- M. A. OTT, a member of the firm of OTT & Son, harness
makers of Janesville, is numbered
- among the early settlers of Rock County, dating his residence
in this city from the year 1851. He is a native of Baden, Germany,
born on the 6th day of April, 1838. The first ten years of his
life were spent in his native land, when in 1848, he accompanied
his parents who emigrated with their family to America, locating
at Milwaukee, where both father and mother died.
- Our subject began his business career as an apprentice to
the harness making trade which he
- learned under the directions of Albert SHERER. After completely
mastering the business, he was associated with his employer as
a partner for many years. In 1857, the firm of SHERER & OTT
established a branch business in Brodhead, Green Co., Wis., and
Mr. OTT became the manager of the house in that city, continuing
the same for two years. His connection with Mr. SHERER was continued
until that gentlemen's death, after which he conducted the business
alone until 1880, when his son Arthur was admitted as a partner,
under the firm name of M. A. OTT & Son. His place of business
is located on the west side of North Main street, just opposite
the store in which he served his apprenticeship with Mr. SHERER
thirty-eight years ago. He is the oldest harness maker of Janesville
and one of the earliest German settlers of the city. By industry
and fair dealing he has built up a fine trade and secured the
confidence of the public.
- Mr. OTT was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. CRALL,
and by their union four children have
- been born, three sons and a daughter - Arthur, Frank, Cecelia
and Charles N. The last died Dec. 22, 1888, at the age of twenty-five
years. Arthur, who is associated with his father in business,
was born in Janesville, Feb. 28, 1862, and is a young man of
good business ability. He is also connected with the fire department
of Janesville, having charge of the hose wagon, and is one of
the active and efficient workers of that department.
- For the long period of thirty-eight years, M. A. OTT has
been a resident of Janesville, during which
- time, he has been associated with the leading business interests
of the city, and has always worked for its advancement and welfare.
He is a worthy and respected citizen, who is held in high esteem
by all who know him, and we are pleased to record this sketch
of his life in the history of his adopted country.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 377-378.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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