OBIT: Christian J. OTTO, 1940, of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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CHRISTIAN J. OTTO

Grantsville, Maryland

  For the third time in as many successive weeks we are called upon to perform 
the difficult task of writing a fitting obituary for one of Garrett County's 
patriarchs.  This week the Grantsville and New Germany communities are mourning 
the death of Mr. Christian J. Otto, one of the county's oldest and best known 
citizens.  Mr. Otto died at 11:50 o'clock Friday morning, February 2nd, at the 
home of his son, Samuel J. Otto, at New Germany.  He had reached the venerable 
age of ninety-one years, and was the last surviving member of his family.  
Although he had been failing in health for several months, he was able to be up 
and about much of the time until last Wednesday when he became suddenly worse.  
His condition from that time was critical and his death was not unexpected by 
his immediate family, although it came as a distinct shock to his many friends 
and acquaintances outside.
  Mr. Otto was born November 29, 1848, on the Asa Fresh farm near Grantsville.  
He was a son of Jacob and Mary Shetler Otto.  His parents came to this country 
from Germany and were among the early settlers of this section of the county.  
On January 8, 1874, he married Miss Clara Arent, of Grantsville, who died about 
three years ago.
  Shortly after their marriage, Mr. Otto purchased a farm at New Germany where 
he spent the remainder of his life.  He successfully operated this farm for many 
years and was regarded as one of the best and most prosperous farmers in that 
section.  He retired from this occupation many years ago.  Some twenty-seven 
years ago, he sold the farm to his son, Samuel J. Otto, but continued to make 
his home there.  The ski slope at New Germany, which is rapidly becoming a 
popular winter sports playground for many persons, not only in Western Maryland, 
but from Baltimore, Washington, and other eastern cities, is located on this 
farm.
  In addition to farming, Mr. Otto also engaged in other business enterprises.  
Some fifty years ago he operated one of the largest sawmills and lumber yards in 
Western Maryland, and he also conducted a general store in the New Germany 
community for some time.  His wife was Postmistress of New Germany for many 
years, in fact until the office was discontinued when rural routes were 
established in that section.
  Mr. Otto also took an active interest in politics.  He was a staunch 
Republican and for many years a leader of his party in Garrett County.  At one 
time he represented this county in the Maryland General Assembly.  For more than 
fifty years his advice and support was sought by Western Maryland Republican 
leaders, and he maintained his party interest until 1932.  Even though he ceased 
to be active in politics, he was always keenly interested in the subject and 
ready to discuss it at any time.  He was a familiar figure at the polls at 
election time.  His mind was alert and clear despite his advanced years.
  Mr. Otto was a member of the New Germany Reformed Church and served as an 
elder of that institution.  During his younger years he took an active interest 
in this organization and was superintendent of the Sunday School for more than 
fifty years.
  In his passing he leaves, in addition to his son, Samuel J. Otto, seven 
daughters.  They are: Miss Ruth Otto, Mrs. William Farris, and Mrs. Olen 
Broadwater, all of Akron, O., Mrs. Austin Broadwater, Salisbury, Pa., Mrs. 
Charles Layman, Mrs. Elmer Beachy and Mrs. Floyd Broadwater, all of Grantsville.  
One other child, a daughter, preceded him in death at the age of eight years.
  The Rev. A. M. Wright, pastor of the Salisbury, Pa., and New Germany Reformed 
churches, conducted funeral services from the New Germany church Sunday morning 
at 10 o'clock.  Ellsworth Beachy, Lorraine Otto, O'Dell Otto, Morris Beachy, 
Willard Otto, and Foster Broadwater served as pallbearers and interment was in 
the adjoining cemetery.
  Among those from out of town who came to attend these services were Miss Ruth 
Otto, Mrs. William Farris, O'Dell Otto, and Mr. and Mrs. Olen Broadwater, all of 
Akron, O.

Meyersdale Republican, February 8, 1940