Born in Berlin, Germany on July 16, 1874. John emigrated to the United States in 1900 where he would apprentice at the J.C. Deagan company and practice the art of percussion instrument manufacturing for 15 years.  He married Jane Perren in 1914 and had two children: Jack & William Kohler.  John passed away in 1927.

Born in xxx, in 19xx, Otto emigrated to the United States in 19xx.  Otto would hold several sales-related jobs before meeting John Kohler and starting the Liberty Chime Company.  Otto, Sr. would manage the business through xxxx when his son, Otto, Jr. would continue to manage the company until it closed in 1941.