LEWIS K CHASE

Lewis K. Chase, whose residence in Brown county covers a period of twenty-five years, was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, September 3, 1830, a son of William S. Chase, who was born February 22, 1797. John Chase, the grandfather of our subject, was born August 26, 1769, and married Prudence Stark April 14 1796. She was born September 12, 1776, and died September 29, 1852, and he died February 22, 1863. William S. Chase was a farmer and shoemaker and after attaining man's estate wedded Lavinia Kendrick, who was born in New Hampshire and was a daughter of John Kendrick. Their union was blessed with five children: Julia Ann, born February 2, 1825; William C., August 10, 1827; John Stillman, March 21, 1829; Lewis K., September 3, 1831; and Asa P., born January 9, 1837, is the only one now living.

William C. Chase, Sr., died July 28, 1882, and his wife died September 18, 1873. The father followed farming during the greater part of his life. He gave his political support to the Democracy and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Congregational church. John Kendrick, the maternal grandfather, was born March 6, 1769, married, March 1, 1892, Kezia Preble, who was born May 1, 1767. He died January 1, 1860, and she October 9, 1858.

Lewis K. Chase was reared on the old home farm near Piermont, New Hampshire, in the Connecticut valley, and to the public schools of the neighborhood he is indebted for his educational privileges which he received. He was married in Piermont, in 1854, to Miss Ruby Woodward, who was born and educated at Farley, Vermont. Her parents were Asa and Rhoda (Rust) Woodward. He was a son of Asa and Elethea (Kingsley) Woodward, who were for some time the owners of land on which Saratoga Springs, New York, is now located. Asa and Rhoda Woodward had eleven children, six of whom reached the years of maturity, namely: Lucius, Maria, Harriet, Alpheus, Albert, Ovis, Philura, Philena, Ruby, Malvina and one dying in infancy. Their parents were consistent Christian people who held membership in the Methodist church. The father followed agricultural pursuits during the greater part of his life and also engaged in conducting a hotel. He was called to his final rest October 9, 1865, and his wife passed away August 12, 1842.

Mr. Chase and his family remained in the east until 1866, when they removed to Missouri, where he successfully conducted a hotel for ten years, after which he came to Brown county, Kansas. Here he was also the proprietor of a hotel until 1878, when he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His land is under a high state of cultivation and he has a large orchard upon the place, together with a comfortable residence and all the necessary outbuildings. Their home is celebrated for its hospitality and Mr. and Mrs. Chase enjoy the warm regard of many friends. They have had two children, but Elmer Chase died January 12, 1885, at the age of twenty-four years. William A. Chase was born October 20, 1871, and was married January 25, 1894, at Willis, Brown county, to Miss Dell, a daughter of W. W. Loofborron, of Willis. They have two children -- Edward Everett and Ruby Hazel.

Mr. Chase is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in Fillmore, Missouri, many years ago. He also belongs to the order of Knights of Pythias and his son is a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of America. His political support is given to the Republican party, but he has never aspired to office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success. All that he possesses has come to him through his own efforts and he is accounted one of the most energetic and capable as well as prosperous farmers of his community.