Daniel Le Roy, fourth son of the late Herman Le Roy, was born in New York city, June 28th, 1799. His youth of great promise and personal attractions matured into a dignified and courteous manhood, rendering him a type of a class now fast fading from view, significantly styled "gentlemen of the old school." He entered Hamilton College at the early age of fourteen, and was graduated with honors, receiving the degree of ''Bachelor of Arts" in 1817. In 1826 he married the eldest daughter of the late Colonel Nicholas Fish. In 1849 he was appointed consul at Geneva, where he remained the term, after which he returned to New York, where he continued to live till 1856, when he again received an appointment as consul, this time to Rome. He was there for several years, and after his return home lived a quiet and domestic life, spending his summers (while in this country) since 1849 at Newport, where he purchased in 1866. He numbered among her most distinguished summer residents, and always took a deep interest in her welfare. The last two years of his life he continued living there through the winters, and died there August 19th, 1885. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and continued faithful until the end.

His widow, one son, Stuyvesant Le Roy, and a daughter, Mrs. Edward King, survive him; his other daughter, Mrs. George Warren Dresser, having died two years before, leaving five children. He was a man of sterling integrity and his life showed that the testimonials received while in college were written by men who knew his high sense of honor, probity of character, and his eminent fitness for the high testimonials he received; and in every relation of life his unsullied purity, open hand, genial humor, kind hospitality and his tender, loving endearments, enriched the home circle, crowning it with a halo of domestic purity and peace. The interment was in the family vault at St. Mark's, in the Bowerie. Biographie Index

Josiah O. Low.  The father of Josiah 0. Low was Seth Low, a native of Gloucester West Parish, Massachusetts. His mother, Mary Porter, was descended from John Porter, one of the original settlers of Salem village, now known as Peabody, and was a daughter of Thomas Porter of Topfield, a town adjacent to Peabody on the north. The Porters have been a numerous and influential race in that pare of Massachusetts for more than two hundred years. Mary Porter, born in Topfield in 1786, was a lady of superior character, refined, and adorned with the influences and graces of the Christian faith. She lived to be eighty-six years of age and was an object of much veneration to all who knew her to the end of her useful life. Her husband, Seth Low, was a man of high intelligence, of strong, clear and sedate mind, and of courteous and dignified demeanor. He was held in great respect by his fellow citizens of Salem. In 1829 he became a resident of Brooklyn and embarked in business as a drug merchant. A devout, public-spirited and upright man, he was one of the foremost citizens of that metropolis and rendered it important service in many ways in its municipal history.

Josiah 0. Low, one of twelve children of Seth and Mary P. Low, was born in Salem, Essex county, Massachusetts, in March, 1821, and with the exception of a few years of early childhood, has since resided in Brooklyn. His brother, Abiel A. Low, the founder of the house of A. A. Low & Brothers, in which he was a partner, went to China as a clerk and in 1837 became a partner in the house of Russell & Co., the largest American firm in Canton, China. Returning in 1840 he laid the foundation for the house of A. A. Low & Brothers, the leading one in America in the China and East India trade. In 1845 Mr. Josiah O. Low became a partner in this house which, as large importers and ship owners, has enjoyed a career of continuous prosperity for nearly half a century. The older partners having retired, the business has now fallen into younger hands. Mr. Low purchased his Newport residence in 1881 from the estate of the late Edward King, since which date he has enlarged the grounds and otherwise added to the property. Here, with his family, he is accustomed to retire for relaxation during the summer months.  Biographie Index

Seth W. Macy, was born in Nantucket, Mass., December 5th, 1803, being the second son of Job and Anna (Way) Macy. He spent his early life in whaling and the merchant service, and came to Newport to live in 1821, where he died May 18th, 1884. He married Mehitable, daughter of Restcomb Potter, who was a native of Newport. Their only child, John C, is a prominent attorney in Des Moines, Iowa.

