During the course of my research on the Otis brothers, I stumbled across the fact that sometime in 1890, George Calvin Otis (age 34) left his wife and three young children behind in Middletown and resurfaced in Ohio a few years later, remarrying and having more children! Below, the reader will see the evidence that points to this being the case.
First, I start with a quick synopsis of the information. Then, so the reader can see the facts emerge for themselves, I follow it with detailed timelines and other documentation, along with my commentary and explanation on important points. Lastly, there are my closing remarks. It is well worth the reader’s time to consider it, as it is filled with interesting, and key information. If the reader doesn't have the time for my detailed research, I suggest at least reading the "Synopsis," plus the "Closing Remarks on George Otis," at the bottom of this page.
The timelines that I put together are based on the information I already had about George Otis, plus other important information gleaned from the Middletown City Directories, Ohio City Directories, Census Reports, marriage and death certificates, and guardianship information from the Estate of George C. Otis.
Synopsis
George Calvin Otis had a rough start in life, violently losing his older brother Daniel H. Otis to war, and both of his parents at a young age, thus placing him under guardianship with those who were not his kin. He was also married very young, not quite 18 years-old, to Susan Smart. His first son, Frank Morgan Otis, was born when he was 19 years-old, and his second son, Charles Selden Otis, when he was 21 years-old. George always had steady employment as a packer and pump-maker, and at one time was even an officer and fifer in the Douglas Drum Corp.
When tracking George through the Middletown City Directories, I noticed a pattern of him moving around quite often, living in various houses within Middletown, with the steadiest place of residence being a house on Church Street for about five-years. But after that five-year stretch, the pattern changed again, and for the first time since he was married, George was not living in a house, but is instead rooming in a place at 100 Main Street. The year was 1884. The very next year, in 1885, George was living as a boarder at 46 South Main Street—his sons were age 11 and 9 at the time.
Were his two young sons, and wife, living in a room with him, and then the next year, boarding along with him? If so, what would have prevented them from living in a home as they always have, and would continue to do, after 1885. Or, was something going on in George's life and marriage, where he would feel the need to live separately from his family in a room, and then as a boarder in someone else's home?
It seems as if these two years—1884 and 1885—were pivotal, and that something may have been going on in George Otis' life and marriage, something that was the catalyst for him eventually leaving his family behind in Middletown five years later.
The next year, 1886, George was back to living in a home again. On August 26, of that same year, his third child, Elizabeth "Bessie" Smart Otis, was born. The next five years finds him moving three different times to various home addresses, while maintaining steady employment—as he always has.
1890 is the very last year that George Otis shows up in the Middletown City Directory. George is 35 years-old when he goes “off the radar,” Susan is 37 years-old, Frank is 16, Charles is 14, and Bessie is 4.
Also of note, is the family’s now steady place of residence. After George’s disappearance, they have stopped moving around almost every year or so. For the next seven years, beginning in 1892, Susan has the same home address on Durham Avenue in Middletown (Durham Avenue is now South Main Street).
In 1899, she and her son Charles, and daughter Bessie (Frank is now married) move to Hartford, CT where she continues to list herself in the Hartford City Directory as “Otis, Susan Mrs.”
The 1900 Census is then taken, and it shows 24 year-old Charles S. Otis as “head of house” with his mother Susan Otis (age 47), and sister Bessie Otis (age 13). Susan’s marital status is still listed as “married.” However, if George were around he would be listed as “head.” He’s not listed as such, because he isn’t around! It’s that simple.
Another change of marital status emerges for Susan Otis in 1903 She is now listed in the Hartford City Directory as a widow! “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” The 1910 Census report still shows, the now 34 year-old, Charles Otis as “head” of the household, living with his mother.
So what happened to George?
In 1894, he resurfaced in Cleveland, Ohio!
Of note, is what the book, “A Genealogical and Historical Memoir of the Otis Family in America,” by William Augustus Otis, bluntly states about George Otis, it says, “Moved west; at one time was in Cleveland O.”
Is it a coincidence that a George C. Otis disappears from Middletown, Connecticut and then a George C. Otis appears in Cleveland, Ohio, all within the same time-frame, and just as the above book said he did! I think not.
The Cleveland, Ohio City Directory, for 1894, lists George as “Otis, George C.” He is working as a brass finisher and rooming at 1145 St. Clair. For the next four to five years, the Ohio Directory shows that George retains his usual pattern of moving every year. It’s obvious that George Otis “moved west,” but his family didn’t!
Then on September 15, 1901, George Otis remarries in Ohio, along with a few fibs on the Marriage Record. Four children are born from this second union, with only one surviving to adulthood. George and his second wife, Lake Lulu Swingle, eventually split, with George dying alone in home for the indigent elderly in Tallmadge, Ohio, and she out in Pennsylvania with their son. As far as the research shows, George never returned to Middletown.
Timelines
Let’s take a closer look at the evidence that shows Susan Smart Otis was never a widow, and that George Otis left his family behind in Middletown, moved to Ohio, remarried, and had more children. The reader is welcome to scrutinize and investigate the following information—as perhaps connections will emerge that I have not noticed or considered.
At first I combined three timelines: 1) George Otis and his Middletown life. 2) Susan Otis' own timeline after George left. 3) George’s timeline in Ohio. The voluminous amount of information in these timelines made for unwieldy reading. So for “simplicity's” sake—as simple as one can get, tangled in a labyrinth of dates—I have separated the three timelines out and highlighted the years in yellow that correspond between Susan in Connecticut, and George in Ohio. This way, the reader can easily scroll back-and-forth between them. There is a lot of information packed into these timelines!
Timeline #1: George Otis in Middletown
1855: October 11, George Calvin Otis is born to Erastus Selden Otis and Elizabeth Mary Young in Maromas, Middletown, Connecticut.
1856: April 3, Elizabeth Mary Young-Otis, the mother of George Otis, dies on her birth day. George is about 6-months old. Six months later, when George is 1 year-old, his father marries Amanda M. Chapman-Otis, his dead brother’s widow, on December 15, 1856.
1862: August 4, Daniel H. Otis, the third oldest brother of George Otis runs away to war and is mortally wounded by artillery fire at the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. Daniel dies a few days later on December 16/17, 1862. George is 7 years-old.
1864: August 4, Erastus S. Otis, the father of George Otis, dies. George is 8 years-old (almost 9).
1865: March 13, Sylvester C. Dunham is appointed the legal guardian of 9 ½ year-old George Otis. The paper work from the Estate of George C. Otis says that George was under the age of choosing a guardian, so one was appointed for him. Sylvester Dunham (abt. 1812 – April 15, 1888) and his wife Elizabeth Skinner-Dunham (abt.1821 – June 15, 1874) were an elderly couple who lived in Maromas, just north of the Otis family farmlands.
1870 Census: the census shows that 15 year-old George was staying, and working with, Edmund R. Morgan (age 40) and his wife, Dency Jones-Morgan (age 41) in Westbrook, CT. George was working on the farms owned by the Morgans and is listed as "farm laborer" in the census report. The June 21, 1870 census also shows that George attended school within that year. Westbrook is the hometown of George's stepmother, Amanda M. Chapman-Otis.
1870 Census: the census shows that 15 year-old George was staying, and working with, Edmund R. Morgan (age 40) and his wife, Dency Jones-Morgan (age 41) in Westbrook, CT. George was working on the farms owned by the Morgans and is listed as "farm laborer" in the census report. The June 21, 1870 census also shows that George attended school within that year. Westbrook is the hometown of George's stepmother, Amanda M. Chapman-Otis.
There are no individuals with the surname of "Otis" listed in the 1870 Middletown City Directory. For some reason, most of the families that live in the Maromas District don't show up in the Middletown City Directories—a few do, but most don't.
1871: There are no individuals with the surname of "Otis" listed in the 1871 Middletown City Directory.
An 1871 entry on the itemized expense sheet kept by George's guardian, Sylvester Dunham, shows that George was down in Westbrook again that year. The entry says "cash for George to go to Westbrook....$1.00" Those documents can be seen on the page: "Estate of George C. Otis."
1872: This is the first time that George Otis is listed in the Middletown City Directory.
An 1871 entry on the itemized expense sheet kept by George's guardian, Sylvester Dunham, shows that George was down in Westbrook again that year. The entry says "cash for George to go to Westbrook....$1.00" Those documents can be seen on the page: "Estate of George C. Otis."
1872: This is the first time that George Otis is listed in the Middletown City Directory.
He is boarding at 34 Hanover in Middletown, and working as a pump-maker; most-likely at the prodigious William & Benjamin Douglas Pump Works.
George is almost 18 years-old, and though still considered a minor* under the law at that time, he has, however, arrived at the age where he can now choose his own guardian. On September 23, 1872, George Otis chooses John Mansfield Douglas to be his guardian.
