Herman H. Otto
Coming from Germany with his parents when but six years old, Herman H. Otto, the subject of this sketch, has attained the position in life of a substantial farmer and influential citizen of Crawford county, and he has made an unqualified success in agricultural pursuits.
He was born September 20, 1866, a son of Henry and Louisa (Winterfeldt) Otto, both of whom are natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1872, locating in Rock Island county, Illinois, where they resided until 1883, when they removed to Crawford county, Iowa. They settled in Goodrich township and continued to live there until 1903, in which year they took up their residence in Denison, where the father still makes his home. The mother departed this life in 1906. They were the parents of three children, namely: Herman H.; Henry, who lives on the home farm in Goodrich township; and Anna, who is the wife of Fred Lenz, of Monona county, Iowa.
Herman H. Otto received his education in the common schools of Rock Island county, Illinois, later coming to Crawford county with his parents. He remained with them until he was twenty-four years of age, then started to farm on his own account in Goodrich township, later moving to Paradise township, and subsequently coming to Denison township, where he took up a farm which is now within the city limits. In 1900 he removed to his present location and has greatly enhanced its value by making many modern improvements. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, in addition to which he operates eighty acres of land adjoining his farm.
In 1891 Mr. Otto was married to Miss Mary Holtman, a resident of Crawford county, who passed away in 1910. To this couple the following four children were born: Selma, Fred, Hattie and Marie, all of whom are living at home.
In politics Mr. Otto is a democrat and has taken an active interest in his party. He has served as trustee of Denison township for seven years and is now president of the board. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is in every respect a highly esteemed citizen of Crawford county.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.