Fred W. Chase, 1835-1925 [RG4886.AM]

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG4886.AM:  Fred W. Chase, 1835-1925

Papers:  1869-1912

Vermont, and Pawnee County, Neb.:  Farmer

Size:  2 reels of microfilm

BACKGROUND NOTE

Fred W. Chase, son of Elsie Warren and Josiah Chase, was born in Whitingham, Vermont, on June 16, 1853. Following his marriage to Marianna Murdock, the Chases moved to Nebraska, living in or near Pawnee City, Pawnee County, from 1885, except for a brief stay in Kansas, until his death on November 28, 1925. Known for his commitment to improve agriculture in Nebraska, Chase devoted his career to the development of a special strain of seed corn, the promotion of dairying, and the building of good roads. Chase promulgated these ideas while teaching at various Farmers Institutes held around the state.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of three series of manuscript material on two reels of microfilm: 1) Diaries, 1869-1912; 2) Correspondence, 1885-1890 and undated; and 3) Insurance Policies, 1871 and 1876. The materials relate to the life and work of Fred W. Chase, pioneer farmer and agricultural promoter of Pawnee County, Nebraska.

The Diaries, 1869-1912, of Series 1 reflect Chase’s interest in agriculture through his daily observations of weather, crop conditions and prices, livestock sales, and participation in farmers’ institutes. Although the entries are brief, Chase’s farming activities throughout the seasons and including several years are documented. He also describes family activities, neighborhood news, buying and selling activities, political news, and travels. Accounting records can be found at the back of many of the diary volumes.

The Correspondence, 1885-1890 and undated, of Series 2 consists of letters received by Chase from family and friends. These relate to cattle sales, travel arrangements, the selling of Chase’s Vermont farm and the purchase of his Nebraska farm, and estate business in which Chase was involved.

Series 3 contains two Insurance Policies, 1871 and 1876. The 1871 document names Chase as a beneficiary; the 1876 policy is one taken out by Chase.

DESCRIPTION

Series 1 – Diaries, 1869-1912

1. 1. 1866

1. 1. 1869

1. 1. 1870

1. 1. 1871

1. 1. 1872

1. 1. 1873

1. 1. 1874

1. 1. 1876

1. 1. 1877

1. 1. 1883

1. 1. 1884

1. 1. 1885

1. 1. 1887

1. 1. 1902

1. 1. 1903

1. 1. 1904

1. 1. 1905

1. 1. 1906, Jan.-April 27

18. 18. 1906, April 22-Dec. [note: April 22-27 refilmed at the beginning of reel 2]

18. 18. 1907

18. 18. 1908

18. 18. 1909

18. 18. 1910

18. 18. 1911

18. 18. 1912

Series 2 – Correspondence, 1885-1890, n.d.

Correspondence, 1885-1890, n.d.

Series 3 – Insurance Policies, 1871, 1876

Insurance policies, 1871, 1876

Agricultural education — Nebraska

Chase, Fred W., 1835-1925

Farmers — Nebraska

Farmers’ Institutes — Nebraska

Farming — Nebraska

Farms — Nebraska

Pawnee City (Neb.)

Pawnee County (Neb.)

AIP/ksa   08-19-1996

Encoded TMM   03-10-2010