Early Life in Latvia
Christopher Anss Ottman, born Krish Akmens on June 21, 1887, in Arlava, Latvia, began life in a country under the shadow of Russian rule and the Baltic German aristocracy. His parents, Anss Akmens and Trine Okmane, worked tirelessly on the Poijas farm, enduring harsh living conditions that included unheated log houses and backbreaking labor. The family, deeply rooted in the Lutheran faith, relied on their strong beliefs to endure their hardships. Christopher’s early education, which lasted four years and was conducted in German, laid the foundation for his future resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges, he excelled in reading and mathematics, skills taught to him primarily by his parents.

As a boy, Christopher’s daily life was shaped by the rhythms of farm work and the struggles of a peasant family under Baltic German landlords. He often helped with chores such as hoeing crops, herding pigs, and cutting firewood, gaining a sense of responsibility from an early age. The biting cold of Latvian winters and the sweltering summers added to the difficulties, but young Christopher found moments of joy in music and storytelling. His brother Peteris once brought him a squeezebox accordion from a sea voyage, sparking Christopher’s lifelong love for music and giving him an outlet for creativity amidst the grueling farm work.

One vivid memory Christopher carried throughout his life was of his father, hunched over their rough wooden table, reading the New Testament by the light of a dim tallow candle. These moments symbolized the family’s hope for a better future and their reliance on faith to persevere. The harsh conditions of the Poijas farm and the oppressive social structure instilled in Christopher a determination to seek a brighter and freer life, planting the seeds for his eventual journey to America.

Immigration to America
In March 1905, at just 17 years old, Christopher left Latvia with his family’s modest savings and dreams of a better life. His journey took him through Liepaja, Copenhagen, and Liverpool before boarding the SS Majestic to New York. Arriving in April 1905 with only $5 and a destination address for relatives in Boston, he began to carve out a new life in America. Settling in Roxbury, Boston, Christopher found work as a woodcarver in a piano factory, demonstrating his artistic talent and strong work ethic.

Christopher’s arrival in Boston marked the start of a transformative chapter in his life. It was in this bustling city that he joined the Ruggles Street Baptist Church, a community that welcomed Latvian immigrants and provided a sense of belonging. Through the church, Christopher met Lucy Malvina Anderson, a young woman of Latvian descent who shared his deep faith and commitment to building a better future. Their connection grew as they attended church events and supported one another in adapting to life in a new country.

Meeting Lucy profoundly influenced Christopher’s life. Her kindness and determination resonated with him, and their shared cultural roots created a strong bond. Over time, their friendship blossomed into a romance, and by 1912, they were married. Together, they laid the foundation for a family life built on mutual respect, perseverance, and a shared dream of success in America.

Life in Boston and Chicago Christopher became an active member of the Ruggles Street Baptist Church, where he built lasting friendships and connections. By 1910, he and his best friend, Edward Kurzit, sought new opportunities in Chicago, where Christopher continued his work in the piano industry. However, the cold winters and a chance encounter on a streetcar convinced him to move west.

Building a Life in Portland, Oregon
In 1911, Christopher settled in Portland, Oregon, where he began working in a planing mill and soon reunited with Lucy Malvina Anderson, whom he married in 1912. Their shared faith and commitment to building a better future strengthened their bond as they navigated financial struggles, including Christopher’s difficult years selling religious books door-to-door. Despite the challenges, Christopher and Lucy raised a large family, instilling in their children the values of hard work and education.

Lucy’s sister, Elizabeth Anderson, also moved to Portland, where she married Edward Kurzit, Christopher’s closest friend. The two couples shared a deep friendship and a strong sense of community, supporting each other through the challenges of immigrant life. Edward, a talented piano tuner, and Christopher both worked tirelessly to provide for their families, creating a bond that strengthened as they navigated their new lives in America. Their shared Latvian heritage and commitment to faith played central roles in their family dynamics.

Tragedy struck in 1917 when Edward Kurzit passed away from thrombocytopenia, leaving Elizabeth widowed with two young children. Christopher and Lucy were deeply affected by the loss of their closest friends and stepped in to provide support to Elizabeth and her family. Edward’s death underscored the hardships faced by immigrants and the resilience required to endure such losses. Despite their grief, Christopher and Lucy continued to work hard to build a stable life for their growing family in Portland.


