Closely interwoven with the commercial and industrial development of Laramie and with the political history of the state is the name of Hon. Otto Gramm, who has been a prominent factor in the mercantile and manufacturing interests of his city and has been honored with the position of state treasurer of Wyoming, in which office his record reflected credit and honor upon the people who honored him.
    He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, November 11, 1846, a son of the late Moses Gramm, a native of Germany, who came to America in early life and settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he followed mercantile pursuits, there residing until his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Helen Limie, was also a native of Germany and has departed this life. In their family were five children.
    Hon. Otto Gramm, who was the eldest, acquired his education in the public schools of his native city and when eight years of age. upon the death of his parents, went to live with relatives, Mrs. M. A. Tritscheller becoming his foster-mother. He made his initial step in the business world as an employe in a drug store and learned the business, to which he largely devoted his time and attention from the age of ten years until 1888, when he was elected county treasurer of Albany county, Wyoming. He had become a resident of Laramie on the 1^st of February, 1870, arriving here a comparative stranger with but one acquaintance, Dr. J. H. Finfrock, who was a pioneer druggist of the city, being the second to engage in that line of business in Laramie. Mr. Gramm purchased Dr. Finfrock's drug store and conducted it successfully until 1888, when he was elected to the offices of county treasurer and probate judge of Albany county, filling the dual position for six years in a most satisfactory manner. In fact, the excellence of his service recommended him for higher political honors and he was nominated as a candidate for state treasurer, to which position he was elected for a four years' term. Almost from the moment of his arrival in Wyoming he took a very active part in promoting its business development and in advancing its public interests. For eight years he was in charge of the Laramie Rolling Mills Company, of which he was one of the organizers. He also organized the first fire department and was its first chief. He continued to act in that capacity for many years during the period when this was a volunteer fire department and at length he organized and equipped the present department, making it a paid department. This was but one of the many activities which he put forth for the benefit and upbuilding of his city. In fact, his aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further every measure or movement for the general good and he has taken the initial step in connection with many projects which have been of the greatest benefit to Laramie.
    On February 21, 1914, he organized the Fox Park Timber Company, which company's plant is situated on the line of the C. W. and E. Railroad, where they are engaged in the manufacture of railroad ties, mine props, etc., while at Laramie is located that company's sawmill where they produce manufactured lumber, the logs coming down on the line of the C. W. and E. Railroad. Mr. Gramm is the principal owner in this company and has been its president ever since its organization.
    His political endorsement has always been given to the republican party, of which he is a most stalwart champion, never faltering in his allegiance thereto. He has been a member of the state central committee and has served as chairman of the county central committee for many years. He has always taken a very active part in politics and has done much to mold public thought and action, his opinions at all times carrying weight in party councils.
    On the 11th of November, 1909, Mr. Gramm was married in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Mrs. Hannah Durlacher, a native of Germany. In fraternal circles Mr. Gramm has also figured prominently. He is identified with the various Masonic bodies, including the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and consistory, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a past grand commander of the Knights Templar of Wyoming, a past grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of the state and a past grand high priest of the Grand Chapter of Masons. In fact, he has been active in all its various organizations. In a word, Mr. Gramm is fitted for leadership, a fact which his associates speedily came to recognize and put him in the position for which he is so splendidly qualified. In all that he does he has been actuated by the most intense public spirit and loyalty and his devotion to any trust reposed in him is pronounced. His name is carved high on the roll of Wyoming's illustrious and honored citizens.