USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 51
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 51
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as clerk. In 1856 he came to Faribault and opened a grocery store. Two years later he pre-empted a claim in Waseca county, but continued to reside in Rice county. From 1866 to 1872 he operated a saw and stave mill in Wells township, and then became a member of the Walcott Milling Company. He died March 8, 1897. His wife is now living at Faribault. Mrs. Chaffee was born in Ohio. her maiden name being Charlotte Carter. She was married to Henry Chaffee in 1869, then moving to Faribault.
Fred M. Chaffee, real estate dealer and loan broker, was born in Faribault, August 2, 1874, and received his earlier education in the public schools. later entering Shattuck school. His par- ents were Henry and Charlotte (Carter) Chaffee, whose career is noted elsewhere. After leaving school Fred M. took up the real estate and loan business, at the same time looking after his own farms, located in Walcott township. His holdings in- clude considerable wild lands in northern Minnesota, affording Mr. Chaffee opportunity for pursuing his favorite pastimes of fishing and hunting. He votes the Republican ticket. He was married June 15, 1903. at Lincoln, Neb .. to Ethel H. Hooper, of that city, daughter of C. L. Hooper, a loan and stock broker. To Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have been born two children: Colin T., born August 11, 1905, and Frederick II., born October 14, 1906. The family residence is located on Second avenue, be- tween Fourth and Fifth streets.
Henry L. Cruttenden is a prominent dentist of Northfield, where he has practiced his profession for the long period of thirty years, and has also closely identified himself with the growth and development of the city, taking a special interest in the schools, having served as a member of the school board for a number of years, part of which he acted as secretary. In his profession he has been connected with the state dental asso- ciation since its organization, of which he was chosen as the first secretary, which office he heid for seven years, and later was elected president, which he served for a time. He has been elected as a life member of the association. He has also been president of the Southern Minnesota Dental Association. Dr. Cruttenden is also well known in fraternal circles, having asso- ciated himself with several organizations. In the Masonic order he has held the office of master of Social Lodge, No. 48, A. F. & A. M., and has been high priest of the R. A. M .. Corinthian Chapter, No. 33. and is also a member of high standing and prominence of the Knights Templar of Faribault. In political affairs Dr. Cruttenden is a faithful adherent to the Republican party. He was born in Morris, Otsego county, New York, April 20, 1856, son of Hopestill and Casandania (Noble) Crut-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1277
tenden, natives of Connecticut. He received his education in the public schools of Morris, and in 1876 left his native state for the West, where he took up the study of dental surgery, and spent some time in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Red Wing, Minn., after which he came to Northfield, in June, 1879, and opened an office in the Northfield National Bank Building, where he has since remained, and has built up a large and profit- able practice, and on account of his careful and conscientious work has won the confidence and esteem of the people of the city and surrounding country. He was married May 5, 1881, to Nellie A. Orr, daughter of Charles Orr, of Oneida, N. Y., where she was born, and they have two children : Charles N., born October 31, 1884, is an art student of marked ability, and has spent two years in New York city in the study of art, and Louis M., born July 18, 1894, is a student in the high school at home. The family are members of the Episcopal church, of which Dr. Cruttenden has been a member of the vestry for thirty years.
William A. Cruikshank, deputy county treasurer, and former teacher, was born in Richland township, July 13, 1876, son of John H. and Emilyn (Hortop) Cruikshank, prominent farmers of Richland township. William A. received his early education in the district schools of Richland township, and then took a course in the Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna. Subsequently he studied three years in the Faribault high school, and in 1896 entered the state normal school, at Mankato, graduating in 1899. In the meantime he taught in Goodhue county. After graduating from normal school he took up teaching in Rice county and met with great success. He then learned teleg- raphy, and subsequently entered the employ of the C. & G. W. Ry., working for that company one year at Kenyon, Minn., and one year at Minneapolis. In 1903 he went with the Minnesota Transfer railroad for a short time and then became timekeeper and cost clerk for the American Bridge Company. October 1. 1908, he came to Faribault as deputy county treasurer under Silas Pettitt. Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican in politics and a member of the Modern Woodmen and Masons. He was mar- ried July 24, 1902, at Beaver Creek, Rock county, Minnesota, to Eva M. Price, daughter of A. D. Price, of that place, promi- nent stock farmer. Mr. Price died in April, 1905, and Mrs. Price still lives on the home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Cruik- shank has been born one child. Ramona G., born May 22, 1903. The family faith is that of the Methodist church.
