Bartholomew County IN Archives Biographies.....Ott, John F. 1854 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 26, 2007, 9:25 pm Author: B. F. Bowen (1904) JOHN F. OTT. In taking up the personal history of John F. Ott we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Bartholomew county and who for a number of years has acceptably filled the position of superintendent of the county infirmary, in which position his loyalty and his capability have been his marked characteristics and have won for him the commendation of the general public. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred here on the 23d of April, 1854. His parents were William H. and Anna R. (DeShea) Ott. The father was a native of Germany, but when only four months old was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Maryland, establishing their home near Frederick City. In that locality William H. Ott was reared upon a farm and while he was yet a young man he responded to the call of the United States for troops for service in the Mexican war. Enlisting in the army, he became captain of a company from the state of Maryland and served throughout the period of hostilities with the southern republic. His valor and fidelity were above question and he made for himself a creditable military record. He then returned to his native state, where he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna R. DeShea. Subsequently he came with his wife to Indiana, arriving in this state in 1850. He settled in what is now Union township, Bartholomew county, where he secured a tract of land and engaged in general farming and stockraising. He also followed the manufacture of shingles to some extent and here spent the remainder of his life, being recognized as one of the industrious and highly esteemed residents of his community. In his political views he was a stanch Republican where matters of national importance were involved, but at local elections where there was no issue before the people he voted independently, supporting the candidates whom he thought best qualified to discharge the duties of the offices. His religious faith was that of the English Lutheran church, with which he held long membership. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, of whom nine are now living. John F. Ott was reared upon the home farm in Union township, Bartholomew county, and was early trained to the labors of the field and meadow. Almost as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and he was also instructed in the task of making shingles. During the winter seasons he had the privilege of attending school and thus he gained a knowledge of the common branches of English learning which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. Upon the home farm he remained, giving his father the benefit of his services, until he was twenty-six years of age, when he started out in life on his own account by renting a tract of land. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Sarah A. Finkle, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 27th of November, 1882, in Bartholomew county. The lady was born in this county and was of German lineage. To her husband she has proved a faithful helpmate and is a most estimable lady, having many warm friends. Mr. and Mrs. Ott have become the parents of three children: William S., who was born on the 23d of November, 1884, has completed the common school course and is now at home assisting his father; Otis D., born on the 24th of November, 1886, was graduated on the completion of the common school course in 1903; Tressie D., born May 27, 1889, is with her parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ott hold membership in the English Lutheran church and at one time he served as a deacon. He has contributed liberally to the support of the church and takes a deep interest in its work and advancement. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Columbus, Indiana, and he also belongs to Columbus Tent, No. 137, Knights of the Maccabees, in which he is carrying two thousand dollars insurance. In politics he has always been a Republican, unfaltering in his faith in the party and the ultimate triumph of its principles. In 1897 he was appointed to the position of superintendent of the county infirmary, in which capacity he served, for three years. He then retired from the office, but after two years was again appointed, this time by a Democratic board of commissioners. He has since been the incumbent arid is now filling the position in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to the county. His practical knowledge of farming, combined with his good business management, well qualifies him for the work which he is undertaking and under his direction the county infirmary has become a creditable institution. Mr. Ott is well known in Bartholomew county, where his entire life has been passed. His life is upright, his nature kindly, his sympathy broad, and he is respected by all who know him. Additional Comments: Extracted from BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY INDIANA INCLUDING BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF INDIANA ILLUSTRATED 1904 B. F. Bowen PUBLISHER File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/bartholomew/bios/ott790gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/infiles/ File size: 5.7 Kb