Gay-Otis family papers, 1740-1900

Collection context

Creator:
Gay Family
Extent:
33 linear feet (66 boxes)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Personal, business, and legal letters; manuscripts including prose, poetry, and diaries; and documents including deeds, receipts, invoices, and account books. The 18th century materials focus on the personal and business correspondence of Calvin, Jotham, and Martin Gay, sons of Ebenezer Gay who were engaged in shipping between New England and the Maritime Provinces. There are occasional letters of Jotham and Martin referring to the American Revolution. The Otis family correspondence of the 18th century, likewise, is of a purely routine and personal nature. There are only four letters of Col. James Otis, and only two of his son, James. Gay and Otis family interests intertwine during the 19th century with the marriage of Mary Allyne Otis to Ebenezer Gay, who are among the chief correspondents of this century, along with their children including Sidney Howard Gay and Winckworth Allan Gay. The Otis correspondence centers around business, real estate, and personal interests of Mary A. Otis Gay's brothers John, Joseph, and William Otis.

Biographical / historical:

Two important New England families whose British ancestors settled in Massachusetts during the second quarter of the 17th century. Members of the two families include John Gay, a founder of Dedham, Mass., 1635; John Otis, a founder of Hingham, Mass, 1636; Rev. Ebenezer Gay (1696-1787), his sons Calvin, Jotham, and Martin; Col. James Otis (1702-1778), his son James, the patriot (1725-1783); Ebenezer Gay (1771-1842), his wife Mary Allyne Otis Gay, and their children who include Sidney Howard Gay, the journalist and author, and Winckworth Allan Gay, the landscape painter; and Mary A. Otis Gay's brothers John, Joseph, and William Otis.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Gay-Otis family papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu