Otho Harrison Close, A.M.
As
superintendent of the Preston School of Industry, Otho H. Close occupies a
position of importance and usefulness and that he has shown himself eminently
the man for the place is a matter of general recognition. This institution,
which is a state reform school for boys, has a splendid record of
accomplishment in reclaiming erring boys and placing them on the road to
honorable manhood. Mr. Close was born in Promise City, Wayne county, Iowa, on
the 7th of December, 1888, and is a son of Joseph F. and Matilda
(Phillips) Close, both of whom are deceased. The father was of English descent
and the mother was of old colonial stock. They were the parents of three sons
and a daughter. Joseph F. Close was a business man. He took an active interest
in local public affairs and was a member of the board of high school directors.
Otho
H. Close attended rural schools to the age of fourteen years, and after his
graduation from high school he entered the University of Iowa. He completed his
studies in Stanford University, from which he was graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in 1912, also receiving the Master of Arts degree from that
institution in 1924. He served as principal of the high school at Fairoaks,
Sacramento county, for six years, and then, the Untied States having become
involved in the World war, he enlisted for service. He was assigned to the
Ninety-first Division, in which he became a sergeant-major, in which capacity
he served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He then
returned to the high school in Fairoaks, where he remained until 1920, when he
was appointed to his present position as superintendent of the Preston School
of Industry, at Ione. To this institution he is devoting his efforts with
splendid results, showing both marked educational and executive ability, and
stands high in the esteem of those who know him and of his work.
Mr.
Close was united in marriage to Miss Emma Gladys Gill, a native daughter of
California and a member of an old pioneer family. The republican party receives
Mr. Close’s support and he shows a live interest in everything pertaining to
the welfare of the community in which he resides. He is a member of the Masonic
order, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree; the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine; the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, the Phi Delta Kappa college
fraternity; the Lions Club of Ione, of which he is the president; the
Commonwealth Club of San Francisco, and the State School Principals’
Association. He has been successful in his private affairs and is the owner of
a well improved stock ranch. Kindly in manner and congenial in his social
relations, he has made many warm friends since coming to Ione, and is regarded
as one of its most estimable citizens.
Transcribed by Marla Fitzsimmons.
Source: History of the
Sacramento Valley California Vol. III J. W. WOOLDRIDGE 1931. Page 362-365.
© 2004 Marla
Fitzsimmons.