Oteri, Joseph

Submitted by Mike Miller

Joseph Oteri, an importer of tropical fruit of New Orleans, La., and owner of the steamship "Jos. Oteri, Jr.," named after his son aged ten years, was born at Palermo, Italy, in 1845. When about four months old his parents came with him to the United States, landing first at New York, then coming to New Orleans. In 1851 they removed to Mobile, where they remained until after the epidemic of 1853, when they returned to New Orleans. Here he together with his brother, S. Oteri, succeeded their father in the fruit business, supplying settlers during the war, and when the Farragut fleet entered the Mississippi river and the city of New Orleans surrendered, they supplied the men-of-war with fresh provisions. After the surrender of Vicksburg they established a wholesale fruit house on Front street and began to charter small schooners, supplying them with provisions of all kinds which would be sent to Central America and exchanged for bananas. On return of the schooners the bananas would be disposed of at a large profit.

In 1868 they shipped the entire cargo of the schooner "Jennie Wood," consisting of six cars of bananas, to western markets. In January, the result of this enterprise proved disastrous, as the bananas were all frozen from the extreme cold weather and they only realized the sum of $68 net for the entire six cars. This partnership existed until 1884, at which time Joseph Oteri withdrew from the firm and began on his own account. In 1886 he purchased the steamship "Jos. Oteri, Jr.," which is and has been running to Central America, in the trade of importing bananas, coconuts and other tropical fruits. Mr. Oteri was married in 1870 to Miss Luella A. Keightly of Columbus, Ohio, and of English parentage. This union has been blessed with four children (three daughters and one son): Dora, Lucy Ann, Alice Luella and Joseph Oteri Jr., all bright and interesting children. Mr. Joseph Oteri is treasurer and fourth sergeant of the famous continental guard's and a member of many other organizations, among which are the Southern Yacht club and chamber of commerce.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 293. Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.