My Genealogy Hound

Joseph Ottinger. Within the limits of Independence County, Ark., there is no man of more progressive spirit or of greater recognized worth than Mr. Ottinger. Born in Cocke County, Tenn., June 15, 1838, he is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Winter) Ottinger, also Tennesseans, the former’s birth occurring in Greene County, in 1802. He was also educated in this county, and, as he grew up, learned the lessons of industry, frugal habits and economy—lessons which he ever remembered and which stood him in good stead in after life. He became a wealthy planter of that State, and at one time owned 1,020 acres of land. He was married in 1823, and eleven children were born to himself and wife, six of whom are yet living. He held the office of constable for some time. He and wife were members, in good standing, in the Lutheran Church. He died in 1877, followed by his wife a few years later, in 1881. Joseph Ottinger was educated near Newport, Tenn., and for a number of years has been a resident of Independence County, Ark. He owns 239 acres of average land, and, from his earliest recollections, has been familiar with farm work (a secret, doubtless, of his success). He was married near Newport, Tenn., to Miss Sarah A. Davis, who was born and reared in that State. To them a family of nine children have been given, eight sons and one daughter, and eight of the family are still living. Mr. Ottinger is a member of the Masonic order, and has held the office of secretary and treasurer of his lodge. He is also a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and wife are connected with the Baptist Church, and are always interested in enterprises tending to benefit their adopted county. The maternal grandparents were Pennsylvanians, who were among the pioneer settlers of Tennessee.