Richard Otis

1626 - 1689  (63 years)

• Name	Richard Otis
  Born	1626	Glastonbury, Somerset, England
  Gender	Male
  Died	27 Jun 1689	Dover, Stafford Co. NH
  Notes	KING WILLIAM'S WAR was the first of four wars fought between England and France. It lasted from 1689 to 1697. The war was part of a larger European conflict which was being fought over the succession to the English throne. The war was officially ended with the Peace of Ryswick which was signed in 1697. These four wars would decide whether France or England would possess North America. The town of Dover suffered a devastating attack on the night of Thursday, June 27, 1689. This attack was well planned and carried out by the Indians. In this area of Dover were three Garrison Houses, the Waldron Garrison which was located near the Cochecho River, the Heard Garrison which was located about 1/7 of a mile away on "Little Hill" and the Otis garrison which was located in between the first two. These three Garrisons were fortified houses with a stockade around each. Local residents would retire to these fortified houses in case of trouble. During times of trouble, soldiers would be stationed at Garrison Houses. Early in the evening of the 27th, two local Indian women approached each of the garrison houses and asked for shelter. This was granted and when all was quiet, the Indians opened the gate and signaled to Indians awaiting outside the fort. The Indians rushed all three garrisons. In the Waldron Garrison Major Waldron put up a fierce fight. He fought hand to hand with his sword but was overcome and the garrison put to the torch. The Heard Garrison was saved by Elder William Wentworth. The 80 year old William acted swiftly and with strength to save the Garrison. " He was awakened by the noise of the barking of a dog, just as the Indians were entering, pushed them out, and falling on his back, set his feet against the gate and held it till he had alarmed the people; two balls were fired through it but both missed him." The Otis Garrison fell like the Waldron House. Richard Otis was killed while attempting to rise out of his bed. His wife, Grizzel, was taken captive as was their infant daughter, Margaret. His son Stephen was killed as was his two year old daughter, Hannah. The Indians picked up Hannah and killed her " by dashing her head against the chamber stairs." Also taken captive were some of his older children; Experience, Judith, and Rose (another version says this daughter was Martha and Rose was a granddaughter). These three were later rescued by soldiers at Conway, New Hampshire as they were being led back to Canada. A total of 29 Dover residents were taken captive in this raid. Source: NE Genealogical Dictionary and The Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire RICHARD, blacksmith, admitted freeman of Boston May 1655, but settled at Dover where he had a grant of land before that year was out. Not in sympathy with the established church and often in court for absence from church services. Administrated estate of Wm. Lemon 1662 and of James Heard 1677. He admitted the Masonian claims and agreed to pay ground rent for his lands in 1683. His 1st wife was Rose Stoughton, daughter of (Sir) Anthony, a strong Puritan, who had come to Boston with her kinsman, (Captain) Israel Stoughton. She died before 5 Nov. 1677 when he had married Shuah (Starbuck) Heard on whose 1st husband's estate he was administrator. His 3d wife was GRIZZEL WARREN, married about 1685. On the night of 28 June 1689 his garrison was attacked by Indians, admitted by treachery, and he was murdered. Some of his family shared his fate, but his wife, infant daughter, Margaret, (later rebaptized Christine in Canada) and at least three grandchildren were taken captive to Canada.
  Person ID	I12957	Master File
  Last Modified	22 Apr 2012

  
  

  Family	Grizel (Marie Madeline) WARREN,   b. 6 Mar 1661/62, Kittery, York Co. ME ,   d. 26 Oct 1750, Montreal, Quebec, Canada  (Age 88 years)
  Married	1685	Dover, Strafford Co. NH
  Children	1. Hannah Otis,   b. 1687, Dover, Strafford Co. NH ,   d. 27 Jun 1689, Dover, Stafford Co. NH  (Age 2 years)   2. Margaret (Christine) Otis,   b. 16 Mar 1688/89, Dover, Strafford Co. NH ,   d. 23 Feb 1773, Dover, Stafford Co. NH  (Age 83 years)
  Last Modified	22 Apr 2012
  Family ID	F7378	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart