My Dad, same name as mine, lived in Sausalito ,was a sales exec who had a need for high end liquor in entertaining buyers of his paper cups. Hev worked for Lily-Tulip Cup company. He knew John and Jimmie and used them when he lived in Sausalito. I was told that the Valhalla was the club but it might have been the Oasis. When Dad was called back to NYC one saturday morning 2 FBI men came to his office and said would he like to talk to them there or at Headquarters? Dad went with them downtown. They sat him down and asked him would he like a glass of water? They then produced a greasy tumbler. They wanted his prints! He then told them that paper cups were the way to go not greasy glasses. Did Dad know Lester? He said he knew James Emison and John. They promised Dad they would get Jimmie and when they did they would let Dad know which they did. For years I remember Dad calling John in Alcatraz at Xmas. I think Lester was a real Sob but I have no knowledge of it personally. My Daughter lived in Sausalito and was married thereseven years ago. My Dad died in !980.I felt very close to him that weekend Those FBI men had families. this story was related to me the night I saw Bonnie and Clyde and told my Dad what I had seen at the movies. he told me what he had seen in his life. Best to you Ed Scully

John, Just saw your web site and thought that I'd drop you a quick note. I knew Johnny...... grew up down the street from St. Joseph college and use to see John walking almost daily. Never knew his story until one night in September of 1973. Father Joe Clark and John showed up on my parents door step. Turns out that Father Clark had married my dad and his first wife. it was one interesting conversation that night. If you'd like to talk please give me a buzz..... I saw on your guest list that Johnny's niece had got ahold of you.... Do you know how I can contact her?

I just wonder if I'm related to Mr. chase looks a little like my grandfather Charles J.Chase Sr.

John Chase was a second cousin and I remember the stories my mother told us of his visits to Omaha NE. I also found an interesting story of him in Alcatraz " The gangster years. Anna LaVelle was my Grandfater's sister

John Chase was a second cousin and I remember the stories my mother told us of his visits to Omaha NE. I also found an interesting story of him in Alcatraz " The gangster years.

Great site! I'm looking for more information on my Uncle Soapy (aka Anthony "Soap" Marino) who was also associated with Baby Face Nelson and Dillinger . Look forward to talking with you.

John Chase lived on the ground level of St. Patrick's College Seminary in Los Altos, CA, where he managed custodians after his release from prison. Mr. Chase managed custodians for both St. Joseph's High School and St. Patricks' College, both in the same locale. He was quiet but freindly. He also had a down-to-earth but dignified aire. Mr. Chase did not allow rough language to be used by the custodians around the seminarians. (It is my understanding that all the custodians at St. Joseph's and St. Patricks were ex- cons.)In 1972, he gave a talk to our senior High School Class at St. Joseph's, as requested by Fr. Lardner, one of the faculty members at the seminary. I regret not having attended the talk that day, but heard about our famous chief custodain from those who did attend.

I discovered this site when researching information on my great grandmother, Anna Lavelle Chase. My grandfather was Albert Lavelle, Anna's first born, who was raised by Anna's father, Patrick, in Greeley NE. I would like to know if any of the Chase family have pictures of Anna Lavelle Chase. Thanks!

I am the owner of the french country inn-formerly the lake como hotel (in Lake Geneva Wi.) It is the place where Baby-Face Nelson and John Paul Chase often stayed. It was after leaving the hotel that Nelson and Chase had a shootout with the Feds. Baby-Face Nelson died later but Chase escaped.

Great site, John! Good luck with your Chase project