Ulster County New York Biographical Sketches - Surnames C

Transcribed by Lynn Tooley

Ulster County New York Biographical Sketches - surnames C, extracted from The History of Ulster County, New York, Edited by Alphonso T. Clearwater, LL.D.

Charles F. CANTINE Biographical Sketch

CHARLES F. CANTINE. — Judge Charles F. Cantine, eldest son of Peter and Sarah A. (Starin) Cantine, was born at Saugerties, November 4, 1858. He received his preparatory education at Saugerties Academy and graduated from Rutgers College in 1880. He then entered Columbia Law School, and in May, 1882, was admitted to the bar at Ithaca, N. Y. In the same year he opened an office in Rondout and began practice as a member of the firm of P. & C. F. Cantine. In 1892 and 1893 he was a member of the Republican State Committee and was chairman of the Republican County Committee of Ulster County during 1893 and 1894. In November, 1895, he was elected district attorney, holding the office nine years. In 1904 he was elected judge of Ulster County, and in administering the duties of his present office he has demonstrated his ability as a learned and impartial arbiter of the law.

He was married December 21, 1882, to Mary C. Sheffield, of Saugerties. She died February 27, 1889, leaving a daughter, Agnes L. September i, 1893, he married Mary E., daughter of James Post, of Brookhaven, N. Y.

Judge Cantine is a direct descendant of Moses Cantine, the Huguenot, who married Elizabeth Deyo at New Paltz in 1691. Peter Cantine, father of our subject, was the eldest of the family, representing the sixth generation. He was born in the town of Marbletown, Ulster County, in 1831. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1855. He began practice in the village of Saugerties and was eminently successful as an attorney and counsellor-at-law. He was admitted to practice in the District and Circuit Courts as well as the Supreme Court of the United States, and obtained favorable decisions in some of the most intricate and important litigations in Ulster County and on appeals to the appellate courts. In his death, which occurred December 21, 1900, the bar and county lost a man of sterling worth.

Martin CANTINE Biographical Sketch

MARTIN CANTINE, manufacturer, of Saugerties, New York, is a descendant of one of the Huguenot patentees of Ulster County. This family has since been most influential in State and national affairs. There were Members of Congress, Senators, framers of the Constitution of the State of New York, delegates to the convention which submitted the Constitution of the United States for adoption, brigadier-generals of the militia, members of Assembly, members of the Council of Safety and officers during the Revolutionary War, county judges, among them — famous lawyers, illustrious divines, successful business men — and it is connected by marriage with many of the leading families of the county.

Mr. Cantine was born in Saugerties, January 22, 1866. His father, Hon. Peter Cantine, served with distinction in many public positions and was one of the leading lawyers at the Ulster County bar, and his brother, Hon. Charles F. Cantine, is the present county judge. After receiving an educational training in the Saugerties Academy and the Seventeenth Street Grammar School in New York City, Ma,rtin Cantine, at the age of 18 years, secured employment with J. B. Sheffield & Son, paper manufacturers, where he remained about five years, serving from office boy to positions of responsibility. In 1888 he purchased the plant of The Alston Adams Co., at Albany, and engaged in the manufacture of paper. He organized the firm of Martin Cantine & Co., and on January i, 1889, they began operations in Saugerties. In 1890 the Martin Cantine Company was incorporated, and Mr. Cantine was chosen president, which position he still holds and he personally manages the entire business. In 1893 the plant was purchased and enlarged until they now have 100,000 square feet of floor space, fully equipped with modern machinery, and in which employment is furnished to one hundred and fifty people. In 1893 Mr. Cantine also purchased the first right to the magnificent water power from the John G. Myers estate, which gives him the first right on the entire creek. He also developed electric power, his dynamos being driven by the water wheels. In June, 1890, Mr. Cantine was married to Miss Fanny, daughter of Gen. William B. Rudd, of Lakeville, Conn., and they have two children, Holley Rudd and Francis. Politically he is an ardent Republican, active in political affairs, and has served several terms as director and two years as president of the village (1896-97).

