BIOGRAPHY

ABNER CHASE - OF BYRON, NY

Abner Chase was born November 9, 1777. He married and settled in Oneida County, and about 1816 removed to Byron and settled in the woods where his grandson now lives. He first lived in a log house, and later he built a stone residence, which was taken down about 1856. The present framed house was then erected by his son, Al S. Chase. It is claimed that he owned the first team of horses in the neighborhood and hauled wheat to Rochester when it brought only two shillings and sixpence per bushel. He was many years a magistrate and the trial justice, and held court in the kitchen of his log cabin and officiated at numerous weddings He was a Mason until the Morgan excitement, when he left the order. Mr. Chase was a man highly respected and prominent in all town affairs. He died June 2, 1844, aged 66 years. His wife, Matilda C. Chase, died December 26. 1855, aged 77 years. They had four sons and three daughters, all deceased. His youngest child, Al S., was reared on the home farm, married Mary A., daughter of Benjamin Bower, and always resided on the Chase homestead. He was an industrious, quiet man, and gave his whole attention to his farm and the care of his family. He never enjoyed robust health, but by good management and the aid of his oldest son he kept his farm in good condition. He died May 24, 1870, aged 54 years. His widow still survives and resides with her youngest child, H. B. Chase, on the homestead. They had born to them three daughters, all deceased, and two sons, Charles O. and Heber Burdett. Charles O. Chase is a farmer in Byron.

FROM: Gazetteer and Biographical Record, of Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, NY 1890