The Chace Family

The Daileys and Chaces were an essential part in Sarah Helen Whitman’s final chapter, her last comfort, and her legacy.

Their mother, Charlotte Burr Field Dailey, was one of Whitman’s close friends. Charlotte’s daughters, Charlotte “Lottie” Dailey (who is interred at the North Burial Ground with the rest of the Dailey Family) and Maude Dailey Chace, took care of Whitman during her final months of life while she resided in their home at 97 Bowen Street (today’s 133 Brown Street). Whitman showed her gratitude to the Dailey daughters by leaving each girl $2,500 in her will. The Daileys became the executors of Whitman’s estate after her death, and are responsible for getting many of her materials in the right hands for posterity.

Maude Dailey married Henry Chace and together, they had two daughters, Maude and Louise. Louise (having never met Whitman) continued the poetess’ legacy by compiling scrapbooks and other materials from her mother Maude (who did meet and care for Whitman), that are now in the collection of Brown University at the John Hay Library.

Henry and Maude Chase are buried with their children at Swan Point Cemetery.

Grave of Henry and Maude Chace at Swan Point Cemetery. Maude took care of Whitman during her final months of life at her family, the Daileys, home on Bowen Street. Photo by Levi L. Leland.
Grave of Maude and Louise Chace, daughters of Henry and Maude Chase, at Swan Point Cemetery. Louise (never having met Whitman) compiled scrapbooks and other materials that are now in the collection of Brown University at the John Hay Library. Photo by Levi L. Leland.