He was 25 when he enlisted in 1861 (8, 9). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (8).
He was a fisherman (8, 9).
He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a dark complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair (8, 9). He was living in Philadelphia when he was enrolled (9).
He enlisted and was mustered into service as a private on 20 August 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 8, 9). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Starr (8). He served as a private in company A (1).
He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg (12).
On 23 August 1863, he returned to duty from corps headquarters (5). However, on 26 August 1863, Sinex reported that he had been on duty as Provost Guard at Corps Headquarters, and had not returned (2).
He was promoted to sixth corporal, on 1 October 1863 (3, 6, 7).
He reenlisted as a veteran volunteer on 26 December 1863, at Bealton, Virginia (1, 9).
He was wounded on 18 June 1864 at Petersburg, Virginia (1).
He was wounded on 1 April 1865 at Five Forks (1).
On 28 March 1865, he was reduced to the ranks for being absent without leave (4).
He was absent, sick, at muster out (1, 8 [absent wounded]).
On 7 July 1890, he applied successfully from Pennsylvania for a pension (10, 11).
On 16 August 1893 [?], his widow, Margaret Hoffman, applied unsuccessfully from Pennsylvania for a pension (10, 11).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster.)
2 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 26 August 1863
3 special order 99, HQ 91st PA, 1 October 1863
4 special order 23, HQ 91st PA, 28 March 1865
5 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 23 August 1863 (Private Hoffman)
6 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 1 Oct 1863 (Priv Hoffman)
7 register of non-commissioned officers, co.A (Wm Hoffman)
8 company A descriptive roll, entry 29 (William Hoffman)
9 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 5 May 2004 (William Hoffman)
10 pension index, by regiment (William Hoffman)
11 pension index, by name (William Hoffman)
12 Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Wm Hoffman)
I did not find him in the index on <www.ancestry.com> to the 1890 veterans' census (searched October 2005)