Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Crossen, Robert W 1856 - 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 5, 2007, 6:20 pm

Author: Portraits & Bio Sketches, 1890

ROBERT W. CROSSEN, proprietor of the R. W. Crossen Carriage Manufactory, 
occupies a prominent position among the industrial interests of Joliet. This 
enterprise is located at Nos. 620 and 622, Van Buren Street, where it was 
established January 1, 1889, having removed from East Jefferson Street, and 
comprises, besides the main building, a repository 40x80 feet in dimensions, 
with two floors and an addition of one story, 20x48 feet. Mr. Crossen embarked 
in business for himself in April, 1883, on Van Buren Street, near Chicago 
Street, commencing in a modest way, but now gives employment to from ten to 
fifteen men. This is the largest manufactory of the kind in the place and 
receives orders from all parts of the country. Mr. Crossen is a native of 
Coburg, Province of Ontario, Canada, and was born February 25, 1856. His 
father, Jackson Crossen, was likewise a native of the Dominion, where he lived 
until 1865, engaged as a contractor of stone work. During the year mentioned 
he came to Illinois and located near Joliet, where, with his estimable wife, 
formerly Miss Van Norman, he still lives and is still engaged as before. 
Robert W. acquired his early education in the schools of Joliet and entered 
upon his business career as a carpenter and joiner. Subsequently he served an 
apprenticeship at carriage-making, which he finished when a youth of eighteen 
and continuously worked at this until establishing himself in his own 
business. He had but a small capital at the outset, but by good management and 
strict economy he soon found himself on the high-way to prosperity. The year 
1889 witnessed the largest amount of business yet turned out of this 
manufactory. Twice has Mr. Crossen been obliged to enlarge his facilities, and 
the experiment will have to be repeated in the near future. He is a man prompt 
to meet his obligations and his straightforward business methods command the 
respectful consideration of all with whom he deals. His extensive business 
interests prevent him giving much time to public affairs further than 
supporting by his vote the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Crossen, on 
the 12th of May, 1884, took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Mary E. 
Simpson. Mrs. Crossen was born in 1862, in the Province of Ottawa, Canada, and 
is the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Simpson, who were natives of Canada. Mr. 
Simpson came to this county some years ago and is now a resident of Chicago, 
officiating in a printing office. To Mr. and Mrs. Crossen there have been born 
two children, daughters—Nellie and Mabel. The little family occupies a snug 
home at No. 908 Cass Street, and they have gathered about them many warm 
friends since their sojourn here.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890 
 


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