Biography

Captain George B. Chase was from Nantucket, 
Rhode Island. He began a seafaring life when a boy and 
sailed the seas over. While still a young man be became 
commander of a merchant sailing vessel and followed 
the life until he had accumulated a competence. Then he, 
like most other sailors, sought to live far from the ocean, 
and about 1825 he moved to Auburn with his family 
of children, his wife having died in Nantucket. He 
purchased several hundred acres of land in what is now 
the north-eastern section of the city, the land lying along 
North street and extending through to State street. 
Upon this land were some of the largest stone quarries 
in the vicinity of Auburn. A great part of the stone 
used in the construction of the prison came from the 
quarries on the Chase farm. Capt. Chase erected a 
residence on North street which is still occupied by his 
granddaughter, Mrs. Dexter A. Smith. 

Captain Chase was an odd character and a notable 
entertainer, with a mind full of quaint and interesting 
incidents and experienced in a long and eventful sea life. 
He was also a connoisseur, with the ability to prepare de- 
lectable dinners. He gave many of these to his friends 
and acquaintances at different times. The Chase home was 
a favorite rendezvous for all who enjoyed a good meal 
and an interesting story. He was coroner at the time 
of the famous Van Ness murder south of the city. Cap- 
tain Chase died in 1855.