Early Beloit merchant E.L. Chester also was the son of a pioneer family in this vicinity. His greatest achievement was the establishment of this city’s first and oldest department store which, until the time of his death on October 19, 1936, operated nearly without interruption for forty years.

While successful as a businessman, he had a special quality – kindliness. He had a genuinely friendly nature, and it made for him scores of friends.

He was born June 9, 1868, in Capron, Illinois. On November 15, 1894, he opened a small store in Beloit. He had faith in Beloit. Under his guidance the store grew. It was enlarged first in 1905, then again in 1908 and in 1910.

A progressive businessman, he expanded the business and improved it until fire destroyed the store in December of 1930. Temporary quarters were established, and in 1934 a new, attractive, and imposing building was ready to house the Chester part of the city’s commercial life.

While his business ability was recognized well beyond the boundaries of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, he served in other fields also. He was civic-minded, and he gave his generous support to many community movements. He was a prominent churchman and an enthusiastic Rotarian.