This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RMunns7272 Surnames: Ott, Leach, Smith, Thornely, James, Ulrich Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.lacrosse/2273/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From "History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin", 1881, p. 782 - 783. City of La Crosse BENEDICT OTT was born in Bavaria June 3, 1836, and emigrated to America in 1843, with his parents, who located at Milwaukee. His father was there employed as a stone-cutter. Benedict learned the trade of a machinist, and worked there until the spring of 1856, when he came to La Crosse and found employment with George M. Leach, the proprietor of the pioneer machine-shop. His skill as a workman was soon recognized, and he was promoted to foreman of the Leech machine-shops. He served in this capacity through the different changes of the firm, from 1866 to 1875 with C. C. & E. G. Smith, and from 1875 to 1879 with Thornely & James. In 1879, he formed a partnership with Frederick Thornely, and established the West Wisconsin Iron Works, under the firm name of Thornely & Ott. Mr. Ott has full control and management of the works in this city, his associate, Mr. Thornely, being engaged in business in Dubuque. Mr. Ott was married, Feb. 14, 1857, to Theresa Ulrich, of Milwaukee. They ha! ve nine children - Benedict, John, George, Theresa, Willie, Frederick, Gustave, Ida and Matilda. Mr. Ott is a member of the A., F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., Germania Singing Society and La Crosse Schutzen Society. [I am not related to this family and have no further information. I'm posting this as a service and hope it helps!] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.