Shasta Co., CA Biographies

TOBIAS OSSMANN 1822-1900
TOBIAS OSSMAN is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born December 22, 1822, of German parents. He was educated in his native country, graduating at Giessen College, in 1836; held the position of reporter for the court; served nine years in the German army; and came to America in 1848. In this country he learned the trade of carriage painter, and worked at it in one house in Cleveland, Ohio, for nineteen years, from 1851 till 1870. When he came to Cleveland that city contained only 7,000 inhabitants, and when he left it had increased to 20,000. During his residence there he purchased property in the city, which he owned for a number of years. For five years he was Captain of militia at Cleveland. He met with a railroad accident by which he lost his right limb.

Mr. Ossmann was married September 23, 1853, to Miss Catherine Hauser, a native of Germany, by whom he has had eight children, all of whom are living: Amelia, born in Ohio, is the wife of Henry Kern, by whom she has five children. Gustave A. is married, has three sons, and resides in San Francisco. Louisa married Harry Ellmore and resides in San Francisco. Emma B. is single. The family were reared Protestants.

Since coming to California Mr. Ossmann has resided in Redding. He was Deputy County Treasurer during the years 1870 and 1871. Twelve years he acted as Assessor of the city. He was Notary Public eighteen years. He has 160 acres of land and owns three houses and lots in Redding. He is a man of much experience, intelligence and reliability.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co. , 1891
Transcribed by: Betty Wilson, August 2004

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