Bio of CHITTENDEN, Merton R. (b.1874), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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MERTON R. CHITTENDEN - Vol II, pg 297-298
Merton R. Chittenden, vice president of the firm of Forman, Ford & Company,
manufacturers of and dealers in paints and also wholesale dealers in glass, is a
western man by birth and training and possesses the spirit of enterprise and
progress which has been a dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of
the country. He was born in Winnebago, Minnesota, February 4, 1874, and is a son
of Ezra H. and Hannah C. (Geary) Chittenden, who were natives of New York and of
Pennsylvania, respectively. They came to the west about 1870, settling first in
Winnebago, Minnesota, where the father engaged in farming. After about two
years, however, they removed to Minneapolis and here, in 1872, the father began
the practice of veterinary surgery.
Merton R. Chittenden has spent practically his entire life in this city and the
public school system accorded him his educational privileges, which he enjoyed
until he put aside his textbooks during his junior high school days. It was in
1892 that he entered the employ of the firm of Forman, Ford & Company as an
office boy and steadily he worked his way upward through different departments,
climbing step by step and winning promotion in recognition of ability,
faithfulness, diligence and merit. At length he was called to official service
and occupied several offices prior to 1912, when, at the death of Frank W.
Forman he was elected to the vice presidency of this concern, which is one of
the largest of the kind in the Northwest. This is the only business that Mr.
Chittenden has been identified with throughout his active career in commercial
circles. No higher testimonial of early efficiency and loyalty could be given
and no better proof of his capability and executive power in later years than
the fact that he has remained with this house since making his initial step in
business circles. He is also the treasurer and one of the directors of the
Northern Linseed Oil Company and by reason of his sound judgment and progressive
spirit his cooperation is regarded as of great worth in the handling of business
affairs.
On the 12th of August, 1904, Mr. Chittenden was married to Miss Bertha M.
Rein-hart of Duluth, Minnesota, and they have one daughter, Pauline M., who is a
student at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Chittenden was active during the
various war drives, particularly in the sale of Liberty bonds, and in days of
peace he labors effectively and earnestly to promote the public welfare along
various lines. To this end he is identified with the Civic and Commerce
Association and he gives loyal support to all plans and projects which are a
matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He has membership in the Elks Club,
in the Minneapolis Athletic Club, in the Automobile Club and in the Golden
Valley Golf Club, associations which indicate in large measure the nature of his
interests and recreation. He has many friends in this city, where his life has
been passed and where his labors have been so directed as to win him business
prominence and prosperity, while in social life he has gained that popularity
that is based upon strong friendship.