J. H. Blattenberg
J. H. Blattenberg, D. V. S., of Lima, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and is a son of H. M. Blattenberg, one of the prominent citizens of that county, engaged in farming and in conducting a harness business.
Dr. Blattenberg comes of Revolutionary ancestry and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution through his maternal great-grandfather, Philip McCracken. The Doctor prizes highly the document in his possession, bearing the signature of George Washington, which proves the honorable discharge of this ancestor from the Patriot Army. His paternal grandfather, John Blattenberg, served in the Mexican War. His father served four years in the Civil War and in this period enlisted four times and was honorably discharged four times, the last discharge being dated October 30, 1865. This is a very unusual record. His first enlistment was in the First Regiment, Delaware Vol. Inf., April 18, 1861. Thereafter he enlisted and served in the Sixth Ohio Vol. Cav., 166th Ohio Vol. Inf. and Fifth Ohio Vol. Cav.
J. H. Blattenberg was reared in Wayne County and, after completing his literary education in the Smithville Normal School, took a professional course in the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, Canada, where he was graduated in 1892. After practicing one year in Toledo, he came to Lima, where he has been located ever since. His fine horse sanitarium on North Union street is one of the best equipped establishments of its kind in the State. Horses are brought in a regular ambulance kept for he purpose and skilled surgery speedily applied. His work covers not only Lima but all the counties adjacent to Allen County. He has served as president of the Ohio State Veterinary Association, is a member of the national body and is recognized as one of the leading veterinary surgeons of the United States.
In addition to his extensive professional interests, Dr. Blattenberg is interested in many other enterprises. He is vice-president of the Humane Horse Shoe Company, which is capitalized at $ 25,000. This company manufactures the latest style of horse shoe and owns the patents. He has large real estate holdings in Lima and has erected, on Elizabeth Street between North and Market streets, a fine three story, brick, flat building, 40 by 66 feet in ground dimensions. The lower floors have been fitted up for business purposes and the two upper floors are divided into cozy, comfortable apartments. They are heated by steam and lighted by electricity.
Dr. Blattenberg is a 32nd degree Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery at Lima, to the Shrine at Dayton and to the Consistory at Toledo, and has filled office in the various bodies. He belongs also to the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. Blattenberg has frequently been a delegate to the national assemblages of the Sons of the American Revolution. During the past few years he has indulged his fancy for making a collection of old colonial furniture and now has in his possession some rare and valuable pieces. Some are treasured old family relics and others have come into his hands by the costly methods of modern collectors. He has long been one of the city's prominent and public-spirited men. During his membership on the Board of Education, the new High School Building was built (1904-05), which is one of the finest structures of is kind in the State.
From History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Edited by Charles C. Miller. Richmond & Arnold, Publishers, Chicago, 1906