He has been president of the Board of Education since 1900 and was chief engineer of the fire department in 1899, president of the Saugerties Board of Trade in 1900, and prominently identified with the best and most important business and social interests of the village.

Peter N. CANTINE Biographical Sketch

PETER N. CANTINE was born near Ellenville, Ulster County, New York, January 21, 1845. His ancestors settled in this region in early times, his grandfather, Jacob Cantine, being a native of Ulster County. Jacob Cantine was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, and in politics a Whig. Fie married Ann Brodhead, and settled upon a town in Wawarsing Township, where they reared a family of seven children. The family has been connected with the Dutch Reformed Church as far back as there is record. Mathew J. Cantine, the father of our subject, was born April 13, 1808, and grew to manhood upon his father’s farm. In early life he was a butcher by occupation, but later became a farmer. On December 2, 1832, he married Caroline LaMoree, who was born October 1, 1809, in Dutchess County, New York. Of the six children born to them, all but two are still living. The father was a Republican in politics. As a member of the Reformed Church the family held a leading place, Mr. Cantine being deacon for many years. He died February 21, 1880, his wife October 9, 1885.

Peter N. Cantine, our subject, pursued his early life upon his father’s farm, and acquired his education in the district school and the academy at Ellenville. Entering business life, he first clerked for two years in the store of W. T. Homes, and then, in 1869, moved to Napanoch and formed a partnership with a Mr. Cudney in a general store, under the firm name of Cudney & Cantine. This was dissolved at the expiration of one year, and Mr. Cantine then clerked four years for A. S. Schoonmaker, at Napanoch. Since that time he carried on a butcher business until September, 1906, when he sold out and is now living retired.

On October 18, 1877, Mr. Cantine married Henrietta Sagendorph, who was born May 17, 1845, in Shandaken, Ulster County. Her grandfather, Adam Sagendorph, came to this country from Germany when a young man; he married Elizabeth Heavener, a lady of German descent, and settled in Columbia County, where his son Andrew, Mrs. Cantine’s father, was born December 16, 1820. Andrew Sagendorph married Amanda Trites, a descendant of an old Holland family, who was born February 24, 1823, and Mrs. Cantine was the second in their family of four children. Louise, the eldest, married Byron Dutcher, a farmer and merchant at Big Indian, Ulster County. Two younger children, Horatio and Harriet, died in infancy. Mrs. Cantine’s father died April 4, 1882, her mother January 24, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Cantine have had no children. Mr. Cantine is a Republican in politics and has held public office in his neighborhood.

Major Oliver P. CARPENTER Biographical Sketch

MAJOR OLIVER P. CARPENTER, Attorney, of Kingston, was born near the village of Clintondale, town of Plattekill, Ulster County, on December 7, 1840. He attended school in the towns of Esopus, Rochester and Marlborough and at Clintondale. Later he attended the Friend’s Nine Partners’ Boarding School, at Washington, Dutchess County. He taught school, first at Clintondale, and then Highland.

In the summer of 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Regiment, N. Y. V. I. and was later detailed to serve in the Quartermaster’s Department, of the Department of the South, under Generals Sherman, Hunter and Mitchell. Shortly thereafter, he became ill with fever and returned home. Upon his recovery he again enlisted in the Second New York (Harris Light) Cavalry. Pie served as ist Lieutenant and Captain, and the night before Lee’s surrender, while in command of the first squadron, which was the advance guard, he led them in the charge on Appomattox Station and captured the trains of supplies which had just arrived for Lee’s army. He was then ordered to charge upon and take a battery, and in doing so lost his favorite horse, and was himself wounded. He was discharged from the service as Captain, but was brevetted Major. Major Carpenter, while serving with the famous Harris Light Cavalry, participated in those memorable battles of the Shenandoah, under Generals Sheridan and Custer. After his discharge from the service, he entered the University at Albany, and was graduated from the Law Department of that institution with the degree of LL.B. on May 25, 1866. He began the practice of law in Highland and remained there until January i, 1872, having been elected District Attorney. He removed to Kingston, where he has since resided. He served as Surrogate of Ulster County for the years 1887-1892, and Recorder of the city of Kingston 1900-1905.

