Benjamin H. Otis received an 1846 patent for a foot-powered mortising machine. Shortly afterwards he moved from Dedham, MA, to Syracuse, NY. It is not certain when he began manufacturing the machine, but he exhibited his Otis' Patent Mortising Machine at the 1852 Fair of the American Institute. By 1853 "Otis' Mortising, Boring, and Hub-Mortising Machine" was being manufactured by Otis & Cottle of Syracuse.

Information Sources

• Fifth Annual Report of the American Institute, including the results of the 1846 Fair of the American Institute, lists B. H. Otis, Syracuse, N. Y., John Green, agent, 115 Walker street, for the "second best foot morticing machine. Diploma."
• From Transactions of the New-York State Agricultural Society for the Year 1850, writing of the 1849 Fair: "A Mortising Machine, constructed on mechanical principles and operates well. O. Cottle, of Syracuse, Transactions."cite>Fifth Annual Report of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture", 1850. List of premiums awarded at the Ohio State Fair, Cincinnati, October 1850: Benjamin H. Otis, Cleveland, Silver Medal and Diploma awarded by the State Board for his boring and morticing machine.
• Second Annual Report of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture", 1852, including exhibitors at the First State Fair, Indianapolis, October 1852: "A mortising and boring machine, by Otis."
• Transactions of the American Institute for the year 1852, including that year's Fair of the American Institute: "B. H. Otis, Binghamton, N Y, for a morticing boring, and drill machine, silver medal."
• Transactions of the American Institute for the year 1853, including that year's Fair of the American Institute: "Otis & Cottle, Syracuse, N Y, for a power boring hub and morticing machine. A silver medal having been before awarded; diploma."