Felix Peckham was born in Middletown June 9th, 1800, being the third son of Felix and Typhena (Stockman) Peckham. He lived in the town of his nativity until 1846, when he removed to Newport. About 1855, in connection with Caswell, Hazard & Co., he built the Narragansett block in that city, and engaged in the book business, which he continued until the winter of 1878-9. He was twice married, first to Esther, daughter of Augustus Peckham, by whom he had two children,  Felix Augustus, who was an artist by profession, and died at the age of thirty-eight, and Esther P., who married Levi Johnson of New Haven; afterward he married Mary J. Young, by whom he had three children,  Annette S., Edward S. and Harold A. Mr. Peckham died July 12th, 1879.  Biographie Index

Thomas P. Peckham is descended from New England stock, his grandfather having been Clement Peckham, who resided in Newport, where he married Mary Pinneger. Their children were: Rebecca, Benjamin, David and William. The last-named son was born in Newport in 1815, and in his native city has for years followed the trade of a carpenter and builder. He married Lucy M. Chase of Fall River, and by her had two children: William G. and John P. His second wife, Sarah, daughter of Nicholas White of Newport, was a descendant of the first white child born in New England. The children by this union were: Thomas P., Lucy M. and Ella L.

Thomas P. Peckham was born on the 22nd of November, 1846, in Newport, and received his education mainly at private schools in the city, after which he became, in 1866, a student of Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York. Mr. Peckham had already enjoyed a limited business experience as clerk and assistant in one of the Newport banks, and on his return from Poughkeepsie resumed his vocation as clerk. In 1867 he entered the National Bank of Rhode Island, the oldest bank in the city, as a clerk, and on attaining his majority was made its cashier, which position he still holds. In this, as in every other business relation, his capacity, integrity and uniform courtesy have placed him in the front rank in commercial circles, and caused his services to be much in demand as trustee and administrator.

He until recently filled the position of treasurer of the Redwood library, as also that of trustee of the Long Wharf fund. Mr. Peckham has been and is still an active and influential member of the Masonic order. He was formerly treasurer of St. John's Lodge, and from its organization was secretary of St. Paul's Lodge until he became its master. He is also a member of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. He was treasurer, and later regent of Coronet Council, Royal Arcanum. He has been since its organization secretary of Touro Council, Legion of Honor. Mr. Peckham has, as a republican, actively identified himself with local politics, was a member of the school board in 1873, 1874 and 1875, and served in the Newport city council in 1881, 1882, 1883 and 1884, and in the board of aldermen in 1886 and 1887, being now chairman of the finance committee. He is identified with the First Methodist Episcopal church of Newport, of which he has been for many years both treasurer and steward. Mr. Peckham was married November 20th, 1872, to Martha, daughter of Weeden T. Underwood of Newport. Their children are : Bertha, Etla M. and Audley Clarke.  Biographie Index

 John Hare Powel, born in Paris, Prance, on the 3rd of July, 1837, was educated principally by an English tutor, after which he read law under Mr. Henry J. Williams, of Philadelphia. His early life, varied by occasional travel in this country and Europe, was passed between his father's inherited estate, Powelton, now part of West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Newport, the summer resort of his family since the earliest years of this century. By the death of his father at Newport in 1856 he became possessed of a house in Bowery street, adjoining that of his eldest brother. His fondness for field sports and outdoor exercise of all kinds induced him to give up his residence in Philadelphia, and on the occasion of his marriage in June, 1860, he became identified with Newport, removing thither with his wife. Miss Annie Emlen Hutchinson, a daughter of Mr. I. P. Hutchinson, a well known merchant of  Philadelphia. Mrs. Powel died on the 28th of April, 1872, having been pre-deceased by her oldest son, John Hare Powel. A younger son, Pemberton Hare Powel, born on the 7th of January, 1869, survives.

