.  James M. Otten died 1949.  A resuident of this
community for many years, was born on August 28, 1865 near Florence,
Missouri.  He died at his home.  He was 84 years old, the same age as
three of his brothers and sisters when they died.  James Marion Otten,
son of Dedrich and Mary Otten was born on August 28, 1865 near Florence,
Missouri.  He was one of nine children, 6 girls and 3 boys: Sue, Molly,
Lou and Lydia Otten, Mrs Rachel Kurtz , Mrs. Cordellia Inscho, and two
brothers: Charles and E.P. Otten of Versailles.  He and Lillie Cathern
Bowman were married November 23, 1893 in the brides home in the Prarie
View community, northeast of Versailles, where they were members of the
Dunkard Church.  Of this union were born two sons: Marion S. Otten of
versailles and William M. Otten, formerly of Versailles-now of
Salisbury, Missouri.  He and his wife belonged to the Methodist church.
for a number of years he served as custodian of Versailles school;
children called him :Daddy Jim".  In 1943 the couple celebrated their
golden wedding anniversary.  Among those who survive are his widow and
two sons, two grandchildren: Mrs Garver Searcy of Versailles and Mrs.
Dale Deane of Nevada, Missouri.  Four great grandchildren: Judy, Joanne,
Frances Kathryn, and James Marion Searcy, all of Versailles and Clinton
Randolph Deane of Nevada Missouri; his brother E.P. Otten of Versailles
and two neices: Mrs. C.E. Lloyd and Mrs. F.M. Witten both, of Kansas
City.  Rev. Val B. Strader, Methodist Church Quartet: Mrs. Harold Floyd,
Mrs. Val Strader, John W. Nelson and Garvis Searcy.  Pall bearers were:
M.D. Marriott, Edgar Hodges, Harold Knoop, Jim Bonine, Hugh Hart, C. H.
Smoyer and Moss McDonald.  Interment in the family lot in the Versailles
cemetery.  Kidwell's Service.