Crary, William E. 1871 - 1934

CRARY, THORSON, PRENTICE, ECKFORD, BRANT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/3/2015 at 09:58:52

Clayton County Register, Thur., 15 Mar. 1934.

Mr. William E. Crary died in Elkader last Monday morning, March 12. Sixty-three years ago he was born on January 2, 1871, on his father's farm near Garnavillo, Clayton county, Iowa. He was the son of Oliver and Agnetha Thorson Crary. His father was a native of Connecticut and his father's family for generations had been distinguished for illustrious service to that state.

Mr. Will Crary grew to manhood on his father's farm. Then he took a collegiate course at Highland Park College in Des Moines, and a dairy course at the Agricultural School in Madison, Wisconsin. Upon his return home, he moved to his own farm opposite that of his father. Here with is widowed sister, Mrs. Lucy Prentice, he lived until failing health caused him to retire from the farm and seek medical aid. This was in 1926.

When he was a boy of seven years he fell and injured a knee. As a result of this injury, arthritis developed in later years. He consulted eminent physicians and surgeons, and took treatments in numerous hospitals and health resorts, but to no avail.

In the fall of 1931 he and his sister, Mrs. Prentice, his devoted companion and attendant, came to Elkader and have occupied the home of Mrs. Julia Preston. Since his residence here he has been confined to bed and during the past year he has not been able to move his body. Recently he has not been able to read the daily paper, but he could still enjoy at times his radio. He followed with keen interest the activities of the world around him.

Mr. Crary was a man of his word, and honorable in all his dealing. He was a true friend who won the friendship and respect of all who know him. He had a deep love for his home and for his mother. During all these years of suffering he never complained. Whenever anyone asked him how he was, he always replied, "I'm all right." He was extremely appreciative of the love and kindness which surrounded him during these years of illness.

Mr. Crary leaves to mourn his passing, his aged mother who is living in Cedar Rapids; three sisters, Mrs. Lucy Prentice of Elkader, Mrs. Amy Eckford, Cedar Rapids, Mrs. Alice Brant of Palo, Iowa, and five brothers, Fred who is a lawyer in Seattle, Elisha at Chateau, Montana, George, who is a doctor in Ismay, Montana, Avery in Los Angeles and Arthur of Garnavillo.

The funeral was held at his late home at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon, March 14, conducted by the Farmersburg Masonic Lodge, assisted by Dr. H. D. Brown and Rev. C. T. Brewster. Burial was made in the family lot where his father and one brother are buried at the cemetery in National, Iowa.