When a boy discovers that his true bent is along the line of mechanics he should make every effort to perfect himself in this useful vocation. This is what Otto E. Hohenstem, of Windom did, and he is now, while only a young man, successfully engaged in the plumbing and heating business.

He was born at Lakefield, Cottonwood county, February 25, 1883. He is a son of Albert and Otella (Pietz) Hohenstem, both natives of Germany, where they spent their earlier years. Immigrating to the United States, theywere both among the early pioneers of Cottonwood county, locating on a farm. The father also engaged in merchandising at Lakefield for a number of years. He removed to Windom in 1910, where he is now living retired. He has laid by a competency for his old age through his industry and good management. He has five children, living, namely: Alvina, Pauline, August, Otto E., and William. The father is a member of the German Lutheran church, in which he reared his family.

Otto E. Hohenstem received his education in the public schools at Lakefield, including the high school, and as a boy helped his father with the farm and the store. He very early evinced a liking for tools and machinery and eventually went to Minneapolis, where he attended a plumbing school, in which he made rapid progress and became highly skilled in this line of endeavor. In 1907 he went to Montana and worked at Belgrade for a period of three years, then began in business for himself at Three Forks, where he remained until November, 1914, enjoying a patronage, when he came to Windom and here he has since been engaged in the plumbing and heating business with his former success. He has a well equipped shop and is prepared to do all kinds of work in his line promptly and in an up-to-date manner.

Politically, he is a Democrat. He was married in 1908 to Emma Richie of Belgrade, Montana, which union has been without issue.

� 2005 Cottonwood County Minnesota AHGP