John M. Douglas was the son of the Benjamin Douglas, prominent Middletown businessman and part owner of the prodigious "William & Benjamin Douglas Pump Works." Incidentally, Benjamin Douglas was also a very close friend and mentor of Elijah W. Gibbons—who just happened to be Daniel Otis' captain of Company B. In fact, it was John M. Douglas who was sent to Fredericksburg, VA, to retrieve the body of Captain Gibbons who died on December 19, 1862 from a rebel ball shattering his femur.
Like his father, John Douglas was also a prominent individual in Middletown, being president of the W. & B. Douglas Pump Works, President of Farmers and Mechanics Bank, and Director of The First National Bank of Middletown. Not too shabby of a guardian to have!
But honestly, I still can't place the connection between George Otis and John Mansfield Douglas. How would they have known each other? How would some orphaned farm-boy from the sparsely-settled district of Maromas know such a prominent and highly-respected individual—and know them intimately enough to personally choose them as their guardian? And then said guardian, happily agreeing to it, by signing “guardianship bonds” via the court of law (see those documents in the previous link). This shows that there had to be a high-level of familiarity between George Otis and John Douglas for this guardianship arrangement to have taken place. An individual doesn’t choose a mere acquaintance to be his guardian, and a mere acquaintance doesn’t agree to be an individual’s guardian either!
As a side point, the beautiful home of John M. Douglas still stands at 258 Court Street in Middletown. The home is now owned by Wesleyan University and is used as student housing. Lucky students!
George is listed in the Directory as: "Otis, George."
George is listed in the Directory as: "Otis, George."
Robert Otis, the older brother of George Otis, is not listed in the Directory at this time.
*Note: during this time period, a minor was anyone under the age of 21.
To see copies of the original guardianship documents, see the page: "Estate of George C. Otis."
To see copies of the original guardianship documents, see the page: "Estate of George C. Otis."
1873: at age 17 (one-month away from turning 18), George Otis marries 20 year-old, first-generation American, Susan Smart on September 9th, in Middletown. Susan’s parents were born in England. George certainly married very young!
1874: George is working as a packer and living in a house on Pameacha in Middletown. His first child, Frank Morgan Otis, is born on September 25, 1874. George didn't waste any time marrying and having children! George is 19 years-old when his first child is born.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
Robert Otis, the older brother of George Otis, is not listed in the Directory at this time.
1875: George is working as a packer and living at his older brother Robert Otis’ house on Fowler Avenue in the Farm Hill District of Middletown, no doubt with his wife and new child.
George is listed in the Directory as: "Otis, George."
George is listed in the Directory as: "Otis, George."
Robert Otis shows up in the Middletown City Directory for the first time as: “Otis, Robert, stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1876: This is the year George will turn 21. He is working as a packer and living in a house on Maple in the South Farms District of Middletown. At 21 years of age, George is no longer considered a minor in the eyes of the law. George’s second child, Charles Selden Otis, is born December 13th.
Uncannily, December 13th is the anniversary date in which George's older brother Daniel Otis was mortally wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg. I'm sure this date wasn't lost on George.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
“Otis, Robert, stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1877: George is working as a packer and living in a house in the "Durant School District" in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1878: George is working as a packer and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1879: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1880: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is now listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.” (He added his middle initial “C” to his name).
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1878: George is working as a packer and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1879: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George.”
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
1880: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is now listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.” (He added his middle initial “C” to his name).
“Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, house Farm Hill.”
The 1880 Census lists George as “head” of the household with his wife, two sons, and 19 year-old boarder named Charles Hayden who worked as a polisher. George is working in a pump shop.
Also in 1880, the Douglas Drum Corp. is organized, with George holding the position of “officer” and “fifer.”
Also in 1880, the Douglas Drum Corp. is organized, with George holding the position of “officer” and “fifer.”
1881: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
"Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, Farm Hill."
"Otis, Robert S., stone-cutter, Farm Hill."
1882: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., emp. Russell Mfg. Co. house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1883: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., emp. Russell Mfg. Co. house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1883: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Church Street, corner of Hubbard in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., emp. Russell Mfg. Co. house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1884: George is working as a pump-maker and instead of living in a house, the Directory lists him as, "rooms 100 Main Street." His son Frank is about 10 years-old, and Charles will be 8 years-old in December. Are his two young sons, and wife, living in the room with him? Or, is something going on in George's life and marriage, where he would feel the need to room somewhere?
Incidentally, 100 Main Street is the same address that George's younger brother, Daniel, enlisted as a volunteer soldier at Elijah Gibbons' recruiting office, which, at the time, was above the Chaffee and Camp General Store.
Incidentally, 100 Main Street is the same address that George's younger brother, Daniel, enlisted as a volunteer soldier at Elijah Gibbons' recruiting office, which, at the time, was above the Chaffee and Camp General Store.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., emp. Russell Mfg. Co. house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1885: George is working as a pump-maker and "boards at 46 South Main Street" in Middletown. Instead of a house, or a room, George is now a boarder in someone else's home. Again, are his two children and wife boarding with him? If so, what would prevent them from living in a home as they always have in the past, and will continue to do so after this year. Or, is it more likely that something is going on in George's life, and he is living separately from his family as boarder? Perhaps this is the case, because about 5 years later, George deserts his family, leaving them behind in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1886: George is working as a pump-maker and back to living in a house at 17 Washington Street in Middletown. His third child, Elizabeth "Bessie" S. Otis, is born August 26 when George is 30 years-old. Elizabeth "Bessie" S. Otis could have been named after Elizabeth Mary Otis—the mother George Otis never knew, or she could have been named after Susan Smart-Otis' mother who was also named Elizabeth. My guess is that she was named after both of them! The "S" in Bessie's name stands for "Smart."
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1886: George is working as a pump-maker and back to living in a house at 17 Washington Street in Middletown. His third child, Elizabeth "Bessie" S. Otis, is born August 26 when George is 30 years-old. Elizabeth "Bessie" S. Otis could have been named after Elizabeth Mary Otis—the mother George Otis never knew, or she could have been named after Susan Smart-Otis' mother who was also named Elizabeth. My guess is that she was named after both of them! The "S" in Bessie's name stands for "Smart."
Also in 1886, on April 21, William Young Otis, the second oldest brother of George Otis, dies at age 47 from "sclerodermia following measles,” and "inflammation of the brain or membranes."
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1887: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house at 144 Main Street in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1888: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1889: George is no longer working as a pump-maker, but is now employed at the "S. Electric Co," and living in a house on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1890: George is still employed at the "S. Electric Co," and living in a house on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown.
This is the very last year that George C. Otis shows up in the Middletown City Directories. George is 35 years-old when he goes “off the radar.” Susan is 37 years-old, Frank is 16, Charles is 14 and Bessie is 4.
For the last time, in 1890, George is listed in the Middletown Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1887: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house at 144 Main Street in Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., house Fowler, Farm Hill.”
1888: George is working as a pump-maker and living in a house on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1889: George is no longer working as a pump-maker, but is now employed at the "S. Electric Co," and living in a house on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown.
George is listed in the Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1890: George is still employed at the "S. Electric Co," and living in a house on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown.
This is the very last year that George C. Otis shows up in the Middletown City Directories. George is 35 years-old when he goes “off the radar.” Susan is 37 years-old, Frank is 16, Charles is 14 and Bessie is 4.
For the last time, in 1890, George is listed in the Middletown Directory as: “Otis, George C.”
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1890 Census: unfortunately most of the 1890 Census' population schedules were badly damaged by a fire in the Commerce Department Building in January 1921. I would have been extremely curious to see the Census report on the George Otis family at this time!
Timeline #2: Susan Otis in Middletown after George Otis' Departure
Timeline #2: Susan Otis in Middletown after George Otis' Departure
1891: Instead of George being listed in the Middletown City Directories as “Otis, George C.,” as he’s been for the past twelve years, Susan is now listed under his name as “Otis, George C. Mrs.” She still lives in the same house on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown that she and George shared before his disappearance.
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1892: In the Directory, Susan is listed as “Otis, George C. Mrs.” She now lives in a house on Durham Avenue in Middletown (today, Durham Avenue is now South Main Street). At 18 years-old, her son Frank is now listed in the Directory for the first time as, “Otis, Frank M., clerk, H. H. Buell, boards Durham Ave.” No doubt, he is living with, and helping out his mother and younger siblings.
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1893: Again, Susan is listed as “Otis, George C. Mrs." She lives in a house on Durham Avenue in Middletown. Frank is listed as "Otis, Frank M," and works as a clerk at H.H. Buell on the Main Street, corner of Middlesex Pike in the South Farms District of Middletown.
1893: Again, Susan is listed as “Otis, George C. Mrs." She lives in a house on Durham Avenue in Middletown. Frank is listed as "Otis, Frank M," and works as a clerk at H.H. Buell on the Main Street, corner of Middlesex Pike in the South Farms District of Middletown.
“Otis, Robert S., mechanic, house Fowler Ave., Farm Hill.”
