Following death of his first wife, Moses Chase (1806-1891) came by sea from Massachusetts to California (1849). He acquired land in east Oakland and, with Patten brothers, opened Clinton House hotel (ca. 1850). Son, George, came to Oakland (1854). Moses Chase remarried in same year. George worked as an assistant toll collector on 12th Street bridge while attending school. Later helped father ferry freight to San Francisco by sloop. Established own house painting firm, Cochran and Chase (1865). His diaries describe this work (1868-1869). Married Mandana E. Boynton (1869). Became copyist under Alameda County, Calif. Recorder, P.R. Borein (1878). Was later Deputy Treasurer of Alameda County (1881-1892). Much of correspondence is between George and relatives in Massachusetts. George's half-sister, Mellie, describes her life as an Oakland schoolgirl (1883-1884).
From the description of Chase family papers, 1802-1903. (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 35147648
