James Otis (October 12, 1836 – July 22, 1898)[1] was a Republican member of the New York State Senate and a society leader during the Gilded Age.
[4] During the U.S. Civil War, Otis was a member of the Union Army, achieving the rank of colonel with the 22nd New York Regiment.
[6] During his time in the Legislature, he served alongside cousin Norton P. Otis, who represented Westchester County in the Assembly.
[9][10] Otis, who spent his summers in Newport, Rhode Island, was a member of the Union League and Seawanhaka Yacht Club, and was known for many years a famous cotillion leader, bon vivant and raconteur.
[12] Together, they were the parents of:[13] Otis died from congestion of the lungs on July 22, 1898, at his home in Bellport on Long Island.