Amos Otis was a Historian living in Barnstable that became a well-known name for future genealogists. His series of family history sketches and papers published in the Barnstable Patriot, one being on the Linnell family. His
papers were published in 1888 and a copy of them reside in The Library
of Congress in Washington D.C.
One of the he best quotes from Amos Otis in the Linnell family sketches was Elisha Linnell 118, 73 , one of the sons of Jabez Linnell 118,
73 "born, Oct 20th 1740, was the laziest among the lazy, and he took no offence
when reproved for his slothful and vagrant habits. If such notoriety be an honor, Elisha would
have undisputed claim to be called the champion of the lazy. He was courteous in his address, had a ready
command of language, and there was always a spice of humor in his conversation.
He was not a mean beggar, he would not receive a mean gift, or one that
involved any effort on his part. He assumed that he had a right to beg, and
that it was the duty of the more wealthy to give. As illustrations of his
character and manner I select the following from many amusing stories told of
him.
Nearly sixty years ago, when I was a child, Elisha called at
my father's house. Addressing my father,
he said, “I have no corn in my house, I pray that out of your great abundance,
you will give me only half a bushel.” My
father, knowing Elisha's character and habits, said ,“I am busy today, if you
will go to the crib and shell it yourself you may take “only half a bushel”
Quoth Elisha, “I will go a leetle
further, and if I do not get it ready shelled I will call on my return and
shell it.“ He did not call on his return."
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| The Barnstable Patriot - March 27th 1866 |
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| The Barnstable Patriot - April 3rd 1866 |
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| The Barnstable Patriot - April 10th 1866 |
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| The Barnstable Patriot - April 24th 1866 |
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