Joseph Altenbach, a well-known contractor and architect in Shelby County, was born on October 31, 1839 in Auglaize County. He came from a family of German immigrants and grew up learning carpentry on his family’s farm. He came to Sidney in 1866 and became an experienced leader in his line of work, erecting many business buildings, factories, schools, churches, public buildings, and residences throughout the county. Some of his architectural masterpieces included the Shelby County Children’s Home, Holy Angel’s Church in Sidney, St. Remy’s Church in Russia, and Wagner Manufacturing Company.
Altenbach is also credited with the construction of the Thedieck Dept. Store building before it was destroyed by fire as well as the Robertson block which housed Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association before the Louis Sullivan bank was constructed. He was a man completely devoted to constructing some of the finest buildings in the area and continually declined offers to join public office positions. He passed away in 1913 at the age of 73.