Born: 1855, a son of Joshua Otis and Amy Manning
Died: c. May 11, 1928, buried in St. John's in the Wilderness Cemetery
Married: Mary Colby (1862-1937)
Children: Oscar Otis, Howard Otis, Albert Otis, Jr., Mrs. James Titus, Mrs. John Sawyer, Miss Gladys Otis, and Mrs. Mert Drury
Albert S. Otis was a well known Adirondack guide. In his later years, he gave his service as state fire observer on St. Regis Mountain.
Essex County Republican, May 11, 1928
Fire Observer Found Dead in St. Regis Cabin
Death came to Albert Otis of Paul Smiths without warning, as the 73-year old guide, woodsman and veteran fire observer, sat in his cabin on St. Regis Mountain, smoking his pipe. He is believed to have been the victim of a heart attack.
The body was found yesterday by Boy Scouts from Paul Smiths, the Abare brothers and James Titus, who climbed the mountain for the purpose of aiding the man in cleaning up about the tower and in any other way they could.
As they neared the end of the hard climb, the lads raised a shout but received no answer. Thinking him asleep the boys scampered up the last of the trail to surprise him. But upon reaching the summit they were shocked to find that it was not sleep that had closed the eves of the guide. It was apparent to the inexperienced eyes of the lads that the old man was beyond aid that they or anyone else could do for him. They hastened back to Paul Smiths for help.
Within a short time other guides and woodsmen were bearing the body of their friend down the long trail. It appears that the observer had been dead but a few hours when found. There is no reason to doubt that his death resulted from natural causes, so the coroner gave permission for removal of the body. The residents of Saranac Lake and of all this section of the Adirondacks will learn with sincere regret of the passing of the old woodsman. Otis had received them with such courtesy when they visited his cabin and tower.
Albert Otis knew every nook and cranny of the vast stretch of wilderness over which he stood guard. He would point out the most beautiful and famous of the scores of beauty spots upon which they were looking down. Local residents are recalling today, hot coffee made for them by the observer and other courtesies and comforts they received at his hands.
Many other folk from all parts of the state and nation have stood beside the old guide on the mountaintop and recall the hour or two they spent with him as among the most thrilling events of their lives. They, too, will miss the kindly old man, if ever again they climb the steep trail that led to his wilderness home.
Albert Otis was one of the last of the old-time Adirondack guides and woodsmen left in the Paul Smiths section. During his many years on the waterways and trails he guided many notable folk. The woods and streams were to him as an open book. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Otis, three sons, four daughters, three brothers, two sisters and several grandchildren. The sons are: Oscar, superintendent at White Pine Camp, Osgood lake; Howard of Newark, NY, and Albert Jr., of Paul Smiths. The daughters are: Mrs. James Titus of Paul Smiths, Mrs. John Sawyer of Paul Smiths, Miss Gladys Otis of Paul Smiths, and Mrs. Mert Drury of Malone.
Lake Placid News, May 11, 1928
Scouts Find Aged Guide Dead in His Chair
Three Boy Scouts from Saranac Lake last Saturday found the dead body of Albert Otis of Paul Smith's, aged Adirondack guide and veteran fire observer, reclining in a chair on the little porch of his cabin home. The boys had come over from Saranac Lake and climbed St. Regis mountain to help the 73-year old mountaineer with his spring cabin cleaning.
The old man had evidently fallen asleep as he sat in his chair and had never awakened. The boys stated that they called to him several times as they saw him sitting there with his pipe still in his mouth. Receiving no reply, they stole up to the cabin. It was only when they reached the porch that they realized he was dead.
Albert Otis was one of the best-known and most expert woodsmen in the Paul Smith's section of the Adirondacks. In his younger years he was a guide, but several years ago he became fire look-out on St. Regis mountain.
