General Notes

Thomas Chase of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England was born about 1400 and was descended from an ancient family there. We have a record of one son. He was named John and he had a son Mathew born about 1486. He was also of Chesham.

BIOGRAPHY
The Chase Family is said to be of Norman origin - the name being derived from the French word "chasseur" (to hunt). As early as 1326 fam ilies of Chase resided in Suffolk, England. The family which came to America w as from Hundrich Parish of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, some thirty miles northwe st from London. This is indicated in the records of the Herald's Visitation 16 34, Buckinghamshire.
It is thought that Thomas and Aquila Chase having a know ledge of navigation, were in the employ of their uncle, Thomas Chase, who was part owner of the "John and Francis"' which was named in a letter
of Marque i n 1626. The Chase name is so rare in England, it is assumed the flower of the family emigrated to America. They were by nature enterprising and high minded people. Released from the trammels of aristocracy and conservatism of the old country, on entering into the breath and
freedom of new circumstances, they a t once took the front rank in the new world.