Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 298
CHRISTIAN OTTO, a leading farmer of Bloomington Township, residing on section 22, was born near Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in 1836, and was the youngest in a family of seven children born to John and Martha ( Kanipple ) Otto, who were natives of the same place. The father followed the occupation of farming throughout his life, his death occurring in Germany in 1856. His excellent wife died the same year, and they were laid to rest side by side in their native land.

Our subject received his education in the schools of Germany, where he was reared to manhood. Resolving to try his fortune in the New World. accompanied by his brother George he set sail for Bremen in 1853, embarking in the sailing-vessel "Gustave." After a pleasant voyage of thirty-five days he landed in New York, and thence proceeded to Cincinnati, where his brother Conrad resided. In his native land he had begun to learn the cabinet trade, which he finished in that city, afterward working at it for quite a while. In 1854 he removed to Muscatine County, Iowa, settling in the city of Muscatine, where he carried on cabinet-making for over twenty years. In 1876 he removed to the Denton farm, which he continued to cultivate until 1880, when he purchased 120 acres of improved land, making his home until the year 1888, when he removed to his present home on section 22, Bloomington Township. His farm now comprises 150 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and stocked with good grades of Durham and Jersey cattle and Hambletonian horses.

In 1857, in Muscatine, Iowa, Mr. Otto was united in marriage with Anna Aubel, a native of Germany, and a daughter of John and Anna Catherine ( Tipple ) Aubel, who were also born in that land. The father was a farmer by occupation, and resided in Germany until his death, which occurred many years ago. His wife survived him for a few years, when she too was called to her final home. To Mr. and Mrs. Otto have been born five children: Charley, who married Elizabeth Bloomer, resides on the home farm; George is the husband of Nellie Brice, and is engaged in farming in Bloomington Township; Henry is a salesman in the hardware store of George S. Clapp, of Muscatine;Christian and Willie are at home. Mr. Otto generally casts his ballot with the Republican party, but does not take an active part in political affairs. Since becoming a resident of Muscatine County he has witnessed many important changes,and has done all in his power to aid in the work of progress and improvement. He is one of the self-made men of this community, having begun life in limited circumstances, yet by industry, frugality and good management has gained a comfortable competency, His upright, honorable course of life has won him many friends, and he is highly respected by all.

---

Back to 1889 History of Muscatine Co. Index Page

Back to the Muscatine Co. IAGenWeb Index Page