CRAWFORD, James F. 1833 - 1903

CRAWFORD, CAMPBELL, SHAFFER, MEDES

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 3/10/2016 at 15:34:03

"The Fairfield Weekly Ledger"
Wednesday, March 25, 1903

Was Fairfield's Oldest Business Man.

James F. CRAWFORD died in this city Sunday night after several months of sickness. He had had a longer life of business activity, in all probability, than any resident in Fairfield. From the time of his arrival here, in 1849, to the date of his fatal illness he had been continuously engaged in the sale of merchandise.

Mr. CRAWFORD was born in Brooks county, W. Va., June 28th, 1833, and his earlier years were spent there. In his seventeenth year he made the journey to Iowa, where his widowed mother had recently come, alone. He immediately entered the employ of Joel E. CAMPBELL, a brotherinlaw, as clerk and remained with him six years. He then formed a partnership with G. M. Chilcott, afterwards a prominent character in Nebraska and Colorado politics and United States senator from the latter state. The firm went out of business during the hard times of 1857, and Mr. CRAWFORD later opened a store in Salina. In 1862 he formed a partnership with the late David Acheson, under the name of Crawford & Acheson, located on the southeast corner of the square and remained there during the remainder of his life. He erected the buildings which he now occupies.

Mr. CRAWFORD was appointed postmaster April 19th, 1861, by President Lincoln and served about five years. He was removed by President Johnson and succeeded by Isaac D. Jones. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted as a member of the first company which went from Jefferson county, E of the Second Iowa infantry, but was rejected when the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States. Later he did enlist in Company I of the Forty-fifth Iowa and served until the expiration of his term. Mr. CRAWFORD had been identified with the politics of city and county during most of his life, and had served as city treasurer, member of the council and in other minor positions. He was also a member of Jefferson Lodge, I. O. O. F., for many years, and his body was interred with the rites of that order.

On May 29th, 1866, Mr. CRAWFORD was married to Charlotte A., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William SHAFFER, who survives him. They have one daughter, Mrs. H. W. MEDES of this city.

Mr. CRAWFORD was an excellent and sucessful business man. He met with many reverses, from the great financial crash of 1857 to the destruction of his property by fire, but he grappled with adversity in every instance and succeeded in holding and maintaining his business standing. He was appointed postmaster of Fairfield as the almost unanimous choice of the republicans of the city and there was an element of popularity in the man which was with him all his life. He was genial, kindly, charitable, and his death will be very generally regretted. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon, and were conducted by Re.v J. E. Corley of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, IA, in Lot 2nd.095; his wife Charlotte died in 1908 and is buried with him.