Post 141:
Well in the 1899 city directory (compiled 1898) we have the last listing of Brown&Connor in Chicago, then we have the March 1903 newspaper announcement of the new business Caldwell&Anderson opening at 2 Oliver Row, South Bend.
I have been in touch with a William Caldwell researcher. He found a newspaper cutting 1909-02-26_Chicago-Tribune (can't post the image here). It says:
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CUNTY [sic!] OF COOK - SS - PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned under the firm name of BROWN & CONNER, has this day been dissolved by mutual consent. The undersigned, FRANCES E. PRIEST, has sold all her right, title, and interest in said co-partnership, including the good will, trade name, etc. to JANET I. CALDWELL. All outstanding indebtedness due said co-partnership shall be paid to the said JANET I. CALDWELL, who also assumes all outstanding liabilities.
JANET I. CALDWELL will continue the said business under the style and name of BROWN & CONNER, at the present location, 514-518 Venetian Bldg., Chicago, Ill.
JANETE I. CALDWELL
FRANCES E. PRIEST
Chicago Feb 25 1909
So was Frances Priest nee Conner, or perhaps Conner was a previous owner.
Edit: wrong about Frances, forgot about finding Helen Conner.