Frank Crosson is now engaged in general merchandising in De Lamar and is one of the most successful and enterprising businessmen here. His life stands in evidence of the fact that ambition, enterprise and diligence can cope with an adverse fate and ultimately reach the goal of prosperity. He came to Owyhee County on foot, reaching Silver City in June 1889, and secured employment in driving a freight team. Since that time he has advanced steadily toward success and competence and is today accounted one of the most progressive, respected and well-to-do merchants of the county.
Mr. Crosson was born at Red Bluff, California, on the 24th of April 1862, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father, Samuel Crosson, was born in the state of New York, and in 1852 took up his abode in California. He was married in Sacramento to Miss Mary Burk, a native of Ireland. For six years he lived the life of a sailor, making trips on the Sacramento River between San Francisco and Red Bluff. He died in 1893, at the age of sixty-four years, but his wife is still living and makes her home in San Francisco.
Frank Crosson of this review started out in life on his own account when but ten years of age and is truly a self made man, a title of which he has every reason to be proud. .He has traveled in Oregon, Nevada and in Mexico, and came to Idaho on foot, without money, having resolved to settle down and win success if it could be secured through energy and industry. He was first employed as driver of a freight team between Nampa and Silver City, after which he went to Wood River and engaged in mining for six months. Then, in connection with five others, he leased the Potosi mine, which he continued to operate until March 1890, when he came to De Lamar and was employed for a time in the De Lamar mine. Subsequently he purchased a half interest in the De Lamar and Silver City stage line, which he conducted until April 1, 1892, after which he spent a month in California. Upon returning to De Lamar he succeeded George W. Bruce in the meat-market business in Silver City, as a partner of J. C. Conners, and later became a partner in the De Lamar & Silver City Meat Company, with which he was connected until April 1893, when he sold his interest in the business. Through the succeeding thirty days he engaged in mining and then established a confectionery store in De Lamar, but on the 8th of September, 1897, entered a new field of operations by purchasing the general mercantile store of Shea & McLain in De Lamar. Here he is now carrying on business, having a large and well selected stock and enjoying an extensive and constantly increasing patronage. He is also a partner of John Crete, Sr., in several mines in the Florida Mountains.
On the 15th of October 1892, Mr. Crosson was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah Bennett, nee Lane. She is a native of Iowa and a lady of culture and intelligence, who enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends. She was appointed postmistress of De Lamar by President Cleveland in 1893, entering upon the duties of the office on the 13th of November of that year. She appointed Mr. Crosson her deputy, and for four years and three months she discharged her duties in a most promising and creditable manner, and succeeded in raising the office to one of the third class. She now assists her husband in the store and he attributes not a little of his success to her efficient aid and business ability.
Mr. Crosson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his wife belongs to the order of Daughters of Rebekah. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and has served as master of his lodge. From the early age of ten years his life has been one of ceaseless activity, and all that he has acquired is the reward of his own labors. He is a man of strong purpose and resolution, who brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and honorable efforts, and it is this laudable quality that has led to his success. He justly merits the high regard in which he is held, and his example should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others.