The Forgotten Career of Judge Otis

Written by Jack Bruemmer

While many visitors come to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum seeking knowledge about the famed aviator, they do not often stop to think about the builder of the house, Judge Alfred Gideon Otis, or his contributions to the Atchison area.

The Kansas Bar Association described Judge Otis as someone who “has, without exception, exhibited that through learning, careful research, clear and vigorous reasoning, and integrity of purpose that always commands the respect and admiration of the Bar”(1), just how did Judge Otis earn such esteem?

Alfred G. Otis. Image from Otis family Bible.

Judge Otis was not always a judge, he began his life as Alfred G. Otis, born to a farmer, on December 13, 1827 (2). Young Alfred spent his days working the fields, and, during the nights, he was taught Greek and Latin by a personal tutor. This study paid off because in 1849 he was enrolled in the University of Ann Arbor, which he graduated from in 1852 (3), with a degree in Liberal Arts. He went on to study law at Louisville Law School in Mississippi. The next year he would move to Atchison, where he would work the rest of his life.

As was common for any lawyer in Atchison at the time, the budding Otis got his start in law through railroad litigation. He was often hired by the Union Pacific railroad company’s North-East Kansas division to resolve matters for them. During this time Otis also teamed up with fellow lawyer, George W. Glick, future governor of Kansas, to found a law firm, appropriately named Otis and Glick, that would last until 1873. Otis’ impact on Kansas state law was mostly in the realm of land and railroad regulation. Many of the cases that Otis presided over do not have records, due to the newness of the Kansas legal system. Of the few existing records was the case of U.P.R. Co. vs. Smith, a case about the legality of public and private bonds. Otis’ influence in the case is minimal, only being able to provide the groundwork for the case.

Photo of George W. Glick. Image from kansasmemory.org, Kansas Historical Society.

Judge Otis also provided the legal foundation for Trinity episcopal Church in 1857 (4), the congregation that the Judge himself attended. Otis ran for City Council during this time, however he did not win. As late as 1886, Judge Otis was still consulting companies on rail and travel matters for the benefit of the city.

Trinity Episcopal Church in Atchison, Kansas. Image from Trinity Episcopal Church Facebook Page.

Otis was a noted orator; many journalists, authors, and reporters praised him. A critic once said of him “I am forcibly impressed with the address of … Judge A. G. Otis,” going on to say “his remarks display the genius of the man.” It wasn’t just the media that respected the judge, for his co-workers and peers respected him as well. When Judge Otis swore in his successor, Judge David Martin the man said “his words of advice and counsel to his associates will be treasured up and pondered well by the wise and thoughtful.” Even the Kansas state senate took notice and offered congratulations to the Judge for his years of service.

This respect was earned, for he was a legal advocate for the people of Kansas. A great example of this story from 1856, when the Atchison Steam Ferry was in legal jeopardy, the Judge quickly mounted his horse, rode to fix the problem, and got the Ferry back to sailing.

Judge Alfred G. Otis. Image from History of the State of Kansas, Vol. I, by A.T. Andreas, page 396.

Beyond this, his dedication to fairness was key to his character. At this time the territory of Kansas was the hotbed for Abolitionist vs. Pro-slavery fighting and settling, a period known as Bleeding Kansas. With people from both camps attempting to move to the area to win the state for their side. Judge Otis had none of this, he rode frequently between Atchison, Topeka, and Doniphan. Ensuring their land grant offices stayed up to snuff and did not have a bias one way or another. Kansas was admitted as a free state in 1861 (5), something that would have been harder without the honorable Judge’s work.

Later in life, Judge Otis was forced into retirement in 1891, due to failing health. However he was still an active member of the community, being a bible study leader at his church, helping out local businesses, and investing. He transferred ownership of much of his estate, bonds, and stocks to his son, Theodore. He lived out his retirement in Atchison. In 1897, his daughter Amy needed a place to give birth. Judge Otis offered his home as a nursery. Otis passed away in 1912, and is buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. His impact on Atchison and the state of Kansas will be felt for years to come.