He was married at Highland, September 2.2, 1866, to Ethelind, daughter of Elias M. and Mary E. (Malcomb) DuBois, and nine children have been born to them. He is a member of Pratt Post No. 127, Department of New York, G. A. R.; Kingston Lodge No. 10, F. & A. M.; Mount Horeb Chapter No. 75; Rondout Commandery No. 52, K. T.; Kosciusko Lodge No. 86, I. O. O. F.; Franklin Lodge, K of P., and Fraternal Mystic Circle, No. 529.

Albert CARR Biographical Sketch

ALBERT CARR, undertaker, of the City of Kingston, was born in Washingtonville. Orange County, N. Y., on December 7, 1840. His education was obtained in the city school.

In 1861 he enlisted in the Twentieth Regiment, N. Y. S. M., at the first call for troops. At the expiration of the term he returned to this city. In 1862 he again enlisted as a private in B Company, 120th Regiment, N. Y. V., for the term of three years. Before arriving at the front he was promoted to Sergeant Major, to date from time of leaving Kingston, August 24, 1862. Mr. Carr was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy in 1863, and to First Lieutenant in 1864, which rank he held until his discharge in 1865. About 1870 he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business as a salesman, serving in that capacity until the year 1889, when he opened his present undertaking establishment, taking with him his son, Harry P., who continued as a member of the firm of A. Carr & Son until the year 1900, when he disposed of his interest in the business, and Arthur G. Carr associated himself with it. Thus the firm name still exists as A. Carr & Son. Mr. Carr is a Republican, and has served six years as Coroner.

On August 21, 1862, he was married to Sarah E., daughter of Peter Folant of Kingston, and six children have been born to them, Minnie and Augusta, who died in infancy, Harry P., Hattie F., Arthur G. and Mabel. Mr. Carr is a member of Pratt Post No. 127, G. A. R.; Kingston Lodge No. 10, F. & A. M.; C. S. Clay Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Franklin Lodge, Knights of Pythias.

James Eber CASE Biographical Sketch

JAMES EBER CASE, Deputy County Treasurer, was born in Ellenville, October 30, 1853. His education was obtained in the village schools and the Fort Edward Institute, graduating from the Commercial Department of the latter institution in 1872. He first began business life as bookkeeper in the Ellenville Glass Factory, where he remained several years. In April, 1894, he opened a boot and shoe store in Ellenville, which he conducted until January, 1896, v/hen he came to Kingston and took the office he now holds. He held the office of Town Clerk of Wawarsing one term, and twelve years ago was appointed U. S. Loan Commissioner for Ulster County, an office he still retains.

Mr. Case is a member of many of the local fraternal societies, in Wawarsing Lodge No. 582, F. & A. M„ and the Chapter No. 246, R. A. M. He has been Master and High Priest and has filled all offices in the Blue Lodge. He is also a member of Rondout Commandery No. 52, K. T., and Cypress Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He married Emma R. McKinney and two daughters have been born to them, Lillie, died when six years of age, and Mamie, living at home. Mr. Case died April 25, 1907.

Jacob CHAMBERS, M. D., Biographical Sketch

JACOB CHAMBERS, M.D., deceased, was for many years one of the most prominent and successful physicians in Ulster County. He was born at Stone Ridge, Ulster County, February 6, 1852, and his education was obtained at the Monticello Academy, Fort Edward Institute, and Phillips Academy, at Andover, He also received instructions from a private tutor. He took up the study of medicine at the Buffalo University, from which he graduated in 1875. He practiced as a physician for a time in Stone Ridge, and in 1882 came to Kingston and opened an office. He continued in practice in this city until his death, September 15, 1904, becoming widely known as a capable physician and a skilled surgeon. In 1882 he married Florence Kerr, a daughter of Ex-Sheriff John W. Kerr, and two children were born to them, Letitia Josephine, who died in infancy, and Donald.

