Bio: Tolles, Robert (1826 – 1879)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org.

Surnames: Tolles, Graham

----Source: History of Northern Wisconsin (Eau Claire County, Wis.) 1881, page 313

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, Julv 7, 1879, aged fifty-two years, leaving a widow and two sons.