Families of O'Fallon: Meta Ochs Crosby

     Mrs. Meta Ochs Crosby represents two much esteemed families of this vicinity. Her father, Rudolph Ochs, was supervisor of O'Fallon Township from about 1906 until his death in 1925. He married Emily Blanck of Lebanon. Rudolph Ochs' father, Johann Ochs, born in 1804 in Alsace, came with his wife and son, George, to this community about 1835. Because of his artistic tendencies, he chose a scenic farm with hills, valleys, and winding stream. He was an artist, musician, and lover of French literature. He was known to have walked to St. Louis to sell some of his pictures. He painted a portrait of Rev. John M. Peck for which he received a shot gun and some other articles in payment. He made a self portrait by sitting in front of a mirror. This portrait and one of his wife are now in possession of Mrs. Crosby. He died in 1879. Mrs. Crosby is the only living member of the Rudolph Ochs' immediate family. She with his granddaughter, Mrs. Lucille Braun, and great granddaughter, Miss Carol Kochler, are residents of O'Fallon.