James Otis Straw, a thriving farmer of Hopkinton, was born in this town July 27, 1853, son of William S. and Mary Ann (Flanders) Straw. An account of his ancestry may be found in the sketch of his father, William S. Straw, contained elsewhere in this volume.
James Otis Straw spent his early years on his parents’ farm. He was brought up to agricultural pursuits; and in 1890 he purchased his present home, the old Currier farm, containing sixty-five acres, the buildings on which were erected over a hundred years ago. Mr. Straw makes a specialty of dairying, and also pays much attention to breeding highgrade Guernsey stock. He possesses a considerable amount of mechanical skill, and is expert in the use of all kinds of tools. In politics he is a free silver Democrat, but takes no active part in public affairs beyond casting his vote. January 8, 1881, he was united in marriage with Ada Whittemore, daughter of William B. and Nancy Whittemore, of Hopkinton. Mr. and Mrs. Straw have become the parents of two children: Percy W., who was born October 21, 1881, and died at the age of three and a half years; and Clayton Bayard, born April 20, 1885. Mr. Straw is a member of Contoocook Grange, P. of H. He is an enthusiastic sportsman, and is one of the most popular residents of Hopkinton.