studied law in the office of Varick & Eldridge, at Poughkeepsie, and afterwards in the office of Horace Holden, in the city of New York, and was admitted to the Bar on May 19, 1849. He maintained an office in Pine street in the city of New York from 1852 until his death. Mr. Van Vechten was a conscientious, careful and painstaking lawyer, devoted to the interests of his clients, without ostentation or ambition for public praise. He attained proficiency in many branches of the law, becoming a widely recognized authority on matters relating to real estate. Mr. Van Vechten took great interest in both the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, being zealous for the dignity and usefulness of the profession. He was also greatly interested in the genealogy and history connected with the Dutch settlements in and around New York city and along the banks of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, and devoted a large amount of time and labor to obtaining information on these subjects. He was a member of numerous organizations specially interested in the early history of the city and State, among them the St. Nicholas and Holland Societies. He was a member of the Collegiate Reformed Dutch Church of New York and active in its religious and parochial work. In social, as in professional relations, he was characterized by sincerity and thoughtfulness and .devotion to the interests of others, and died esteemed by a wide circle of professional and personal friends. SAMUEL Wells Samuel Wells was born at Luzerne, Warren county, New York, November 4, 1827, and died April 18, 1906. He was of English descent. The first of the family to immigrate to this country was Thomas Wells, who came from Dudley, County of Worcester, England, in 1712. Samuel Wells was the son of William H. and Asenath Wells, to whom four other children were born. Mr. Wells attended Glens Falls Academy, and then entered Union College, from which he was graduated in the Class of 1849. He was always proud of his Alma Mater, which may ever be proud of him. After leaving college he read law with John B. Steele, of Kingston, N. Y., for two years, and with Abraham Becker, of Worcester, N. Y., for one year, and was admitted to the Bar in 1855. Immediately afterwards he came to Schuylerville, where he has enjoyed a good practice. On October 20, 1858, he married Sarah E. Raymond, 'daughter of Edmond Raymond and Esther (Livermore) Raymond, of this village, who survives him. To them were born three children, Eloise, who died at an early age; Raymond S., who met death at Spier's Falls dam two years ago; Jessie E., who mourns the loss of her father. Also one sister, Mrs. Jennie Schermerhorn, of Jacksonville, Ill. On March 14, 1883, he was appointed a Railroad Commissioner for Schuylerville, which position he held for many years. Shortly after coming to Schuylerville he joined the Reformed Church, of which he was a most - faithful member. He has acted successively as deacon and elder of that church, and also as clerk and treasurer of the consistory. For many years he has been a member of Schuyler Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Home Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Star of the Hudson Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and Washington Commandery, Knights Templar. He became a member of the New York State Bar Association in 190 He was a man of sterling qualities. No one could say aught against him. He was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, and a noble citizen. He was of an even, genial disposition and had a good word for every one. His counsel was of the best. Before a jury his statements always carried weight. |