Hon. Col. James Otis, Sr., Esq.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Otis,_Sr.

James Otis, Sr. (1702–1778) was a prominent lawyer in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. His sons James Otis, Jr. and Samuel Allyne Otis also rose to prominence, as did his daughter Mercy Otis Warren. He was often called "Colonel James" because of his militia rank and also to distinguish between him and his famous son.

Biography

Born in Barnstable, Massachusetts, Otis became the undisputed head of the bar in the colony. As a result of his distinguished service, in 1748 Colonel James was appointed Attorney General of the province. Later, in 1762, like his father John (a judge, representative to the Massachusetts Bay General Court, and member of the Council of Massachusetts), he was elected to the Council. Otis expected to be appointed Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, but the position went to Thomas Hutchinson instead, creating enmity between the Otis and Hutchinson families.

As his son James Otis, Jr. rose to prominence, both played a role in passing legislation against the British writs of assistance. His son, however, played a more crucial role in igniting the idea of revolution in the colonies.

Colonel in the Colonial Militia