The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-03-10
Ottawa, H.. March 10, 1883.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mr.. ). q. NATTINGER.

JouN @. COMMENCES HIS CAREER.
During the last two years John had
worked upon this improving farm. He
was then not physically strong, and the
heavy work Of clearing an Ohio farm was
700 great for his strength, and finally be
tod his father that "he thought himself
not fitted for the life and work Of farm-
,r." The old gentleman said "he might
10 as he thought best" So the young man
packed up his small personal effects In a
handkerchief and started out from his
humble log cabin home to seek his fortune
in 1924, making 30 miles the first day, and
n due time arrived at Zsnesvlle, IN the
Buckeye state, and went to work for Mr.
Price, whose farm Joined that city. He
was not conten,ed ami asked Tor his wages
Tor the time served before the month was
Nd. His work had been to drive cows &c
and from the pasture. He felt lonesome
and wanted company. He next obtained
employment at hotel in town, which he
liked better, though his cash wages were
not prlncely, amounting to two dollars per
month. He soon made friends with every
me about the hotel indeed, all through his
life he has been noted for warm and kind
" feelings for every one who came In con
'act with him, and especially for such as
we're unfortunate or suffering, and the poor
and needy have ever received his prompt
attention, remembering his own needs
when poor boy, and among strangers.
The boarders and guests on hearing the
modest story of his life, and finding him
50 truthful and faithful In all things, soon
became attached TO the black eyed and
cheerful young man, and assisted him to
efficient money TO enable the family to
huy the old iarm, where they still lived
after his fathers death Afterwards two
u the boys came and worked at the same
motel, Gottleib getting four dollars per
Month
AT SCHOOL, THEN \ CLERK.
lie had natural aptitude for business
from his early boyhood, and felt the want
II education, but his means, or, rather,
want Of any, had been severe drawback.
lie wen. to Lancaster in 1926, hoping to
letter his condition In this respect, and
,ound place is clerk In hotel, and while
,4ere managed to get three months school
ing. He saw in that place the Ewing
4mily and the Shermans, who have since
become famous one as a soldier and the
-. her rs statesman. Afterwards he struck
THE CHIEF BUSINESS OF HIS LIFE,
lat of merchandising, which he COM
Menced at the foot Of the ladder. He lef
lancaster for Chilicothe, and found {
place In McCoy's store. He worked or
faithfully and soon won the proprietor,
confdence by his scrupulous honesty ant
strict attention to his duties. Soon after
better offer came from Springfield, Ohio
He accepted II and went to that city IL
March, 1927, and became clerk In larg,
general store, with Mr.. Adam Stewart, VIII,
lad succeeded Mr. Mccoy, and opened II
mat then young and thriving place. HI
remained with this gentleman till 1882
when Mr.. Page set him up In store
furnishing him with a stock of goods. H.
lad but small education, 1.-The stree
signs being his spelling book" as he ex
pressed 1t. Finally Hon. Charles Anthony
;Aen member of Congress, who la,
observed In Mr.. Nattinger an abundance o
energy, aptitude for business and uncor
slptible integrity of character, offered I
furnish him two thousand dollars Il
money to start a new store. Youn
Ns.tinger was to buy the goods, maxim
mis- own selections. This was in 1884. Tn