WILLIAM OHLENDORF, the proprietor of the Chicago Bakery, located at No. 113 Galena street, Freeport, Ill., is a native of the State of Illinois, and was born in the city of Freeport, Stephenson County, on the 18th of May, 1859. He is the second son of Henry and Engel Ohlendorf. He attended the city schools of Freeport until twelve years of age, when he went to learn the trade of a baker, serving an apprenticeship of three years, mastering all the intricate details of that business. After completing his trade, he became clerk and principal baker for William Weismann, with whom he remained for about thirteen months. He then went to Chicago, and was employed by Potter Palmer, proprietor of the hotel bearing that name, as baker. He worked for Mr. Palmer five months and then went to the Tivoli Gardens, where he was employed as salesman for the Brewing Company. After a time he returned to Freeport and bought the Aaron Long Bakery, and embarked in that business on his own account. He has been engaged in the bakery business for nine years. He owns his business house which is 22 x 120 feet, three stories high. The storeroom is 18 x 120 feet in the clear. He has another building 18 x 120 feet, two stories high; they are both built of brick and are first-class buildings. The capacity of the bakery is between five and six hundred loaves daily.

Mr. Ohlendorf was married, Dec. 29, 1879, to Miss Louis Koehler, daughter of F. P. Koehler, of Freeport. They have two children, a son and daughter, named Edna and Elmer. Mr.Ohlendorf is a member of the A. O. U. W., Germania Society, and German Benevolent Society.

The father of William Ohlendorf is Henry Ohlendorf, dealer in flour and feed, No. 61 Galena street. He is a native of Germany, and was born in April, 1820. He came to America in 1847, landing in New York City, and going from there to Chicago, where he remained and worked for eight years as a salesman. He then went to the country and engaged in farming about five years. In 1856 he removed to Freeoprt, Ill., and for a time engaged in the manufacture of vinegar, the works being located on the north side of Pecatonica River. He continued in the manufacture of vinegar for several years, and then engaged in teaming, which business he followed for ten years. In 1878 he opened a flour and feed store at his present location, where he has carried on quite an extensive business.

Mr. Ohlendorf’s business house is 22 x 60 feet, two stories in height, built of brick, and is his own property. He was married, in 1844, to a Miss Engel, who is also a native of Germany. They are the parents of seven children, four boys and three girls; Henry, William, Fred, Jacob; Minnie is the wife of William Helmin; Louisa S. is married to Henry Otto, and Sophia, who died at the age of twenty-five years.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 238