Family & Fellowship

Extended Hoover family (young Herbert is in the back, in his father's arms left of the boy in the tree), 1878

National Archives & Records Administration

Those who are acquainted with Quaker faith… will know the intense repression upon a ten-year old boy... [I]t was a strong training in patience.

Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover's parents and their fellow Quakers played a large role forming his values. During these early childhood years, Herbert saw how the Quaker faith promoted simplicity, integrity, equality, peace, and service to others. The hard work and conscientious deeds of his parents and their neighbors helped build a community (of Quakers and others) that also supported the Hoover family.

Jesse and Hulda Hoover in 1879

National Archives & Records Administration

Jesse & Hulda Hoover

Young "Bertie's" parents were pillars in this community. Hoover's father, Jesse, was a devoted family man and owner of a successful local business. His mother, Hulda, was a Quaker minister. Alongside like-minded family and neighbors, they demonstrated leadership, devotion, industriousness, and fellowship.

Second Street Friends Meetinghouse in West Branch, 1885

National Archives & Records Administration

The Religious Society Of Friends

The Friends, or Quakers, built a meetinghouse in 1857. The Quakers worshipped in silence until a member felt compelled to express his or her spiritual thoughts. Hulda Hoover often shared inspired messages and eventually became a traveling minister.