Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1501:
OSTERMEIER, GEORGE FREDERICK, an enterprising young business man of Springfield, Ill., and a member of the jewelry firm of Ostermeier & Trunk, was born near Springfield, November 11, 1877, a son of August C. and Augustine (Krieger) Ostermeier. August C. Ostermeier was born in Germany, May 6, 1842, and his wife in Darke County, Ohio, March 18, 1853. He came to America with his parents, at the age of eleven years. The family settled first in Ohio, but later Mr. Ostermeier moved to Logan County, Ill., and thence to Sangamon County, where he lived until the Spring of 1880, when he purchased land in Christian County, where he and his family have since resided. He has been a farmer all his life. He was married in December, 1870, and he and his wife became parents of four sons and six daughters, all of whom are living, the fourth child being George F. The mother of these children died suddenly, July 12, 1902.
The early education of George F. Ostermeier was acquired in the country schools of Christian County, and he later attended the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College, at Valparaiso. He had a natural taste for books and the best literature and made the most of his educational advantages. He lived on his father's farm until he reached his majority, then secured employment in the lumber department of the Deering Harvester Company, retail jewelers, at 178 West Madison Street, Chicago, remaining there six years and acquiring valuable knowledge and experience for his later business career. In January, 1906, Mr. Ostermeier secured a position with the Illinois Traction System, at Springfield, where he remained until August, 1909, when he formed a partnership with Charles A. Trunk, and on October 2nd of that year they opened a retail jewelry store at 528 East Monroe Street, where they conduct a successful and growing business. Both are men of energy and ambition and look carefully after the details of their business and the wants of their customers. They are upright and honest in their dealings and have a good standing in the community. Mr. Ostermeier has not allied himself with any political party in local affairs, choosing to vote for the man rather than the party, but in national issues generally follows the principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Mr. Ostermeier was married, at Edinburg, Ill., September 12, 1900, to Elenore Fehring, born in Springfield, January 14, 1880, a daughter of Henry and Elenore (Dahman) Fehring, who still reside on their farm in Christian County. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ostermeier, namely: Cecil Henry, born August 11, 1901; Gladys Viola, born December 23, 1903; Mildred Marie, born July 2, 1907; and Florence Louise, born March 19, 1911.