Close was born on December 13, 1859, in Buffalo, New York, the son of lake captain Emory A.
[2] He then spent some time with phrenologist Orson Squire Fowler during the latter's tour through the country reporting on his findings.
Upon Close's return to Buffalo at the age of 21, he was appointed official stenographer of the Erie County Court.
He then formed a partnership with George Macnoe, the reporter for the Superior Court, and became a member of the stenographic firm Thornton, Briggs & Close.
In July 1897, McKinley appointed him United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York.