- JOSEPH E. OTTMAN, a representative farmer residing on section
13, Rock township, has been a
- resident of this county for over thirty years. He was born
in Schoharie County, N.Y., and is a son of Henry and Mary Ann
(BETTS) OTTMAN, who were born in the same State. The father was
of German descent, and the mother, of English origin. The paternal
grandfather, Jacob OTTMAN, was also a native of the Empire State,
and served his country during the War of 1812. Henry OTTMAN,
was a farmer by occupation, but also engaged in manufacturing
in early life for several years. In 1858, accompanied by his
family, he came to Wisconsin, locating in Janesville, where he
resided for several years, but later purchased a farm in La Prairie
Township, comprising ninety acres. His death occurred in 1879,
and his wife departed this life in 1860. They were highly respectable
people, were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and to them were born six children - Theodore, who is now engaged
in farming in Rock Township; Joseph E., of this sketch; George
L., a resident of Chicago; Jennie, who makes her home with our
subject; Charles Wesley, who died in youth; Mary E., who resides
with her brother Theodore, in Rock Township.
- In the common schools our subject received his education,
and was reared to manhood upon his
- father's farm. He began business for himself as a farmer,
and has followed agricultural pursuits continuously since. For
three years, he engaged in the cultivation of the old home farm,
when he purchased 102 acres of land on section 13, Rock Township,
which was but partially improved, but by the care and cultivation
he has bestowed upon it has been transformed into one of the
finest farms in the township. A residence has been erected at
a cost of $1,200, while the outbuildings comprises a barn and
granary, tobacco warehouse, etc., were erected at a cost of over
$1,000. In connection with general farming, he engages in the
cultivation of tobacco, and also makes a specialty of raising
hogs. In his political sentiments, Mr. OTTMAN is a supporter
of the Republican party. Possessing an observant eye and retentive
memory he is always well informed on the issues of the day, both
state and national, and is respected by all who know him. He
takes pride in having everything around him neat and convenient
both for himself and sister, who has charge of the pleasant home.
Being a man of generous impulses, one feels at ease while enjoying
his hospitality.
-
- Taken from "Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock
County Wis." (c)1889, p. 377.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|
