Mathias Hettinger Jr. landowner and manager of his father’s estate, is one of the widely known and highly respectable citizens of Freeport, his home being at No. 483 Stephenson Street. His birth occurred in this city, October 5, 1862, his parents being Mathias and Elizabeth (Gund) Hettinger, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His youthful days were spent in his parents’ home, during which time he pursued his education in the public schools until he completed the course by graduation from the high school in the class of 1879. He afterward matriculated in Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, and was graduated therefrom in 1884. Returning to Freeport, he entered the bank of Hettinger, Coleman & Company an there remained until 1895, becoming vice-president of the institution and contributing through his enterprising methods to the success of the firm. Since that time he has looked after his father’s estate and his individual business interests and investments. On the 21st of May, 1890, Mr. Hettinger was married to Miss Mabel Tandy, who was born in Freeport and is a daughter of Gardner and Julia (Ingersoll) Tandy, who were natives of Massachusetts. Her father came to Freeport in 1857 and was a shoe merchant for many years, but retired from business life a few years before his demise, which occurred November 4, 1904, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His widow still survives him. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hettinger have been born two children – Dorothy and Harold. The parents attend the First Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs. Hettinger is a member. Mr. Hettinger belongs to Evergreen Lodge, No. 170, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer for the past fifteen years. He also belongs to Freeport Council, R & S. M., and to the consistory, S. P. R. S., in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. Politically he is independent, considering the capability of the candidate rather than party affiliation. He is, however, interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his native city and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further any legitimate movement for the public good.

Contributed by Alice Horner from History of Stephenson Co 1910
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