Morley, William R.

Biography

Manly M. Chase was born in Wisconsin on October 8, 1842. Before founding the Chase Ranch, Chase and his father worked as merchants who sold beef and other goods to miners. Manly Chase and his wife Teresa settled in New Mexico in 1867 and purchased a portion of the Maxwell Land Grant to start a cattle ranch. Chase successfully raised livestock such as cattle and sheep, managing companies such as the Maxwell Cattle Company and the Chase, Eno and Company. Chase was also well-known for his orchards which primarily produced apples.

Manly Chase and Teresa were close friends with William R. Morley and his wife Ada. After Morley’s accidental death--accidentally shot on his way to Mexico--Chase assumed responsibility of the Morley Estate and the welfare of the Morley children, W.R. and Ada L. Morley. Ada M. Morley continued to conduct business with Chase and owned shares in various cattle companies and lands. Their relationship was strained due to the court struggle over the estate of the Morley children and Chase’s guardianship role. Manly M. Chase died in 1915, but his sons went on to continue the Chase Ranch business.