Thomas J. Conlin, real estate dealer and insurance repre- sentative, was born in Lake Forest, Ill., October 4, 1841, son of Patrick and Mary (O'Dowd) Conlin, natives of Ireland, who
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12:6 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
as clerk. In 1856 he came to Faribault and opened a grocery store. Two years later he pre-empted a claim in Waseea county, but continued to reside in Rice county. From 1866 to 1872 he operated a saw and stave mill in Wells township, and then became a member of the Walcott Milling Company. He died March 8, 1897. Ilis wife is now living at Faribault. Mrs. Chaffee was born in Ohio, her maiden name being Charlotte Carter. She was married to Henry Chaffee in 1869. then moving to Faribault.
Fred M. Chaffee, real estate dealer and loan broker. was born in Faribault, August 2. 1874, and received his earlier education in the public schools. later entering Shattuck school. His par- ents were Henry and Charlotte (Carter) Chaffee, whose career is noted elsewhere. After leaving school Fred M. took up the real estate and loan business, at the same time looking after his own farms, located in Walcott township. Ilis holdings in- clude considerable wild lands in northern Minnesota, affording Mr. Chaffee opportunity for pursuing his favorite pastimes of fishing and hunting. He votes the Republican ticket. Ile was married June 15, 1903, at Lincoln. Neb .. to Ethel Il. Hooper, of that city, daughter of C. L. Hooper. a loan and stock broker. To Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have been born two children: Colin T., born August 11. 1905, and Frederick HI., born October 14, 1906. The family residence is located on Second avenue, be- tween Fourth and Fifth streets.
Henry L. Cruttenden is a prominent dentist of Northfield, where he has practiced his profession for the long period of thirty years, and has also closely identified himself with the growth and development of the city, taking a special interest in the schools, having served as a member of the school board for a number of years, part of which he acted as secretary. In his profession he has been connected with the state dental asso- ciation since its organization, of which he was chosen as the first secretary, which office he heid for seven years, and later was elected president, which he served for a time. He has been elected as a life member of the association. He has also been president of the Southern Minnesota Dental Association. Dr. Cruttenden is also well known in fraternal circles, having asso- ciated himself with several organizations. In the Masonic order lie has held the office of master of Social Lodge, No. 48, A. F. & A. M., and has been high priest of the R. A. M., Corinthian Chapter, No. 33, and is also a member of high standing and prominence of the Knights Templar of Faribault. In political affairs Dr. Cruttenden is a faithful adherent to the Republican party. He was born in Morris, Otsego county, New York, April 20. 1856. son of Hopestill and Casandania (Noble) Crut-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1277
tenden, natives of Connecticut. He received his education in the public schools of Morris, and in 1876 left his native state for the West, where he took up the study of dental surgery, and spent some time in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Red Wing, Minn., after which he came to Northfield, in June, 1879, and opened an office in the Northfield National Bank Building, where he has since remained, and has built up a large and profit- able practice, and on account of his careful and conscientious work has won the confidence and esteem of the people of the city and surrounding country. fle was married May 5, 1881, to Nellie A. Orr, daughter of Charles Orr, of Oneida, N. Y .. where she was born, and they have two children: Charles N., born October 31, 1884, is an art student of marked ability, and has spent two years in New York city in the study of art, and Louis M., born July 18, 1894, is a student in the high school at home. The family are members of the Episcopal church, of which Dr. Cruttenden has been a member of the vestry for thirty years.
