William Hofmann

John William Hofmann (August 25, 1824 – May 10, 1902) was an American Union Army officer during the American Civil War. He commanded the 56th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment and was later brevetted as a brigadier general for gallant service. He fought in major campaigns including Antietam, Gettysburg, and Petersburg.

Early life John William Hofmann was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second son of John Hofmann, a native of Fürth, Germany, who had immigrated to Philadelphia and established himself as a manufacturer of woolen hosiery, supplying the U.S. Army for many years.

During this early campaign, Hofmann's company was involved in guarding strategic transportation infrastructure and escorting federal shipments. His company also participated in the suppression of sabotage efforts on railroad bridges in Maryland and later joined General Robert Patterson's Army of the Shenandoah during the 1861 campaign in the Lower Shenandoah Valley. He saw duty at Hoke's Run near Falling Waters, Virginia. Hofmann's company was mustered out of service on July 31, 1861.

Promoted to colonel on January 8, 1863, Hofmann succeeded Meredith, who had been advanced to brigadier general. In July, Hofmann and his unit participated in the Battle of Gettysburg where the 56th fired the first Union infantry volley of the battle. On August 1, 1864, Hofmann was brevetted brigadier general in recognition of his service. He continued to serve in various campaigns and duties without injury or prolonged absence due to illness, remaining with his regiment and brigade throughout their engagements until the expiration of his term of service in 1865. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery.