by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Rufus H. Crosby, native of Maine, came to Kansas in 1855 after a short sojourn in Minneapolis. In company with his brother, William, they opened the first merchandising store in Grasshopper Falls. They erected a building on the corner of Louisa and Sycamore streets.
Despite setbacks, he continued in the mercantile business. It has been said, "To strike out the name and interests of Rufus H. Crosby from the history of Valley Falls would destroy the fabric of that history."
After the years in the mercantile business, he assumed the proprietorship of the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit.
On April 13, 1862, he married Miss Nettie Kendall at the bride's home in Hamden, Maine, the daughter of Johnathan and Dollie Kendall.
To this union was born Lottie, their only child. Mr. Crosby was well known as a politician, successful banker, religious leader and pioneer in town, state and Jefferson County.
On April 15, 1888, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kendall celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marriage. Among the guests from Kansas were Mr. and Mrs. Rufus H. Crosby and their daughter Lottie.
After the presentation of many gifts, piano solo, poems, etc. in honor of the occasion, Mr. Crosby addressed the Kendalls in his own inimitable manner proving his versatility as a sentimentalist and a devoted son-in-law in his tribute to his wife's parents.
Following are excerpts from his tribute: "As permancy of this marriage is the cornerstone of home, the church, and all good government, it is well and eminently desirable that we properly magnify every fifty years stretch. Life, at best is brief and eternity is beyond our comprehension, so let us today with cordial greeting and good cheer, make the most of this very interesting and happy event.
"We wish you great joy. The past is safe and full of satisfaction; the future secure. The combination in your case has proved a success. On one side, the sturdy, sterling, solid qualities of the husband and father and on the other the warm-hearted, model housewife and true mother.
"We especially rejoice with you that it was possible for all your children now living to be present, together with so large a number of your brothers and sisters with their children.
"Our joy is saddened that three of nine chairs around your family board are vacant. Ruth, your first born— Lydia, a brave-hearted girl— and Melvina in far away Kansas where she now sleeps on the wind swept prairie.
"During these fifty years what wonderful achievements have been attained in science and mechanics. It has been literally an age of steam and jerked lightning.
"You have witnessed the terrible struggle between the North and South. You have seen the wild desert plains of Kansas become a famous growing state capable of producing meat and grain enough not only feed herself, but all New England too.
"We know that we voice the sincere and hearty sentiment of all your guests in expressing the wish that you may both be spared many years to reap the remunerations of a green old age."
The Historical Society Museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
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