1894: Susan is listed as “Otis, George, C. Mrs.” She lives in a house on Durham Avenue in Middletown. Her 20 year-old son, Frank, is listed as working in a cigar store on Main Street in the South Farms District of Middletown. He is still boarding at Durham Avenue—his mother’s house.
Robert S. Otis dies from "apoplexy" (stroke) on May 21, 1894; age 58 in Middletown, CT. His wife Charlotte is now listed in the Directory as “Otis, Robert S. Mrs.” Charlotte’s husband Robert, is now gone, and her listing is similar to Susan Otis,’ whose husband is also missing! Though Susan's husband, George, isn't dead!
1895: Susan continues to be listed as “Otis, George C. Mrs.” She lives in a house on Durham Avenue in Middletown. Her son Frank is employed at Wilcox-Crittenden Manufacturing Company and boards on Durham Avenue with her. For the first time, her other son Charles, now 19 year-old, is listed in the Directory. He also works at the Wilcox-Crittenden Manufacturing Company, and boards on Durham Avenue with his mother.
1896: Susan is “Otis, George C. Mrs.” She lives in a house on Durham Avenue in Middletown. Charles continues to live with her, boarding on Durham Ave, and works at Wilcox-Crittenden. Frank is now married and lives on High Street in the Farm Hill District of Middletown.
1897: We have a bit of a listing change here. Susan is now listed in the Directory as: “Otis, Susan Mrs.” And is still living on Durham Avenue in Middletown. Her son, Charles Otis, is still working at W.C. & Co. and boards with his mother on Durham Ave. (Susan is going by her own first-name now, instead of "Mrs. George C. Otis).
1898: “Otis, Susan Mrs.,” continues to live on Durham Avenue in Middletown and 22 year-old Charles continues to work at Wilcox-Crittenden, and boards on Durham Avenue, supporting his mother, and his now 12 year-old sister, Bessie.
Timeline # 3: Susan Otis in Hartford after George’s Departure
Timeline # 3: Susan Otis in Hartford after George’s Departure
1899: A move! The Middletown City Directory shows that both Susan and her son Charles (along with young Bessie, too) have now moved to Hartford, CT, “rem. To Hartford.” Frank M. Otis continues to work at Wilcox-Crittenden, and lives on High Street in the Farm Hill District of Middletown.
The Hartford City Directory continues to list Susan as: "Otis, Susan Mrs." She now lives in a house on 201 Park in Hartford. Charles is listed as "Otis, Charles," and works at 1 Flower Street and boards 201 Park with his mother.
The Hartford City Directory continues to list Susan as: "Otis, Susan Mrs." She now lives in a house on 201 Park in Hartford. Charles is listed as "Otis, Charles," and works at 1 Flower Street and boards 201 Park with his mother.
All of Susan's siblings lived in Hartford. Her older brother, Thomas Smart, owned his own home at 10 Sisson Avenue with his family, and worked as a toolmaker. Her other brother, Ezra Smart, owned his own home at 19 Sisson Avenue with his family, and worked as a machinist. Susan's sister, Jane Smart-Osborn, rented a home at 12 Squire Street with her husband James Henry Osborn and their three girls. James Osborn worked as a machinist.
No doubt this is why Susan moved to Hartford—to be closer to her own family and for the much-needed support that only family can provide.
1900: The Hartford City Directory lists Susan as: “Otis, Susan Mrs.” She is still living in house on 201 Park. Charles is listed as “Otis, Charles S.” and works as a machinist at 1 Flower Street. He boards at 201 Park with his mother.
The 1900 Census lists 24 year-old Charles S. Otis as “head of house” with his mother Susan Otis (age 47), and sister Bessie Otis (age 13) living in the household with him. Charles is single and working as a “machinist.”
It’s interesting that the Census lists Susan Otis as “married.” If that is the case, then where is her husband (George) and why isn’t he listed as “head?" Why? Because he isn’t around! It’s that simple.
I cannot find George Otis for the 1900 Census—anywhere. This was a real disappointment.
1901: The Hartford City Directory lists Susan as: “Otis, Susan Mrs.” She lives in a house on 201 Park. Charles is listed as “Otis, Charles S.” and works as a machinist at 1 Flower Street. He boards at 201 Park. Incidentally, this is the same year George Otis marries his bride in Ohio (see George's Ohio timeline below)
1902: Susan is not listed in the Hartford City Directory for this year. However, she was listed the past years, and will again be listed the following year in 1903 (below).
Could the reason for Susan not being listed in the 1902 Hartford City Directory, be that she somehow found out about her estranged husband's marriage in Ohio the previous year (1901), and was completely blindsided by it?
That would be enough to rattle anyone to the core. Perhaps she went into a type of mourning, and didn't want her name listed in the directory, nor even care about her name being listed in the directory at that time. Perhaps she didn't even know how to list her name in the directory now that her most-likely still legally wed husband was married to another woman! I can imagine the quagmire here—the shame, the hurt...the anger!
Charles Otis is now working as a machinist at 581 Capitol Avenue, which was home to the Underwood Typewriter Company. Frank Otis is now living in Hartford at 19 Oak St. and working as a machinist at 1 Flower Street, which is the same place his brother Charles worked at in 1900 and 1901.
1903: Susan's new marital status emerges! She is now listed in the Hartford City Directory as: “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” She lives in a house at 137 Hamilton Street. Charles is listed as “Otis, Chas. S” and boards at 137 Hamilton Street with his mother. Frank is still living in Hartford and working as a machinist.
At this point, George may have been figuratively dead to Susan Otis. But she is not a widow in the truest sense of the word, because George is very much alive and living in Ohio!
Just for good measure, I did a complete search of all the Hale Cemetery Records and Obituaries for the state of Connecticut, and at no time—anywhere—did a George C. Otis die in Connecticut. I also physically went out to Spring Grove Cemetery where Susan Otis is buried, and there is no George Otis there in the family plot. My research shows that he did not die in 1903 as Susan’s widowed status would lead one to believe, and many years later, when he did die, he certainly didn’t die in Connecticut!
1904: Susan is listed as “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” She lives on 137 Hamilton with her son Charles. Frank is working as a machinist and living in a house on 11 ½ Rowe Avenue. Bessie Otis, now age 18, shows up in the Hartford City Directory for the first time as "Elizabeth S. Otis." She lives with her mother and brother, Charles. Her occupation is that of "telephone operator."
1905: Susan is listed as “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” and lives in a house at 137 Hamilton. Charles boards with her, and is still working as a machinist. Bessie is still listed in the Directory. Frank is a machinist working at 1 Flower Street, and lives in a house at 16 Roosevelt.
1906: "Otis, Susan, widow George C.” lives in a house at 137 Hamilton Street in Hartford. Charles is working as a machinist and boards with his mother, as does Bessie. Frank is now gone from the Hartford area, moving back to Middletown.
1907: “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” now lives in a house at 229 Hamilton Street in Hartford. Charles is working as a machinist and boards at 229 Hamilton Street with his mother, as does Bessie.
1908: “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” lives in a house at 229 Hamilton Street in Hartford. Charles is promoted to "Assistant Foreman," at the Underwood Typewriter Company on 581 Capitol Avenue. I'm sure this promotion has also given Charles a much-needed pay raise too. He boards at 229 Hamilton Street with his mother. Bessie is still a telephone operator and is living with her mother and brother.
1909: This year is the same status as 1908, with one exception: another Otis Family tragedy! Elizabeth Smart Otis, who is also known as "Bessie," dies on September 19, 1909 at the age of 23 in Hartford, Connecticut from "pulmonary tuberculosis" AND "intestinal tuberculosis." Poor dear! She is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Hartford in the "Charles S. Otis Family Plot."
1910: Susan is still listed as “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” and living in a house at 16 Sisson. Her ever-faithful son, Charles S. Otis, who is now 33 years-old, has the same job status. He lives at 16 Sisson with his mother. As mentioned above in the year "1899," Susan's two older brothers, Thomas and Ezra also lived on Sisson Avenue. Thomas was at # 10 and Ezra was at # 19 until he died in 1906.
As to Charles' older brother, Frank Morgan Otis, he is now living "single" in Darien (Fairfield County), Connecticut, working as a bartender in a saloon.
The 1910 Census shows 33 year-old Charles S. Otis as “head” of the household still, and living with his mother Susan Otis, whose marital status is listed as “widowed.” Charles is still single and working as an "Assistant Foreman" at the Underwood Typewriter Co. Bessie Otis died the previous year, so obviously she doesn't show up in the 1910 Census Report with the rest of the family. The family rents their home and does not own it.
This is the last I track Susan and her son here. Because from 1911-1919, nothing really changes much—at least not on paper. Susan and Charles are still living at 16 Sisson, with he working as Assistant Foreman. However, on February 25, 1919, at age 66, Susan Smart-Otis dies from a "cerebral hemorrhage" and is no longer listed in the City Directory. Her son, Charles, is age 42.
1902: Susan is not listed in the Hartford City Directory for this year. However, she was listed the past years, and will again be listed the following year in 1903 (below).