Dr. Chambers was for many years the City Health Officer and a member of the Board of Pension Examiners. He was one of the organizers of the Police Department of Kingston, and was a Police Commissioner four years. He served as Surgeon for the West Shore Railroad, and was a member of both the State and County Medical Societies.

The existence of the Kingston City Hospital is largely due to his energetic efforts in furthering the project at the time of its inception. Deeply impressed with the need of a hospital, he devoted much time in securing funds for its erection and equipment, and for thirteen years it had no more faithful and self-sacrificing friend and supporter than Dr. Chambers. From the day of its opening he gave to its inmates the benefit of his rare skill as a surgeon and great experience as a physician.

Dr. Chambers was a son of Hon. George Chambers, M.D., in his day a prominent physician and a well-known figure in politics. He served in the Ulster County Board of Supervisors from i86i to 1866, for the town of Marbletown. He served one term as State Senator, and represented his district in the State Legislature.

The Chambers family sprung from the Scottish Clans of Camerons, the name having been changed when the ancestor of the Chambers removed to France. An old burial place still exists in Aberdeen, Scotland, where may be seen a stone bearing the family arms, and the date 1313 is evidence that this family is one of the oldest known in genealogical records. The ancestors of Dr. Chambers were among the earliest settlers of Ulster County; his great-grandfather, Jacob, was a Revolutionary Patriot, and the records show that in 1800 he was serving as Trustee of the town of Marbletown.

Dr. George CHANDLER Biographical Sketch

DR. GEORGE CHANDLER, of Kingston, was born at Clyde, New York, December 13, 1872. The son of a Methodist clergyman, he was obliged to move from city to city, obtaining his education from private tutors, the Bishop Scott Military School at Portland, Ore., the Ithaca High School and the classical department of Syracuse University. In 1895 he graduated with the degree of M.D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, serving first as house physician of St. Vincent’s Hospital, and later as chief of the woman’s division of the outpatient department and assistant visiting surgeon of the same institution. He was for a time attending physician at John Wanamaker’s New York store while practicing in New York. He is at present visiting surgeon to the Kingston City Hospital, and surgeon-in-chief of the Benedictine Sanitarium, Kingston, where he has practiced his profession for the past five years. He is also surgeon for the Kingston Division of the West Shore R. R., and the Ontario & Western R. R. He has given up general practice and limits his practice to surgery.

Dr. Chandler is a member of the County, State and National Medical Societies; the Quiz Medical Society of New York; the D. K. E. Fraternity, and the A. M. P. O. Medical Fraternity. He has written for a number of medical periodicals, and the treatment of sunstroke advocated by him at St. Vincent’s Hospital has been adopted in some of the text-books of medicine. He married Martha Schultze, a member of a prominent Syracuse family, her father being the founder of the School of Fine Arts at Syracuse University. They have two children, Dan and Fehmor.

Among the leading pulpits occupied by Rev. George W. Chandler, father of our subject, are Taylor Street Church, Portland, Ore.; Delaware Avenue M. E. Church, Buffalo, and the First M. E. Church, Ithaca, N. Y. Dr. Chandler’s mother, who was Izora Chandler of New York, was the authoress of several works. “Three of Us,” “Anthe” and “Told in Gardens of Arabia,” have been widely read. She was equally well known as a miniature and portrait painter, having exhibited in the Academies of New York, Boston and Philadelphia. She died August 25, 1906.

