Miss Otis residence near upper bridge

Miss Otis residence near upper bridge

Miss Martha Jane Otis residence near upper bridge, also identified as Major William Cunningham house This home, located on outer High Street was built in 1800 by Major William Cunningham, a well-known Belfast trader. Below his home was one of the earliest wharves in the City Point area and was built by Major Cunningham to service the small coaster trade in cordwood and timber. Nearby, Major Cunningham operated a shipyard which, in 1805, launched the "Fox", the first square-rigger built in Belfast. The "Fox" of about 300 tons, is much larger than the small schooners and sloops which were traditionally built along the river. He also operated a sawmill and ship's chandlery at the site. Among the unusual features of the house were the so-called "Indian Shutters". These shutters were designed to slide into the walls rather than being hinged. The shutters were designed to defend against Indian attack and were probably a result of experiences in the Major's earlier life prior to moving to Belfast. When the major died in 1832 at the age of 93, he was the oldest resident in town. The next owner of the house was Salathiel Nickerson, a trader and shipbuilder with his business located at the east end of the upper bridge. Upon his death, the home went to his daughter Eliza. She married Samuel Otis, a trader located at the Head of the Tide and later at City Point. Albert Boyd Otis purchased the house after the death of his mother, Eliza M. Nickerson Otis in 1889. As Mr. Otis never married, the house went to his sister, Martha Jane Otis (1846 - 1924). She continued to live in the house until her death. Later owners of the home included Orlando E. Frost, E. Copeland Lang, Robert Carrick and Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Jenckes.