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| Snip-view of "Otis" from the 1902 Hartford City Directory. Susan Otis is not listed. |
Could the reason for Susan not being listed in the 1902 Hartford City Directory, be that she somehow found out about her estranged husband's marriage in Ohio the previous year (1901), and was completely blindsided by it?
That would be enough to rattle anyone to the core. Perhaps she went into a type of mourning, and didn't want her name listed in the directory, nor even care about her name being listed in the directory at that time. Perhaps she didn't even know how to list her name in the directory now that her most-likely still legally wed husband was married to another woman! I can imagine the quagmire here—the shame, the hurt...the anger!
Charles Otis is now working as a machinist at 581 Capitol Avenue, which was home to the Underwood Typewriter Company. Frank Otis is now living in Hartford at 19 Oak St. and working as a machinist at 1 Flower Street, which is the same place his brother Charles worked at in 1900 and 1901.
1903: Susan's new marital status emerges! She is now listed in the Hartford City Directory as: “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” She lives in a house at 137 Hamilton Street. Charles is listed as “Otis, Chas. S” and boards at 137 Hamilton Street with his mother. Frank is still living in Hartford and working as a machinist.
At this point, George may have been figuratively dead to Susan Otis. But she is not a widow in the truest sense of the word, because George is very much alive and living in Ohio!
Just for good measure, I did a complete search of all the Hale Cemetery Records and Obituaries for the state of Connecticut, and at no time—anywhere—did a George C. Otis die in Connecticut. I also physically went out to Spring Grove Cemetery where Susan Otis is buried, and there is no George Otis there in the family plot. My research shows that he did not die in 1903 as Susan’s widowed status would lead one to believe, and many years later, when he did die, he certainly didn’t die in Connecticut!
1904: Susan is listed as “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” She lives on 137 Hamilton with her son Charles. Frank is working as a machinist and living in a house on 11 ½ Rowe Avenue. Bessie Otis, now age 18, shows up in the Hartford City Directory for the first time as "Elizabeth S. Otis." She lives with her mother and brother, Charles. Her occupation is that of "telephone operator."
1905: Susan is listed as “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” and lives in a house at 137 Hamilton. Charles boards with her, and is still working as a machinist. Bessie is still listed in the Directory. Frank is a machinist working at 1 Flower Street, and lives in a house at 16 Roosevelt.
1906: "Otis, Susan, widow George C.” lives in a house at 137 Hamilton Street in Hartford. Charles is working as a machinist and boards with his mother, as does Bessie. Frank is now gone from the Hartford area, moving back to Middletown.
1907: “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” now lives in a house at 229 Hamilton Street in Hartford. Charles is working as a machinist and boards at 229 Hamilton Street with his mother, as does Bessie.
1908: “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” lives in a house at 229 Hamilton Street in Hartford. Charles is promoted to "Assistant Foreman," at the Underwood Typewriter Company on 581 Capitol Avenue. I'm sure this promotion has also given Charles a much-needed pay raise too. He boards at 229 Hamilton Street with his mother. Bessie is still a telephone operator and is living with her mother and brother.
1909: This year is the same status as 1908, with one exception: another Otis Family tragedy! Elizabeth Smart Otis, who is also known as "Bessie," dies on September 19, 1909 at the age of 23 in Hartford, Connecticut from "pulmonary tuberculosis" AND "intestinal tuberculosis." Poor dear! She is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Hartford in the "Charles S. Otis Family Plot."
1910: Susan is still listed as “Otis, Susan, widow George C.” and living in a house at 16 Sisson. Her ever-faithful son, Charles S. Otis, who is now 33 years-old, has the same job status. He lives at 16 Sisson with his mother. As mentioned above in the year "1899," Susan's two older brothers, Thomas and Ezra also lived on Sisson Avenue. Thomas was at # 10 and Ezra was at # 19 until he died in 1906.
As to Charles' older brother, Frank Morgan Otis, he is now living "single" in Darien (Fairfield County), Connecticut, working as a bartender in a saloon.
The 1910 Census shows 33 year-old Charles S. Otis as “head” of the household still, and living with his mother Susan Otis, whose marital status is listed as “widowed.” Charles is still single and working as an "Assistant Foreman" at the Underwood Typewriter Co. Bessie Otis died the previous year, so obviously she doesn't show up in the 1910 Census Report with the rest of the family. The family rents their home and does not own it.
This is the last I track Susan and her son here. Because from 1911-1919, nothing really changes much—at least not on paper. Susan and Charles are still living at 16 Sisson, with he working as Assistant Foreman. However, on February 25, 1919, at age 66, Susan Smart-Otis dies from a "cerebral hemorrhage" and is no longer listed in the City Directory. Her son, Charles, is age 42.
To read more about Susan Otis and her family, go here, and scroll down to the subheadings for Susan Smart Otis, Charles S. Otis, and Frank M. Otis.
What about Charles Otis? Did he ever marry? Charles S. Otis’ first marriage was at age 39, to Florence Irene Miller, age 38. It was also Florence's first marriage. Charles never had any children of his own. As far as I can tell, his father, George Otis, never returned to Connecticut.
Timeline #4: George Otis in Ohio
George Otis in Ohio was more difficult to track than he was in Connecticut. Because of this, there are some gaps in the dates.
1894 Ohio: George resurfaces in Cleveland, Ohio! The Cleveland, Ohio City Directory lists an “Otis, George C.” working as a "finisher" and rooming at 1145 St. Clair.
Of note again, is what the book, “A Genealogical and Historical Memoir of the Otis Family in America,” by William Augustus Otis, bluntly stated about George Otis, it says, “Moved west; at one time was in Cleveland O.”
Is it a coincidence that a George C. Otis disappears from Middletown, and then a George C. Otis appears in Cleveland, all within the same time-frame, just as the above book said he did! I think not.
What about Charles Otis? Did he ever marry? Charles S. Otis’ first marriage was at age 39, to Florence Irene Miller, age 38. It was also Florence's first marriage. Charles never had any children of his own. As far as I can tell, his father, George Otis, never returned to Connecticut.
Timeline #4: George Otis in Ohio
George Otis in Ohio was more difficult to track than he was in Connecticut. Because of this, there are some gaps in the dates.
1894 Ohio: George resurfaces in Cleveland, Ohio! The Cleveland, Ohio City Directory lists an “Otis, George C.” working as a "finisher" and rooming at 1145 St. Clair.
Of note again, is what the book, “A Genealogical and Historical Memoir of the Otis Family in America,” by William Augustus Otis, bluntly stated about George Otis, it says, “Moved west; at one time was in Cleveland O.”
Is it a coincidence that a George C. Otis disappears from Middletown, and then a George C. Otis appears in Cleveland, all within the same time-frame, just as the above book said he did! I think not.
As mentioned in "Timeline #2" above, Robert S. Otis, the eldest brother of George Otis, dies at age 58 from "apoplexy" (stroke) on May 21, 1894 in Middletown, CT. I somehow doubt that George trekked back out to Connecticut for his brother's funeral.
1895 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio Directory as, "Otis, George C." He is working as a "brass finisher" and rooming at 218 Case Ave.
1896 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio City Directory as, “Otis, George C.” He is working as a "finisher" and rooming at 218 Case Ave. A "finisher" is just short for "brass finisher" as listed in the previous year's directory.
1897 Ohio: Unfortunately, the microfilm for the 1897 Cleveland, Ohio City Directory is incomplete, with over 2/3 of the book missing! But I would bet that George is still working as "finisher."
1898 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio City Directory as, “Otis, George C.” He is working as a "finisher" and rooming at 1290 St. Clair. I see the same pattern he had in Middletown, of constantly moving from one place to another.
1899 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio City Directory as, “Otis, George C.” He is working as a "finisher" and rooming at 122 Arlington. This is the last year I was able to track George in the Cleveland Directory.
1900 Ohio: George fills out a “Marriage License Application,” to marry a Lake L. Swingle. The application shows that he (and his bride-to-be) both live in Mt. Vernon Ohio (see Marriage Record below). However, I can find neither of them in the Mt. Vernon Directory for that time period.
The "L" in Ms. Swingle's name actually stands for "Lulu." Lake Lulu Swingle. Cute, huh?
1901 Ohio: On September 15, 1901 George Otis marries Lake Lulu Swingle, the daughter of Dr. George Swingle and Sue Berry. Let's take a detour from the timelines to investigate the info on the Marriage Record. (see Marriage Record below).
1895 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio Directory as, "Otis, George C." He is working as a "brass finisher" and rooming at 218 Case Ave.
1896 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio City Directory as, “Otis, George C.” He is working as a "finisher" and rooming at 218 Case Ave. A "finisher" is just short for "brass finisher" as listed in the previous year's directory.
1897 Ohio: Unfortunately, the microfilm for the 1897 Cleveland, Ohio City Directory is incomplete, with over 2/3 of the book missing! But I would bet that George is still working as "finisher."
