Ira Joy Chase

Ira Joy Chase ( born December 7, 1834 Monroe County, New York, † May 11 1895 in Lubec, Maine ) was an American politician and 1891-1893 the 22nd Governor of the state of Indiana.

Early years

Ira Chase visited the Milan Seminary in Ohio, and the Medina Academy in New York State. He then worked for several years as a teacher in Barrington (Illinois ). At the beginning of the Civil War he joined the Union army, but was dismissed after only one year because of health problems. After his brief military service, he became a preacher of his church community. As a pastor, he was in various states of traveling before he settled in Indiana. There he rose to the leadership circle of the Churches of Christ.

Political career

Since 1888, Chase was active in politics for the Republican Party. In that year he was chosen as the candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. After the sitting governor Alvin Peterson Hovey died on November 23, 1891, Chase fell to the office of governor as his deputy. Its main task was to lead the opened his predecessor's term ended. Chase sat in his tenure to improve the infrastructure and promoted above all the expansion of the road network. His opponents resented him that he still retained its religious offices during his time as lieutenant governor and as governor. Chase stood for re-election in 1892, but was defeated by Democrat Claude Matthews. Therefore, he had to retire with the expiration of the term of office on January 9, 1893 the Office of the Governor.

After the end of his governorship to Chase withdrew from politics. He died two years later and was buried in Indianapolis. He was married to Rhoda Jane Castle, with whom he had four children.