Josef "Pepi" Holzmüller , circus director in Germany Born 1872 dead 1947 . 1948: Their daughter Augusta married Oscar Hoppe in 1948. During 40 years in the profession as elephant trainer, Josef Holzmüller owned 18 elephants, but he also trained other animals. His sons Willi Holzmüller and Max Holzmüller, was circus directors and renowned elephant trainers.