1898 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio City Directory as, “Otis, George C.” He is working as a "finisher" and rooming at 1290 St. Clair. I see the same pattern he had in Middletown, of constantly moving from one place to another.
1899 Ohio: George is listed in the Cleveland, Ohio City Directory as, “Otis, George C.” He is working as a "finisher" and rooming at 122 Arlington. This is the last year I was able to track George in the Cleveland Directory.
1900 Ohio: George fills out a “Marriage License Application,” to marry a Lake L. Swingle. The application shows that he (and his bride-to-be) both live in Mt. Vernon Ohio (see Marriage Record below). However, I can find neither of them in the Mt. Vernon Directory for that time period.
The "L" in Ms. Swingle's name actually stands for "Lulu." Lake Lulu Swingle. Cute, huh?
1901 Ohio: On September 15, 1901 George Otis marries Lake Lulu Swingle, the daughter of Dr. George Swingle and Sue Berry. Let's take a detour from the timelines to investigate the info on the Marriage Record. (see Marriage Record below).
1900/01, Marriage Record of George Otis: Second Marriage
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| Marriage Record of George Otis and Lake L. Swingle |
This Marriage Record is extremely fascinating. I really dive into this one here.
Above is the Marriage Record of George Otis to Lake L. Swingle. The record shows that they were married on September 15, 1901, with the actual Marriage License granted on September 21, 1901.*
Within the Marriage Record itself is a "Marriage License Application" (upper right-hand corner of the record). The Application looks to have been filled out sometime in 1900, because it says, “The undersigned respectfully makes application for a Marriage License for said parties, and upon oath states; that said George Otis is 40 years of age, on the 11th day of Oct. 1900.” (emphasis is mine).
So, the application was filled out sometime in 1900, yet the marriage was not solemnized until September of 1901! That’s a note-worthy gap. The marriage records / applications of the other couples within this record group (see photo below) do not show a gap between filling out the application and then getting married, as George Otis’ did. It seems as if George filled out the application in 1900, yet didn’t marry until 1901.
Also, at the top of George’s marriage application, someone, probably a clerk, wrote “Hold Oct 1,” most-likely at the request of George.
It's interesting that the other three records in the group show that the individuals all filed and married within the same year. Take a look at the images below!
Above is a picture of the group of Marriage Records. There are four records to a group. George's record is at the top, right (red arrow). For comparison, and for easier reading (and examination), I have shared close-ups of the other three records in the group below.
Above is the Marriage Record of George Otis to Lake L. Swingle. The record shows that they were married on September 15, 1901, with the actual Marriage License granted on September 21, 1901.*
Within the Marriage Record itself is a "Marriage License Application" (upper right-hand corner of the record). The Application looks to have been filled out sometime in 1900, because it says, “The undersigned respectfully makes application for a Marriage License for said parties, and upon oath states; that said George Otis is 40 years of age, on the 11th day of Oct. 1900.” (emphasis is mine).
So, the application was filled out sometime in 1900, yet the marriage was not solemnized until September of 1901! That’s a note-worthy gap. The marriage records / applications of the other couples within this record group (see photo below) do not show a gap between filling out the application and then getting married, as George Otis’ did. It seems as if George filled out the application in 1900, yet didn’t marry until 1901.
Also, at the top of George’s marriage application, someone, probably a clerk, wrote “Hold Oct 1,” most-likely at the request of George.
It's interesting that the other three records in the group show that the individuals all filed and married within the same year. Take a look at the images below!
*Note: Coincidentally, George was married to his first wife, Susan, in September, and his parents were married in September too, on the 16th).
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| Grouping of four Marriage Records. George Otis' record is top, right in the group. The one with the modern red arrow that I added! |
Above is a picture of the group of Marriage Records. There are four records to a group. George's record is at the top, right (red arrow). For comparison, and for easier reading (and examination), I have shared close-ups of the other three records in the group below.
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| #1) top, left Marriage Record from the above group. |
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| #2) bottom, left Marriage Record from the above group. |
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| #3) bottom, right Marriage Record from the above group. |
When examining the other three marriage records of this group (see marriage records 1-3, above), it becomes clear that the “Hold Oct. 1”statement added to George’s record, has to do with the date the Marriage Certificate was filed and recorded. See the bottom left of George’s record where it says, “Filed and Recorded Oct. 1, 1901.”
After the other three couples in the record group were married, their paper work was “filed and recorded” within a few days, and not weeks, like George’s was. What was going on here? Why the long wait to actually get married, and then the “hold” on the filing and recording of the paper work? Was something frustrating George's plans? Was something going on back home in Middletown with his first wife, perhaps? Or was it something else?
During the course of my research, I discovered that Lake Lulu’s father, Dr. George R. Swingle, was actually deceased at the time the marriage application was filled out in 1900. The 1900 Census Report actually lists Lake’s mother, Sue Berry Swingle, as “widowed” and “head of house," with the only other resident in the home, being Lake herself.
Then I came across some documents in the “Ohio, Wills and Probate Records,” for Sue Swingle. The records are dated March 1901 and April 1901, and are actually “administrator’s bonds” and “account papers” for “the estate of Sue Swingle, deceased.” The papers were all signed in Mt. Vernon, Ohio—the hometown of Lake and her mother.
These documents show that Lake's mother, Sue Swingle, had died sometime early in 1901, leaving Lake parentless. Did Lake’s mother fall ill in 1900—the same year she and George filled out the marriage application? Is this what caused the hold date, delay, and time gap between filling out the application and then actually getting married?
What I find very curious, is that Susan Otis’ newly “widowed” status emerges just around the same time her estranged husband, George Otis, had gotten married to Lake Lulu Swingle out in Ohio! Somehow, did Susan Otis, back in Connecticut, "get wind" of George’s shenanigans out in Ohio? I believe she did.
Perhaps, both of these circumstances were the reason for the hold date and time gaps on the marriage application?
Nonetheless, the marriage record also shows that both George Otis and his bride-to-be were living in Mt. Vernon, Ohio in 1900.
Let's taken an even closer look at the marriage record and talk about the things that match the individual who I will call, “Our George”—the son of Erastus Selden Otis and Elizabeth Mary Young, as well as the things that seemingly didn't match. Below, I posted another copy of George's Marriage Record, just so that it's right under our nose for easier reading, instead of scrolling up and down.
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| Marriage Record of George Otis and Lake L. Swingle |
The things that match "our George" in the marriage record, and the things that seemingly don’t:
>Same name: George Otis.
>Same birth day: October 11th.
>Same place of birth: Connecticut.
>Same occupation: notice the occupation “brass finisher” as listed in the marriage record. In
"Timeline #4: George Otis in Ohio," (see above), Our George showed up in Cleveland, Ohio working as a "brass finisher," and also a "finisher" per the City Directories, 1894-1899.
>Same name of father: E.S. Otis (Erastus Selden Otis was the name of Our George’s father). The fact that the name wasn’t spelled out seems a bit covert to me.
>Same first name of mother: Elizabeth. (Our George's mother was named Elizabeth). George Otis never knew his biological mother, Elizabeth. She died when George was only 6-months old. George was raised by his step-mother, Amanda M. Chapman-Otis, who was the only mother he ever knew. So, I find it very telling that George wrote "Elizabeth" as his mother's name, and not "Amanda." This tells me that in some way, George missed his biological mother even though he never knew her. I think even as an adult he yearned to have known his real mother—the same mother that all three of his older brothers had the privilege of knowing and loving, all except for him.
>Same number of marriages: notice that Our George, and the George in the marriage record have both been married once before. Here's a close-up of that part in the marriage record. It's a little over-sized for the website here, but I'm going to leave it like that, so it can be read:
“that he was once
previously married___________, and that he has no wife living.”
It’s curious that the line after "previously married," is left blank. What should have
been written here? His previous wife’s name? Regardless, look at the rest of
the wording: “, and that he has no wife
living.”
George put his signature to this document, testifying to the
fact that “he has no wife living.”
Oops! Is this just a minor oversight?
Perhaps George's way around this “previous marriage” confession, was
to pass himself off as “widowed,” just as his very much alive, first wife, Susan, was doing back
in Middletown for herself. I don't believe that George Otis and Susan Smart-Otis ever legally
divorced!
Now for the things that seemingly don’t match up.
I say “seemingly,” because they can be explained.
>Different age: Our George was born in 1855. The George in the license is “40 years of age” in the year 1900, giving him a birth year of about 1860/61.
Is this a mistake?
Our George would be 45 in the year 1900—perhaps making him a bit too old to marry 30 year-old Lake Swingle, the daughter of Dr. George Swingle? Perhaps the birth year was an outright lie on Our George’s part then? I bet it was.
>Different maiden name of mother: the first name (Elizabeth) was certainly the name of Our George’s mother. However, the maiden name of “Douglass” is not the surname of the mother of Our George. Our George’s mother’s maiden name was Young.
Is this name a mistake or an outright lie? Again, I think it’s a lie.
