New England Historic Genealogical Society Confirms Family Tie Between Founders of Industry-Leading Carrier and Otis Brands

Two men whose innovations changed the way the world built cities shared more than just a creative streak - they also share a bloodline. Experts at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston have confirmed that Willis Carrier’s great-grandmother, Lydia Otis, was cousins with Elisha Otis, making Carrier and Otis fourth cousins.