Having been captain in the Newport company of the National Guard of Rhode Island since its organization, in response to the call for troops in May, 1862, Mr. Powel volunteered with his company, which became Company L, 9th Regiment, R. I. Volunteers, and received from Governor Sprague commissions as captain on the 26th of May, 1862, major on the 9th of June, 1862, and lieutenant colonel on the 3rd of July, 1862. By a curious oversight this regiment was not formally mustered out of the service (2nd of September, 1862) until November, 1884. In the autumn of 1862 he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 5th Regiment, R. I. Volunteers, and later frequently and urgently offered the colonelcy of either of the nine months regiments then being raised in Rhode Island, and many other positions, all of which he was compelled to decline. He was elected a member of the Newport Artillery Company on the 27th of February, 1863; lieutenant colonel on the 28th of April following, and became colonel of that "Ancient and Honorable" body on the 3rd of December, 1864; to which post he was annually reelected until his resignation on the 24th of August, 1877. While interested in various local societies, and for two years a member of the board of health, he invariably refused all political office until 1886, when he was induced to become an independent candidate for the mayoralty, and now holds that office.

John Hare Powel is the youngest son of the late Colonel John Hare Powel. Through his father, who assumed by act of legislature in 1806 the additional surname of Powel, he is descended from Edward Shippen, Charles Willing and Robert Hare, three Englishmen, who settled in Philadelphia between 1693 and 1773; and on the maternal side from the Verplanck, Beekman, Van Cortlandt, Schuyler, Provoost and other Dutch families of New Netherlands, by the marriage of his grandfather. Colonel Andrew de Veaux, of the South Carolina French Huguenot family of that name.  Biographie Index

Oliver Read.  Eleazer Read, the grandfather of Oliver, was born July 22nd, 1728. Among his children was a son, Eleazer, whose birth occurred August 20th, 1774, and who married Elizabeth Murphy, born December 17th, 1780. Their children were eleven in number, among whom was Oliver, born July 14th, 1801, in Newport. In early life he formed business connections in the South and for twenty-one years spent the winter and spring months at Georgetown, South Carolina, first as clerk and later as proprietor of a profitable business enterprise.

He then returned to Newport, the business of the city being at that time at its lowest ebb. There were still remnants of a former commerce with the West Indies and a few whaling ships went out from year to year. The people had become dispirited by reverses and but for a few energetic spirits would have given up in despair. Among those who were not disposed to yield to the adverse influences was Oliver Read, who grappled with the problem of the day and sought to restore to the town its former prosperity. Mr. Read became early identified with the whaling business and followed it with a good degree of success. He did business also as a broker and operator in real estate and often acted as administrator, for which, by his careful and methodical habits, he was eminently fitted. In whatever he engaged, clearness of perception, undoubted integrity and conservative business habits were his distinguishing traits. Though never a politician, he was frequently called to positions of honor, having served in the city council, board of asylum commissioners and many other offices of a local character. Had he consented, higher. public honors might also have been his. He was a man of many charities. He was liberal in his donations in connection with the Second Baptist church, where he was loved and honored as one of its most exemplary members, and also gave to other church and Sunday school work, irrespective of denominational bounds and limitations.

Mr. Read was twice married: first on the 1st of December, 1822, to Miss Clarissa Gardner, whose children were: William Gr., Hannah E., Henry and Edwin O. His second marriage on the 6th of July, 1840, was to Miss Catherine, daughter of Edward Hammett, of Newport, who survives him. Mr. Read's death occurred on the 15th of January, 1883. One of the leading publications of the day says of him: "In his death a good man has fallen full of years and of honors. The influence of such a life is a benediction to any community and thousands have occasion to be thankful for the life and example of Oliver Read who is now called away."  Biographie Index

James T. Rhodes, son of Peleg Rhodes, of Pawtucket, R. I., and grandson of Malachi Rhodes, was born November 20th, 1800, and during the whole of his life resided in Providence. He was largely engaged in the East India and St. Petersburg trade, and was also one of the leading manufacturers of Rhode Island. Mr. Rhodes was among the first to recognize the importance of Newport as a summer resort, and at a very early day purchased land and erected a residence, now the property of his son-in-law, General J- Fred Pierson, on the south end of Bellevue avenue, since the site of many of the most elegant houses in the city. Here, with his family, he was accustomed to seek relaxation from care during the summer months. Mr. Rhodes, until a brief period preceding his death, gave personal attention to his extensive business concerns, and mingled daily in the busy affairs of life. His remarkably quiet and unassuming manner but rendered more conspicuous his clear mind, his sound judgment and his high sense of commercial honor and personal integrity.

