USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 44
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After this battle he was transferred to a fort which stood on the Hudson river, at Verplank's Point, and later to watch the narrows at Garrison Sta- tion. Being near his home, he longed to visit his family, and obtained a furlough for that purpose. On his way home he met one of his Tory neigh- bors, who seemed overjoyed to see him and began to ask all kinds of ques-
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tions concerning the affairs of the continental army. But he was suspicious of this neighbor and refused to answer his questions, when the man said, "I will call and see you this evening." Had he known why the Tory was so rejoiced to see him he would have returned at once, for the many deeds of valor performed by him had reached the ears of Lord Cornwallis, and a price in gold had been put upon his head. Not knowing this, he continued on his way home, reaching the same in safety, and finding the family glad, indeed, to have him with them once more. He was tired and hungry from his long tramp, and his wife hastened to prepare him a hearty meal, after partaking of which he retired to the attic-his regular sleeping apartment-for the night, leaving his wife to make fast the door. While she was still occupied with her household work a rap was heard on the door and a voice inquired if Obed was at home. She replied by a demand to know who was there and what was wanted. The answer canie, "A friend, and I want to see Obed." She said he could not be seen that night, when more voices were heard in the yard, and one said, "We will see him at any cost, for a price has been placed on his head, and we mean to take him and get the money." Another rap, and more questions and answers followed; she could hear the crowd increasing, and also hear them planning for her husband's capture. One of the number espied a log and invited his companions to lay hold and break in the door, which they at once proceeded to do, as they had been unable to effect an entrance by stratagem. This, however, was not an easy matter to accomplish, as the door was made of hewed timber and stoutly barred on the inside by a three-inch oak stick being placed across the center of the door in notches cut in each side of the door posts. Leaving them trying to effect an entrance, the faithful wife retreated to the attic, pulling after her the ladder, the only means in those days of reaching the upper rooms. Stationing her eldest daughter, a girl of eleven years, at the opening, she placed a hewed bed-post in her hands and told her to hit, and hit hard, any head appearing above the opening. After a time the door gave way and the Tories made a rush for the opening, expecting to meet with no further resistance. In this. they miscalculated, the first person trying to gain access to the room above receiving a blow that sent him crashing back among his companions. Again and again did the brave girl repulse their attempts, until seven of their num- ber had received strong and convincing proof of her earnestness, and the rest of the crowd drew back to hold a consultation as to the best plan to pursue. In the meantime Obediah and his wife had not been idle; they had made an opening in the room above, and after seeing that the coast was clear outside, he crawled out, taking his trusty rifle with him. He passed around to where the door had been, and the Tories were very much surprised to find them- selves facing a loaded rifle in his hands, while he ordered them to throw down.
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their arms and surrender, under the penalty of shooting the first man to move in resistance. They saw a very determined man, and, knowing resistance to be worse than useless, they complied by throwing down their arms, which he at once secured. Their hands were then securely bound, and at break of day a much chagrined lot of Tories were seen marching before him on their way to Fort Lookout, where he delivered them to General Putnam on the same day that witnessed the hanging of Palmer, the spy, in Westchester county. He continued with the army until he was mustered out of the serv- ice, in 1781, and received his pay in the depreciated currency, hardly worth a shilling on the dollar. He then returned to his family and there remained until his death, which occurred in his eightieth year.
Some of his sons moved to various parts of the state, while others went west and became persons of prominence. Among them was Salmon P. Chase, who was elected governor of Ohio on the Whig ticket, and later ap- pointed chief justice of the United States by President Lincoln; Ezra, with whom his mother made her home in Tompkins county, New York, until her death, at the advanced age of ninety-six years, and for sixty-four years a minister of the gospel; and John, who settled in Westchester county. All of the sons reared large families, and their ancestor's roving disposition is noticeable in most of the children, as at almost any age in life they are ready to seek new homes. John Chase, the grandfather of our subject, reared a large family, all of whom are dead except two, Daniel H. and Amos. They were as follows: Oliver, John D., Heman B., Daniel H., Benjamin, Amos, Eliza Ann, Rosetta and Sarah.
