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Sparks, William Henry, 1800-1882

"The Memories of Fifty Years Containing Brief Biographical Notices of Distinguished Americans, and Anecdotes of Remarkable Men; Interspersed with Scenes and Incidents Occurring during a Long Life of Observation Chiefly Spent i"


Edward York, a merchant of the city, gave this idea his special
attention, and co-operated with Peters and Caldwell in every project
for the advancement of the interests of the municipality. Caldwell set
to work in the face of difficulties, which really seemed
insurmountable, to effect his scheme of lighting the city with gas. I
was at that time a member of the Legislature. Caldwell's scheme was to
obtain a charter for a bank, and with this carry into execution
rapidly his scheme. He came to me, and opened up his views. He wanted
my aid so far as assisting him in drafting the charter, and
undertaking its passage through the Legislature. There was no delay,
and in a short time the gas-light and banking company was chartered,
the stock taken, and the bank in successful operation. Caldwell,
though entirely unacquainted with the practical necessities of
constructing the proper works to complete his plan, went energetically
to work to acquire this, and did so, and in a few months everything
was systematically and economically moving forward to completion. He
alone conceived, planned, and superintended the whole work.


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