- James Otis, Sr.
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James Otis, Sr. James Otis, Sr. by John Singleton Copley Personal details Born 1702
Barnstable, MassachusettsSpouse(s) Mary Allyne Children James Otis, Jr., Samuel Allyne Otis, Mercy Otis Warren Residence Barnstable, Massachusetts, U.S. Occupation Lawyer Profession Politician Military service Allegiance Province of Massachusetts Bay Service/branch Massachusetts militia Rank Colonel James Otis, Sr. (1702–1778) was a prominent lawyer in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. His sons James Otis, Jr. and Samuel Allyne Otis also rose to prominence, as did his daughter Mercy Otis Warren. He was often called "Colonel James" because of his militia rank and also to distinguish between him and his famous son.
Contents
Biography
Born in Barnstable, Massachusetts, Otis became the undisputed head of the bar in the colony. As a result of his distinguished service, in 1748 Colonel James was appointed Attorney General of the province. Later, in 1762, like his father John (a judge, representative to the Massachusetts Bay General Court, and member of the Council of Massachusetts), he was elected to the Council. Otis expected to be appointed Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, but the position went to Thomas Hutchinson instead, creating enmity between the Otis and Hutchinson families.
As his son James Otis, Jr. rose to prominence, both played a role in passing legislation against the British writs of assistance. His son, however, played a more crucial role in igniting the idea of revolution in the colonies.
Children
References
- Samuel Eliot Morison, Harrison Gray Otis, 1765-1848: The Urbane Federalist, 1913. Rev. ed. (2 vols in 1), Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1969.
- Wroth, L. Kinvin and Hiller B. Zobel, eds. Legal Papers of John Adams. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1965.
External links
Categories:- Massachusetts lawyers
- Members of the colonial Massachusetts House of Representatives
- Members of the colonial Massachusetts Governor's Council
- 1702 births
- 1778 deaths
- Otis family
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