Arthur B. Chase, book-keeper and paymaster of the Sugar River Mills, was born in Newport, N.H., January 3, 1833, son of Joseph T. and Elizabeth D. (Allen) Chase. Caleb Chase, the grandfather, came to Newport in 1822. He was a native of West Newbury, Mass., and a farmer by occupation. He was a member of the old South Congregational Church for many years. He died at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, Hannah Carr Chase, died at the age of seventy – six. Joseph T. Chase, father of Arthur, followed the shoemaking trade in Newport throughout his life. He was a member of the Congregational society religiously and a Whig and Free Soiler in politics. He died January 16, 1856, when not quite fifty years old. His wife, who was born March 10, 1812, survives him, and lives with her son, the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Chase had six children, of whom four are now living: Arthur B., whose name begins this sketch; Aretus T., born October 30, 1835, died June 23, 1854; Henry M., born in March, 1841, and now a resident of Minneapolis, Minn.; George A., born May 6, 1843, lives in Tyngsboro, Mass.; Francis Vosburg, born in 1848 at Greenfield, Mass., and died in 1876; and Joseph E., born June 17, 1852, and now a resident of Tennessee City, Tenn.
Arthur B. Chase was educated in the common school and high school of Newport, and at first took up his father’s trade, which he followed until 1868. In that year he secured his present position as book-keeper and paymaster of the Sugar River Mills, Dexter Richards & Sons, proprietors. This concern, which has about eighty-five persons on its pay-roll, is one of the most flourishing in this vicinity. June 9, 1857, Mr. Chase married Miss Ann Richards, a sister of Mr. Dexter Richards, the well-known donor to the village of the town library, the high-school building, and other generous gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Chase have no children other than an adopted daughter, Fanny French Chase. They are both members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. Chase has been clerk for twenty years. He is also treasurer of the church and society. Heis a Republican politically, and has held the office of Town Clerk for three years. He is also secretary and treasurer of Sugar River Lodge, No. 55, I. O. O. F.