The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1897-02-25
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Bavaria, on July 81 1s4s. His father
was postmaster Of the town, and the
young Otto was given a thorough edu-
cation. He not only inherited the
manhood, but in his youth he imbibed
much of his strength of purpose from his
academy associates, who we're sons
Of the old Empire At the age Of 10
years he emigrated to this country,
where Fighter prospects for advance
ment In life appealed to the restless ener-
Cleveland where, with bis brother-in-
law, Louis Schmidt, he learned the trade
Of brewer. After mastering the busi-
ness, he removed from the Forest City to
Akron, where 10 1873, he was united In
marriage to Miss Julia Andke. BY this
union six sons aud one daughter were
born. A short time after the marriage
Of the young couple they removed to
Canton.
Mr. Giessen, always on the alert for
progressive opportunities, saw a business
prospect in the cid Grsbsr brewery, south
Of the city, which ho purchased and
managed for several years, until it was
destroyed by fire. He then built tine
brewery In East Fourth street,
the business of which he conduct
ed until within few years, when
he sold it to Messrs. Rommel and
Kroft, who, with minor stockholders,
now constitute the Canton Brewing Co.
At the time of his death he was score
tary, treasurer and manager Of the Royal
Brick Company; president OF this Canton
Buggy and Gear Company and president
Of the Chrystal Spring Co. Besides he
was stockholder in many othsr con.
Germs.
He was an indefatigable worker an5
by perseverance, and energy he mounted
the ladder Of success, despite innumer-
able reversss that at times threatened
to obliterate the results Of years Of toll.
The all-devouring element nf fire proved
q havocing element in his career. His
first great loss was the brewery south Of
the city that he had spent large sums of
money in improving. Later the ice
houses he had constructed near the old
brewery were consumed and then the
Royal Brick plant went up in smoke.
More recently the Canton Buggy and
Gear Co. IS maufaotory was mpletsly
destroyed. Through all these disasters,
however, he maintained the ven tenor
of his way, and surmounted all diff
oulties with the ease born Ct resolute
will.
In November last, he was attacked
with what seemed to be slight cold. On
the 10th day of the month ne went TO |
Cleveland against the advice of his
physician. He contracted severe cold |
that seemed to enter eveyr part of his
system, and despite the efforts of the lest
medical talent he grew worse and worse
and finally succumbed to a complication
Of diseases. He requested before his
death that post mortem examination
be held. This request was complied with
aud 1t was found that his kidneys were
badly diseased. This together with
typhoid blood poisoning caused his
demise.
Mr.. Giessen was a member Of the
of Pythias, the Elks, the Wash
ngton Aid Society and the German
Association. He was
also passive member Of the Arion
Singing Society.
Six sons and loving wife, survive the
devoted husband and indulgent father
The only daughter died when but three
Years Of age. The sons all live, in this
'ity at the family residence on Hartford
Heights. They are: Fred, Otto, Karl,
Homer, Kurt and Henry.