Herrmann was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 3, 1859, to a family of German descent.[1][2] He learned typesetting at a young age, and became a member of the International Typographical Union.[3] He then held various public positions in Cincinnati; as a member of the board of education (elected in 1882), assistant clerk of the police court (appointed in 1887), and a member of the board of administration (appointed in 1891).[3] In 1896, he was appointed to the board of commissioners of the Cincinnati waterworks, and was then selected as the board's chairman.[3]
Herrmann was married in 1881 and was predeceased by his wife; they had one daughter.[3] Although financially successful, Herrmann had a reputation as a lavish entertainer, supported by news that he left an estate of $10.[8] He died in Cincinnati on April 25, 1931, at age 71.[9][7]
