Crawford, James M. 1843 - 1901

CRAWFORD, GREGORY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/13/2018 at 10:05:02

Elkader Register, Thur., 13 June 1901. Clayton column.

On May 30th, 1901, despite all medical skill which had been employed for him but which afforded only temporary relief, occurred the death of one of our most esteemed pioneer citizens, James M. Crawford, after a severe illness of nearly a year. Mr. Crawford's affliction dates back to the summer of 189_ (Looks like a three or a 5.), when, while building a house in Bagley, Wis., the scaffolding gave way, causing him to fall backward to the ground, a distance of ten or twelve feet, which resulted in some internal injury from which he never recovered, being therefore forced to abandon his trade as carpenter for some time, during which period he conducted the lumber yards at this place for Stauer & Daubenberger of McGregor, but resumed his trade again after the firm sold out their yards and closed up their Clayton business.

Early in the spring of 1898 Drs. Clark and Duffin Bros. successfully performed a skillful operation on him removing a large tumor from which he recovered and enjoyed fair health for several months, when another manifested itself on his collar bone disabling him from work a part of the time. Although medical attendance was again sought his affliction seemed to have grown steadily worse, finally confining him to his bed from which he arose only a few times the past winter. He bore his pains with a fortitude most wonderful, battling with grim determination against the end that comes to all who travel hence on that journey from whence no traveler returns, thus closing the __ful scenes of life of mortal forever. Yea ! even as the sun sinks in the western horizon after passing o'er us in its glory giving light and beauty to this world. Thus passeth away man who was born to enlighten and beautify the world, created by him who by the all seeing eye witnesseth the work well done then calls him to that beautiful home beyond the river where ills, pains and grief enter not, resting that eternal rest so well earned by him.

James M. Crawford was born in Adams county, Ohio, Nov. 24th, 1843, and came with his parents to Cassville, Wis., in 1845, from whence they moved to Guttenberg in 1847, where his parents conducted a hotel until 1851 when he came to Clayton twp., with his parents, residing at French Town, then came to Clayton where he worked as an apprenticed carpenter and at the building of the Kreuger, Werges & Co. flouring mill, he was one of the principal carpenters.

He was married June 9th, 1867, to Elizabeth Gregory, who, with three children, Edgar John, Albert Noble and Agnes Elizabeth, that came to bless this union, survive a loving and indulgent husband and father, whose sole aim in life was for the comfort and happiness of his family. Everybody was his friend who had the pleasure of knowing him. Even the children were happy to meet him as he ever had a pleasant smile and word even while suffering from his affliction.

He was a charter member of Clayton Lodge A.O.U.W., retaining his membership to the time of his death, under whose ceremonies the last sad rites were conducted and the remains of all that was mortal on earth of our old friend was laid to rest in the Clayton cemetery Saturday afternoon, followed by hundreds of friends and neighbors of this and neighboring towns and throughout the county.

Everlasting peace to his ashes.