Genealogical notes of Barnstable families - citizen hylbom blog

240 GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF BARNSTABLE FAMILIES.
the Steam-whistle was heard on Cape Cod. Among his political
writings, the "Letters from Skipper Jack to my old friend that
prints the Yarmouth Register," were immensely popular some
twenty years ago.
Mr. Otis was the oldest surviving member of the Fraternal
Lodge of Free Masons, and was for twenty-one years in early life
the Secretary of the Lodge. He was a firm believer in the sublime
principles of the order, and exemplified by his life the truths
of Masonry. During the fierce anti-masonic excitement in this
country, he never faltered nor disguised his sentiments, and held
his position as an oflBcer of the Lodge until the storm blew over.
He never failed, when it was possible to attend the festivals of the
order, and always appeared to greatly enjoy these social occasions.
He was admitted to this Society July 21, 1847.
Mr. Otis was a man of deep religious feelings. He was for a
large portion of his life a member of the East Parish (Unitarian)
in Barnstable, but of late years became deeply interested in the
doctrines of the New Jerusalem church, with which he formally
connected himself within a few weeks. But he was no mere sectarian
or bigot, and attached no undue importance to forms and
creeds.
His liberality and public spirit were marked features of his
character, and his private charities were numerous and discriminating.
He never failed to aid, to the best of his abilities, a good
cause, nor to help a fellow-man in trouble or distress.
Mr. Otis married, Aug. 15, 1830, Mary, daughter of Mr. Adino
Hinckley, of Barnstable, whom he survived about four and
one-half years. He leaves two sons, Henry and George.
Mr. Otis's memory will be kept alive in the hearts of his
townsmen, so long as the noble elms which border their streets,
many of which were planted by his own hands, remain to bear witness
to his taste, foresight, and public spirit ; and he will lake his
place in that long list of Cape Cod worthies, to the memory of
whom he has been so tender and just, and whose character he has
done BO much to rescue from oblivion and neglect