Was born in Kanawha County, Virginia, May 10, 1821, and is a son of Lewis and Glory Otterman, nee Null, who were both born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and who migrated to Virginia about the beginning of the century. They were both of German descent. His Grandfather Null was a captain and rendered valuable services to the Colonies during the Revolutionary War. In 1831 his parents moved to Montgomery County, Indiana, and there lived till their death, his mother dying in 1843 and his father in 1856. In 1843 the subject of our sketch moved to Green County, Wisconsin, and from there, in 1854, to Daviess County, Missouri. He was married, October 26, 1843, in Montgomery County, Indiana, to Miss Nancy Hodges, who was born in Indiana, September 16, 1826. She was a daughter of William and Sarah Hodges, nee Powell. Her father died in 1879. Her mother still lives in Wisconsin. By this marriage seven children were born, three of whom are living: Francis M., born September 8, 1844, died in August, 1878; Sarah E., born December 27, 1847, the wife of John Easter; William Lewis, born November 10, 1851, died January 12, 1853; Thomas H., born March 5, 1854, died January 3, 1855; Eliza Jane, born November -4, 1855, died December 1, 1856; John D. A., born November 21,1857; and Mary Emma, born August 20, 1862. Mrs. Otterman died August 29, 1862; she was a lady highly esteemed for her Christian life and excellent moral character, and left a large circle of friends and a bereaved family to mourn her departure.
January 28, 1866, Mr. Otterman was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Reid, who was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, July 23, 1843. She was a daughter of Hudson Reid and Mary A. Reid, nee Gillilan, both born in Kentucky. They came to Daviess County, Missouri, in 1849, and are still living in this county. By this marriage three children have been born, namely: Edwin Ruthven, born January 4, 1867; Joseph Levi, born March 10, 1877; and Oliver Hudson, born January 1, 1869, died February 7, 1871. Mr. Otterman, by industry and good management, has succeeded well. He owns a beautiful and valuable home of 104 acres, finely improved. Shortly after the death of his first wife he enlisted as a member of Company F, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, and served as sergeant for three years. He was with the regiment in all its engagements, and had many narrow escapes. He was taken prisoner at Spring River, Arkansas, but was at once paroled. He has served for some time as justice of the peace, and also as an energetic school officer. Mr. and Mrs. Otterman have been members of the Christian Church since they were quite young and are devoted workers in the Sabbath-school. Mr. Otterman has been one of the church elders for many years.