All Politics are Local

It’s election day here in the United States. I hope you’re voting or have already voted. I’ll be heading out to do so soon.

Have you ever wondered whether your ancestors were regular voters? If they ever ran for office or held a political position?

Martin Hocker (1768-1862) was a well-to-do property owner of Derry Township, Dauphin County. He was one of three men called upon to make survey for the county line between Dauphin and Lebanon before the latter was created in 1813. He also served in various local government offices.

In 1839 he ran on the Democratic ticket for Dauphin County for the office of Director of the Poor. The full ticket can be found below.

If I remember correctly, it was not a successful run. However, one year later in 1830, Martin served as County Commissioner.

Dauphin County Democratic Ticket, 1839

• Assembly
  • Valentine Hummel, Harrisburg
  • Solomon Shindle, Lykens Township
• Commissioner
  • George Hain, Lower Paxton Township
• Director of the Poor
  • Martin Hocker, Derry Township
• Auditor
  • David Mumma Jr., Swatara Township
• Coronor
  • George Fetterhoff, Jackson Township
• Prothonotary
  • Henry Beader, Harrisburg
• Register
  • John Hoffman, Susquehanna Township
• Recorder and Clerk
  • Hiram H. Hetzel, Middle Paxton Township

 

Image source: The Keystone, Volume IV, no. 204, page 2

• Category: Research
• Tag: Election