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.