In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1882, Springfield Township
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908)
JOHN FREDERIC OTSTOT, residing on one of his father's farms, which is situated in section 20, Springfield Township, and consists of ninety-four and one-half acres of valuable land, was born in Springfield Township, Clark County, Ohio, September 26, 1882, and is a son of John and Sallie (Kershner) Otstot.
John Otstot was born in the house which is the present home of his son, John F.
His father was William Otstot, who was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler in this section. AVilliam Otstot built this commodious brick house in 1832 and at that time it was one of the finest residences in all this part of the country, and many a social gathering has been held here and kind hospitality dispensed. It is still known as the old William Otstot place. John Otstot was reared in Springfield Township and trained to be a good farmer. When he reached manhood he married Sallie Kershner, who was also born in Springfield Township, and is a daughter of William A. Kershner. To John and Sallie Otstot were born four children, namely: William A.; Mabel, who married August Getz; John Frederic; and Harry, who remains at home. John Otstot is a large farmer residing east of Springfield, and is a member of the Springfield Township School Board.
John F. Otstot was reared in Springfield Township, and attended school during his boyhood and youth, in the neighborhood of his home. He grew to manhood acquainted with all the practical details of farming and has ever since given his attention to this business. For some months following his marriage he lived at home and then moved to the present farm which he has successfully operated for the past three years. He raises wheat, corn, oats and hay, also some stock, and keeps enough cows to have a good private dairy. He is one of the sensible, industrious and enterprising young farmers of the township.
On June 1. 1903, Mr. Otstot was married to Florence Self, who is a daughter of Joseph and Lettie Self. Mrs. Otstot was left an orphan when she was five years old and was reared by her grandfather, James Self, of Madison County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Otstot have one son, a bright little child, whom they have named John Edgar.
As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Their biographies name John Otstot: Jesse E. Garlough (b. 1869) John Frederick Otstot
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.