Is it just a coincidence that the Guardian “Our George” personally chose, as he was about to turn 18 years of age in 1872, was named John M. Douglas!?
John M. Douglas was actually the second, and final, Guardian of Our George Otis, being appointed September 23, 1872 at the request of George himself! (See Timeline #1: George Otis in Middletown, above, under the year 1872 for more info about J.M. Douglas).
Why would George change his mother’s maiden name from Young to Douglas? Was he trying to hide something? Was this change symbolic to him? I do find it odd that George was honest about being married “once” before, yet lied about something as trivial as his age and mother’s maiden name. I can’t figure that one out.
But the kicker is his signature.
Let’s sleuth this out…with example images too!
Now for the things that seemingly don’t match up.
I say “seemingly,” because they can be explained.
>Different age: Our George was born in 1855. The George in the license is “40 years of age” in the year 1900, giving him a birth year of about 1860/61.
Is this a mistake?
Our George would be 45 in the year 1900—perhaps making him a bit too old to marry 30 year-old Lake Swingle, the daughter of Dr. George Swingle? Perhaps the birth year was an outright lie on Our George’s part then? I bet it was.
>Different maiden name of mother: the first name (Elizabeth) was certainly the name of Our George’s mother. However, the maiden name of “Douglass” is not the surname of the mother of Our George. Our George’s mother’s maiden name was Young.
Is this name a mistake or an outright lie? Again, I think it’s a lie.
Is it just a coincidence that the Guardian “Our George” personally chose, as he was about to turn 18 years of age in 1872, was named John M. Douglas!?
John M. Douglas was actually the second, and final, Guardian of Our George Otis, being appointed September 23, 1872 at the request of George himself! (See Timeline #1: George Otis in Middletown, above, under the year 1872 for more info about J.M. Douglas).
Why would George change his mother’s maiden name from Young to Douglas? Was he trying to hide something? Was this change symbolic to him? I do find it odd that George was honest about being married “once” before, yet lied about something as trivial as his age and mother’s maiden name. I can’t figure that one out.
But the kicker is his signature.
Let’s sleuth this out…with example images too!
George actually signed the above Marriage Application in his own hand. Back in 1876, at almost 21 years of age, George also signed a document absolving his Guardian of their duty.
But first let me say this: from what I researched, as per the science of handwriting, no individual can sign ditto signatures on a document. But a slightly different signature, made by the same person, can be sleuthed out by keeping in mind some hidden features, such as letter slant, letter joining, letter formation, speed of signing, etc. It is known that signatures can change with time, as habits change—but the hidden features remain. I find this to be true, because my signature today, in my late 40’s is not exactly the same as it was when I was in my early 20’s. Though there is still some definite similarities, especially with the way I write the “K” when signing my name, “Kimberly.” My husband even agreed, that his signature has changed over the course of his life too.
With that said, let’s compare both of George’s signatures.
“Geo. Otis.” Geo was a very common abbreviation for George in official documents, which when spoken is pronounced 'Joe'.
Top signature in above image: George signed this document on July 22, 1876, at almost 21 years-old. The document releases his Guardian from their duties. See a copy of the original document HERE.
Bottom signature in above image: George signed this document in 1900/01, at about 45 years-old. The document is the marriage application / record for him and his bride-to-be, Lake L. Swingle.
Notice that each signature has the same unique “G” in the name “Geo.”—with both “G's” having an elongated, narrow loop on the left, and then coming to a sharp point on the right. The George in the Ohio marriage application / record is indeed “Our George”—the son of Erastus Otis and Elizabeth Young, and Daniel Otis' baby brother—George Calvin Otis. Both signatures are signed by one-and-the-same person! I’m so positive that I’d bet my two front teeth on it!
Let me take this one step further and show that the uniquely singed “G” in the name “Geo” is as unique as the individual who signed it.
I have a copy of the signatures of all the soldiers in Company B, 14th CT (Daniel Otis’ Company) who signed for receipt of a $100 bounty paid to them. This document is from August 9, 1862—so the signatures are all from the same generation as George Otis. There are four men in Company B who have the name "George." Notice how each of them signs the "G" in their name (images below). Only one individual signs with a "G" that is similar to the "Geo Otis signatures" above. That individual is “George A. Hubbard." But guess what? His name isn't George Otis, like both of the above "Geo Otis" signatures show!
For good measure, I threw in the signatures of two other "G" names: Gilbert Hubbard, and the Captain of Company B—Elijah W. Gibbons, whose last name begins with “G.”
For good measure, I threw in the signatures of two other "G" names: Gilbert Hubbard, and the Captain of Company B—Elijah W. Gibbons, whose last name begins with “G.”
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Signature of Private
George Brown, age 29.
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Signature of Sergeant
George A. Hubbard, age 20.
I think this “G” has a similar style to the above “Geo Otis signatures." |
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Signature of Private
George S. May, age 27.
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Signature of Wagoner, George S. Parmalee, age 22.
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Signature of Private
Gilbert H. Hubbard, age 19.
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| Signature of Captain Elijah W. Gibbons, age 30. |
Continued—Timeline #4: George Otis in Ohio
1904: "Otis, George D. (Lake Lulu)" is listed in the Barberton City Directory. Barberton is right next to the city of Akron. George works as a carpenter and lives at "19 w. of Chemical Co." Either George's middle initial is a typo or it's him fooling around again, as this year and the next, his name is listed with the middle initial "D." Does this "D" represent his deceased brother "Daniel," perhaps? Why not? Because as we shall see, George listed his name as "Charles" in the 1920 Census! (Charles was the name of the young son he left behind in Connecticut).
1908: "Otis, George D. (Lake L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He works at R.C.P Co. and resides at 135 S. Arlington with his wife Lake Lulu.
1909: "Otis, George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is employed as an elevator operator, and they reside at 752 Edgewood Ave. Now we're back to his middle initial being "C." I wonder if he operates an "Otis Elevator?"
1910: "Otis, George C. (Lulu)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is back at work at the "R. Clay P Co." and once again resides at S. Arlington. But at least his name is correct this time around! In 1908, the directory just listed his place of work as "R.C.P. Co," but now we know the "C" stands for Clay!
1910 Ohio Census: The Census report shows George as “head of house” and married to Lake L. Swingle. He is working as a “fireware worker (?)” at Robinson Clay Company. He rents his home. The Census shows him as being born in Connecticut, and both of his parents are reported as being born in Connecticut as well. His father was actually born in Massachusetts and his mother in Connecticut.
Oh, look at that! "R. C. P." as mentioned in the Directory, stands for Robinson Clay!
As to where George and Lake are living, the report says, “TOWNSHIP OR OTHER DIVISION OF COUNTY: Springfield Township.” The Directories quoted here, show that they actually live in the city of Akron (Ohio)—which is one of several municipalities located in the original boundaries of Springfield Township. Akron is in Summit County, Ohio.
The 1910Census asks the woman of the house how many children she bore and how many are now living. George and Lake list four children born, and two now living. My research shows that their first child, Maybelle Berry Otis, was born January 25, 1903 and died August 25, 1903 at 7-months old from consumption. Their second child, was born April 22, 1904, and has “no name.”
Their two living children are Eugenie Otis, abt. age 5 (born abt. 1905) and George Ronald Otis, Jr., abt. age 1 (June 27, 1908 - May 1981, Waynesboro, Franklin, PA).
Keeping with the bogus age George recorded on his marriage application in 1900/01 (see above), his age is listed in the April, 1910 Census as 49 years-old, born in 1861. When in reality he is 55 years-old, born in 1855.
1911: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is working at the Robinson C. P. Co. and residing at S. Arlington.
1912: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is still working at the Robinson C. P. Co. and residing at S. Arlington.
1915: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is now working as a brass finisher again, just like he did from 1894 - 1901. They reside at 427 Alexander Ave.
1916:"Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is working as a brass finisher, and residing at 843 Chalker.
1917: "Otis George C. (L. Lulu)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. There is no occupation listed for him. They reside at 56 Charles. It's quite symbolic that one of the very first times George is out of work is when he is living on a street named "Charles." Again, Charles is the name of one of his sons he left behind in Connecticut!
1918: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is once again working as an elevator operator, and residing at 752 Edgewood Ave.
1920: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is working at W U Tel. Co. and living in a home at 260 Cuyahoga. W U Tel. Co. is the "Western Union Telegraph Company."
1920 Census: George is playing "name games" again in the Census Report. On the other hand, I have also seen many, many incorrect Census Reports based on simple human error, which basically means the person taking the report screwed up. I'll let the reader be the judge here.
George's name is listed as "Charles Otis" in the 1920 Census. Again, Charles was the name of the young son he left behind in Connecticut. His wife's name is listed as "Lulu Otis" and they have one child listed as living with them by the name of "George Otis," which would be George Otis, Jr., age 11. Their daughter Eugenie (born abt: 1905) is not listed as living with them in this Census. She would be about 15 year-old by now, so she should be living with them. She was listed with the family in the 1910 Census at age 5. Did Eugenie die? I can find no evidence either way, but it's highly probable.
