Santa
Clara County
Biographies
PROF. JOHN G. OTTO
The late Prof. John G. Otto was a resident of Gilroy, from 1878 until his death, June 23, 1896. He came here to regain his health, undermined by strenuous work as a band leader in New York City where he attained renown for his keen understanding of the theory and practice of music, and his success as a lead of the Twelfth Regiment Band and also the Fifth Regiment Band and Orchestra. Professor Otto was what is known as a natural musician for as a boy played in the orchestra at Frankfort, Germany, where he was born June 15, 1826. His grandfather, John Otto, was an employe of the great banking firm of Rothschild Company, founded in Frankfort-on-the-Main in the latter part of the eighteenth century by Meyer Rothschild, founder of the present house, and father of the five sons who were created barons of the Austrian empire in 1822, a title borne by the present giants of finance who still bear the name. The family of Otto gained certain prestige from this association, and besides its members were noted for their musical and other talents and for their high social standing.
Young John G. Otto did not originally think of music as a means of livelihood, and so turned his attention to learning the bronze engraver's trade, and so alternated engraving with playing in the orchestra of Frankfort until coming to New York City in 1850. Soon afterward he was called upon to demonstrate his patriotism for his adopted country by joining the New York state militia, during which service he participated in the historic riots. Gradually he gained a foothold in the musical world of the east, giving his attention to band music in particular, and finally becoming leader of the renowned Twelfth Regiment Band. Later he became identified with both the band and orchestra of the Fifth regiment, in all capacities achieving marked and well-earned success. In Gilroy his effort at establishment resulted in the purchase of the home now occupied by his widow, and from time to time in after years he gave substantial testimony of his faith in the future of the town by the purchase of both residence and business property, including a business house on Monterey street, and two residences besides his own. Mr. Otto was much interested in music in Gilroy, seeking to maintain a high standard by both direct and indirect means. He erected, and the estate still owns, the Music Hall of Fifth street, near Monterey, used also as the opera house of Gilroy. Mr. Otto was an ardent Mason, and his burial was dignified with the beautiful and impressive ceremonial of the order. In religion he was a Lutheran, and during his lifetime was a constant attendant at church, as well as a generous contributor to its support. Professing a preference for the Democratic party, he was yet liberal in his tendencies, and during his term as mayor of Gilroy gave satisfaction to the members of both parties.
October 12, 1853, Mr. Otto was united in marriage with Dorothea Beck, a native also of Germany, and born in the quaint old town of Nuremberg July 24, 1828. Mrs. Otto's parents, Ludwig and Catherine (Rice) Otto, were born in the same part of the kingdom and died on a farm which had been in the possession of the family for many years. Their daughter Dorothea is the only living representative of her family, two daughters and two sons having died when comparatively young. Mrs. Otto came to America with her uncle, Mr. Rice, settling in New York City in 1849, where she lived until her marriage in 1853. She is a member of the Episcopal church, and is a charter member of the Eastern Star of Gilroy and a member of the Benevolent Society. Mr. Otto was a typical German musician, full of temperamental fire, and having his moods of deep depression and great elation. He loved and lived music, as he loved all things beautiful in life, and in his home sought to surround himself and family with hopeful pleasant things. He increased the high regard in which his countrymen are held in his adopted city, and left a host of friends and well wishers to mourn his loss.
Transcribed
8-31-15 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Pages 757-758. The Chapman
Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2015 Marilyn R. Pankey.