Mr. Rhodes repeatedly represented Providence in the general assembly, where his peculiar gifts and wide experience rendered his services of great value, particularly in caring for the finances of the state. He also participated in municipal affairs, was the representative of his ward in the common council, and by his public spirit and enterprise did much to advance the interests of the city of his residence. In business life the type of rectitude and honor, in social and private life the courteous gentleman, his death, which occurred on the 16th of March, 1873, called forth the most general expressions of sorrow.

A daughter of Mr. Rhodes married General J. Fred Pierson, and the estate is now owned by them. Mr. Pierson was perhaps the youngest officer of his rank during the late civil war. At the breaking out of the war he was a private of the Seventh Regiment, detailed as aid-de-camp on the staff of Brigadier General John Hall, commanding the militia of the city of New York. He enlisted in the First Regiment New York State Volunteer Infantry, the first volunteer regiment from that state. He was made captain May 27th, 1861; major July 29th, 1861; lieutenant colonel .September 10th, 1861; colonel October 9th, 1862; brigadier general March 13th, 1865. He was wounded at Glendale, Va., June 30th, 1862, and at Chancellorsville May 2d, 1863. He was taken prisoner at the second battle of Bull Run in September, 1862, and was confined in Libby prison for several months. Mr. Pierson is a direct descendant of Abraham Pierson, the first president of Yale College. His grandfather, Jeremiah H. Pierson, was identified with Rockland county, New York, where, in 1795, he established large iron manufactories; and his father, Henry L. Pierson, now resides at the old homestead in Ramapo, New York.  Biographie Index

John Page Sanborn was born September 9th, 1844, in Freemont. New Hampshire. He pursued his preparatory studies at Kingston Academy, and at the New Hampton Institute, both in his native state, and entering Dartmouth College, was graduated from that institution in 1869. He then became principal of the High School at Toledo, Ohio, and later of the Franklin Family School for Boys at Topsham, Maine. In 1871 he removed to Newport, as assistant editor of the "Newport Daily News," in 1872 purchased the "Mercury,'' and has since been its editor and proprietor.

Mr. Sanborn was in 1879 elected a member of the house of representatives of the general assembly of Rhode Island, and re-elected for the years 1880, 1881 and 1882. In May, 1881, he was unanimously chosen speaker of the house of representatives, and re-elected the following year under like circumstances. In August, 1882, he was appointed by President Arthur one of a board of three commissioners to examine the Northern Pacific railroad. His warm interest in the cause of education influenced his election in 1883 to the Newport school board for three years, and again for the succeeding term. In 1885 Mr. Sanborn was made state senator, and re-elected in 1886, during which time he served as chairman of the committee on finance, and was a member of the State Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners. An enlightened and public spirited citizen, he is actively identified with the leading interests of the place of his residence. Mr. Sanborn has held important positions in the Grand Lodge of Masons of Rhode Island, was for two years at the head of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the state, and is now an officer in the Grand Commandry of Knights Templar of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Mr. Sanborn, in 1871, married Miss Isabella M. Higbee of New Hampton, New Hampshire. They have three children.  Biographie Index

William Paine Sheffield was born in New Shoreham, Rhode Island, August 30th, 1819. His parents were George G. and Eliza Paine Sheffield, both descendants of early settlers of Rhode Island. On the completion of his academic studies he, in 1844, entered the Harvard Law School, and the same year was admitted to the Rhode Island bar. In 1842 he was a delegate to the "Landholders' Convention," convened for the purpose of framing a new constitution, and the same year was a member of the general assembly, standing firmly for law and order as against " Dorrism." He was returned to the general assembly by New Shoreham in 1843 and 1844, while pursuing his legal studies. Mr. Sheffield began the practice of his profession at Tiverton, where he was brought into intimate friendly and professional relations with Honorable Job Durfee. In 1849 he was again elected to the general assembly as representative from Tiverton, and re-elected in 1851 and 1852.

Removing soon after to Newport, where his talents were speedily recognized, he was, in 1857, returned to the general assembly by that city. He continued to serve in that body until 1861, when he was chosen a representative to the Thirty-seventh congress as a republican, and served the nation in that capacity from July 4th, 1861, to March 3rd, 1863. In the latter year he was again elected to the general assembly by the city of Newport, and with the exception of the years 1873 and 1874, was annually re-elected until 1884, long serving with ability as a member of the standing committee of the house on the judiciary. In 1869 he served on the select committee to revise the laws of Rhode Island, and has been more influential than any other member in framing the statutes as they now stand. Having become so thoroughly familiar with the legislation of the state from its beginning, he is generally regarded as an exceptionally able expounder of Rhode Island law. He has served the state with marked faithfulness, and left his impression on all the laws of Rhode Island for the last third of a century.

In 1884 he was appointed by Governor Bourn to fill the vacancy in the United States senate caused by the death of Henry B. Anthony. Mr. Sheffield is a ready and forcible speaker in court rooms and legislative halls, and an able writer, especially on historical subjects. In 1876 was published his "Historical Sketches of Rhode Island," and the same year an "Historical Address on the City of Newport," besides the publication at different times of various papers, reports and speeches before the general assembly. He has very able writings, the product of his unwearied historical researches, that may yet be given to the public. He delivered the address at the dedication of the monument to Oliver Hazard Perry, and was chairman of the committee to receive the French delegation in Rhode Island on their visit to this country to participate in the Yorktown celebration.

Mr. Sheffield married, in 1847, Lillias White Sanford, daughter of Samuel Sanford of Boston, a descendant of John Sanford, one of the first settlers of Rhode Island. They have three children. Their son, William P. Sheffield, Jr., graduated with honor from Brown University, and is engaged in the practice of law in the city of Newport. He was elected to the general assembly of Rhode Island from 1885 to 1887.  Biographie Index

Joseph W. Sherman, son of Elijah and Martha Sherman, was born in Newport October 10th, 1804. He was engaged in the wood and coal business from 1827 to 1873, on Sherman's wharf off Thames street. He had a family of five children.

William H. Thurston.  The progenitor of the Thurston family in Rhode Island was Edward Thurston, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Mott, in 1647. He had twelve children, of whom Edward was the ancestor of William Thurston, grandfather of the subject of this biography. He married Priscilla Norman, and had three children, Abby, Moses and William. The last named son, born in 1782, married Ruth C. Easton in 1815, and died November 19th, 1840. Their children are eight in number, of whom William Henry Thurston was born February 4th, 1823, in Newport, where his life was spent. After a thorough rudimentary education, derived chiefly at private schools, he at once embarked in the business of a farmer and florist, his location being on land purchased by his father in Newport. This he managed with success until his death, when his sons succeeded him.

Mr. Thurston is remembered as a fearless, independent man, of unflinching integrity and honesty, gifted with remarkable social qualities and a cultivated musical taste that gave great pleasure to his friends. He cared little for public honors, and took no active part in the political controversies of the day, though true to the principles of his party, whose tenders of office he declined. His support and aid were given to the Congregational church, with which the family worshipped, though charitable toward all denominations. Mr. Thurston was married October 3d, 1847, to Laura, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Casttoff of Newport. Four children survive him. The death of William H. Thurston occurred in Newport on the 12th of July, 1885, in his sixty-third year.  Biographie Index

William J. Underwood.  The Underwood family of Newport are descended from John Underwood, who came from England in 1636 and first settled in Salem. In the direct line of descent is Perry, whose son, Weeden T., was born in South Kingstown and subsequently removed to Newport, where he resided until his death. By his marriage to Susan, daughter of Captain James Albro, were born children: Henry, Harriet, Sarah, William J., Phebe and Theodore. His wife having died December 5th, 1843, he married again, Ann, daughter of William Peckham. Their children are two daughters; Mary (deceased) and Martha, wife of Thomas Peckham. Mr. Underwood died on the 5th of July, 1886. His widow survives and resides in Newport.

William J. Underwood was born in Newport on the 10th of October, 1837, and received such an education as was obtainable at the public schools, after which he was employed on his father's farm in the suburbs of the city. At the age of sixteen he determined to acquire a trade and choosing that of a mason, served a four years' apprenticeship in Providence. The three succeeding summers were spent in Boston, his native city proving sufficiently attractive for a winter's sojourn. In 1864 he settled in Newport and established himself two years after as a mason, contractor and builder, which business he has since that time conducted with marked success.