Heman B. Chase, the father of our subject, was born upon the farm upon which he died, after reaching the advanced age of seventy-three years. He was a farmer of some pretensions, and an upright Christian gentleman. He was an honored and faithful member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, near Peekskill, New York, and his death was a public loss. His wife was Emaline Losey, and to them were born four children, viz .: Han- nah E., wife of Charles E. Ham, of Peekskill; Charles H., our subject; Anna, wife of Robert Johns; and Ida H., wife of Jacob Varian.
Charles H. Chase received his education in the public schools, at the same time helping with whatever work there was for him to do. He began driving a team for his father when but a lad of nine years, working in sum- mer and in winter attending school. When seventeen he began to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, and when twenty years old was placed in charge of a gang of men. He later worked at the trade of a pattern-maker for five years and then resumed carpentering. In 1873 he began to work for himself at the business, and has been one of the most successful carpenters in Peekskill. He has erected over five hundred buildings, and does most of
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his own drafting and designing. He built two churches for the Methodist Episcopal denomination in this city, and some of the dwellings and a number of business blocks are of his construction. Most of his work has been in or near the city, and it stands as a monument to his popularity and skill. In 1884 he added to his business a planing-mill and since then manufactures moldings in connection with house-building, and ten years later he added a paint and varnish department, and in 1897 he erected his present commo- dious quarters, a brick building, located at Nos. 16, 18 and 20 Nelson avenue, three stories in height, with a large basement, and a wing adjoining, in which he keeps his paints. His son operates a lumber and coal yard adjoining this place of business.
Mr. Chase was married December 27, 1871, to Miss Mary Evalina Appleby, of Port Jervis, Orange county, New York. They have two children: Willis Henry, who married Ella G. Stone, of Port Jervis; and Lillian E., wife of Edward J. Tenant, of Peekskill. Mr. Chase is a friend of education, and both his children have received superior advantages in this respect; the son graduated from the Peekskill Military School, and the daughter from district No. 7, Peekskill, and also in music. The family are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which, for eleven years, Mr. Chase held' the office of trustee. He is a Republican, and takes a part in all affairs relating to the improvement of the community or the betterment of mankind. He is a member of Cryptic Lodge, No. 75, I. O. O. F., and Mount Ararat Encampment, No. 9. He also belongs to the Cortlandt Hook & Ladder Company, No. I, of which he is a past officer. He is a man of ripe experi- ence, exceptional capacity and thorough knowledge of his business, having a remarkable degree of personal popularity among those who have come in contact with him. He evinces a pardonable pride in his splendid ancestral record, which includes much of what is best in American life and tradition.
THOMAS B. CAULFIELD.
Thomas B. Caulfield, often referred to affectionately as " the father of the public library of Yonkers," was born at Lowell, Massachusetts, in August, 1824, and was educated in the public schools of that city. He learned the machinist's trade and subsequently that of a steam engineer. He came to Yonkers forty-five years ago and was a resident of the place-as village and city-until his death, and was one of the stanchest and most helpful friends of education Yonkers has ever had. He was for a number of years engineer in the Clipper Mowing Machine Works. From 1873 to 1883 he was inspector of construction at York's Machine Works. What is known as the high-service pumping system was perfected in 1883, and Mr .Caulfield became engineer
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of the high-service pumping station and held the position until his death, which occurred March 14, 1899.
