OTTO ANDERSON
Feb. 19, 1891 - Nov. 23, 1955
Otto (Ott) Anderson came to the United States in 1908. I recall him telling he had some money sewn inside his coat and on the way over someone discovered it and stole it.
Otto was a natural leader (I always thought he would have made a good army officer). He also had a good personality and mixed well with the public. As the result of these traits, he always wound up with a supervisor's job.
He married Henrietta Steel in 1915. Henrietta was barren due to having the mumps. According to my dad, this could have been corrected through surgery. They chose, however, not to have children until they became financially secure. Tomorrow never came. It is my opinion that Otto regretted this in later years and substituted with great affection for his nieces and nephews. I recall that when I was a "tot", he would jingle coins in his pocket when they came to visit, reach in his pocket and give out money to all.
Otto was an avid hunter and fisherman, these being some of his favorite things to do.
I remember his having a "crooked finger" which he told me got caught in a horse halter rope. This happened at Andrew's farm where he stayed when he first came over.
He enjoyed smoking Roe-Tan Cigars as well as Lucky Strike Cigarettes. He was a heavy smoker.
The following is his work history (some dates may not be exact):
In 1908, he came to this country. The first few years are unknown. Otto wrestled in Wichita, Kan. for the Light Heavyweight Division during his early years here. He did not win but the match was called a draw.
- 1912-1920 Page Motor Co., Oklahoma City Shop Supervisor
- 1921-1934 Co-owner of A&B Garage, Oklahoma City
- 1934-1940 Owned farm in Bluejacket (managed by David)
- 1940-1942 Owned farm in Minnesota
- 1942-1947 Supervisor at Tinker AFB
- 1947-1950 Owned farm in Big Cabin, Okla.
- 1950-death Owned and operated resort in Grove, Okla.
Shortly before Otto's death in 1955, he knew he was dying of cancer of the aorta and was concerned for Henrietta's welfare. He asked each of the brothers to look out for her. Ironically, she out lived all of them and died in a rest home in 1989 at the age of 97. Otto and Henrietta are buried in Grove.
Otto and Henrietta 1915
Otto & Al
1925
Otto John Hjalmar
1920
