Holding Washington's Bible - Samuel Allyne Otis
Samuel Allyne Otis was the first Secretary to Congress and still holds the record for longest time in that position.
Published 7/22/19 - Updated 10/5/21
Samuel Allyne Otis
Samuel Allyne Otis grew up with Revolutionary ideals.
His older brother, James Otis, was 15 years Samuel's senior and early on rallied against British taxation.
James is one of several Founders credited with coining the phrase 'no taxation without representation' and was a leading member of the Stamp Act Congress.
These ideas undoubtedly had an effect on Samuel.
Revolutionary
Establishing himself as a Patriot in his own right, Samuel Otis worked as a the Continental Army’s Deputy Clothier for Massachusetts. He was responsible for securing tens of thousands of uniforms for the soldiers.
Furthermore, he took the opportunity of outfitting several of his own ships to act as privateers during the war.
Samuel spent two years representing Massachusetts in the Continental Congress before becoming Speaker of the House in his State Government.
Mercy Otis Warren
During this time, Otis' sister, Mercy Otis Warren, disagreed with her brother over the new Constitution.
Mercy, one of the first truly American female writers, had established herself as a play and pamphlet author. She also became a staunch Anti-Federalist.
Samuel, however, supported the new government.
Secretary of the Senate
Soon after the Federal Government began it's opening session, they needed a Secretary of the Senate to keep things organized.
Vice President John Adams promoted Otis for the job over Charles Thomson.
Thomson had the position for the entire duration of the Continental Congress but, due to some political mistakes at the time, was defeated by Otis in a close vote.
Taking up the officer, Samuel had the honor of holding the bible for George Washington while he was sworn into office as the first President of the United States.
Public Servant
Samuel Otis would continue as Secretary of Congress for 25 years through the first four presidential administrations.
Allegedly, he never missed a day of work.
When Thomas Jefferson came into office, Samuel feared daily for his job. Apparently, being supported by someone's political rival is not great for government jobs.
However, Jefferson never removed Otis. Having worked together while Jefferson was Secretary of State seems to have given Thomas a certain respect for Samuel.
The Legacy: Harrison Gray Otis
At the time of his death in 1814, Samuel had passed the family torch to his son, Harrison Gray Otis.
Harrison had already been a Congressman and a leading member of the dying Federalist Party.
Though he faced a setback as a member of the doomed Hartford Convention, Harrison would go on to represent Massachusetts in the United States Senate.
Want to read about more Founders from Massachusetts?
Here you go:
Artemas Ward -The First Commander-in-Chief
Apothecary General of the Continental Army - Andrew Craigie
Stephen Higginson Throws Shade at John Hancock
Samuel Allyne Otis does not have a biography, but his sister Mercy Otis Warren does!
‘A Woman’s Dilemma’ sheds light on this interesting Revolutionary Family.
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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