WILLIAM OTTO.

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         William Otto, who is one of the popular and enterprising citizens of Louisa county and occupies one of the most pleasant homes to be found in this section of the state, is a native of this county. He was born May 6, 1868, being a son of John H. and Charlotta Anna (Weckman) Otto, a record of whom appears above. He received his education in the district schools and grew to maturity under the parental roof, assisting his father on the home farm as the years passed and thus becoming well acquainted with the duties and responsibilities pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1894 he entered the milling business at Wapello, in which he continued for six years, during which . . .

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. . . time the plant was twice visited by fire. In 1900 he transferred his activities to the hardware business, with which he was successfully connected for eight years. At the end of the time named he took up his residence on a portion of his mother’s farm and now cultivates two hundred and fifty acres. The efficiency of his management is clearly indicated by the appearance of the well cultivated fields and the prosperity that has attended his efforts as a general farmer and stock-raiser. His mother, who has now arrived at the age of seventy-three years, makes her home with his family.

         On the 12th of July, 1894, Mr. Otto was married to Miss Ellen Limbocker, a daughter of J. P. and Amanda (Fish) Limbocker. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Limbocker: Anna E., the widow of W. A. Henderson, of Page county; Elmer, deceased; Eva, who married J. J. Graner, of Henrietta, Texas; Carrie, who is now the wife of Edward Graner, also of Henrietta, Texas; Harry, of Louisa county; Ellen, now Mrs. William Otto; John L., of Davenport, Washington; Clyde L., of Springwater, Oregon; and Ernest Ray, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Otto have become the parents of three children: Helen M., who was born July 27, 1897; one who died in infancy; and William, Jr., who was born March 8, 1911.

         Mr. Otto gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is allied with the progressive element of that organization, believing that the party has within itself the ability and integrity to command the affairs of the nation. He now very acceptably fills the office of township trustee. Fraternally he is a valued member of the Masonic order and also of the Odd Fellows and Woodmen, and his religious belief is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. As he takes a lively interest in his work he is meeting with deserved success financially, and being in the prime of life, he may safely look forward to many years of increasing responsibility.