Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1292:

HARTMANN BROTHERS - The food supply in any community generally goes a long way towards determining the health of its citizens. Certain it is that a more healthful state is to be found in those localities where proper attention is paid to hygienic conditions, just as it is true that one improper source of supply could undermine the health of a large community. The citizens of Springfield, Ill., are fortunate in this respect, as they may receive their bakery goods from the largest dealers in this line in Sangamon County, the Hartmann Brothers, Conrad and Joe, whose large model bakery has always been noted for its cleanliness. They are sons of Joseph and Rosena (Schwing) Hartmann, natives of Germany, where the father carried on farming and butchering and was also engaged in a mercantile business, and where he died, while the mother still survives and make her home there.

Conrad Hartmann was born in Germany in 1870,and received his education in his native country, coming to America in 1888. He was married to Louisa Boehme. Like his brother Joe Hartmann was born in Germany, but one year later, in 1872. He also was educated in Germany, came to the United States in 1888, and was married to Lena Behr, a native of Springfield, by whom he has had two children, a boy now ten years of age and a girl twelve years old.

The baker business of Hartmann Brothers was started on a small scale, in Springfield, in 1896, but the excellence of their product soon attracted attention, and as a result orders began coming in so fast that they were compelled to enlarge their place of business. As the business steadily grew more additions were made, and the plant now covers nearly half a block. Starting with only themselves to operate the business, the brothers found in a short time that they would need help, and as additions have been made to the plant, so have men been added to the working force, until they now employ fifteen skilled bakers. So rapid has been the growth of the business that the Hartmann Brothers now find themselves in charge of the largest bakery in Sangamon County, doing business not only in the city and county but throughout the State, and this state of affairs has come through hard, persistent work and conscientious attention to the laws of health and hygiene. They are very popular in Springfield and are both men of keen business perception.

Fraternally, Joe Hartmann belongs to the Catholic Union, while Conrad is a member of the Modern Woodmen. They are members of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception of Springfield, whose priest is the well-known and universally beloved Father T. Hickey.