Chase, Florence Richardson (1860-1936)

CHASE, RICHARDSON, GAMBEL

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 11/20/2016 at 17:40:37

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Thursday, September 24, 1936

MRS. CHASE, 75, IS DEAD

Dies at Her Home, Following Several Years of Ill Health.

FUNERAL SATURDAY

Mrs. D.C. Chase, sr., 75 died this morning at her home, 745 First street, following a several weeks' serious illness. Death was caused by heart trouble and complications.

She had been bedfast most of the time for the past three months but had been in failing health for the past two or three years.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the family home with the Rev. Stockley, Episcopalian minister from Fort Dodge, officiating. Burial will be made in Graceland cemetery beside her husband and her only son, D.C. Chase, jr. McCauley-Chapman's in charge.

Mrs. Chase is survived by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Helen Chase, and three grandchildren, Mary Florence, Virginia and Daniel Cady III, all of this city, and one sister, Miss Edna Richardson, of Fort Dodge. Mrs. Chase and her sister were devoted companions and since Mr. Chase's death, 13 years ago, the two had made their homes together spending part of the time in Webster City and part of the time in Fort Dodge.

Florence Richardson was born in Wyoming, Canada, her parents being William Richardson and Louise Gambel Richardson. Her father was one of the pioneer settlers of Canada, coming from London, England, to London, Canada. Florence was the eldest child in the family and a few years after her birth the family moved to New York state where Edna and a brother, Charles, were born. The brother died at the age of 14 years.

In 1882 the Richardson family came to Iowa and located in Fort Dodge. Shortly after, Miss Florence met Daniel Cady Chase, of Webster City, and they were married April 5, 1885. They came directly to Webster City and her home had been here since. With the exception of a few months, she had lived all of her married life in the home at 745 First street.

Her husband, D.C. Chase, sr., was one of Webster City's most prominent residents and was one of the noted lawyers in the state. His father, D.C. Chase, was the first judge of this district. D.C. Chase represented Hamilton county in the state legislature and also represented this district in the state senate. He was generally recognized as one of the ablest men and attorneys of Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Chase had one son, Daniel Cady, jr., who was also an attorney. He died in 1929 at the age of 37.

Mrs. Chase was a life long member of the Episcopalian church and prominent in all of its activities as long as she was able. She was a lover of nature and belonged to several garden clubs. She was also a member of Woman's club and in her younger days was prominent in all of the social affairs of Webster City.

Primarily, though, Mrs. Chase's interests were centered in her garden and her home. She loved birds and flowers and was happiest when working with them. Visitors in her garden never went away empty handed.

During the World war she was exceptionally active, spending much time knitting garments for the soldiers and with similar projects which were so necessary at the time.

During the past few years, especially after Mr. Chase's death, she spent less time with civic projects and more time with her friends and neighbors who knew her best for her many excellent qualities which had so adapted her for a life spent in doing kindnesses for those who were dearest to her.