Ottosen, Iowa was founded in 1896 by Chris Ottosen, a grain
dealer in Russel Switch, Iowa. Chris Ottosen petitioned the postmaster
general to have a post office in Russel Switch but it was rejected
because of a similar name in use.. Senator Dolliver became aware of
this and resubmitted it under the name of Ottosen and it was granted.
Chris Ottosen then tried to get the railroad to build a depot and
passing tracks there but they did not want to build it on the curve in
the tracks. The RR surveyed an area 1/2 mile north of Russel Switch
for the tracks and depot. They also platted it out. Chris Ottosen
brought this to the attention of William Wehrspann a local farmer who
bought 40 acres from Mr. Sorlien and deeded enough land for the
right-of-way and side tracks. He then sold the rest of the land to
Horace Gage of Mason City, Iowa. Mr. Gage then platted out part of it
and sold small tracts. In 1896 the first buildings were built. Among
them were the Quimby Hotel and a double brick building, built by Chris
Ottosen. The town of Ottosen was now established and Russel Switch was
abandoned. Chris Ottosen died November 25, 1941 and is buried at the
Union Cemetery. Ottosen later boasted of many businesses and was
called the fastest growing town in Humboldt County and surrounding
area. Two devastating fires and changing times reduced Ottosen to a
small bedroom community. Ottosen once had three churches but only the
Lutheran church remains. It will be celebrating it centennial this
year, 2000. (This history was taken from the Ottosen Centennial Book -
1996)
"The founding of Ottosen: 1896"
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