Eldest son of William Charles Poffenberger and Catharine Elizabeth (Schamel) Poffenberger. Married Anna Belle Murray on 16 Dec 1885 in Washington Co, Maryland. They were the parents of 6 children: Albert Cleveland, Bessie M, Harry Schamel, Helen Emmert, John R, and Leonard Franklin Poffenberger.

from the Morning Herald, Hagerstown, Maryland, published 9 Feb 1920:

"T.A. Poffenberger Died Sunday After Lingering Illness
Former Judge and Well Known Attorney Passes Away from Heart Trouble--Funeral To Be Held Wednesday Morning
Services Will Be Held At The House By Rev. J. S. Simon

T.A. Poffenberger, a well-known member of the bar and ex-Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, died at his late home near Funkstown, yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, of heart trouble, aged 58 years. Mr. Poffenberger had been in ill health for some time.

Mr. Poffenberger was born and reared on a farm near the Manor Church, in the Tilghmanton District, on September 26, 1861. He attended the public schools and assisted on the farm until he was 17 years of age, when he began teaching in the Washington County schools and continued with credit for about 12 years, being placed in charge of the grammar schools at Fairplay and Funkstown. He then turned his attention to legal studies, which he pursued under the guidance of Alexander Armstrong, and was admitted to the bar of Washington county in February, 1892. He began the practice of law with much zeal and soon became actively engaged in it. Shortly after, he was appointed Court Examiner, in equity cases, under Judge Douglas. In 1898, contrary to his own wish, he was nominated for Congress from the Sixth Congressional District of Maryland, but in the election he was defeated. In 1899 he was elected State's Attorney of Washington County, for a term of four years, in which capacity he served efficiently and creditably. In 1900 he was chosen Presidential Elector for the Sixth Congressional District. From 1896 to 1898, he was chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee of Washington County. He also served several terms as President of the Washington County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, declining the nomination again in January, 1919.

Judge Poffenberger was appointed by Governor Harrington to succeed Judge M.L. Keedy at the expiration of his term, this appointment being made sometime in the early part of November, 1918, Judge Poffenberger opening the November term of court of that year. He served as Judge until November 22, 1919, when he was succeeded by Judge Frank G. Wagaman. While judge, he served in a most satisfactory manner.

Mr. Poffenberger was a son of William and Catherine (Schamel) Poffenberger. The Poffenbergers were among the early German settlers of Lancaster county, Pa., from whence some of its members came about 1740 and settled in this county. Mr. Poffenberger's grandfather, Daniel Poffenberger, was for many years a resident of Sharpsburg.

Besides his wife, Annie B. Poffenberger, he is survived by the following children: Harry, Funkstown; Albert, John and Leonard, at home, and Mrs. C.H. Brandt and Mrs. E.R. Roulette, both of this city. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Charles and Andrew, in the West; Mrs. Clara Langfitt, Mrs. Maggie Morris (sic) and Mrs. Edward Thomas, all of North Dakota; Mrs. Catherine Nichols, Fairplay; Mrs. Andrew Mills, Sharpsburg, and Miss Minnie Z. (sic) Poffenberger, this city.

The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 10:40 o'clock, services at the house by Rev. J.S. Simon; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery."