Paul Ashley Chase (1878-1946)

Paul Ashley Chase (February 5, 1878 – April 17, 1946) was one of the founding executives, first auditor, and comptroller for Warner Brothers Pictures. He was also the traveling auditor for the Erie Railroad]]. In 1912 Harry Warner and Paul Chase were staying at the same boarding house in New York City. Harry Warner told Paul Chase he was starting a new motion picture company and offered him the auditorship of the concern which he (Paul Chase) immediately accepted.

Born in Churubusco, Indiana, he spent his youth and young manhood in Leroy Illinois where his father owned and operated a jewelry store. His first job was as a telegrapher for a railroad company however he had a natural aptitude for numbers and eventually became the traveling auditor for the Erie Railroad]]. He settled in New York City where he eventually met Harry Warner. At the time of Paul Chase’s death in 1946 he was the oldest employee, in years of service, and one of the founding executives of Warner Brothers Pictures (1912 to 1946).

After Warner Brothers Pictures officially incorporated in 1923 he accepted the position of comptroller and established the comptroller’s office at the Sunset studios and the accounting department at the Sunset Center.

His death was due to heart complications. He passed away April 17, 1946 at his home in North Hollywood, California.