CRAIG, William: Died 1899

CRAIG, BROWN, GIBSON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/19/2016 at 00:44:05

DEATH OF DR. WM. CRAIG.

[OBITUARY ADDRESS BY REV. C.E. PERKINS.]

William Craig was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., July 19, 1817, and died at Keosauqua, Iowa, Dec. 14, 1899. He was the fifth child of Samuel and Jean Craig, both of whom were natives of the Scottish Highlands, both of whom also, had immigranted(sp) with their parents to Londonberry county, Ireland, before the final immigration to this country. Samuel Craig was 12 years old when, with his parents, he landed at Philadelphia, in the year 1790. Samuel Craig died in 1867, and his wife in 1861. William's boyhood and youth were spent at home upon his father's farm. In 1843 he begun the study of medicine at Geneva College, Geneva, N.Y., where he attended a year. Leaving medical school at the expiration of that time, he returned to Pennsylvania where he engaged in medical practice in Westmoreland and Clarion counties. In the spring of 1849 he came west to Iowa. He travelled up and down the Mississippi, stopping at various places and familiarizing himself with the country for about a year, but not settling down for a residence. Returning East after this bit of western experience, he again took up the study of his profession, this time at the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio. He entered the medical department of the university in the fall of 1859, and was graduated there from Feb. 26, 1851. In the fall of that year he came West a second time, and in December settled in Keosauqua, which remained his home during the entire remainder of his life. He was married Nov. 24, 1857, to Miss Annie Brown. Six children were born to them, viz: Mary Gibson, who died in 1862, Jean, Hugh, Colin, William and James. Mrs. Craig died May 24th, 1896. He became a member of the Congregational church, Feb. 20th, 1872. He was elected deacon April 18, 1885. For nearly half a century Dr. Craig has lived in this community, active identified with its life in many ways, until the very last years, when failing health forced him to leave to others the tasks which had been his. He was at one time mayor of Keosauqua, was for years a member of the school board, and was an energetic worker in connection with all public matters involving the welfare and progress of the community. For a good many years he was engaged in the drug business, having his store at one time on the corner of Front and Main, or as it is commonly called. Bridge street, and later in the building now occupied by the State Line Democrat. At the former location Dr. Craig occupied a fine three story building, which he built, and which was destroyed by fire about twenty-five years ago. As a sort of prelude to his lecture in our church on Thursday evening last. Rev. Mr. Oadams, a former pastor of the church, spoke feelingly of the life that had passed away from earth a few hours before, and compared Dr. Craig to the "Doctor of the Old School," William MacLure, of the "Bonnie Brier Bush" tales.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 252, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA