Crafton, Samuel abt 1846-1855- died 1901

CRAFTON, CROFTON

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/28/2012 at 08:41:49

Fron the Alton Democrat of Nov 2, 1901 (Several articles summarized )
The body of Samuel Crofton or Crafton, formerly of Humbolt Tennessee was found about half a mile from Ireton in a cornfield. He was supposed to be dead about 6-8 weeks. (read article for more details) His death was caused by wounds to the head inflicted with a hammer or hatchet. Papers on him identified him as a preacher from Humboldt Tennessee. He was in IReton on Sept 3, the day of the woodmen picnic. He was known as the snake man in a side shoe and had trouble with his employer.

Alton Democrat of Nov 16, 1901 from the Ireton Clipper. (Summary of article)
The corpse found in Condon's cornfield proved to be Rev. Samuel Crafton formerly of Humbolt Tennessee. He was about 55 years and would go from town to town preaching and collecting money. His brother had received a letter from him mailed at Akron Aug 2, 1901. He then had $234, so there is little doubt he was killed for his money on or about August 2. Official are working on solving the murder.

Alton Democrat of Nov 30, 1901 News from Sioux Falls (smmary) W. F. Reynolds was arrested for the death of Samuel Crofton, It had been learned the on Aug 2 Crofton left Hawarden in the company of W. F. Reynolds. They claimed to have a strong case against the accused. No one in Sioux Falls believed he was reponsible.

In the Alton Democrat of Feb. 1, 1902
Reynolds got no inditement.

(In the 1880 census of Humboldt, Gibson, Tenn. Sam Crafton was single 34 born about 1846 Tenn. He was a Mulatto, son of Judy Crafton. A brother Jr. Crafton was 29 ad the time. )