The Census shows that George, uh...I mean, Charles, was born in Connecticut. Of course he was, because Charles is George! Lulu was born in Ohio, with her father born in Maryland and her mother born in Ohio. This information of where Lulu's parents were born has been consistent throughout my research.
The Census is still showing George's age as being 5 years younger than he actually is. The report has him down as 60 years of age, when in reality George is coming up on 65 in 1920.
Ha! Ha! Funny guy. The Census has George's mother listed as being born in Massachusetts, when in reality his father was born there. And the Census has his mother being born in New Hampshire. New Hampshire? Where did that one come from? His mother was born in Connecticut and is listed as such in the 1910 Census.
The Census lists George's (aka: "Charles") occupation as "manager" at a "telegraph" company. This occupation proves that the "Charles" in the Census report is actually George Otis, as "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" in the 1920 Akron City Directory is working at W U Tel. Co—Western Union Telegraph Company! Cheeky George!
A Split and Endings...
The very next time George Otis and his wife Lake Lulu show up, are in the 1930 Census Report. Obviously, between 1920 and 1930, something went wrong within their marriage, as they are now living apart. Also, their marital status has changed, with George listed as "widowed," and Lake listed as "single."
Not too many years after the 1930 Census Reports are taken, George Otis dies in Ohio, with his estranged wife, Lake Lulu, following him to the grave two years later in Pennsylvania.
Let's take a look at each of their Census Reports and then their death certificates. Gosh! It's all just so sad!
Their two living children are Eugenie Otis, abt. age 5 (born abt. 1905) and George Ronald Otis, Jr., abt. age 1 (June 27, 1908 - May 1981, Waynesboro, Franklin, PA).
Keeping with the bogus age George recorded on his marriage application in 1900/01 (see above), his age is listed in the April, 1910 Census as 49 years-old, born in 1861. When in reality he is 55 years-old, born in 1855.
1911: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is working at the Robinson C. P. Co. and residing at S. Arlington.
1912: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is still working at the Robinson C. P. Co. and residing at S. Arlington.
1915: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is now working as a brass finisher again, just like he did from 1894 - 1901. They reside at 427 Alexander Ave.
1916:"Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is working as a brass finisher, and residing at 843 Chalker.
1917: "Otis George C. (L. Lulu)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. There is no occupation listed for him. They reside at 56 Charles. It's quite symbolic that one of the very first times George is out of work is when he is living on a street named "Charles." Again, Charles is the name of one of his sons he left behind in Connecticut!
1918: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is once again working as an elevator operator, and residing at 752 Edgewood Ave.
1920: "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" is listed in the Akron City Directory. He is working at W U Tel. Co. and living in a home at 260 Cuyahoga. W U Tel. Co. is the "Western Union Telegraph Company."
1920 Census: George is playing "name games" again in the Census Report. On the other hand, I have also seen many, many incorrect Census Reports based on simple human error, which basically means the person taking the report screwed up. I'll let the reader be the judge here.
George's name is listed as "Charles Otis" in the 1920 Census. Again, Charles was the name of the young son he left behind in Connecticut. His wife's name is listed as "Lulu Otis" and they have one child listed as living with them by the name of "George Otis," which would be George Otis, Jr., age 11. Their daughter Eugenie (born abt: 1905) is not listed as living with them in this Census. She would be about 15 year-old by now, so she should be living with them. She was listed with the family in the 1910 Census at age 5. Did Eugenie die? I can find no evidence either way, but it's highly probable.
The Census shows that George, uh...I mean, Charles, was born in Connecticut. Of course he was, because Charles is George! Lulu was born in Ohio, with her father born in Maryland and her mother born in Ohio. This information of where Lulu's parents were born has been consistent throughout my research.
The Census is still showing George's age as being 5 years younger than he actually is. The report has him down as 60 years of age, when in reality George is coming up on 65 in 1920.
Ha! Ha! Funny guy. The Census has George's mother listed as being born in Massachusetts, when in reality his father was born there. And the Census has his mother being born in New Hampshire. New Hampshire? Where did that one come from? His mother was born in Connecticut and is listed as such in the 1910 Census.
The Census lists George's (aka: "Charles") occupation as "manager" at a "telegraph" company. This occupation proves that the "Charles" in the Census report is actually George Otis, as "Otis George C. (Lulu L.)" in the 1920 Akron City Directory is working at W U Tel. Co—Western Union Telegraph Company! Cheeky George!
A Split and Endings...
The very next time George Otis and his wife Lake Lulu show up, are in the 1930 Census Report. Obviously, between 1920 and 1930, something went wrong within their marriage, as they are now living apart. Also, their marital status has changed, with George listed as "widowed," and Lake listed as "single."
Not too many years after the 1930 Census Reports are taken, George Otis dies in Ohio, with his estranged wife, Lake Lulu, following him to the grave two years later in Pennsylvania.
Let's take a look at each of their Census Reports and then their death certificates. Gosh! It's all just so sad!
1930 Census: George Otis
It looks pretty bleak for George.
It looks pretty bleak for George.
George is now an “inmate,” living at the Summit County Home in Tallmadge Ohio (Summit County). According to my research, those who ended up at the Summit County Home were the indigent elderly and people who were the victims of unfortunate circumstances caused by the Depression and difficult times.
For more information on the Summit County Home, please see my entry for George C. Otis in the Otis Family Genealogy section of this site, HERE. "Belt Magazine" also did an excellent article on the Summit County Home, HERE.
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| The final destination for George Calvin Otis. The Summit County Home in Tallmadge, Ohio. Image source. |
Let’s briefly go over the 1930 Census for George, because there are some interesting and questionable things that pop out. My comments are in parentheses. The images are little over-sized, but so what?
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| 1930 Census Report, showing George Otis |
Name: Otis, George
Relation of this person to the head of family: Inmate
Sex: M
Color: W
Age: 75 (finally! George’s correct age is being reflected in this Census, as opposed to the other bogus ages he was offering up throughout his marriage to Lake Lulu. He doesn't have to hide his age anymore. George was born in 1855, making him almost 75 in 1930—which is correctly reflected in the Census.)
Marital Condition: Wd. (which stands for widowed. However, his wife, Lake Lulu Otis, is very much alive in 1930).
Attended school or college anytime since Sept. 1, 1929: No
Whether able to read or write: Yes
Place of birth of each person enumerated and his or her parents.
Person (meaning George): Connecticut
Father: Scotland
Mother: Scotland
(I just laughed when I saw the country his mother and father were born in. Here we go again! Is George being cheeky again? I'm sure he knows darn well his mother was born in Connecticut, and his father in Massachusetts. He certainly was able to remember his true age, even after lying about it all those years. Poor George. Or, it could simply be a case of “Census Screw-up Syndrome.” Coined that word myself. Time and time again, I’ve seen incorrect information recorded in various census reports throughout the ages, and it’s probably still happening today. Though I tend to think this "Scotland" thing was George's doing. Incidentally, George’s mother is of Scottish stock—the Young family is of Scottish origin).
Whether able to speak English: Yes
Occupation: None
1930 Census: Lake Lulu Otis
I know the above image isn't that great, but all the important information is transcribed below.
Lake is listed in the 1930 Census as "Lulu Otis." The Akron City Directories have listed her name as "Lulu" many times. She lives with, and works for, a farmer named John Millward, who is listed in the Census as "head of house." In relation to head of the house, Lulu is listed as "servant." She lives in his home, working as his "housekeeper." She (and he) live in Shalersville, Ohio, which is about 28 miles from the city of Akron.
Lulu's marital status is listed as "single." John Millward's marital status is listed as "widowed." She is listed as being born in Ohio, with her father being born in Maryland, and her mother being born in Ohio--which has been the same information across the board in the past. So, this information is correct. John Millward is from England as were his parents.
The Census lists Lulu's age as "56" in 1930. She was born in 1871, so she should be pushing 59. Why are folks always younger in Census reports? John Millward is listed as "60."
By now, her son, George Otis Jr. would be about 21 or 22 years old, and obviously living on his own, because not many years later he shows up as living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Death of George Otis: March 21, 1933
On March 21, 1933, at the Summit County Home in Tallmadge, Ohio, almost 78 year-old George Otis dies from arteriosclerosis and prostate cancer.
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| Death Certificate of George Otis |
Again, the Death Certificate shows George’s marital status as “widowed.” His date of birth is “unknown.” They must have known something about a date of birth to list his correct age of “about 78.”
His birthplace is listed as Connecticut, and there is no information listed about his father or mother, with the clerk writing in “unknown.”
Death of Lake Lulu Swingle Otis: February 11, 1935
On February 11, 1935, in Guilford (Franklin County), Pennsylvania, Lake Lulu Swingle Otis (age 62) dies from "influenza" and "acute peritonitis." Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, which is a silk-like membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs within the abdomen. This sound very painful!
