Genealogical notes of Barnstable families - citizen hylbom blog

GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF BARNSTABLE FAMILIES. 223
allaying the thirst of his bibulous fellow-citizens has been remarked
upon. He was the father of "Col. John" who was represented
as a gentleman "of distinguished talents, of powerful wit,
great affability, sagacity, prudence and piety"—an assemblage of
the virtues hard to be matched in these latter days. It would
seem natural that a man possessing ail these qualities should .be
sought out by his fellow men, in those days, when high character-
istics and not a plethoric pocket-book, were the proper certificate
for distinction. Consequently he was representative for 20 years,
commander of the militia of the County for 18 years, first judge
of probate 13 years, chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas,
and of His Majesty's Council 21 years. His children were
Mary, born Dec. 10, 1685; John, Jan. 14, 1687; Nathaniel, July
18, 1690; Mercy, Oct. 15, 1693; Solomon, Oct. 13, 1696; and
James, June 14, 1702.
Of the foregoing children of Col. John, Gen. John was a
representative and member of the council for 9 years, and also
"King's attorney." He died in 1758. Nathaniel settled inSandwich,
married the daughter of Rev. Jonathan Russell of Barnstable,
was Register of Probate for many years, and died in 1739.
His wifewas more remarkable in point of talent than he, and had
she lived in days when woman had her opportunity for development,
would have made her mark in the world. Solomon, the
third son, was Register of Deeds, County Treasurer, etc.* and
died in 1778.
Col. James, the youngest son of Col. John, was a man of
distinguished abilities, whose services have been eclipsed by the
genius and eloquence of his distinguished son of the same name.
Col. Otis though educated to mechanical pursuits became at
length a counsellor of prominence and marlied success.
Accidental circumstances led to his engaging in the legal profession.
Being at court in Barnstable on one occasion, a neighbor
who had a case pending and was unprovided with counsel, solicited
his aid. Consenting to act, he managed the case with such
ability as to receive the strong encomiums of the court, and appreciative
friends induced him to study for the profession of the law,
in which he soon acquired a commanding position. He was chosen
a Colonel of the militia, was a member of the provincial legislature,
and two years Speaker of the House, Judge of Probate and
Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in 1764. After being
many times negatived by the royal Governors, he was chosen
and confirmed as a member of the Council, and from the departure
of Gage to the adoption of the State constitution, by virtue of being
the senior member of the body, he exercised during that period
the functions of chief executive magistrate of Massachusetts. He
married Mary AUyne, whose father had removed to Wethersfield,