Mr. Caulfield from early manhood took a deep and helpful interest in the cause of public education. In 1881 he was appointed a member of the school board of the city of Yonkers, by Mayor Otis. It is a noteworthy fact that the first appointments to the school board was made that year, and Mr. Caulfield's was one of them, and he served until 1884. He was a member of the committeee for the establishment of the Yonkers city library. He was made chairman of the committee, and to him was delegated the not easy task of classifying and aranging new books and other publications. Exacting as were the demands upon him, he was fully equal to them and the make-up of the library under his direction would have done credit to the most expe- rienced librarian in the country. He was a man of wide reading and deep research, -one who knew the needs of not only the casual or general reader, but of the student along special lines, and he brought his exhaustive knowl- edge to bear upon the work in a manner which incurred the most satisfactory results. His enthusiasm for the library, his tireless work in its behalf, and his generosity in the cause, have given him a place in local history as " the father of the public library," and his devotion to it will make for public enlightenment through countless generations. He was no less enthusiastic in his work as a member of the school board. He was largely responsible for the establishment of night schools in Yonkers, was a leader in other pro- gressive innovations and devoted his evenings and all his spare time to the schools and the library. The value of his opinion was recognized by all the school officials and educators in Yonkers and his advice was sought not only by those who had the destinies of the public schools in charge, but by those at the head of the monastery of the Sacred Heart Catholic church. He identi- fied himself with the militia and with other important local organizations and was in a general way interested in and helpful to every movement tending to the public benefit.
He married Fannie Judge, who is still living, aged about seventy, and who bore him ten children, of whom only three are living: James E. is a well known engineer; Daniel Webster is mentioned below; Fannie B. mar- ried Joseph Sweytzer; Martha died at the age of sixteen; and William died when twelve years old. James Judge, Mrs. Caulfield's father, was a volun- teer, from Lowell, Massachusetts, in the Union service and was killed during the war of the Rebellion, and is buried at Baltimore, Maryland. George and Alfred Caulfield, sons of John Caulfield, a brother of Thomas B. Caulfield, also enlisted at Lowell and both lost their lives in battle. Ora Caulfield, a brass manufacturer, formerly of Bangor, Maine, now of San Diego, Califor- nia, also served the Union cause as a soldier.
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Daniel Webster Caulfield, son of Thomas B. Caulfield, learned the machinist trade with D. Sanders' Sons, Yonkers, and was in the employ of that concern from 1874 to 1888. As a builder and repairer of engines he familiarized himself thoroughly with the engineer's trade also. He became temporary engineer at the high-service pumping station, under his father, and in 1897 was appointed night engineer and held the position until his father's death, when he was appointed day engineer, in recognition of faith- ful and efficient service and because he was the logical man for the place, and has entire charge of the station, practically filling his father's place.
Between 1888 and his connection with the high-service pumping station he was for a time employed in the manufacture of Hotchkiss guns by the Pratt & Whitney Machine Company, of Hartford, Connecticut, and later he was employed by the Crump shipbuilding concern at Philadelphia, to instruct its workmen as to the processes of manufacture for another gun which that company had purchased. This employment was congenial to him and was a high recognition of his ability as a machinist. He is a Democrat, but has always been too much devoted to machinery to give much attention to poli- tics. He served seven years as a member of Irving Hose Company and has in many ways shown an interest in town affairs.
February 24, 1897, he married Julia Lander, a daughter of James Lander, the well known landscape gardener of Yonkers, and they have a young daughter, named Gertrude.
EDWARD WELLS.
In the last half of the present century the lawyer has been a pre-eminent factor in all affairs of private concern and national importance. The man versed in the laws of the country, as distinguished from business men or pro- fessional politicians, has been a recognized power. He has been depended upon to conserve the best and permanent interests of the whole people, and without him and the approval of his practical judgment the efforts of the statesman and the industry of the business man and mechanic would have proved futile. The reason is not far to seek. The professional lawyer is never the creature of circumstance. The professsion is open to talent, and eminence or success cannot be obtained except by indomitable energy, per- severance, patience and strong mentality. Possessing those qualities in a high degree Edward Wells for many years maintained a leading position at the bar of Westchester county and handled much of the important litigation heard in its courts, winning a most desirable reputation as a representative of the legal profession.
A native of New York, he was born in Durham, Greene county, Decem-
Edward Hells
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ber 2, 1818, and was the fourth son of Noah and Dimmis (Kilbourne) Wells, both natives of Colchester, Connecticut. The family traces its lineage to a Puritan ancestor, the first of the name in this country being Hugh Wells, who was born in Colchester, England, in 1590, and became a resident of Colchester, Connecticut, in 1635. In England the ancestral line can be traced to Bishop Hugo de Welles, who drafted the Magna Carta.
