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SAMUEL ALLYNE OTIS (father of Harrison Gray Otis)

M Elizabeth Gray (1749-1779) in 1764 and Mary (Smith) Gray (1757- ) in 1782, 5/2 ch; merchant, lawyer. He was known not only for the urbanity of his manners but also for his ability to survive in politics. In the 1776 HR, he had seventy-one committee seats and was among the very active members, but at the 1779 Convention he had no committees. Younger brother of James Otis, Jr.  Mr. Samuel Allyne Otis & Mrs. Elizabeth Gray married on Dec. 31, 1764

He was a Delegate from Massachusetts; born in Barnstable, Barnstable County, Mass., November 24, 1740; was graduated from Harvard College in 1759; engaged in mercantile pursuits in Boston; member of the state house of representatives in 1776; member of the Board of War in 1776; collector of clothing for the Continental Army in 1777; member of the Massachusetts constitutional convention; again a member of the state house of representatives 1784-1787 and elected speaker of the house in 1784; Member of the Continental Congress in 1787 and 1788; elected Secretary of the United States Senate on April 8, 1789, and served until his death in Washington, D.C., April 22, 1814; interment in Congressional Cemetery.

Spouse1
Elizabeth Gray1748–1837
Children
Harrison Gray Otis1765–1848
Samuel Allyne Otis1768–1814
George Otis1770–1869
Spouse2
Mary Smith1742–1840
Children
George Otis

Sources:
The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 1848
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

Submitted by Deborah Crowell