My Grandfather…

Otis Post Lowry was born April 7, 1884. His early years were spent in northeastern Ohio, mainly Trumbull County, and he attended schools in Green and Mecca townships. His parents, Lafayette and Harriett were farmers. After being "bumped" from his job on the Pennsylvania Railroad, be went west with a "boomer" contractor to Omaha, Nebraska at a time when that city’s fine old homes, school houses, churches, etc. were being built - about 1910.

Otis was gifted with a first tenor voice and from the days when he was a young man, he was in demand and widely sought after for solo work at weddings, funerals, church and social gatherings.

Otis followed a painting trade and became very proficient. After working for the "boomer" for awhile in Omaha, he struck out on his own as a painting contractor, which ultimately took him to Bancroft, Nebraska where he had contracted the painting of the school, churches and homes that were being built. While staying at the Bancroft Hotel, he met Grace E. Longwell, who worked there, and after a few months courtship, they were married.

Otis and Grace were married June 19, 1912 at Pender, Nebraska. Seven children were born to their union. The first child, Robert Iier was born in Thurston, Nebraska. April 12, 1913.

The parents and baby came back east to settle in Newton Falls, Ohio, where Otis helped his parents run a creamery and farm. While living in Newton Falls, Dorothy Merle was born May 25, 1915. When Otis’s father sold the farm and creamery in November 1915 for semi-retirement in Cortland, Ohio, Otis and Grace went back to Nebraska. Otis pursued his trade from town to town. Born January 1, 1917 was John Bernard followed by Harold Otis on August 31, 1919.

In 1921, the family came back east to Warren, Ohio, before moving to nearby Leavittsburg, where they remained until 1934. While living in Leavittsburg Phyllis Grace was born April 18, 1924, Stanley Morris was born Oct. 25, 1931, and Janet Marilyn was born Oct. 13, 1933.

In 1934 the family moved back to Warren where they lived until the demise of the parents.

Otis died Novermber 25, 1962 amd is buried Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna, Ohio. Grace, who passed September 29, 1964 is buried beside him.