Hoffman worked as a
grocer and a railroad clerk. He was the chief clerk of the
Chicago and North Western Railway. As coroner, he established the county's first "chemical laboratory", and appointed experienced
pathologists and
chemists. He was aggressive at prosecuting certain types of
homicide, centering his political image on fighting to guard the innocent. He also secured the Second Regiment Armory to use a central
morgue for the victims of the disaster.
Cook County Sheriff In 1922, Hoffman was elected Cook County sheriff, having run on a "reform" platform. He pledged to "clean up" the administration of the
Cook County Jail. After several appeals attempts failed, Hoffman spent prison time while in office as Sheriff. Hoffman remained in office after his term would have normally expired in early December 1926 due to the fact that his elected successor, Patrick J. Carr, died before he could take office (the law stated that a sheriff served until his successor qualified to take office). Hoffman would resign in late December 1926, effective on December 26.
Post-political career Hoffman worked on the construction service of the
Forest Preserve District of Cook County, a job he left in 1932. Before retiring in his later years, he ran an
automobile sales agency. ==Death==