Epaphras Cook Ely

Epaphras Cook Ely was born at his father's residence, on Lombard St., now Trinity Place, New York, April 15, 1795. Moses Ely, the father, had taken a contract connected with the erection of Trinity Church, and for convenience occupied a residence in that vicinity. Epa- phras inherited a portion of the family estate at Livingston and continued to hold it until his death, when it came to his children, who still retain it and make the old homestead their summer residence.

Epaphras Cook Ely when still a lad went with his brother Moses to engage in the tanning business near Newburgh, New York.

Soon after the war of 1812 broke out, and Moses Ely was called upon to serve in the militia for the national defense.

As Moses could ill afford to leave his family and his business, Epaphras volunteered to enter the army in his brother's stead, and was ordered with his regiment to Staten Island. A large force had been drawn to this point to repel an anticipated attack of the English.

Epaphras was a member of a Regiment of Detailed Militia in the Infantry Branch of the United States service. The Regiment was commanded by Lieuten- ant-Colonel Michael Smith, and Epaphras Ely's name appears upon the roster of Captain Benjamin Horton's Company.

The troops were dismissed to their homes after a brief service, however, without having been attacked, the operations of the enemy having been carried on in another direction.

After the war Epaphras was for a time engaged in the tanning busi- ness at Esopus, N. Y.

In 1822 he married Julia Ann Kitchell, of Hanover, N. J., daughter of Ambrose Kitchell and Elizabeth Mulford. The family removed to New York City, Oct., 1825, and resided first in Stone Street, between William and Broad Streets, and afterwards in Duane Street, between Church and Chapel Streets, the latter now West Broadway.

Mr. Ely engaged in the hide and leather business, first with Moses Ring (13102), under the firm-name of Ring & Ely, in Ferry St., and, on the retirement of Mr. Ring, continued in business on his own account until his death.

Mr. Ely died in 1864, ^nd is interred in the Ely Cemetery at Living- ston, N. J., where his wife is also buried.

"The Ely Ancestry: lineage of Richard Ely of Plymouth England who came to Boston, Massachusetts"