Otto Julius Wyss was a native of Switzerland, having been born in Olten, Canton Aargau, April 21, 1890, a son of Julius and Elizabeth Gruetter Wyss. Upon entering the United States he followed various forms of work and was connected with business interests in Albany before coming to Monticello in 1920. Arriving in Monticello, Mr. Wyss purchased the Otto Keller harness and shoe shop following the death of Mr. Keller. Shoes were in the front and harness and repair shop in the back. In 1928 Mr. Wyss disposed of his business to Lora R. Pease and the same year acquired the Monticello hotel. Also in 1928 Mr. Wyss was united in marriage to Helen Roethlisberger. They had  two children, an son, Carl, and a daughter, Aline.