GEORGE OSTERKAMP, a worthy citizen of Honey Point Township, who is prosperously pursuing agriculture within its precincts, was born in Hanover, Germany, September 16, 1852. He is a son of Harmon Osterkamp, who was a native of the same place and was born in the same house that was the birthplace of his father, John Osterkamp. The latter was a farmer by occupation, and with the exception of serving in the French army in 1817, he spent his entire life in the land of his nativity.

The father of our subject was reared and educated in Germany and was there married. In accordance with the laws of the country he joined the army when he was twenty-one years old and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. In 1864 he came to America, bringing his wife and four sons with him, sailing from Bremer Haven and landing at New York. From that city the family made their way to Alton, Ill., where the father found employment on a farm. From there he went to Bond County, where his death took place at a ripe age, in October, 1875, four years after that of his wife.

The parental family included five children - John, George, Harman, Fred and Rachel. George Osterkamp attended school quite constantly before coming to this country. He was then a sturdy, self-reliant lad of twelve years, quite capable of supporting himself. He worked out by the month receiving $10 a month for his wages, and thus continued until his marriage. By that time, as he had been industrious and had wisely saved his earnings, he had the wherewithal to buy a farm and became the proprietor of his present homestead which comprises eighty acres of land in Honey Point Township, on which he resides, and another eighty-acre tract across the road in Cahokia Township. He has erected a good set of buildings and made other improvements, and from his well-tilled fields makes a good profit.

In the upbuilding of this comfortable home Mr. Osterkamp has had the assistance of a faithful wife, to whom he was married September 15, 1878. They have four children, of whom the following is the record: Weye was born August 7, 1879; Gratie, April 20, 1882; Mata, July 12, 1884; and Herman, March 18, 1887. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Osterkamp are connected with the Lutheran Church, of which they are exemplary members, and they are in every respect good neighbors and thoroughly Christian people.

Mrs. Osterkamp's maiden name was Mary Weyen. She is a native of this State, born in Madison County, December 10, 1855. She is a daughter of Weye and Mata (Johnson) Weyen. Her father was born in Germany and was a son of Heie Weyen. He passed his early life in the Fatherland and when a young man came to this country. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and continued to follow farming while he lived. For a few years he resided in Madison County, and then came to Macoupin County, and settled in Cahokia Township. He was very successful in his business, acquired a large amount of land and assisted his children to homes. His last years were spent in Cahokia Township. His wife survives him and is still living on the home farm. She is also German by birth and is a daughter of John Johnson.