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Cherokee County Biographies

Thomas T. Crippen

THOMAS T. CRIPPEN, one of the leading farmers of Pitcher Township, was born in Carroll County, Illinois, August 25, 1852.  His father, Rufus Crippen, was a native of the State of New York, and settled in Illinois in the year 1850.  His death occurred in Carroll County, Illinois at the age of fifty-six years; his wife, Persus (Powers) Crippen,having died twenty years before.  The family consisted of Thomas T., William, Albert, Stephen, Annie, wife of Calvin Seward, and one that died in infancy.

Thomas T. was reared on the farm in Carroll County, Illinois, and remained there until he became of age.  He had received a fair education in the public schools; naturally having a quick perception and a retentive memory, he easily became proficient in the ordinary branches.  His father had seen the possibilities of Cherokee County, and when it first began to be settled he had secured 240 acres of land. He gave Thomas eighty acres when he had reached his majority, and it was for the purpose of cultivating this tract of land that he first came to Iowa.  His efforts have met with excellent success, and he has added to the legacy of his father until he now owns 240 acres.  This he has highly improved and has admirable buildings with suitable conveniences for handling live-stock.

Mr. Crippen remained a bachelor for some years after coming to the county, but was finally married to Miss Martha Conklin, a daughter of Luther and Harriet (Spees) Conklin.  Her father had lived in Cherokee County for years and her mother now resides with her; her father is deceased.  Mr. and Mrs. Crippen have had born to them four children; Rufus, Earl, Raymond and Ewing. Mr. Crippen has met with more than average success, and this may be attributed to the fact that he is a man of more than ordinary ability, energy and perseverance.  He is identified with the Republican party, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him. 


Source:   Biographical History of Cherokee County, IA, W. W. Dunbar & Co Publishers, 1889

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