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FRANK CROOKS, farmer, living on section 35, Jackson Township, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1844. He is a son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Shipman) Crooks, both of whom were natives of the same State.Frank was the oldest of three children. He lived with his parents on a farm until March, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. G, 46th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until July, 1865, when the regiment was discharged. Among the engagements participated in were the following: Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Lovejoy, battles before Atlanta on the 22nd and 28th of July, Griswoldville, Savannah, Charleston, Columbia, Bentonville and the surrender of Johnston. He was slightly wounded on the ear before Atlanta. On Sherman's march to the sea he was detailed as one of a company of mounted foragers and scouts, by Gen. John A. Logan. During this time he had many narrow escapes from captivity and death. On one occasion he was with a party of thirty men near Lynch Creek, S. C., considerably in advance of the main army. Suddenly the men were surrounded by a band of rebel guerrillas, and all killed but himself and two comrades. Their escape was almost miraculous. Letting their horses go, they escaped capture and death by hiding. For twenty-four hours they were surrounded, and did not dare to come out of their hiding-place for fear of the consequences that would surely follow. If taken alive they would be treated as spies and meet the fate of spies. Being without food for so long and fearing relief would not come in time, they determined to make a bold strike for freedom. As they were about to put their plans into execution, they heard the shouts of Kilpatrick's cavalry. Never was a more welcome sound heard. The guerrillas were defeated and they were rescued. After receiving his discharge he returned home and remained two years.
On the 15th day of September, 1867, Mr. Crooks was united in marriage with Miss Mary R. Snouffer, daughter of David and Rebecca (Kent) Snouffer, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Crooks are the parents of two children — Charlie C., born Jan. 31, 1875, and Ralph L., born Oct. 31, 1884.
Land in Ohio being so dear, and desiring to go where he could have a farm of his own and be his own master, Mr. Crooks determined to come West. An aunt of his wife, whose home was in Benton County, Iowa, was in Ohio on a visit. She gave such glowing accounts of her home that he made up his mind first to visit this county. Packing up his goods, he started with a team, and was twenty three days in making the journey. On arriving, he rented a farm until 1877, whence he bought eighty acres of land on section 35, erected a house, and began its improvement. He has since added forty acres to his original purchase, giving him a good farm of 120 acres, which he has well improved.
Mr. Crooks is a member of P. M. Coder Post, No. 98, G. A. R., at Vinton, and takes much interest in the order, being at present an officer of the post. In the Benton County Agricultural Society he is greatly interested, being at present the Vice-President. His parents are yet living in Franklin County, Ohio.
Mr. Crooks came to the county a poor man, but by industry and economy he has accumulated enough to make him independent. Stock-raising, in connection with general farming, is his specialty.
Source Citation: "1887 Benton County, Iowa Biographies" [database online] Benton County IAGenWeb Project. <http://iagenweb.org/benton/>
Original data: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County, Iowa." Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887, p. 213-214.
Transcribed by: Sue Soden. Submitted to the Benton County IAGenWeb Project on January 28th, 2009. Copyright © 2009 The IAGenWeb Project.
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