Posted By:	Deborah Brownfield Stanley
	Email:
	Subject:	Alvin Henry Chase and Belinda Cooley Norris
	Post Date:	October 01, 2001 at 22:24:31
	Message URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/chase/messages/2978.html
	Forum:	Chase Family Genealogy Forum
	Forum URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/chase/

Alvin Henry Chase was born May 1, 1836, died May 28, 1901, aged 65 years and 28 days. He was born near Pawling, New York, where he remained until his parents came in 1855 to Garden Grove, Decatur County, Iowa and located. Here on the 20th of January, 1856, he was united in marriage with Belinda Cooley Norris, and they "climbed the hill together" till January 7, 1900, when she was taken and he left to finish the journey alone. To them were born seven children, one son and six daughters, of whom but three are living, the others having died in youth. These three are Ara, who lived with her father, Mrs. Eva Dawson of Washington, and Mrs. Ada Crabtree of Nebraska. At the age of seventeen years, Mr. Chase began preaching and was known in the part of New York where he lived as the "boy preacher." He continued in the active work of the ministry until 1890 when by reason of failing health he was forced to retire, his last pastorate being at Humeston, Iowa. In 1876 he came with his family to Redfield where he remained till his death, with the exception of two years spent at Humeston. February 29, 1864, he enlisted in his country's service as a private in Company D, 39th Iowa Volunteer Infantry and received his discharge at Louisville, Kentucky, July 12, 1865. During his service he participated in two regular battles and a number of skirmishes. He was with Sherman on his famous "march to the sea" and it was always a matter of great pride that though the march was excessively ardous, he never failed to answer at roll call or to stack arms with his company each night when halt was made. He was an active member of the G.A.R. and for many years he held the office of adjutant in the local post. The funeral services, which were conducted by Reverend George W. Ladd of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Marshall Post G.A.R., were attended by great numbers of true friends of whom he had so many here where his home had been for so long. Once more the ranks are broken by the falling of a comrade. "Taps" have sounded and his light is out. A true, tender, brave heart has ceased to beat, a cheering voice is stilled, a friend will be missed. For him, however, it was but transition and he has only entered into life. Behind him is the priceless memory of true Christian manhood, and he "Being dead, yet speaketh." -Redfield Clipper Posted in Decatur County Journal-Iowa June 29, 1901