F. H. Oltman Page 338 - F. H. Oltman, paint contractor, doing an extensive business at 625 Wealthy street, is a native of the Netherlands. He was born on February 28, 1853, and came to Grand Rapids at the age of nineteen years. He had secured his preliminary education in the public and high schools of his native land. He started his business career in Grand Rapids with the Widdicomb Furniture Company. After twenty years’ service with that institution he embarked in business for himself and has conducted a very successful venture in this line. For seventeen years his business was carried on at 1134 Wealthy street until the fall of 1925 he moved to his present location. Mr. Oltman’s religious affiliation is with the Reformed Church of America, which is located on Fulton street. He was made an Elder in this denomination at twenty-five years of age and has continuously held that responsible position and for a half century has been a Sunday School teacher. Many of the men who have achieved success in this community have been his scholars , among whom he numbers such men as Frank Hulswit, now president of the United Light & Power Company. Mr. Oltman was joined in matrimony on August 19, 1874, with Miss Mary Pot, who was born in May, 1852, in the Netherlands. This worthy couple are the parents of eight children: Jennie; Frederick C., Jr., now manager of the Herpolsheimer store of Grand Rapids; Harriett, who died in 1924 at the age of forty years; Albert, who is now a foreman in his father’s business establishment; Catherine; Nell; Dirk, who is connected with the Heystek Company; and Hildred A., a teacher in Grand Rapids.

Transcriber: John Miller
Created: 22 March 2003