Army officer and surveyor.

Lieutenant and captain in Continental army (1776-80). Explored Finger Lakes region with General John Sullivan (1779). Taken prisoner by the British at Camden (August 1780); paroled (January 1781). Visited Franklin in France (1781-83). Explored and surveyed western New York for Congress and financier Robert Morris (1791-93). Helped initiate settlement of the Genesee country; founded the town of Olean, New York.

Born at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Son of Adam Hoops, a surveyor and commissary officer in the Seven Years’ War, and his wife Elizabeth.