David C. Chase, the secretary and treasurer of the great Payette Valley Mercantile Company, Limited, doing business in Payette, Idaho, is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Johnsonville, Trumbull County, on the 26th of April 1853. He traces his descent from English ancestors who were early settlers of Connecticut, and participated in many of the leading events which go to make up the history of that state. His father, David Chase, was a New England farmer, and died when his son and namesake was only a small boy. The latter was educated in the public schools of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and began life as a newsboy, selling papers on the streets and afterward on the train. As the years passed and he became fitted for more responsible duties, he resolved to learn telegraphy. This he did, and was employed in the railroad service for twenty years, being with the Union Pacific Railroad from 1873 until 1891, one of its most competent, faithful and trusted employees.
His industry and economy in that time had enabled him to save some capital, and in the latter year he became one of the organizers of the Payette Valley Mercantile Company, Limited. He was elected its secretary and treasurer, a position which he has since filled with great acceptability, for in no small degree the success of the house is attributable to his efforts. The company do a large wholesale and retail business, dealing in general merchandise, and enjoy an extensive and constantly growing trade. They have one of the best department stores of the northwest, stocked with everything found in their line, and have gained a reputation for reliability, fair dealing, moderate prices and courteous treatment, and this insures them a liberal share of the public patronage.
In 1879 Mr. Chase was happily married to Miss Alary A. Piatt, of Lynn, Indiana, and they have a son and daughter, Eva Fredericka and Danna Carl. The former is a graduate of St. Margaret’s School of Boise, and also of the Kenwood Institute, of Chicago. The family is one of prominence in the community, and the hospitable doors of the Chase household are ever open for the reception of their many friends. Mrs. Chase is a valued and active member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Chase is a leading representative of Washoe Lodge, No. 28, A. F. & A. M., has the honor of being the first man on whom was ever conferred the degrees in his lodge, and is now serving his second term as master. He also belongs to Pay-ette Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M. In politics he is a Silver Republican, and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests. His home in Payette is a fine brick residence, situated in the midst of carefully kept grounds. He also owns other buildings and several valuable city lots, together with a forty-acre farm, of which twenty acres have been planted to winter apples. He ranks very high in business circles, and his advance has been most marked. A third of a century ago he was a little newsboy. Today he is active in the management of one of the important business enterprises of the state, and is the owner of much valuable realty. He has certainly won the proud American title of a self-made man, and his success is most creditable.