BIOGRAPHIES: Robert TOLLES, Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Nance Sampson 30 August 2000 ==================================================================== ROBERT TOLLES was born in Plymouth, Conn., Aug. 14, 1826. In 1852, he removed to Windham, Green Co., N. Y., where he married Miss Mary R. Graham. He then went to Orange Co., N. Y., remaining until 1857, when he located in Eau Claire. He early learned the machinist's trade, and manufactured locks, clocks, etc. In 1862, he formed a co-partnership with H. P. Graham, of Eau Claire, for the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, and general wood work, which was soon merged into the firm of Graham, White & Co., with the addition of machinery and foundry business. Mr. Tolles did much toward the success of the business. Their works were burned in 1875, when a stock company was organized, called the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, of which he was a large stock-holder. He was also a member of the Dells Lumber Co. For several years he spent much time at Sand Creek, Dunn Co., looking after the interest of Graham, White & Co., who had bought a flour-mill there. He was an excellent machinist and a good draughtsman, a close observer, and had a remarkable memory. Was always cheerful, pleasant and accommodating. He died in Eau Claire, July 7, 1879, aged fifty-two years, leaving a widow and two sons. --Taken from "The History of Northern Wisconsin containing an Account of its Settlement, Growth, Development and Resources; An extensive Sketch of its Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages, Their Improvements, Industries, Manufacturies; Biographical Sketches, Portraits of Prominent Men and Early Settlers; Views of County Seats, Etc." Chicago: The Western Historical Company. A. T. Andreas, Proprietor. 1881. Page # 313.