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| Death Certificate of Lake Lulu Swingle-Otis |
Notice Lake Lulu's marital status is now listed as "widowed." Her "single" status in the 1930 Census was as bogus as George's "widowed" status was.
Her occupation was indeed that of "Housekeeper."
When she died, she was living in Guilford (Franklin County), Pennsylvania--where her son was living.
Her father was "George Swingle," which is correct.
All of this information matches!
However, Lake Lulu's mother's name is listed as "Kate," when I've only seen the name of her mother listed as "Sue." Perhaps Kate was a middle name? But that can be forgiven, because look at the name of the "Informant" on the certificate: George R. Otis—her son!
Also, her birthplace is listed as "Frederick Town, Ohio—which is a town in Knox County, only 6 miles away from Mt. Vernon, Ohio--the town where she married George Otis.
Closing Remarks on George Otis
How on earth did George Otis end up living, and dying, at the Summit County Home? During the course of George’s stay at the home, the Great Depression (August, 1929 to March, 1933) was in full swing. Because of this, did George end up out of work and destitute? Remember, the Summit County Home was a place for the indigent elderly, and for folks who were the victims of unfortunate circumstances caused by the Depression and difficult times.
Based on George's past pattern of deserting his Connecticut family, did he also leave his Ohio family too?
Or did his Ohio family leave him?
Did Lake Lulu eventually find out that George had another wife who was alive until the year 1919, and that three children were born from that union, and living life in Connecticut? Or did their marital union suffer from its own issues, resulting in a separation, or perhaps even desertion? Though I’d be hard-pressed to believe that George’s tragic younger years played no part in marital discord.
Did George out-right desert his family in Connecticut, or did he “move west” with good intentions, looking to start a new life for himself and his family, perhaps at first even sending money back home? And the emotional heart being what it is, did he perhaps unintentionally fall in love with another woman, and decide to stay in Ohio?
Or, was George running from something too, similar to his older brother Daniel, who ran away to war at age 15? Though I can’t compare them too much in that regard, as George was an adult man, with a wife and children, and steady employment when he "ran away" to Ohio. However, perhaps the Otis brothers had a restless streak within them, and each for his own reason, needed to get away from something—far away.
What about the fabricated “widowed status” of Susan Otis, and then later George, and also the “single” status of Lake Otis? When in reality none of them were any such thing.
Was it because of marital shame? Marital shame would drive an individual to hide details about their life, resulting in lies.
After all, it was a time when separation, divorce, and especially desertion, were considered extremely shameful. A widowed status was much more acceptable, but if you were bold enough, you could lie about being “single,” and that status would be acceptable too. Notice what the “American Journal of Legal History, Connecticut’s Divorce Mechanism: 1636-1969,” by Henry S. Cohn, says of one woman in 1723 that, “She had been deserted for at least three years and faced disgrace, poverty, and shamefulness,” and that “her children were left fatherless.”
It was a shameful, disgraceful thing to have a husband desert you in 1723, as well as at the end of the 19th century. Even today, it’s quite embarrassing for a woman to admit that her husband deserted her, or even cheated on her, and vice versa. That uncomfortable feeling hasn’t changed over the centuries, so it’s no wonder Susan Otis chose to report her marital status as “married,” even though her son was the “head” of the household, and then ten years later as “widowed.” I believe any woman, or man, in that time period, and situation, would have done the same. Why set tongues wagging?
However, I think something other than shame drove George Otis to fabricate so many of the details on his Marriage Application and subsequent Census Reports, and who knows what else.
And that brings me to the “elephant in the room” that needs to be touched upon here: was George Otis even legally divorced from his first wife, Susan, in Connecticut when he married his second wife, Lake Lulu, in Ohio? Are we looking at a case of bigamy here? I tend to believe we are.
Think something like bigamy is far-fetched for the time period? Actually, it was more common back then than folks realize. Notice what the journal* article, “Lots of Them Did That: Desertion, Bigamy, and Marital Fluidity in Late-Nineteenth-Century America,” by Beverly Schwartzberg, has to say:
“Although marriage was invested with significant personal, ideological, economic, legal, and political importance in late-nineteenth-century America, its endings and beginnings could be more fluid than the law suggested. This study of "contesting widow" applications, where two wives applied for a single soldier's pension, in Civil War pension files demonstrates these fluid marriage patterns among working-class couples. Some couples separated, and other individuals abandoned or deserted spouses. Short-term temporary separations sometimes lasted lifetimes. Many times the husbands and wives from these informal divorces, married others, becoming bigamists. The article demonstrates and illustrates the common use of alias names, the importance of geographical mobility, the practice of informal divorce and separation, the uses of deception, common understandings and uses of family law, the prevalence of bigamy and serial marriage among men and women, and the economic circumstances of abandoned wives.”
*(Journal of Social History, Vol. 37, No. 3 (Spring, 2004), pp. 573-600)
I was even sharing what I discovered about George Otis’ “relationship issues” with a Reference Librarian at my local library, and she didn’t seem too surprised. She even mentioned that she has come across a number of cases of bigamy in the annals of history, and that one of the other librarians discovered a “bigamist” in her family tree.
Basically, it comes down to this: one of two things had to have happened between George and his first wife Susan—either a divorce took place, or separation or desertion did, with bigamy as the result. Divorce or bigamy. It’s as simple as that.
Whatever the reasons, George Otis, in the final years of his life, ended up at a home for the needy, the poor, and for those who fell on hard-times. He died there…alone. As far as the research shows, George never returned to Middletown, with his two young sons growing to manhood, and his young daughter dying, without ever seeing their father again.
It’s so easy to sit here and judge George Otis, but we don’t know how he struggled with the multiple tragic losses in his younger years, or how it affected him in his day-to-day life, as well as in the relationships of his adult years. In under a decade, he lost his mother, his father, and his older brother, Daniel. And after the death of his father, the only mother he ever knew, Amanda Otis—his step-mother—shuffled him off to a guardian who wasn’t his kin.
I often wonder what type of relationship George had with his older brother, Daniel, with there being an eight-year age difference between them. Did George look-up to his older brother, follow him around, wanting to be like him—as many younger brothers often do? As the big brother, did Daniel guide him and look-out for him? Daniel strikes me as the type of young man who would do just that. So, when Daniel ran away to enlist in the Army, only to come back in a coffin, I imagine George felt deep sorrow and confusion, and perhaps even anger and betrayal. Then two years later, his grief-stricken father dies on the anniversary day of Daniel's enlistment. Did George blame Daniel for his father's demise? There was probably a lot of unresolved pain surrounding Daniel's death, and that his death inadvertently led to the death of their father.
Human nature being what it is, doesn’t change very much throughout the centuries, and we’d be fooling ourselves to think that George Otis emerged from these tragic situations emotionally unscathed.
As mentioned elsewhere on this site, there were zero bereavement services available for children in the 1860’s. People didn’t recognize how children process grief, loss, or death. With that being the case, what kind of council and support could an individual really hope to receive, especially in a time period heavily influenced by religion, where everything was “God’s will?”
Given the same set of circumstance, even an individual in modern times would be dealing with some type of weighty emotional baggage and most-likely suffer from serious abandonment issues, thus resulting in a long-term attachment disorder. At least we today, can seek the appropriate help—but George Otis, what help was there for him back in 1862 and throughout the remainder of his life?
Maybe this is the reason he moved around so damn much? Maybe this is the reason he left his wife and kids in Connecticut for a new life in Ohio? And maybe this is the reason he ended up alone at the end of his life, because he was the one who left his wife and kids in Ohio? Whatever the reason, so many people were hurt because of it, and their lives changed forever.
Like so many things related to the Otis family, we will never know for sure what motivated George Otis, and why he did what he did. Only George himself knew the demons he struggled with.
But in an odd twist of fate, George, who probably felt very
much alone and abandoned early in his life, ended up being buried at the NewCounty Home Cemetery, a type of "potter's field" burying
ground for those who died at the Summit County Home.
The site was used from 1916 to 1948 to bury the indigent and elderly people who
ended up at the home.
There are actually only two gravestones in the New County Home Cemetery, the remainder of the dead have no marker. How tragic that the youngest, and last-surviving son of Erastus Otis and Elizabeth Young is now buried in a dilapidated, long-forgotten potter's field with no grave-marker! How sad that in death, George Otis was left alone and abandoned, which is perhaps very similar to how he felt in life!
Based on the following news clip, I honestly don’t think anyone ever came for George, thus the reason he ended up being buried in the potter’s field.
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| From the Akron Beacon Journal, March 21, 1933 |
I do NOT believe that George Otis was a bad person—not for one minute. I believe he was a wounded person. He and his wife, Susan, raised two fine young men, Frank and Charles. So much so, that Charles took care of his mother until the day she died, living with her and providing for her financially, and only later in life did he finally marry. If that’s not devotion, than I don’t know what is. Surely, George Otis deserves some of the credit for the fine men his sons became. Surely, now that George Otis is in spirit, he is alone no more.
