CROSBY, Charles A.
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, p 245

Charles A. CROSBY operates 170 acres of land on section 11, New Milford Township, Winnebago County [IL], and is one of the practical and progressive agriculturalists of this community.  He was born on the farm which is still his home in Mar 1861, and is a son of George H. and Mary W. (WOOD) CROSBY.  The father was born in NH in Dec 1831, and the mother was a native of CT.  The grandfather, Alpheus A. CROSBY, was a native of NY, and a blacksmith by trade.  At an early day he came West with his family of six children and located in Rockford, and opened a smithy.  His death occurred in Rockford at an advanced age, his wife passing away a few years previous.  About 1850 he purchased 100 acres of land for $3,000, upon which was a small house and barn, while about 80 acres were under cultivation.

The father of our subject had acquired a fair education, and was a well-informed man.   He was serving as Supervisor at the time of his death, having held the office for some years, and was also Assessor for some time.  Among his fellow townsmen he was recognized as a prominent citizen.  He left three children:  Charles A., of this sketch; Laura A., and Hattie E.  The last named is the wife of Henry K. HALL, of Rockford.  [See also the Winnebago County, IL, biography of John H. HALL, father of Henry K. HALL.]

In the usual manner of farmer lads, our subject was reared to manhood, no event of special importance occuring during his youth.  In Dec 1883 he led to the marriage altar Miss Alpharetta J. CIPPLERY, of Monroe Center, Ogle County [IL], and a daughter of David A. and Martha Maria CIPPLERY, both of whom were natives of Rensselaer County, NY, from whence they emigrated to IL in the spring of 1862.  Her father was a farmer and is now a grain dealer in Monroe [Ogle County, IL].  Mr. and Mrs. CROSBY have three living children:  Daisy File, born 14 Apr 1886; Elsie May, 18 Feb 1888; and Leo Arthur, 03 Aug 1890.  They have lost an infant son, Charles.

In his political affiliations Mr. CROSBY is independent, voting for the man whom he thinks best qualified for the office.  He devotes his time and attention to general farming, and as the result has met with signal success in his business career.  In addition to the home farm he has an interest in 80 acres on section 5, and the two tracts yield a good income.  Himself and wife have a wide acquaintance in this community, where their entire lives have been passed.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.