Thornton Chase (1847-1912) is recognized as the first American Baha'i. He was given the Persian name Sabet, or Steadfast, by Abdu'l-Baha, whom Mr. Chase had visited in Akka, Palestine, in 1907, where Abdu'l-Baha was a prisoner of the Ottoman Empire.
Apparently there were several others who had professed their belief in the Station of Baha'u'llah prior to Thornton. They, however, fell away, while Mr. Chase remained steadfast in the Faith.
His grave is located in the Inglewood Park Cemetery, Los Angeles, California.
