Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Ott, Francis M.    
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003


FRANCIS M. OTT, a prominent citizen of Colerain township, 
Bedford County, is one of the leading manufacturers and 
agriculturists of the village of Otttown, which was named in 
his honor.  He was a son of Samuel Ott, late of Colerain, 
and was born July 27, 1843.
  Mr. Ott's grandfather, Michael Ott, removed with his 
parents from Loudon, Va., to Bedford County, Pennsylvania, 
when quite young, and subsequently became a pioneer of 
Colerain township, where he spent the remainder of his 
years.
  Samuel Ott, son of Michael, was born in Colerain, Pa., in 
1805, and until his demise, in 1867, continued his residence 
in this township.  Soon after learning the wagon-maker's 
trade he settled on a farm about a mile north of Rainsburg, 
and there established a substantial manufacturing business, 
to which he gave his attention in addition to managing his 
estate.  A man of great executive and financial ability, he 
made a success in both branches of industry, and for many 
years was one of the leading and influential men of the 
town.  For several years he was one of the School Directors 
of Colerain township, and also served as Assessor several 
terms.  He was an active member of the Lutheran church, in 
which he filled various offices, performing the duties of 
each with characteristic fidelity.  Of the children born of 
his union with Annie Otto the following are now living: 
Charlotte, wife of Valentine Risling, of Spring Hope, 
Bedford County; Samuel, of Bedford; Francis M., the subject 
of this sketch; William, of Bedford, Pa.; Thomas E., of 
Colerain township; and Irene, wife of William H. Diehl, also 
of Colerain.
  Francis M. Ott acquired a practical common-school 
education in Colerain township, and from his boyhood 
assisted in the active labors of the home farm.  Working 
with his father in the factory as well as the farm, he 
became familiar with the trade of wagon-making, which he has 
since carried on to a considerable extent in connection with 
his agricultural labors.  In 1876 Mr. Ott began the 
manufacture of wagons and wagon supplies at Otttown, where 
he has built up an extensive business, his plant giving 
employment to a number of workmen, who turn out a high grade 
of goods.  In 1890 Otttown, the section of the township in 
which he had previously erected his wagon manufactory, had 
grown to such a thriving village that it was deemed worthy 
of a post-office of its own; and Mr. Ott was appointed by 
President Cleveland as its first Postmaster, an office which 
he filled the ensuing three years.  He has also served as 
Assessor of Colerain township one year.  In politics he is a 
stanch adherent of the Democratic party.
  On December 28, 1870, Mr. Ott married Miss Elmira C. 
James.  Three children have been born to them, and two are 
now living, namely: Daniel C. and Charles M.  Mr. and Mrs. 
Ott are both members of the Lutheran church, in which he is 
serving as an Elder.


Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa