USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Cornish > History of the town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with genealogical record, 1763-1910, Vol. I > Part 24
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In Masonry, he was eminent commander of Mt. Calvary Com- mandery, Knights Templar, of Omaha, and generalissimo of the state commandery. He was also identified with the G. A. R. and the S. A. R. and other similar organizations. It was a com- plimentary act on the part of the Legislature of Nebraska that they should name one of their counties, Chase County, after him, and also one of the towns in said county was called Champion.
As a public speaker, Colonel Chase achieved a large reputation and his services as such were sought in many parts of the West. Many of his speeches and addresses have been published. Notably
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among them was one delivered in the Wisconsin Senate in 1857 in opposition to the extension of slavery.
Colonel and Mrs. Chase had but one child, a son, Champion Clement, born February 25, 1860, in Racine, Wis., who con- tinues to reside in Omaha, and is now the editor and proprietor of the Omaha Excelsior.
Mrs. Chase died in Omaha, January 3, 1882. He again mar- ried. He died in Omaha, November 3, 1898, from the result of a fall. To the last he was devoted to the memories of his native town, often expressing his loyalty and love for it.
Impressive funeral obsequies were held by the several socie- ties to which he belonged; the various city officials joining the cortege, while the chiming bells contributed their solemn notes to the occasion.
DUDLEY CHASE.
Dudley Chase, son of Dudley and Alice (Corbett) Chase, was born in Cornish, December 30, 1771. He entered Dartmouth College when but sixteen years of age, in the autumn of 1787, and graduated from it in the class of 1791. He then gave his attention to the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1794. He began its practice in Randolph, Vt. This place was his home during the remainder of his life except as public duties called him away. The town of his adoption became so identified with his name, that he was familiarly known as "Judge Chase of Randolph." Successful and eminent at the bar as a jurist, as well as a safe legal counsellor, he won the confidence of his clients, thereby opening the way to broader fields.
He was the state attorney for Orange County from 1803 to 1811. The Legislature of Vermont recognizing his fitness elected him to the United States Senate in 1813, which position he held four years, completing the unexpired term of his predecessor. After this he was judge of the Supreme Court of Vermont from 1817 until 1821. Several times he represented his town in the state Legislature, and was speaker of the House in 1823 and 1824. In 1825 he was again elected to the Senate of the United States for the full term, ending in 1831. After the expiration of this term he retired from political life to more quiet duties in his adopted town. Of his services while in the Senate much might be written expressive of his ability, high moral integrity, and
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sound judgment, but his history during those ten years in the Senate is found in the nation's records of those times.
While a member of the Senate he was approached by his nephew, Salmon P. Chase, who at that time desired his influence in procuring a clerkship in some department of the govern- ment. Judge Chase was doubtful about the expediency of his nephew's wish, so he took a half dollar from his pocket, and offering it to him said: "If you wish to make a success in life, buy a spade and go to work." This was a cooler to the ardent aspirations of the nephew, who of course indignantly refused the money and went away somewhat disheartened at the apparent unfeeling attitude of his uncle. Judge Chase was never charged with nepotism and by this transaction showed that, as in his own case, if one is to obtain offices of honor and trust, he is to earn them by showing himself worthy of them, as he had done, and not receive them through the recommendation of friends.
Chief Justice Chase in his last visit to Cornish in 1866, in speaking of the circumstance, jokingly said in the hearing of the writer, "I guess I made a mistake in not taking the half dollar, for, if I had taken it, I might have been president of the United States."
Judge Chase's success as a lawyer and statesman was known all over the country, and his honesty as a man and citizen was never questioned. One wonders what this pure and noble man would think of the "log-rolling" too often practiced by the politicians of today !
He was also a great stickler for the dignity of the court. Under his rule, no "boy's play" among the lawyers of the court was tolerated, and everything tending towards levity was frowned from his presence. Trifling cases were not suffered to find a place on his docket, but were ordered settled at some other tribunal than his.
After his retirement from political life, he devoted himself to the duties of his profession, and also to the improvement of his home in Randolph. As in his political life, so in all his domestic matters, he was the exemplar of thoroughness in every- thing he did. He was the best farmer, had the best fences, best and most beautiful garden, and he built the finest house in that section of the country, planted the finest orchards,
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raised the finest fruit. He also planned for the best and widest roads in Randolph.
In earlier life he married Olivia Brown. They had no children of their own, but they adopted or supported twelve children, educating the boys and giving the girls a portion at their mar- riage.
Olivia died in January, 1846, and Judge Chase died the follow- ing month. Their ashes repose in the old cemetery at Randolph Center, Vt.
ITHAMAR CHASE.
Ithamar Chase was born September 27, 1762, in Sutton, Mass. He was but three years of age when, with his mother, he came to Cornish Like other boys of the early days, but little is left on record concerning him. It is said, however, that he early gave evidence of an energetic business talent. He prepared for, and entered Dartmouth College and there pursued his studies for some time, but for reasons unknown to the writer, he left college and went soon after to Keene, N. H., at, or a little before his majority. It does not appear how long he stayed there, or the business he followed, but he won the heart and hand of Janette, the beautiful and gifted daughter of Alexander Ralston, at that time the wealth- iest, and one of the most influential men of Keene.
Soon after their marriage, he, with his wife, returned and re- sided in Cornish. Here he spent the best part of his life. Here most of their children were born. Here, enjoying the confidence of all of his townsmen, relatives and friends, he received at their hands the best official gifts in their power to bestow. He was justice of the peace, and chief legal counsellor for the town and vicinity.
While residing in Cornish it is related that a certain couple came to him to get married. It was in the evening of the day of the annual town meeting. Mr. Chase had been moderator and had also administered the oath of office to nearly all officers chosen that day, and being wearied with the duties of the day, he was sitting in his easy chair in front of the large fireplace "toast- ing his feet, " and in this attitude fell asleep. A knock at the door was answered by Mrs. Chase, who, upon learning their business, came to Mr. Chase, and, jogging him, told him there was a couple at the door wanting to get married. In a half-conscious condi-
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tion he told his wife to bring them in. She complied with his request and they stood beside him. "What do you want?" asked Mr. Chase, rather gruffly. "To get married, " they replied. "Well then, hold up your right hands." They did so, and he administered the usual qualifying oath of office, making a little variation in the latter clause, and pronounced them husband and wife, to their apparent satisfaction. They paid their fee and went on their way rejoicing and he returned to his slum- bers.
After the death of his father-in-law in 1810, he, with his family, returned to Keene, and here spent the brief remainder of his life. He took charge of the Ralston Hotel and also of the management of the estate. He also engaged in the glass manufacturing busi- ness. This, however, did not prove a financial success.
He was a member of the council for the State of New Hamp- shire for several years, ending in 1816.
He was a prominent Free Mason, and was the first master of Hiram Lodge in Claremont. Subsequently his name appears on the rolls of the first Royal Arch Chapter in Keene.
He never sought eminence but, rather, was one of those robust characters that always prove equal to all the labors and duties that are imposed upon them. It is of this type of men that leaders are ofttimes born, as was proved in the present case.
But his busy life work ended August 11, 1817. Being a zealous member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and in harmony with his desire, his funeral was conducted according to the rites of that church. It was the first funeral of this order ever solem- nized in Keene. It was largely attended and created a deep and favorable impression on behalf of the church. Reverend Doctor Strong of Greenfield, Mass., officiated. Mr. Chase was buried in Keene.
On his tombstone is written:
"And now, Lord, what is my hope? Truly my hope is ever in Thee."
GEN. JONATHAN CHASE.
Jonathan Chase was born in Sutton, Mass., December 6, 1332. He was the son of Judge Samuel and Mary (Dudley) Chase. He came to Cornish in 1765 at the time the town was settled. Al-
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though young, he devoted himself actively to the interests of the new settlement in every way. He became an extensive land proprietor, a farmer and surveyor. He opened the first store ever kept in town, which continued many years. After buildings were erected, he also kept the first inn. In the absence of any public place of meeting, his doors were ever open for all the meet- ings of the colonists for any purpose whatever. Several of the first town meetings were held there. His counsel and means were freely bestowed on all progressive measures. He built, owned and operated the first sawmill and gristmill in town.
The influence of the French and Indian War and other stirring events of those times evidently tended to develop in him a martial spirit, fitting him as a military leader, for he soon became a bold and efficient organizer and leader of the militia of Cornish and vicinity. It soon became evident that he possessed an admirable fitness for leadership, as on August 30, 1775, by act of the assembly, he was commissioned colonel of the territorial regiment consisting of the towns of Hanover, Lebanon, Lyme, Orford, Cornish and Plainfield.
All the able-bodied men of these towns between the ages of sixteen and fifty were enrolled, subject to drill and call to service whenever and wherever needed. At first the terms of enlistment were short, simply meeting the requirements of each campaign.
The full account of the military services rendered by Colonel Chase during the Revolutionary War are omitted here, but they find brief mention in the records of that eventful period. It is true, however, that during the war his military record at all times and under all circumstances reflected honor upon himself and the town of his adoption. He manifested his fitness as a commander in many ways. He was bold and fearless though not rash or arbitrary and of fine physical proportions. He was beloved by his men and fellow officers who quickly responded to his orders, while he in turn as quickly responded to the orders of his superior officers, and whenever a fearful crisis was imminent, his cool and deliberate counsel was sought and heeded. He served during all the short campaigns in the North until the theater of war was removed to the South and West whither he followed its fortunes for sometime afterwards.
After the war was over, in 1788, he was appointed brigadier- general on Governor Langdon's staff. In 1789 he, under the same
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rank and title, was appointed on Governor Pickering's staff. By virtue of these appointments, and supported by a splendid mili- tary record of the past, his claim to the title of general was un- disputed, this title he ever afterwards bore.
Not alone in the counsels of war, or on the battlefield, was General Chase a power. In the general affairs of the town he was active in all measures for the development of its resources. The offices of the town were often tendered him. Some of these be accepted while he refused others. He was selectman nine years; three years town treasurer. Three years he served as moderator, and represented the town in the Grand Assembly in 1788. In the opening of new highways in town, General Chase was the leading spirit. He established the first ferry across the Connecticut River between Cornish and Windsor. This was done in 1784, and it continued in use until 1795. (See Cornish Bridge.)
An examination of his public papers and private records shows he had a wonderful business capacity and sound judgment. While many have gone out from the town and been mighty in influence in other places, probably no resident of the town ever consulted her interests more effectively during his day than did he. To him the town has been, and still is, indebted for much of the pres- tige she has enjoyed. Though no grand monument marks his final resting place, yet the record of his works furnishes a monu- ment that will abide.
The activities and exposures incident to a pioneer life, his military campaigns and hardships connected with them, together with the burden of his responsibility to his adopted town, all left their impress upon his naturally robust constitution, and in the midst of his seeming usefulness he died January 12, 1800. He was twice married and had eleven children. (See his family record.) The slab over his remains bears this inscription :
"One of the early settlers of the town, filling a variety of offices with honor to himself and advantage to the public."
DR. MAURICE J. CHASE.
Dr. Maurice J. Chase, a son of Benjamin C. and Eliza (Royce) Chase, was born in Cornish, March 4, 1826.
When quite young, less than four years, his father died, and he went to live with his grandmother until he was twelve years of
20
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age. After this he went forth into the world to make his own living as best he could.
Favorable impressions concerning the medical profession were early stamped upon his mind, and in all his youthful years, he never faltered in his aim nor was tempted to abandon his early choice.
During this period of his life he resorted to a variety of com- mendable occupations to secure a livelihood. Of vigorous health and praiseworthy ambition, he did not shun any of the labors in- cident to the farm or shop. He worked on farms, chopped wood, and made himself generally useful. Besides this he availed himself of all the educational advantages his time and means would allow. As soon as he was of sufficient age and qualification he taught school winters, clerked in stores, etc., never losing sight of his main purpose in life,-to secure an education along medical lines. After leaving the district school he attended Kimball Union Academy for some time. In 1845 he went to Hanover and began the study of medicine under the late Dr. Dixi Crosby. Here he took two full courses of lectures, and also a full course at the med- ical school at Woodstock, Vt. On June 17, 1850, he counted himself equipped for life work in his profession. At this time he found himself in debt about four hundred dollars, but by dil- igence in his practice and prudent saving this was soon liquidated. He commenced his practice in Truro and South Boston, Mass. But he soon became convinced that there were broader fields of use- fulness in the West, so he removed to the State of Indiana in 1854. He remained here but two years and then removed to Malcomb, Ill. In July of 1859 he located in Galesburg, Ill., which place he ever after made his home. More than forty-five years he spent in active practice of his profession in this town. He was one of the prominent figures of his profession, not only in Galesburg, but in the surrounding country. He was distinguished for his self- sacrificing spirit in behalf of his suffering patients. His profes- sional idea of ethics was to allow himself no rest until every effort, and power of his had been exerted for the aid and relief of those in sickness and suffering. In this way Doctor Chase earned an hon- orable distinction in his practice. For careful and painstaking treatment his reputation was acknowledged among his patients and fellow practitioners. His clinical instruction was full and complete, and his diagnosis of thousands of cases all stand as proofs of his ability. As a physician, therefore, his labors were
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crowned with success, and much of this has been attributed to the sympathy which he felt and expressed for his patients. Care and attention in Doctor Chase's treatment were counted quite as important as medicine.
Before going to Galesburg-while living in Indiana-his own child became seriously ill. Being then but a young practitioner he called in several older medical advisers, without any success- ful results. The death of the child under the circumstances con- vinced him of the errors of the old Allopathic school of medicine, and thereafter he became a convert of the new Homeopathic school, of which he was the most successful exponent in that section of the state.
In religious belief, Doctor Chase was a Universalist, but as such was never aggressive. The religious tenets of his faith were exemplified in his family and among the many patients of his extensive practice.
As a politician, he was a Republican, but never took an active part in the movements of his party. While not active as a politi- cian, there was one question upon which he had strong pronounced views, and this was the liquor question. With this he would effect no compromise. Never was there a more uncompromising foe of the liquor traffic than was Doctor Chase; and during his entire practice he lived up to his convictions and never prescribed liquor as a medicine. Doctor Chase was united in marriage, March 15, 1849, with Lucy F. Crocker at Falmouth, Mass. Four children were the result of this union, two of whom died in infancy. The others are residents of Galesburg, Ill.
Doctor Chase remained active in his profession until the spring of 1905. At this time he lost his favorite driving horse which proved quite a shock to him. This ended his practice away from home, yet he continued to minister to such as called upon him until the first of May, 1906, when as the result of a fall down stairs he was compelled to take to his bed from which he never rose. He died September 7, 1906, but was survived by his wife whose loving companionship he had enjoyed more than fifty-seven years.
From the Galesburg Daily Republican Register of September 7, 1906, we append the following:
"In the death of Dr. J. M. Chase, the city loses another of its strong, capable, and forceful men whose lives have been stamped on the community.
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"He was a thorough student of his chosen work. In certain lines he was very proficient. His skill in treating the ailments of childhood was pronounced. He seemed to have an intuitive knowledge of what to do. He appeared to comprehend the language of their complaints, and the children loved him.
"Doctor Chase was a man of strong and clear convictions and left no one in doubt as to his belief on any given public question."
In speaking of his avowed antagonism to the use of alcoholics it says:
"It can never be said of him that he contributed to the downfall of any man by arousing in him a thirst for alcoholic drinks through the agency of his prescriptions. In other ways he helped the cause of morality here. He lived a long and useful life and his influence was ever for the best. He was a man of kindly instincts, a man of social nature and of large infor- mation.
"His career has reflected honor on the profession, and on the community and merits eulogy and appreciation."
BISHOP PHILANDER CHASE.
Philander Chase, the youngest son of Deacon Dudley and Alice (Corbett) Chase, was born December 14, 1775. All of his brothers leaving the paternal homestead for professional life, he indulged the fond dream of being the chosen son to remain on the farm with his parents and care for them in their declining years. On the other hand, these self-sacrificing parents had a deep anxiety that the last of their sons should become a minister of the gospel, and such was their constant prayer. Unfavorable providences dis- couraged the plans of the young man, while at the same time they seemed to open the way for the fulfillment of the parents' desire. Upon his recovery from a serious accident, it was decided that he should begin his studies preparatory to entering college. This accomplished, he entered Dartmouth College in the fall of 1791. While there, his religious views underwent a change, the results of which are, in part, related in the history of Trinity Church in Cornish.
He graduated from Dartmouth in 1795, the summer before he became of age. His aim now was the study of the ministry and he soon became a candidate for holy orders in the Protestant Epis-
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copal Church, with a temporary residence at Albany, N. Y. Efficient instructors, together with free access to well-chosen theological libraries, were favorable circumstances in forming his character and fitting him for the great work before him. A portion of his time not thus spent was devoted to teaching.
