Charles Otis (1872–1944) was a prominent financial publisher in New York and New England who served as president of ''
The Wall Street Journal
''The Wall Street Journal'' (''WSJ''), also referred to simply as the ''Journal,'' is an American newspaper based in New York City. The newspaper provides extensive coverage of news, especially business and finance. It operates on a subscriptio ...
'' and its parent,
Dow Jones & Company
Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (also known simply as Dow Jones) is an American publishing firm owned by News Corp, and led by CEO Almar Latour. The company publishes ''The Wall Street Journal'', '' Barron's'', '' MarketWatch'', ''Mansion Global'' ...
, and publisher of his family-owned newspapers, ''
American Banker
''American Banker'' is a New York-based trade publication covering the financial services industry. Originally a daily newspaper, the print edition ceased publication in 2016, but continues to be published as a print magazine nine times a year. ...
'' and ''
Bond Buyer''.
Early life
Otis was born August 19, 1872, in
Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, the eldest of eight children of George and Adelaide Freeman Otis, and attended local schools. George Otis worked in news and advertising on Cape Cod and in 1878 founded a local newspaper, ''The Cape Cod Item''.
Career
Otis began his journalism career at the Boston News Bureau, which was founded by
Clarence W. Barron.
["Charles Otis Dies; Long a Publisher," The New York Times, October 1, 1944, page 45]
Through his association with Barron, Otis joined the board of Dow Jones & Company and was elected its president in 1905. By 1912, he had purchased
Forest and Stream
''Forest and Stream'' was a magazine featuring hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the United States. The magazine was founded in August 1873 by Charles Hallock. When independent publication ceased, in 1930, it was the ninth oldes ...
Publishing Company and resigned as president of Dow Jones to focus on active management of his acquisition. Barron succeeded him as president of Dow Jones.
In 1913, Otis became president and publisher of ''Bond Buyer'', a municipal finance newspaper owned by the
Otis family
The Otis family is a Boston Brahmin family from Massachusetts best known for its involvement in early American politics.
History
The family was originally landowning farmers of Glastonbury, Somerset, the Otises went to New England during the Puri ...
, and in 1981 he became president and publisher of ''American Banker'', the daily banking newspaper.
In 1936, he marked the 100th anniversary of ''American Bankers founding with the publication of a centennial edition.
Death
Otis, who resided in New York, died at his summer home in Yarmouth Port on September 30, 1944.
He was succeeded as president of ''American Banker'' by his son, Charles Barron Otis, who was later named chairman and publisher. C. Barron Otis, named for his father's mentor, Clarence W. Barron, remained in the post for 30 years until his death in 1974.
Charles Otis was survived by five adult sons and daughters and his second wife, whom he married in 1938.
His estate owned ''American Banker'' and ''Bond Buyer'' until 1983, when his great-nephew, Derick Otis Steinmann, facilitated their sale to
International Thomson during his tenure as publisher.
["Thomson to Buy American Banker," The New York Times, February 15, 1983]
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Otis, Charles
1872 births
1944 deaths
American editors