CALVIN J. OTTO, M. D. There are few professions which require the amount of diligent study and general information that is essential to the knowledge of medicine. Among the gentlemen who realize the full importance of this calling, and who add dignity to the profession, is Dr. Otto, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Allentown.
Our subject is a native of this state, having been born in Berks County, December 8, 1859. He is a son of Daniel Otto, also a native of Berks County, and a farmer by occupation. He, however, abandoned tilling the soil in 1864, at which time he removed to Lehigh County, and is now residing in Allenton [sic]. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Otto, who was born in Berks County, was an agriculturist, and attained the remarkable age of ninety-two years. The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Rachel Grim. She was the daughter of Absalom Grim, and was born in Berks County, this state. The Otto and Grim families originally came from Germany, and located in Pennsylvania in an early day.
Calvin J., of this sketch, accompanied his parents on their removal to Lehigh County when a lad of seven years, and was brought up to perform all the duties falling to the lot of a farmer’s boy. He received his early education in the public schools, and when eighteen years of age entered Muhlenberg College, in Allentown, taking a three-years course. When in his Senior year he left school, and began reading medicine with Dr. A. P. Fethelrof, of Chapman Quarries.
In the fall of 1881 Mr. Otto was far enough advanced with his medical studies to enter Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated three years later. He first located for practice in Brenigsville, Lehigh County, and after two years spent in that place, in 1886 came to Allentown, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice.
In his political faith Dr. Otto is an ardent Democrat, and never fails to cast a vote for that party’s candidates. Socially he is a member of Barger Lodge No. 333, F. & A. M., council, chapter and commandery, and is also connected with Macungie Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Fogelsville, this state, and Lehigh Encampment. He stands high in the order of Red Men of America, and is a contributing member of the Liberty Fire Company.
September 27, 1885, Dr. Otto and Miss Ida Kramlich were united in marriage. The lady was the daughter of Charles and Sally (Kuhns) Kramlich, of Berks County, this state, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of one child, Bessie May. Dr. and Mrs. Otto are members in good standing of Salem Reformed Church, and are actively interested in church work. They occupy a good residence at No. 404 North Seventh Street, and rank among the best residents of the city.
Source: Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago, Chapman Publishing Co., 1894; Page 694.