In 1903 Otto Kochtitzky published “Map of the Lowlands of Southeast Missouri,” a survey of the seven counties that would eventually make up the Little River Drainage District. Founding members of the Little River Drainage District used Kochtitzky’s map and as a result hired him to be the first Chief Engineer of the district. Kochtitzky, consulting with two other prominent drainage engineers of the time, Isham Randolph and Arthur E. Morgan, developed the official plan for drainage in 1908. Kochtitzky worked to support the Little River Drainage District as landowners of the district fought various legal battles to make the district become reality. Kochtitzky retired from his position as the Chief Engineer for the Little River Drainage District in 1910, and formed an independent consulting company. Kochtitzky & Warner acquired many dredging contracts throughout Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas, and at one point had seven large dredging machines for projects. However, success was stunted due to World War I, when Kochtitzky turned his attention to managing his sons’ affairs after they were drafted. The business never recovered and after a series of financial setbacks, including machine obsolescence and problems with the contracts, the business dissolved.