Frank Newton Chaffee was born at Troy, Vermont on September 26, 1861. His parents were native farmers.
Frank attended school at Troy and later attended Derby Academy. He married at Mansonville, Quebec, Emogene Perkins who was a native of Quebec. Emogene was born December 1, 1863.
Frank Chaffee came to Foster County on the first passenger train to come into the county on April 2, 1883. He homesteaded northwest of Carrington on the Southwest 1/4 of Section 10 in Wyard Township. He later acquired more land until he had an 800-acre farm.
He was involved in many enterprises and was active in the organization of both Foster County and Wyard Township.
In 1898 he moved into Carrington to make his home and the next year he built one of the finest homes in town. It was "supplied with modern conveniences and perfect appointments, " at a cost of $4000.
In 1898 Mr. Chaffee established a general merchandise firm under the name of "F.N. Chaffee and Company." He and his brothers later established a business in Barlow, where his sister Mrs. E.A. Albee lived.
Later his general merchandise firm became the "Carrington Mercantile Company" and "Chaffee Bros. Company" - an implement business.
He was president and principal stockholder in the Foster County State Bank for several years. He owned much land around Carrington and Barlow and was also involved in business in Duluth and Minneapolis.
Mr. Chaffee served in the North Dakota Legislature for two terms - 1900 - 1904. He was mayor of Carrington 1911 -1913.
The Chaffees were parents of four children, one died in infancy: Mollie, born July 14, 1888; Clemma, born December 14, 1889; Harry Perkins, born December 4, 18??.
Mr. Chaffee died July 27, 1914 and Mrs. Chaffee died September 25, 1956. They are buried in the Carrington Cemetery.
Mollie Chaffee married Raymond Hewitt December 25, 1909. They were parents of three children - one died in infancy.
Alice - born October 28, 1911 at Bowdon, married Gerald Tollefson June 20, 1936 at Carrington and resides in California.
Frank - born April 12, 1914 married Eleanor Smith on February 15, 1936. Four children: Dennis, Frank Jr., Gerald and Kathleen.
Clemma Chaffee married Arthur E. Morton who was born February 26, 1884. He was associated with Chaffee Bros. Company while living in Carrington. They had four children - Gertrude, Marjorie, Arthur Jr. and John.
Gertrude married Kenneth Wheeler, who was a Standard Oil dealer in Carrington for many years. Kenneth was the son of Willis and Mary Wheeler.
Harry Perkins Chaffee married Eva M. Malin. Harry managed Chaffee Bros. Company after his father's death. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Eva Malin, a former teacher in Carrington schools, was born October 27, 1890 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have two sons - Frank N. Chaffee, born January 10, 1921 and William K. born April 9, 1930. Another son died at birth.
William is married and has five children.
The children of Frank and Emogene Chaffee are all deceased and buried in Carrington Cemetery.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 105B