Edward Wells, of this review, began attending the public school near his home when only four years of age and even then showed considerable apti- tude for learning. In 1824 he removed with his family to Liberty, Sullivan county, New York. Most of the county was then covered with heavy for- ests, abounding in game, and the early settlers were chiefly Connecticut peo- ple-sturdy and industrious pioneers. This environment doubtless contrib- uted to the elements of frugality, self-denial, endurance and simplicity in living which characterized Mr. Wells' subsequent life. Until he was twelve years of age the common school continued to furnish his chief means of edu- cation; he learned readily at school, but probably derived more intellectual stimulus from the fireside instruction of his father, who was widely read in the best English literature. In 1829 his father died, and not long afterward Mr. Wells entered the academy at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, then conducted by his brother Albert, under whose instruction he continued until 1831. In that year his brother was elected principal of the Newburg Academy, one of the oldest institutions incorporated under the regents of the state of New York, instituted in colonial times, and endowed by Queen Anne with a grant of valuable lands situated near the college, on the north. There Mr. Wells prosecuted his classical and other studies in preparation for college, and a few months after entering that school he removed with his mother to New- burg. In 1835 his brother was offered the presidency of the Mount Pleasant Academy, at Sing Sing, New York, and there the family removed, Edward continuing his preparation for a collegiate course. Among his fellow students were some who gained distinction in after life, including John T. Hoffman, subsequently twice governor of the Empire state.
In 1837 Mr. Wells was able to enter the junior class of Yale College, and was graduated in that celebrated institution in 1839 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, winning some of the honors of the class. Three years later he also received the degree of Master of Arts from his alma mater. After his graduation he accepted a position as a member of the faculty of Mount Pleasant Academy, at the same time entering upon the study of law in the office of General Aaron Ward, member of congress, and Albert Lock- wood, afterward county judge. During this time the cause of temperance was actively advocated, and Mr. Wells, being deeply interested in its suc- cess, was frequently called upon to address public meetings in different parts
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of the country. In this work his oratorical ability made his services very effective, and through this means he was enabled to extend his acquaintance throughout the state. Alexander Wells, editor of the Hudson River Chron- icle, having been elected surrogate of Westchester county in 1841, offered Mr. Wells a position as his assistant, and the latter, accepting, took up his residence in White Plains in that year, at the same time continuing his legal studies under the direction of Minot Mitchell, who was then regarded as the leader of the Westchester bar. With him he continued his reading until October, 1842, when he was admitted as an attorney in the supreme court of the state, and in November of the same year as solicitor in chancery. In December, 1842, Mr. Wells opened his law office in Peekskill and entered upon the practice of his profession in partnership with John Curry, who in after years removed to California and became a judge of the supreme court of that state.
In 1846 Mr. Wells was licensed as a counselor in the supreme court of the United States. He was twice elected district attorney of Westchester county on the Republican ticket, and served from January, 1851, until Jan- uary, 1857. At the first election he received a majority of three hundred and eleven, a very complimentary vote in this county, which usually gives a Democratic majority of eighteen hundred. At the time of his second candi- dacy he defeated Francis Larkin, of Sing Sing, by a majority of eleven hun- dred. He was urged to accept the nomination for a third time, but declined. His administration of the business of the office during those two terms is described by the records of the time and by those who know him as a model of industry, integrity and zeal. He pursued crime with a relentless vigor, but never sought reputation for himself at the expense of innocence or helplessness.
Mr. Wells was married October 21, 1856, to Hannah, daughter of the. Rev. Charles W. Nassau, D. D., of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, formerly president of Lafayette College. He immediately took possession of his new home on Main street, in Peekskill, where he resided continuously to the time of his death. The children of this marriage were two sons, Edward and Charles Nassau, both lawyers, and a daughter, Anna Hamill, all of whom survived him. In his domestic relations Mr. Wells was exceedingly happy. His wife was a lady of high character and cultivation, and of much force of mind, who devoted herself to the interests of her husband and children, and to making their home a place of physical comfort and mental inspiration.
