Christian
J. HARTMAN, a substantial farmer of Putnam county, owning and
operating a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, which is located on section 21, Granville township,
which stands as a monument to his own thrift and energy, is one
of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to this state,
his birth having occurred in Hesse Nassau, April 12, 1850. He
has a brother, William HARTMAN, who also resides in this county,
mention of whom is made on another page of this work.
Mr. HARTMAN was reared and educated in his native land to the age of eighteen years, when, in 1868, hoping to better his financial condition in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic on a sailing vessel, and after landing in this country at once made his way to Granville, this county, where his brother William had previously located on his emigration to the United States, the date of the arrival of our subject being May 18, of that year. He had no capital when he arrived at his destination but possessed energy and determination, and was employed by his brother William, working at farm labor for two years. On the expiration of that period, having saved a sum of money, he purchased a few implements, rented a piece of land, and began farming on his own account, retaining his home with his brother. For three years he used a double shovel plow. He was successful in his new venture and as time passed he added to his financial resources, and, having acquired a capital sufficient to establish a home of his own, he further completed his arrangements by his marriage, February 12, 1874, to Miss Lena WEESBACH, who was born in Prussia, July 25, 1852. She was a daughter of Henry William WEESBACH who, in 1867, removed with his family from the fatherland to La Salle county, where he engaged in farming. He was killed by a train near Wenona, while on his way for mail, and his wife died in Wenona about four years ago.
Following his marriage Mr. HARTMAN removed to Iroquois county, this state, where he engaged in farming but not meeting with success there, again returned to Putnam county, where, in 1884, he purchased eighty acres of land known as the GUNN farm. The land was partially improved and a small house and barn stood on the place. He further developed and cultivated his land, carrying on general farming and stock-raising along the most progressive and practical lines and as his financial resources increased he was enabled to make further purchase of property by adding a tract of eighty acres to his original purchase, thus making altogether one hundred and sixty acres, which is today one of the best improved and most valuable farms of Putnam county. In 1905 Mr. HARTMAN replaced his first home by a large modern residence supplied with all conveniences and accessories, and he likewise erected a good barn, thus furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. He keeps everything in an excellent state of repair and his place presents a neat and thrifty appearance.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, all of whom are living, namely: Minnie, the wife of Henry WENDT, residing in Granville; William H., who is unmarried and resides on the farm of his uncle, William HARTMAN, in Granville township; Annie, now the wife of Phillip HOFFMAN, residing on the Harper farm in Granville township; Carrie, the wife of John HOFFMAN, also residing on the Harper farm; Charles, at home; and Maggie, who is acting as housekeeper for her brother William.
Mr. HARTMAN was reared in the faith of the Reformed Lutheran church. He gives stanch support to the republican party, and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. He is a broad reader, thus keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is able to give an intelligent argument in support of the principles in which he so firmly believes. Although Mr. HARTMAN came to America a poor boy, ignorant of the language and customs of the new world, he has adapted himself to the changed conditions and has worked his way steadily upward from a humble financial position until at the present time his fine farm gives evidence of the success which he has gained through his well directed efforts and careful management. He takes just pride in what he has accomplished through the assistance of his estimable wife, and he is one of those kind-hearted German-American citizens, highly esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact.
Extracted July 2011 by Norma Hass from Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties Illinois, 1907.
| Bureau | Putnam | |
| Stark |
 |
La Salle |
| Peoria | Woodford |
