly to the treasurer, Gottlieb Wanke, because I pay 3 Marks in class tax. Since I am only a servant in the household of my brother Michael Hoffmann at farm 36, and since I have no family of my own and am merely a servant, I humbly request a higher authority kindly releive me of the parish tax and therefore grant me an exemption as soon as possible.
With the highest regards, you humble servant,
Gembitz November 26, 1877
Please be advised that, pursuant to a resolution by the municipal council of Gembitzhauland, the funds collected for the pastor of Gembitz are to be allocated to him in proportion to the number of taxpayers in his parish. Incidentally, the first installment of the pastor’s salary was collected approximately six months ago.
December 3, 1877
To the farmhand Ludwig Hoffmann of Gembitzhauland
In response to your request of the 1st of last month, you are hereby notified that you are required to contribute to the pastor’s salary for the parish of Gembitzhauland, as you belong to said parish.
Incidentally, these contributions were already demanded six months ago. Howeverd, after a period exceeding three months, a request fo extension is no longer permissible.
The the parish of Gembitzhauland, the Reverend Ludwig, highly esteemed in Gembitz.
The addressee received a copy of the report dated the 26th of last month for information. I hereby draw your attention to the fact that the addressee must send reports to me, postage paid.