Between 1912 and 1935, Christopher and Lucy welcomed six children into their family. Their first child, Lucy Esther, was born in Forest Grove in 1912, followed by Warren Christopher in 1914, and Philip Arthur in 1916. Three more children—Miriam Edith, Mary Frances, and Harold Stephen—completed their family by 1935. Each child grew up in a household marked by love, discipline, and a strong emphasis on education and faith. Christopher and Lucy worked tirelessly to provide for their children, ensuring they had the opportunities needed to succeed.

In 1928, Christopher achieved a long-held dream by building a house for his family at 7637 NE 33rd Drive in Portland. He designed the home based on plans from a catalog, modifying them to fit his needs. Over weekends and holidays, Christopher excavated the basement by hand, hauled materials, and constructed the house himself, showcasing his craftsmanship and determination. The home became a sanctuary for the family, complete with a vegetable garden, chicken coop, and space for the children to play. This house symbolized the culmination of years of hard work and the promise of a stable future for the Ottman family.


Raising a Family and Adventures in Portland
As Christopher and Lucy’s six children grew up, the household buzzed with activity and adventure. Each child brought unique energy and ambition to the family, participating in chores, schoolwork, and family traditions. The children excelled in their studies, guided by their parents’ strong emphasis on education and self-discipline. In their leisure time, they explored the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, forming memories that would last a lifetime. Christopher and Lucy encouraged their children’s curiosity, fostering a balance between responsibility and enjoyment.

The Ottman family also cherished their adventures together, such as outings on their small boat along the Columbia River and climbing Mount Hood. These family expeditions strengthened their bond, instilling in the children a love for nature and a spirit of perseverance. Christopher, who had grown up working on the land, relished these moments of connection and recreation. The family’s shared experiences on the river and in the mountains highlighted their ability to find joy and unity despite life’s challenges.

As the children matured, they began to pursue their individual paths, leaving the family home to chase their dreams. Lucy Esther, Warren, and Philip pursued higher education, while Miriam, Mary, and Harold explored careers and personal endeavors that reflected their parents’ values of hard work and integrity. Though they left the nest, the children remained close, frequently returning to the home on NE 33rd Drive to celebrate milestones and maintain their family ties. Christopher and Lucy took pride in their children’s achievements, knowing they had built a foundation of love and resilience that supported their family’s success.

Entrepreneurship and Success
In 1921, Christopher’s fortunes turned when he began working for Sugar Crest Doughnuts. His innovative idea to coat doughnuts in powdered sugar revolutionized sales, making him the top salesperson for the largest doughnut company in the western United States. With his newfound stability, Christopher purchased land and built a family home in Portland, where he also cultivated a vegetable garden, raised livestock, and ensured his children’s access to education.

Craftsmanship and Legacy
Christopher’s artistry extended beyond his work life. A skilled woodworker, he created beautiful furniture, including grandfather clocks, inlaid tables, and rocking chairs, leaving a tangible legacy of craftsmanship for his descendants. Despite losing part of his hearing and a finger in woodworking accidents, Christopher’s resilience and dedication to his craft remained unwavering.

Later Years
In 1947, Christopher retired from Sugar Crest Doughnuts and devoted his time to woodworking and his family. In 1968, Christopher and Lucy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a joyous family reunion at their home on NE 33rd Drive. The occasion brought together their children and grandchildren, filling the house with laughter, stories, and the enduring warmth of familial love. This milestone was a testament to their enduring partnership and the strong foundation they had built for their family.

Shortly after their anniversary, Christopher and Lucy moved to Madera, California, to be near their daughter Miriam. Settling at Circle V Ranch, they found peace in the slower pace of rural life. Christopher continued to pursue his passion for woodworking, crafting intricate furniture and clocks in his home workshop. Lucy, ever devoted to her family, spent her days tending to their home and enjoying visits from their children and grandchildren.

Christopher passed away on August 7, 1983, at the age of 96. Lucy had preceded him, passing on June 28, 1981, from congestive heart failure. They are both buried behind the Chapel of Light in Fresno, California. Their love story and life together remain a powerful legacy


15 Dec 2025 -