Mr. Underwood was married December 25th, 1864, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of William and Mary Underwood. In politics the subject of this biography is a staunch democrat, and one of the most prominent representatives of his party in the county. He has been for seven years a member of the city council and connected with the board of health since its organization. He was in April, 1837, elected to the Rhode Island senate from the district embracing the city of Newport. He has ever manifested a warm interest in the growth of his native place and contributed in various ways to its advancement. Mr. Underwood is an influential Mason and a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of which he is past master. He is past commander of Washington Commandry of Knights Templar, past presiding officer of Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection and past commander of the Rhode Island Sovereign Consistory. He is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Providence.  Biographie Index

John G. Weaver is descended from an ancestry that from the earliest history of Newport have been identified with its most important interests. His grandfather, Perry Weaver, settled in the town as early as 1740 and for years pursued his trade of hatter. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Goddard of Newport, and reared a large family, of whom Benjamin Weaver, born in Newport about the year 1780, acquired under his father's instruction the hatter's trade. He married Hannah, daughter of Joseph Briggs, of Newport, and had children: Joseph, John G., Mary, Catherine and George. Mr. Weaver later in life abandoned mercantile pursuits and retired to the farm, which, since the settlement of the island, has been and is still in the possession of the family, where his death occurred.

John G. Weaver was born on the 25th of November, 1812, in Newport, where he received a rudimentary education at the common schools and maintained the traditions of the family by learning the trade of a hatter. At the age of twenty-one, his health requiring a less sedentary life, he abandoned his trade and established himself in the livery business in which he is still engaged. He was one of the proprietors of the Providence Mail Stage line and was interested for a period of twelve years in this enterprise. Mr. Weaver's active mind sought a more extended field and in 1843, in connection with a partner, he became the landlord of the Bellevue House in Newport, continuing this relation for one season. Desiring greater freedom of action than was possible through a partnership arrangement, the following year he built the Ocean House which was under the management of its popular host speedily enlarged, and in 1845 consumed by fire. Nothing daunted, the present spacious and attractive structure rose from its ashes in 1846 and Mr. Weaver has continued its proprietor, his urbanity and uniform courtesy having made the house one of the most inviting to summer tourists.

When Newport was incorporated as a city, Mr. Weaver became one of its aldermen and for a period of fifteen years was a member of one or the other of its municipal bodies. Always a staunch whig or a republican in his political faith, he in 1863-64 represented his district in the state legislature. In his religious belief he is a Unitarian and president of the board of trustees of Channing Memorial church of Newport. Mr. Weaver was in 1832 married to Susan, daughter of Ray and Susan Bliven of Newport. Their children are a son, John Gr., Jr., associated with his father as one of the proprietors of the Ocean House, Newport, and the Everett House, New York, and two daughters, Susan and Hannah, who survive, and three children deceased: Benjamin, Joseph and Marion Jones.  Biographie Index

George Peabody Wetmore, the eldest surviving son of the late William Shepard Wetmore, of Newport, Rhode Island, was born in London, England, on the 2d of August, 1846. After a thorough preparatory course he entered Yale University, and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1867.' He received the degree of LL.B. from Columbia College in 1869, and that of A.M. from his alma mater in 1871. He was made presidential elector of the state of Rhode Island in 1880 and 1884, and a member of the state committee to receive the representatives of France on their official visit to the state in 1881. Mr. Wetmore filled the office of governor of Rhode Island from May, 1885, to May, 1887. He is one of the trustees of the Peabody Museum of Natural History in Yale University.  Biographie Index

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe, daughter of John David  Wolfe and Dorothea Ann Lorillard his wife, was born in New York city March 8th, 1828. Miss Wolfe was descended from an old Lutheran family in Saxony, whence her great-grandfather, John David Wolfe, came to this country before the year 1729. He died in 1759, leaving four children, of whom the eldest was David. David Wolfe lived till near the end of a long life of eighty-eight years in the old family residence on Fair, now Fulton street, and this, with other city real estate, has remained in the family to the present time. In the war of the revolution, David Wolfe and his brother Christopher served their country with credit. After the war David and his younger brother John Albert were partners as hardware merchants in New York city, and about 1816 they were succeeded in business by Christopher, son of John Albert, and John David, son of David.

