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Hello there. My name is Shawn Fury and I'm a freelance writer and author in New York City. I've written two books, including Rise and Fire: The Origins, Science, and Evolution of the Jump Shot--And How It Transformed Basketball Forever.
I'm currently working on a magazine story about William R. Chase, who played in the first-ever basketball game organized by James Naismith in 1891 and holds the distinction of making the only shot in that game, which ended 1-0. In other words, William made the first shot in basketball history. So the story will be a fun look at this accomplishment, the history of it, and also the man who made it.
I've found many newspaper stories from the 1930s-1950s where William discussed the shot and I've also searched through his letters at the Springfield College archives.
I'm wondering, though, if anyone on the Chase group knows of any surviving family members. From what I can determine, William and his wife, Kate. J. Bartlett Chase, had two children, William B. Chase and Catherine Chase Hornby. I found a mention to Catherine and William R. at this link on the Chase site here:
https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/list/chase@rootsweb.com/thread/3345...
William R. was born June 23, 1867 in New Bedford, Mass., and died on Aug. 30, 1951 in Bristol Heights, Rhode Island, at his daughter's home. His wife had died earlier in the year.
He also had a grandson, William B. Jr.. Both his son and grandson also graduated from Springfield. I believe Catherine taught piano in Rhode Island.
Later in his life, after his brief hoops career, William R. worked in insurance, including at Humphrey and Cavill. I spoke with a man who was a teen at the office and remembers William and has nice memories of him.
But I have not seen if there were any surviving family members. If there are I would love to speak with them if they have any information or memories about William R. Maybe a great-grandchild or great-great, or a great-great-nephew or niece, etc.
There may very well be no one around related to William but figured I'd give it a shot. If anyone has any information, please feel free to contact me at shawnpfury at yahoo.com.
Thank you so much for reading and for any help you might be able to provide.
best,Shawn