- HENRY OTTMAN, deceased, was a native of New York, born in
Schoharie County, in 1801,
- but was of German descent. In his native state he wedded
Mary Ann BETTS, who was a native of Connecticut, but of English
descent. They reared a family of seven children, of whom five
are now living: Theodore is a farmer residing in Rock Township;
Joseph C., also residing in Rock Township, engaged in farming;
George, residing in Chicago; Jennie, who makes her home with
Joseph C.; Charles Wesley died in youth; Mary E., who makes her
home with her brother Theodore.
- The general occupation of Mr. OTTMAN was that of a farmer,
but for a number of years, he was
- engaged in the manufacturing business in his native state.
Believing that the opportunities for acquiring a competence were
better in the west than in the east, and the opportunities for
his children's success would be much greater, he determined to
emigrate. Selecting Wisconsin as his future home, he came to
Rock County in 1856 with his wife and family, consisting of six
children. Locating in the city of Janesville, he there remained
several years, and there his loved companion was called to her
final home, dying in 1860, at the age of fifty-one years.
- Leaving Janesville, he purchased a farm of ninety acres in
La Prairie Township, which he improved,
- and where he resided two years, when his death occurred at
the age of seventy-nine years, in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. OTTMAN were
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and
both died firm in the faith of a general resurrection. In the
work of the Church they took a more than ordinary interest, believing
that in the success of the Gospel of Christ lay the well-being
of the country. In politics he was a Whig, and was actively interested
in the welfare of his party. His death was sincerely mourned,
not alone by his children but all with whom he became acquainted,
and who esteemed him for his many excellent qualities of head
and heart.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 366-367.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|