William CRAWFORD, 1823-1885

CRAWFORD, MARTIN

Posted By: Marsha B. Crawford (email)
Date: 5/30/2003 at 02:44:17

DIED.—At his residence near Miles, on Friday morning, March 13, 1885,
Mr. William Crawford, Sr., aged 62 years.

The spirit of the affectionate husband, father and brother, after several months of bodily suffering, has taken its flight to another world where there is no more longing for the sweet-rest in the Father’s mansion above. The disease, cirrosis, which finally triumphed over the best of human skill had brought suffering to its victim at different periods during the last three years. Since sometime in November he had been unable to leave his home and most of the time experienced great agony. Pleasantly surrounded with the comforts of life, a happy family in the enjoyment of the good will of neighbors and friends, life was dear to him; but after disease brought him beyond the hope of recovery his hours of pain were relieved by that better hope of immortality:

“God’s ways seem dark; but soon or late

They touch the shining hills of day:

The evil cannot break delay,

The good can well afford to wait.”

He waited patiently and suffered submissively. Those who visited his sick room witnessed his full faith in God’s promises, are assured that with him religion was a reality. The loss of such a man will be felt by the community, and to his family the bereavement is sore indeed. It is hard to feel that the pleasant face is hidden from sight. The genial smile is no more to be met on that familiar countenance, but the remembrance of his virtues will live, and it is a sweet solace to feel that his spirit liveth in glory and waitheth for loved ones there.

“That is excellent,

As God lives, is permanent;

Hearts are dust, heart’s loves remain,

Heart’s love will meet thee again.”

William Crawford was born in Ireland, in the year 1823. He came to New York in 1846 and remained there until 1856 when he was married to Miss Mary Martin and emigrated to Iowa. He remained in this state but a few months and went to Minnesota, where he remained some 7 or 8 years and returned to Jackson county, Iowa, and made a home on lands near Miles, where he remained and continued to make improvements and added to his earthly goods until his sickness. By industry and good management on the part of himself and family, a nice property has been acquired, and his family are left in good circumstances. His marriage was blest with two sons and a daughter who survive him and are a comfort to their lonely mother and an honor to society. His funeral was attended on Sunday morning; the procession was one of the largest ever seen in Miles. The services were held at the M.E. church and conducted by Rev. Spry assisted by Revs. Kimball and Parker. The choir rendered appropriate music. Rev. Spry preached an able sermon from the text—“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Heb. 13-14. The sermon was followed by some remarks by Rev. Kimball. He spoke of the deceased connection with the M.E. church for eight years during which he had been faithful, bearing his share of its burdens and receiving the joy which follows in the path of the devoted Christian.

The sacred remains were encased in an elegant casket upon which were placed love’s tokens, floral designs from friends. The anchor and wreaths of choice white flowers were emblematic of the everlasting rest of the purified spirit. The remains rest in the Miles cemetery. The pall bearers were Messrs. L. Kimball, J. B. Smith, Wm. Bryant, C. Blacksten, F. Slade and H. Lee. Mr. J. S. Davis had charge of the ceremonies.

Exactly as printed in a Jackson Co., Iowa, newspaper.