William A. Cruikshank, deputy county treasurer, and former teacher, was born in Richland township, July 13, 1876, son of John II. and Emilyn (Hortop) Cruikshank, prominent farmers of Richland township. William A. received his early education in the district schools of Richland township, and then took a course in the Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna. Subsequently he studied three years in the Faribault high school, and in 1896 entered the state normal school, at Mankato, graduating in 1899. In the meantime he taught in Goodhne county. After graduating from normal school he took up teaching in Rice county and met with great success. He then learned teleg- raphy, and subsequently entered the employ of the C. & G. W. Ry., working for that company one year at Kenyon, Minn., and one year at Minneapolis. In 1903 he went with the Minnesota Transfer railroad for a short time and then became timekeeper and cost clerk for the American Bridge Company. October 1, 1908, he came to Faribault as deputy county treasurer under Silas Pettitt. Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican in politics and a member of the Modern Woodmen and Masons. He was mar- ried July 24, 1902, at Beaver Creek, Rock county, Minnesota, to Eva M. Price, daughter of A. D. Price, of that place, promi- nent stock farmer. Mr. Price died in April, 1905, and Mrs. Price still lives on the home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Cruik- shank has been born one child, Ramona G., born May 22, 1903. The family faith is that of the Methodist church.
Thomas J. Conlin, real estate dealer and insurance repre- sentative, was born in Lake Forest, Ill., October 4, 1841, son of Patrick and Mary (O'Dowd) Conlin, natives of Ireland, who
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came to America in 1828, located in Boston, Mass., and there remained until 1883, when they took up their residence for a year in Chicago, Ill. Then they went to Forest Lake town- ship in the same state, and homesteaded 160 acres of land. In 1849 Patrick Conlin followed the gold rush to California, and there remained for years. Then he lived on his farm in Illinois until 1856, when he came to Merton, Steele county, and en- gaged in farming, continuing all his life. He died in January, 1886, and his wife in March, 1875. Thomas J. received his edu- cation in the district schools, attending a log cabin school in his neighborhood. He followed agricultural pursuits for his father and then acquired a farm of his own. In 1877, when he came to Faribault, he rented his farm, and after eighteen years sold it. Since 1877 he has been engaged in the insurance and real estate business in Faribault, having an office at 2151/2 Central avenue and a fine residence at 626 Second street, W. N. Mr. Conlin has been actively identified with public life for many years. While in Merton township, Steele county, he served as assessor and town clerk for several terms, and was on the school board fifteen years. He also served the city of Faribault as recorder for three years, and overseer of the poor for six years. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is a popular mem- ber of Michael Cook Post, No. 123, G. A. R. At the outbreak of the Indian troubles Mr. Conlin enlisted in the government service, in Angust, 1862, saw much active service, and re- enlisted in February, 1864, serving in Company L. First Minne- sota Ileavy Artillery, as high corporal. Ile returned home in October, 1865. Mr. Conlin was married May 20, 1864, to Abi- gail McAndrews, of Steele county. To this union were born three children: Cora M., who married Alexander Casufel, of Faribault : Mary F., who is at home, and Emma J., wife of John Kasper, of Faribault. Mrs. Abigail Conlin died December 24, 1873. Mr. Conlin was married February 28, 1879, to Jane MeMahon, of Rice county. To this union was born one daugh- ter, Rosanna, wife of James Fitzgerald, of Owatonna.