From the time of his marriage until his death Mr. Wells continued in the active and successful practice of his profession, widely known throughout the state, and generally regarded as a leader of the county bar. In 1887, with his son, Edward, and his friend, Hiram Barney, he formed a partner-
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ship for the practice of law in New York city, under the firm name of Bar- ney & Wells, a relation which was successfully continued in connection with his Peekskill business until about the time of his death. The high estima- tion in which his ability as a lawyer was uniformly held might have secured him an elevation to the bench of the supreme court, for which he was emi- nently fitted, had not his lot been cast in a district so thoroughly Democratic as to afford no such opportunity to one of opposite political views. In his. knowledge of the law he was accurate and profound. While his learning was based upon an exhaustive knowledge of principles, he was yet able to store in an exceedingly retentive memory leading cases and precedents which he could cite in argument with extraordinary readiness and facility. With this wide learning he combined an unusually judicial cast of mind, while his con- vincing manner and eloquent diction made him no less successful with juries. than with the court. To these qualities he added an untiring industry which held no case mastered until he had searched out the principles involved to the very bed rock. His reputation as a lawyer brought to his office and his. instruction a constant succession of law students, several of whom have become eminent.
In politics Mr. Wells was a Republican from the time of the formation of the party, and was a consistent and constant supporter of its principles, but never a solicitor for its favors or an applicant for office. A man of broad and thorough knowledge, who like Bacon " took all learning for his field," he- tilled it thoroughly. He read and spoke eight languages, was widely known as an authority on Roman law and was one of the best Greek scholars in the state. As an authority and connoisseur of books, Mr. Wells was well known and during his life collected a large library of rare and valuable works, which was his delight as a constant source of pleasure and recreation. His library contained little fiction, but was rich in elegant editions of the classics, in English literature, and on works on the Roman and international law. For many years he was president of the board of education of school district No. 8. He was one of the organizers and the vice-president of the Peekskill Savings Bank, a trustee of the Temporary Home at White Plains and of the Westchester County Bible Society, a member of the American Board of Foreign Missions and of its financial committee, and judicial adviser and counselor of the board. For many years he was an elder in the First Presbyterian church, and for forty years previous to his death had been a ruling elder, trustee of the Presbytery and eight or ten times a commissioner to the general assembly. In 1884 he was appointed a delegate to the Presbyterian Alliance, which met in London, but was unable to attend. 1
Mr. Wells was a man of calm and judicial mind, of the most delicate honor and of the keenest judgment. He reached his conclusions by temper-
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ate and logical reasoning, but, once formed, his convictions were unshakable. Unselfish and easily approachable, in all matters affecting only his own com- fort or convenience he was ready to yield at once; but in matters of convic- tion he showed the blood of his Puritan ancestors. Of a calm and rather retiring disposition, he was not easily moved to anger, but when roused by injustice or wrong could be scathing in his denunciation. Not endowed with great physical strength, but being rather wiry and enduring, he never feared a foe, nor did he ever desert a friend.
Mr. Wells died October 8, 1896, at his home in Peekskill, after a month's illness, his wife and three children surviving him. One who long knew and admired him wrote: "If we define righteousness as 'holiness on fire ' we can stand by his bier and pray fervently. 'Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.' Though not a native of Westchester county, so large a part of his long, eminent and useful life was passed in this locality that the county claimed him for his own. Of all of the prominent families of this region he was a friend and associate; in all the progress of the county, socially and religiously, he was a prime factor, a zealous and wise worker for all the interests of the people; and in educa- tional, beneficent and political affairs, he was an unselfish and tireless watch- man. Incorruptible, steadfast, strong for the right and true, his life was a living testimony of the value of honesty, fair-dealing in all public matters, and to the baseness of treason to principle for the sake of party gain. He was a man whom men of all parties revered and whom corrupt men of any party feared, like the disclosures of an adverse majority. He was one man who sought sincerely to have God in his sight."
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