H. W. Otto
Among the enterprising young men of Denison is H. W. Otto, well known in connection with the tea and coffee business. He has shown a progressiveness in commercial affairs that has secured a handsome annual income which gives promise of larger development.
He was born at Bremen, Germany, May 23, 1880, a son of C. and Christina (Goetlieb) Otto, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America in 1885 and located in Crawford county, Iowa. The mother is deceased but the father is still living and makes his home in Denison. There were fourteen children in their family, five of whom survive, namely: Henry, Wilhelmina, Christ, Freda and H. W.
H. W. Otto has a very dim recollection of his native land, as he came with his parents to the new world at the age of five years. He grew up as one of a large family, in which each was expected to perform his or her share of work, and the habits of industry thus acquired have been to him of inestimable value. He possessed advantages of education in the common school and later attended college. At fourteen years of age he began clerking in a general store in Denison and devoted himself to that line of trade for seventeen years. He then became identified with the Denison Tea & Coffee Store, and by his uniform courtesy and ability to meet the wants of customers he has assisted greatly in the growth of its business.
In 1903, Mr. Otto was united in marriage to Miss Marie Finnem, who was born in Germany in 1880, a daughter of Christian Finnem. Her parents came to this country and are now living in Crawford county. There were ten children in their family.
Four children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otto, namely: Walter, Herman, Flora and Harriett.
Ever since reaching manhood Mr. Otto has given his allegiance to the republican party and is a sincere advocate of its principles. Religiously he and his wife are identified with the Lutheran church. He made thorough preparation for the vocation in which he is now engaged, bringing to it a zeal and concentration of mind that seldom fail to attract merited reward. He is greatly interested in the development of the business and as his methods are up-to-date and entirely trustworthy there is no doubt as to his success in years to come.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.