Stephen Loveband Crocker, another of that noble band of men who were identified with the Episcopalian movement in Faribault whose influence has become nation-wide, was born at Stafford, Geneosee county, New York, December 12, 1845. He attended the public schools and completed his education at the Batavia Academy, making the study of chemistry a specialty. As soon as he attained his majority he left his boy- hood home for the alluring West, and after a brief stay at Buffalo, N. Y., and Hillsdale, Mich., came to Hastings, Minn .. in 1867, and the following year to Faribault, where he entered the drug store of Sage & Hunter as a prescription clerk. In
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STEPHEN L. CROCKER
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1279
1872 he purchased the drug business of Sage & Hunter and es- tablished a large, prosperous and successful business. A little later he formed a copartnership with his brother, George Crocker, and the firm became known as "The Crocker Brothers." A few years later they opened up a branch store in the then new and growing town of Crookston, Minn., in the northern part of the state, George removing there and looked after that part of the business. Later they dissolved partnership, Stephen Crocker being left sole proprietor of the store at Faribault. Mr. Crocker found time for much labor outside of his own immediate business and was prominent in many other business enterprises. He was public spirited and generous, and greatly interested in everything pertaining to the growth and welfare of the city. For two years he was presi- dent of the Faribault Board of Trade, also president of the board of directors of the rattan factory. and one of the chief spirits in introducing that industry into Faribault. He was president of the State Board of Pharmacy, and his knowledge of the business gave him a high standing in medical circles throughout the state. He was also a prominent member of the old Excelsior hook and ladder company. Having been brought up in the Episcopal church, he dearly loved and believed in it and its influence, and on coming to Faribault he became closely associated with the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. ever giv- ing freely to its support and working dilligently for its prosper- ity. For nearly twenty years he was a vestryman, junior or senior warden of the Parish of the Good Shepherd and was senior warden at the time of his death. He was a prominent Mason, and held several important official positions in the order, and was elected, in 1891, eminent commander of the Faribault Commandery. Mr. Crocker was a sound, straight- forward Jeffersonian Democrat. He was never an office seeker. his nominations in every case coming to him unsolicited. He served the city of Faribault four years as alderman, being elected and re-elected from the Second ward, one of the strongest Republican precincts in the county. In 1882 he was elceted county auditor and held the office two years. In 1886 he was elected mayor of the city by a majority of over 400. He was also a member of the Democratic state central committee, and in 1890 was the candidate of his party for state senator. But in August, 1891, his health failed. and he went to Colorado, hoping to regain it. There he spent two years and a half, re- turning for a short time each summer to look after his business interests in Faribault, which he still retained. He made a brave struggle for life, but finally entered the "Valley of the Shadow," bravely, as he had lived, passing away at Denver, Colo., Marchi
1280 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
3, 1904. Stephen Loveband Crocker was married at Faribault. November 2, 1875, to Carrie E. Mee, formerly of Troy, N. Y., a lady of varied accomplishments, who proved a loving and faithful helpmeet and who still resides in Faribault.
K. D. Chase, financier, railroad promoter, developer of mining and agricultural lands, and president of the Chase State Bank, of Faribault, has lived a life of busy activity, and has been closely identified with the growth, progress and improve- ment of the Northwest. He was born in Little Valley, N. Y., December 1, 1841, and received his earlier education in the dis- trict schools of Cataragus county and the select school at Little Valley. He started his career at the age of nineteen years, when he came to Minnesota and located on a farm in Olmstead county. Shortly afterward the Civil War broke out, and, filled with patriotic impulses, Mr. Chase enlisted in Com- pany K. Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was mus- tered in at Fort Snelling, serving three years, until the expira- tion of his term of enlistment, when he reënlisted in the same company and regiment and served until the close of the war. He was one of the very fortunate ones who went through the conflict without being wounded or captured, or having his health and strength impaired in any way. He participated in all the important battles of his regiment, and was with Sher- man on his march to the sea. At the conclusion of hostilities he participated in the Grand Review in Washington. From there the regiment was sent to Harrisburg, and thence down the Ohio river to Louisville, where it was discharged, being mustered out at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Having thus com- pleted his service to his country, Mr. Chase went to Rochester, Minn., and entered the employ of R. H. Doe, shoe merchant. After he had acquainted himself with the business Mr. Chase was sent by Mr. Doe to Owatonna, where he opened a branch shoe store, which he managed two years. Then, in company with his brothers, Mr. Chase bought out his employer and con- dueted the Owatonna store until 1869. In 1871 the subject of this sketch went to Duluth, Minn., and identified himself with the Northern Pacific Railroad, remaining until 1876. His next location was at Crookston, where he was prominently identified with many of the improvements for which that city is so highly commended. As a contractor he constructed the electric light plant and the water works. He associated him- self with the First National Bank, became its vice-president, and is still a stockholder in that institution. He also dealt largely in real estate, and laid out and platted two additions to the city of Crookston, one of which bears his name. In 1887 Mr. Chase came to Faribault. and here established his home
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permanently, entering at once into the life and progress of this city. While maintaining his home here, he became interested in the iron mines on the Missaba range, north of Duluth. In 1890 he took up prospecting and exploring in the range through the counties of Lake, Cook and St. Louis, making several im- portant discoveries which have since been developed into exten- sive mines. At one time Mr. Chase and his associates con- trolled over 18,000 acres on the range. In 1891-92 times were such as to encourage the building of a railroad, which was accordingly at once begun. It was soon completed to Mount Iron, to Virginia Mountain, to Biwabik Mountain and Missabe Mountain. This road was known as the Duluth, Missabe & Northern and Mr. Chase became its president. In 1893 he re- signed his position, but continued his mining and exploring. being connected with mining operations in Arizona, in which he is still interested. Formerly he was connected with the cop- per mines in Pine county, this state, and at Port Arthur and in Canada. For many years Mr. Chase has dealt extensively in both wild and cultivated lands. In 1905 Mr. Chase organ- ized the Chase State Bank, of Faribault, first erecting the sightly building which it has since occupied. Mr. Chase was the first president of this institution, and his son Kelsey the first cashier, both these positions being still retained. K. D. Chase is a Republican in politics. While at Owatonna he served on the school board. At Crookston he served on the school board during the entire period of his residence there. and in Faribault he served efficiently as mayor, in 1900. He is vice-president of the automobile club of Rice county. His interest in the business growth of Faribault is shown in his work for the Faribault Commercial Club, of which he is a member.
The subject of this sketch was married in February, 1868. at Homer, N. Y., to Isabelle Gardner, and this union has been blessed with five children: Mary Alzina is now Mrs. Charles S. Batchelder, of Faribault; Bertha Gardner lives at home; Albert Gardner also lives at home; Kelsey S. has already been mentioned as cashier of his father's bank: Ella died when five years of age. The family faith is that of the Congregational church.
John Cowden, a successful farmer, of Bridgewater township. was born in Ireland August 25, 1839, to Alexander and Ellen Balentine Cowden. natives of Ireland. They emigrated to Can- ada and located near Prescott. Wis., where the father farmed until his death, which occurred in 1892. The mother died in 1889. John attained his education in Canada. Leaving school. he worked away from home for some time, and in 1863
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came to Minnesota and located at Dundas, Rice county, Minne- sota, where he worked in a flour mill. Later he bought 160 acres of land in sections 23 and 26, Bridgewater township, where he has farmed up to the present time. A short time after purchasing the first farm he bought an additional 160 acres in sections 21 and 20 which he still owns. He has cleared his farm of timber and by hard work and persevering effort has made improvements, including modern buildings, until it is now one of the best cared for and most productive farms in the community. Mr. Cowden was married in 1866 to Anna Work- man, of Canada. Seven children were born to this family, named in the respective order of their birth, James Alexander, Florence May. Isabelle Jane, Alice Mande, Allen John, Olive Ella. Sarah Elizabeth. Mrs. Cowden died in 1882. Our subject married a second time, in 1884, to Miss Minnie Johnson, of Durand, Wis. Three children were born to this union, named as follows: Clara Mabel, Lulu Ellen, Samuel Clinton.
Mr. Cowden is not affiliated with any political party, but casts his vote in favor of those whom in his estimation are best qualified to fill the office for which they are candidates, regard- less of party principle. In religious faith he is associated with the Presbyterian church. He is also member of the Degree of Honor. Mr. Cowden has served on the school board in Dundas, as treasurer, for a number of years, and has also served on the town board.
J. F. Closson was born in Cannon City township, Rice county, Minnesota, January 11, 1859. He is a son of Joseph and Susan (Koons) Closson, both of whom are natives of the East. His father was born in New York, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to Minnesota in 1852 and located in Cannon City town- ship, Rice county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming np to the time of his death, in June, 1903. He was a soldier in the Civil War and served as a private in Company C of the Sixth Regiment for one year and six months, when he was discharged because of wounds and sickness contracted in the service. His mother died in the month of February, 1908.
Mr. Closson obtained his education in the district schools of Cannon City, and on leaving school returned to the farm, where he has since remained, carrying on general farming. In the year 1880 he was married to Maranda Orcutt, a daughter of Burr and Sylvia Orcutt. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Closson: Dolly, who is now Mrs. John Law- rence and resides in the state of Washington ; Guy, who is now leceased; Elbert Closson was married March 18, 1908, and resides on a farm in Bridgewater; and Hazel is living at home with her parents. His political affiliations are with the Repub-
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