Following is one of the Biographies and Stories which where gathered by Charles Sumner McKamy in the 1950s for publication in a Crawford County History Book. Unfortunately he passed away before the book was published.
Born Nov. 5, 1856, passed away Jan. 6, 1936, aged 79 yrs., came to Robinson in 1863 with his parents and started in business with his father, under the firm name of Otey & Son.
He was considered one of the greatest forces in the real estate development in Robinson, particularly during the oil activities here, opening new additions to the city and erecting several business structures, the last of which was the New Otey Building on South Cross Street. He was active in civic affairs of the city, served several terms as Mayor of the City, his administration marking the beginning of Robinson's extensive system of paved streets and securing electric lights and water service for the city. He operated the Old Grand Opera House here and continued interested in the show business until the time of his death, operating the New Grand Theatre in the Otey Block. He served as a member of the Board of Directors and as President of the First National Bank and was interested in the Zwermann Pottery and other local industries.
Author's note: No doubt Mr. Otey has done more toward the building up the city of Robinson than any other one citizen during his life, and to him much credit is due.