John David Wolfe, born July 24th, 1792, retired from active business in the prime of his life. Thereafter he devoted his large wealth and judicious labors to benevolent purposes, largely in the foundation and encouragement of educational, charitable and religious institutions. He was devoutly attached to the Episcopal church, was for some time vestryman of Trinity parish, New York; afterward vestryman, and at the time of his death, senior warden of Grace church. His memory is perpetuated in many noble institutions, not only in his native city, but in various and remote parts of the country.

Miss Wolfe was endowed with a mind of remarkable power, cultivated by education, reading and extended travel. Her biography cannot be written here. She devoted herself and her large and largely increasing wealth to the widest and most effective charity, governing herself in her gifts by careful examination and calm judgment, where personal investigation could be made, and where that was not possible, displaying her superior ability in the selection of sound and trustworthy advisers, on whom she relied with confidence. Her catholic disposition of charities may be gathered from the names of a few objects of her larger appropriations, as Union College at Schenectady, St. Luke's hospital in New York, the noble charities at St. John and on Long Island, the American chapel at Rome in Italy, the Italian mission in Mulberry street, New York, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Orace church in New York city, to which she gave the chantry and other buildings, the Wolfe Expedition to Asia, the Home for Incurables at Fordham, the Diocesan House in Lafayette Place, New York-the list must stop abruptly. There is not space to enumerate half of her recorded gifts, in sums varying from twenty to two hundred thousand dollars. But those who should form an estimate of Miss Wolfe's benevolence from the mere magnitude and number of her gifts would fail to appreciate her inner life and character. She was constant and unfailing in personal charities among those who were suffering. She visited the poor, and her presence always carried with it the atmosphere of purity and kindness in which she lived. She educated young girls; she had always large numbers of beneficiaries; she sought out opportunities to relieve the poor and those who were in trouble or sorrow. When she was absent in Europe she did not forget home benevolence. A friend tells of her sending to him in New York, from her boat on the Nile, $25,000 in a check, to be distributed in charities.

Nor did she, while devoting so much of her life to good works, fail in any degree to fulfill the duties of that position in the social world to which she was called by her wealth and her accomplishments. She recognized those duties, and performed them with grace and dignity as the accomplished hostess in her own house, and the always welcome guest in others. Those who knew her best admired and loved her most.

She had from early life cultivated her affection for the fine arts. Her taste was excellent, and her judgment strengthened by study and very thorough acquaintance with the works of old and modern artists. She had, therefore, great enjoyment in gathering around her, in her city residence, examples of masters in the modern schools, a work which was continued steadily from year to year through her life, and in which she was happy in her reliance for advice and assistance on her kinsman, John Wolfe, Esq., through whom most of her selections were made. Nevertheless, she exercised a completely independent taste, which decided her, after thorough acquaintance with a painting, whether to retain or reject it.

Miss Wolfe had a constant interest in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to whose collections she had been a large contributor, and of which she was one of the patrons. Her interest in art history had been exhibited shortly before her death by her gift to the American School at Athens, and by her payment of the expenses of an expedition to Asia for the purpose of exploration with reference to future work of excavation among the buried remains of ancient art.

By her last will she disposed of more than a million dollars in money and objects of art, for the perpetuation of those works of Christian charity and centers of education of the people to which her father and herself had so wisely and faithfully contributed. Her gifts to the Museum of Art illustrate the judicious consideration which had characterized all her generosity. Taking into consideration, as few have ever done, the fact that in a museum without an endowment, dependent on its members for its current expenses, every new gift entails increased expense on the institution, she not only gave to the museum her collection of paintings, but added an endowment of $200,000, the income to be used for the preservation and increase of the collection.

The death of Miss Wolfe occurred in New York city on the 4th of April, 1887.  Biographie Index

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