Isaac Otis was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., on Sept. 25, 1833. He came to Clayton county in 1852, settling a farm of 169 cares, on section 10, Elk Township, where he still resides. He was married to Mary E. McNamee on Nov. 29, 1854. She was born in St. Charles, Mo., on Jan. 31, 1854. Four children have blessed this union, viz.: Alice J., married T. T. Smythe, who is running a flour-mill in this township; Clarence H., Herbert G. and Cyrus Grant. Mr. Otis has been extensively engaged in the milling and manufacturing business since coming to Clayton County. He built a saw-mill in 1852, which he operated for twenty years, then sold it, and in 1855 erected a flour and grist mill, selling the former in a few years to Smythe Bros., who conducted it two years, then sold, William H. Otis being the present owner. In 1865 Mr. Isaac Otis built a woolen-mill on section 10, this township, which he has operated since, manufacturing cloth and flannels of a superior quality. He has a splended wholesale and retail trade, principally in the State of Iowa. His annual sales amount to $10,000. He has held the offices of Town Clerk, School Treasurer, and County Supervisor. He has been a member of the Freemason's fraternity since 1854, and also belongs to the A. O. U. W. lodge. Mr. Otis is one of the enterprising and representative citizens of the county. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 763 |