During this period, in 1796, he married Mary Fay of Hardwick,
BISHOP PHILANDER CHASE.
Mass., daughter of Daniel and Mary (Page) Fay. He was or- dained, May 10, 1798, to the diaconate in St. George's Church, New York. After this he devoted himself to missionary work and the organization of parishes in various sections of the country.
The Protestant Episcopal Church in America was then in her infancy and her constituency at that time were few and much scat- tered. To be a missionary at that time involved many hardships.
Mr. Chase was ordained to the priesthood in St. Paul's Church,
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New York, November 10, 1799. From this time until October, 1805, he was engaged in the organization of parishes and in having charge of the Seminary at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On the latter date, having received an appointment, he sailed from New York to New Orleans, La., where he organized Christ Church and became its rector and teacher. He remained there six years, devoting all his energies to the establishment of the church in this section. He then returned north to Randolph, Vt., where his two children had been left during his southern labors.
In the autumn of 1811, he became established as frector of Christ Church in Hartford, Conn., where he remained until March 2, 1817.
Being still prompted by the spirit of missions, he left this happy rectorate for the wilderness of Ohio, where he took charge of three churches, and also of the Worthington Academy. While there, on May 5, 1818, Mrs. Chase died, and a memorial tablet was erected there to her memory. On June 3, 1818, he was elected to the bishopric of the diocese of Ohio, and on February 11, 1819, was duly consecrated as such in the city of Philadelphia as the first bishop of Ohio. In 1819 he married Sophia May Ingraham of Philadelaphia.
Mr. Chase began to realize sensibly the need of help. His labors were great. His remuneration small and the prospects of the church in Ohio were anything but flattering, and he con- ceived the idea of visiting England to solicit aid from the mother church, and so he left Worthington, August 4, 1823, and returned East where he spent a few weeks among his kindred. He em- barked for England, October 1, following.
Opposition to his plans arose on both sides of the Atlantic, but feeling his cause was of God his faith was equal to the hour. It was then he adopted the inspiring motto: "Jehovah Jireh," which was ever after his watchword of success.
The opposition to his well-intended plans began to assume a serious form. The English press published articles well calcu- lated to prejudice the public mind against contributing funds to the furtherance of church and educational interests in America. It was under these disheartening circumstances that he landed in England.
Mr. Chase had previously formed the acquaintance of Henry Clay, then in Congress, who was a warm personal friend of Lord
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Gambier in England. Mr. Clay sent letters of introduction by Mr. Chase to his friend, explaining the object of his contemplated visit to England. These were finally favorably received and Mr. Chase received an invitation to visit Lord Gambier at Platt Hall, his home. Lord Gambier also told him of the opposition to his scheme, admitting that he, himself, shared in a measure the same sentiments. Mr. Chase expressed desire that oppor- tunity be granted of disabusing his mind by full explanation. This favor was granted the day following and resulted in the assurance of Lord Gambier's support for the cause in Ohio. In this he was soon joined by Reverend Mr. Pratt and others. A meeting of the clergy was called, the subject fully discussed and a series of resolutions were adopted, all commendatory of Bishop Chase and the object of his mission, promising him full sympathy and support. Many fortunate circumstances tended to pro- mote the success of the Bishop's mission. Many who at first were prejudiced, being touched by his manly and earnest life be- came kind and generous friends. His unfeigned desire to spread "the faith once delivered to the saints, " was so sincere that many generous souls responded, and it was said "England had not seen such a bishop in a thousand years." During the remainder of his stay in England (until July 17, 1824), he received little less than a bounteous ovation at the hands of the clergy and faithful laity. On the latter date he sailed for America in the Orbit, the same ship that brought him to England. He was forty-three days on this voyage. Some time after his return a convention was called which met November 2, 1824. The bishop recited the kindness shown him by English friends and told of their gener- ous gifts for the purpose of founding an institution of religion and learning in Ohio. The next question was, where shall such a college be built? The academy at Worthington, Ohio, was still in successful operation and under the immediate care of the bishop, but it was deemed best to locate the new college else- where. Eight thousand acres of land were purchased in Knox County, Ohio. This tract was chiefly in its primitive state, requiring vast outlays for its development. Students from Worthington, and others, all under the lead of the bishop, cut their way through the tangled forest to an elevated plain whereon the college was to be located. Willing hands were not wanting; buildings were hastily erected. The right to confer
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