Otto C. Herman

As printed in 1902

OTTO C. HERMAN.

Among the young men whose enterprise, business ability and keen foresight have contributed to the upbuilding and prosperity of Boone count) as well as to their individual success is numbered Otto C. Herman, now a member of the firm of Herman & Join-. real estate and insurance agents. He was born in Boone February 24, 1871. and is a son of J. M. and Anna (Spring) Herman His father was born in Germany January 1. 1831, and in 1847 crossed the broad Atlantic to the new world, taking up his above in Ohio, whence afterward he removed to Wisconsin. There he was married on the 17th of August 1 8(3 1. to Miss Anna Spring, whose birth occurred in Switzerland May 12. 1837. and who had come to the United States about 1858. For some time the father conducted a brewery in Monroe, Wisconsin, and in 1866 he came to Boone, Iowa, where he built a brewery and continued its operation until 1884. when he retired from active business to a large extent, although he gave his supervision to the management of his farms in Boone county. He had prospered in his undertakings and had made judicious investments in land. His death occurred January 16, 1898. In his family were the following children: Emma, now living in Boone; Julia, who died at the age of three years: J. Henry, who is cashier in the First National Bank of Boone; Anna. who died June 15. 1897; John F.. of this city, connected with the shoe trade; an 1 Otto C.

The last named was educated in the public schools, in which he was graduated in [889, and then prepared for business life by pursuing a course in Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, I chicago. On leaving that institution he accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Box Manufacturers Association. In (891, however, he left Chi- I ' 11 me. "where he acted as manager of his father's farm for some time, lie then entered the abstract office of the firm of Moore & Crooks, where he remained until 1893 when he was made assistant cashier of the Security Savings Bank. continuing in that institution until [896, when he entered the Columbia Law School of New York city, with the intention of making the practice of law his life work. In 1897, however, owing to the death of his sister and the illness of his father, lie was obliged to return home. Upon his father's death he was made administrator of the estate. In 1900 he accepted a position as cashier with the Security Savings Bank, but illness compelled him to resign and after a short time he turned his attention to the real estate and insurance business, in which he has since been engaged. He also places loans and has handled much, valuable property, negotiating important realty transfers. He has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of realty values throughout this part of the country. In this undertaking he is associated with Mr. Junes, as a member of the firm of Herman & Ji mes. They handle Iowa, Minnesota and Dakota lands, as well as much property in Boone. They make loans on farm and city property and have the agency for more insurance companies than any other firm in this part of the country. Mr. Herman is a man of resourceful business ability, and has not limited his efforts to one.line. In connection with his brothers and sister he has planned two additions to Boone, known as Herman's first and second additions. He is also the vice-president of the Security Savings Bank, a stockholder in the First National Bank, a director in the Boone Town Lot Land Company, and a director and the treasurer of the Boone County Telephone Company.

On the 7th of March. 1899, Mr. Herman wedded Emily Romme, who was born in Winnebago county. Wisconsin. October 30, [872, a daughter of John Romme, a native of Wisconsin. Iler mother bore the maiden name of Miss Johnson, and was als born in tin- Badger state. Mrs. Ionian is the eldest of three children, the others being Thomas, now deceased, and Bernard J. a resident of Idaho. Their mother died n: [880, 1 Ine child graces the union of our subject and his wife. John Marvin, born June u, 1901. The family is one of prominence in the community and their pleasant home is celebrated for its gracious ami charming hospitality. The family attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Herman is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. He has been an important factor in business circles, and his popularity is well deserved. He is public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the material, intellectual and moral welfare of his native county.

As printed in A Biographical record of Boone County, Iowa (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.