Otis

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

ELWELL STEPHEN, an American military officer; born in Frederick, Md., March 25, 1838; was graduated at Rochester (N. Y.) University in 1858, and began the study of law. When the Civil War broke out, he entered the volunteer service as captain in the 140th New York I Infantry. He took an active part in the battle of Gettysburg. At the battle of the Wilderness, he commanded as lieutenant-colonel the picket line of the 5th Corps, which brought on the engagement. At Spottsylvania the regiment lost its colonel and Otis succeeded to the command. He was severely wounded near Petersburg, Oct. 1, 1864, and was disabled for duty. He was discharged from the volunteer service Jan. 24, 1865, with the brevet rank of Brigadier-General. In 1866 he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the 22d United States Infantry, and became colonel of the 20th Infantry in 1880. From 1867 to 1881 he served with the army in the West organized the School of Infantry and against the Indians. In 1881 he Cavalry at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; Nov. 28, 1893, was promoted promoted to the full rank of Brigadier-General. On Dec. 1 of the same year he was assigned to the command of the Department of the Columbia, with headquarters at Vancouver, and in 1897 was transferred to the Department of Colorado. On May 28, 1898, he was appointed Major-General of volunteers and assigned to duty in command of the Department of the Pacific, and as military governor of the Philippines, which 5 office he held till May 5, 1900. He was a member of the Philippine commission, and on June 16, 1900, was promoted Major-General, U. S. A., and later assigned to the Department of the Lakes. He died Oct. 21, 1909.