Dr. Archie B. CHAPPELL Biographical Sketch

DR. ARCHIE B. CHAPPELL, practicing physician, of the town of Plattekill, was born in Plainfield, N. J., in 1882. In 1891 his father, Samuel F. Chappell, removed to Kingston and engaged in business, and in the Kingston Academy Dr. Chappell received his preliminary education. He entered the Albany Medical College and graduated from the Department of Union University in 1905. He then located in the village and town of Plattekill, where he is now engaged in practice.

Hon. George Bradley CHILDS, Biographical Sketch

HON, GEORGE BRADLEY CHILDS, who for many years was Secretary ana Treasurer of the Ellenville Savings Bank, was born in Grahamsville, N. Y., February 9, 1838, and died in 1897. He was a direct descendant in the seventh generation from Benjamin Childs, who came from Wales with an uncle Ephraim Childs in 1630 and settled at Roxbury, Mass. Mr. Childs’ line of descent is as follows: Benjamin Childs, his son Benjamin, son Penuel, his son Richard, his son Timothy, his son Richard Dwight, the father of our subject.

George B. Childs received a fair education in the academies at Ellenville and Monticello. Being a great reader, he acquired a wide knowledge of the best literature and kept himself well informed upon current topics. When seventeen years of age he began selling goods for N. C. Clark of Grahamsville, Sullivan County, and was with him as a partner for some twenty-four years. In 1877 he moved to the homestead farm in Grahamsville to care for his father, remaining there until 1886, when he came to Ellenville and took the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Ellenville Savings Bank. He was one of the original trustees of that institution, at its incorporation in 1869, and the present commodious building, now occupied by the bank, is a fitting monument to his efforts.

Mr. Childs was a Democrat, but did not take an active part in political affairs since residing in Ulster County. Previous to that he was a leader in party management, and held a number of political positions. For five terms he was Supervisor of Neversink, Sullivan County. In 1882, and ’83 he was elected to the Legislature, served through both terms and was on the Committee on Banks and also on a Sub-Committee of the Whole.

In 1861 Mr. Childs married Miss Adelia Decker, who died in 1869. In 1872, he married Miss Nancy P. Smith, by whom he had two children, Amy Bradley, and Richard T. Mr. Childs was an active and influential member of the M. E. Church of Ellenville, of which he was trustee. Socially, as in business circles, he held a leading place. He was a member of Lodge No. 582, F. & A. M., Wawarsing. His death left a void in business and financial circles of Ellenville which was acutely felt.

John N. CLARE, Biographical Sketch

JOHN N. CLARE, Attorney of Kingston, was born in this city, in 1858, and his education was obtained at St. Vincent’s College, Westmoreland County, Pa., from which he graduated in 1876. He read law in the office of Schoonmaker and Linson, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. He remained in the office of his preceptors until 1891, and has since been engaged in general practice and in the real estate and insurance business. Politically, Mr. Clare is a Democrat and has filled various offices in the city. He was appointed City Recorder and in 1893 elected to the office. In 1896, he was elected Justice of the Peace. In 1899, he was Secretary of the Board of Health. Mr. Clare married Miss Anna E. Long, of Saugerties, and they have five children, Agnes Alecita, Leo Wenceslaus, Alysusis Frances, Mary Ernstine and Helen Marie.

Franklin CLARK, Biographical Sketch

FRANKLIN CLARK, proprietor of the Clark Crate & Basket Factory of Marlborough, was born in that village in 1854. He was engaged with his father in fruit farming until 1892, when he established the above industry, which covers an area of 80x300 square feet. Upwards of 150,000 crates are turned out annually in addition to 2,000,000 fruit baskets, giving employment to about thirty people. Besides supplying the local trade Mr. Clark ships large quantities of his product to the outside market.

In 1904 Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Edith Vernon Merritt of Marlborough. They have one son, Lawton, born in 1906. His father, Augustus Clark, is also a native of Ulster County and was for many years identified with the great fruit farms of southern Ulster.