Indiana
Gov. Ira Joy Chase
- November 23, 1891 - January 9, 1893
- Republican
- December 7, 1834
- May 11, 1895
- New York
- Married Rhoda Jane Castle; four children
- Succeeded
- Army
About
IRA JOY CHASE,Indiana’s twenty-second governor, was born in Monroe County, New York, on December 7, 1834. He was educated at the Milan Seminary in Ohio and at the Medina Academy in New York. After working a few years as a teacher in Barrington, Illinois, Chase enlisted in the Union Army in 1861. He served in the 19th Illinois Regiment, however, one year later he was discharged due to health reasons. After his military stint, Chase established a career in the Christian Church ministry. He served as pastor in several states, finally settling in Indiana. In 1886, he was appointed chaplain of the Indiana G.A.R., and the following year was chosen department commander. Chase entered politics in 1888, serving as lieutenant governor of Indiana. On November 23, 1891, Governor Alvin Hovey passed away, and Chase, who was lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, he endorsed the advancement of the state’s road system, and the soldiers and sailors monument was erected. After running unsuccessfully for his own gubernatorial term in 1892, Chase left office on January 9, 1893. Governor Ira J. Chase died on May 11, 1895, and was buried at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Source
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.
