My Genealogy Hound

DAVID C. HOSTETTER was born in Lebanon county, Pa., in 1843. His father, Abraham Hostetter, was a native of Pennsylvania. In 1852 they moved to West Lebanon, Wayne county, Ohio, and there purchased a farm on which they resided but eight months, then returning to Lebanon county, Pa. Mr. Hostetter was alternately engaged in farming and mercantile business. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hostetter were active and consistent members of the Lutheran church for a number of years. Politically, Mr. Hostetter was a supporter of the republican ticket, and was a member of the Odd Fellows order for years. To Mr. and Mrs. Hostetter were born eight children — Mary, Edwin, David C., Kate, Henry (dead), Lena, Christina, and Jacob (dead). All, excepting Mary (who lives in Wayne county, Ohio), and David C. still remain in Lebanon county, Pa.

David C., the subject of this biographical notice, began life for himself in 1863, by first evincing possession of that God-given element of true manhood — patriotism — enlisting in the service of his country and enduring the hardships of war for three years. He offered this service as a willing tribute, without now asking compensation for his patriotism. After being mustered out of the service, he located in Missouri, and there followed his trade, “stove molder,” for seven years; then moved to Nebraska, settling in Kearney in 1873. He did not predict, then, the Kearney of to-day, there being about two hundred inhabitants. He first found employment with A. S. Webb in the hardware and implement business, and remained with him two years; then worked on the transfer eighteen months, at the expiration of which time he again engaged with Mr. Webb, remaining nine years. He then settled on the farm on which he now resides, which is nicely located and well improved. He is a republican in politics. Mr. Hostetter led Miss Lautz, a native of Lebanon county, Pa., to the altar in 1864. Mrs. Hostetter has proven herself a valuable helpmeet, rejoicing with him in prosperity and sharing with him the responsibility in adversity. She has for years been a member of the M. E. church. To Mr. and Mrs. Hostetter have been born four children — Eliza S. (Mrs. Feather), Henrietta A. (Mrs. Lautz), Edwin H., at home, and Bernice B., at home.