Walter O. Hoffecker
Walter Oakley Hoffecker was an American engineer, businessman and politician from Smyrna in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Republican Party and served as U.S. Representative from Delaware.
Early life and family
Hoffecker was born in Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from Smyrna Seminary in 1872, and in September 1873, he entered Lehigh University at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he studied civil engineering.Professional career
Hoffecker was engaged in a variety of business ventures in the Smyrna area including farming, insurance, banking and canning. As a professional engineer with interest and expertise in transportation issues, he succeeded his father as President of the Philadelphia & Smyrna Transportation Co. He was also a Director of the Delaware Railroad and a member of the original State highway commission in 1917. Hoffecker's banking interest was the Fruit Growers Bank and Trust of Smyrna, of which he was President for thirty-two years.In a special election on November 6, 1900, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father, U.S. Representative John H. Hoffecker, Hoffecker was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating Democrat Edward Fowler. He served in the Republican majority during the last session of the 56th Congress. He did not seek reelection to a full term and served only from November 6, 1900, until March 4, 1901, during the administration of U.S. President William McKinley. Several years later, in 1908, Hoffecker was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.