BIO: Frederick O. HOSTERMAN, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ F. O. HOSTERMAN, of the firm of Hosterman & Stover, leading hardware merchants of Millheim, Centre county, is but a recent acquisition to the goodly array of progressive business men in that thriving town, but his ability, enterprise and upright methods have already established for him an enviable reputation. Although he is still a young man comparatively, his popularity is established on a firm basis - that of his own well-tested merit. Mr. Hosterman was born March 5, 1859, in Haines township, Centre county, where his ancestors were early settlers. His father, Jacob Hosterman, a son of John Hosterman, was born July 13, 1814, and was reared to manhood in Haines township, near Fiedler post office. His early education was mainly obtained in the German schools of the day, but his native talents enabled him to gain an honorable place in life by almost unaided effort. For twenty-five years he was justice of the peace, and he was known as "Squire" Hosterman throughout that section. He was a large man, well built and very robust, and did much hard work in his day, gaining a comfortable competence. While he was never a politician, he gave his hearty support as a citizen to the Democratic ticket on all occasions. He was married in Haines township, to Miss Anna Bower, a native of the township, born August 3, 1816, the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Ocks) Bower. Soon after marriage Squire Hosterman located near Fiedler P. O., upon a farm which he owned there, and to which he devoted most of his time. As he was a blacksmith by trade, he established a shop on the place and continued the business many years. His wife, a most estimable woman, was a Lutheran in faith, but he belonged to the Reformed Church, and was an active worker, attending regularly and holding various offices. He died May 28, 1871, and Mrs. Hosterman afterward made her home with her son Robert until her death, which occurred February 12, 1879. The mortal remains of both now rest in St. Paul's cemetery. Their children were Susan, now Mrs. W. K. Stover, of Haines township; Charles, who died in Nittany Valley, leaving a family; Robert P., a farmer of Haines township; Mary, who died at an early age; A. Jackson, who died at Aaronsburg leaving a family; James M., who died in infancy; and Frederick O., our subject. When F. O. Hosterman began his studies, the schools of this section were by no means on a par with those of to-day, and the remembrance of his limited opportunities makes him, though childless himself, a stanch friend of improvement in this line for the benefit of coming generations. At thirteen, being large and strong for his age, he began working as a farm hand for an uncle, D. O. Bowers, in Union county, receiving $7 a month. He remained there but a short time, however, and returning to Haines township he made his home with a brother, his father being dead. He enjoyed the advantages of one season in school at Aaronsburg before his days as a student were ended. In 1880 he went to the vicinity of Bellevue, Ohio, and spent the summer as a farm hand, returning to Pennsylvania in the fall. Shortly afterward he became a clerk in the store of Fiedler & Runkle, at Fiedler, Centre county, and his three and a half years there gave him his first practical knowledge of mercantile business. Later he purchased the store from Mr. Fiedler, giving his note for the entire amount, as his available capital was needed to buy stock. This transaction is noteworthy as indicating the confidence which his former employer reposed in him. Mr. Hosterman conducted the business successfully for eight years, and having been instrumental in securing a post office at Fiedler he was placed in charge, and served six years as postmaster in addition to his other business. In the spring of 1893 he disposed of his interests, which were then in a flourishing condition, and moved to Millheim, but did not engage in any enterprise until the fall of 1894, when he bought the hardware business of J. C. Smith. In this he has made a great success, as has been said, and the business is now the most extensive of the kind in Penn's Valley. On December 28, 1884, Mr. Hosterman was married, in his native township, to Miss Susan Stover, daughter of Noah and Rachel (Shirk) Stover, prominent residents of that locality. Mrs. Hosterman was the second child and daughter in a family of six- four daughters and two sons. In 1895, Mr. Hosterman built one of the finest homes in Millheim - where fine homes are no rarity - and the beauty of its location, combined with architectural effect, make it an ideally attractive spot. Mr. and Mrs. Hosterman have had one daughter, Maud, who died in infancy. One important factor in Mr. Hostermans success is his unfailing courtesy and willingness to oblige others. As a citizen he is no less progressive and enterprising than in his private af- 478 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. fairs, and that this is appreciated by his fellow citizens is seen by his election to his present seat in the city council after a shorter residence in the place than any other member who ever served therein. He is a steadfast Democrat, but the life of a regular politician has for him no charms. 1860 Haines Township, Centre County census - Jac Hosterman, 46 Anna Hosterman, 44 Susan Hosterman, 18 William Hosterman, 15 Robert Hosterman, 12 Andrew J Hosterman, 8 Frederick Hosterman, 1