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John Crowe

"It has been well, truly and frequently said that you cannot keep an Irishman down. Of all the peoples who have emigrated to this country the Irish have perhaps distinguished themselves the most. Though not so thrifty as the Germans, and more erratic than the English or Scotch, they possess and intelligence, shrewdness and energy which puts them to the front in whatever line of business or whatever profession they engage. You may see an Irishman just over from the old country wielding a pick and shovel, but you never see his son at the same work. It's in the Irish to be up and doing, and to get there.

John Crowe was born in Ireland, July 11, 1839, the son of Patrick and Hanover Crowe. His father died when he was very young and his mother and eight children came to America in 1853, and located in Canada, where John learned the blacksmith trade. At the age of nineteen he was married to Mary Anna Barragy, who was born at Emlin, Ontario. She is still living, and they have celebrated their golden wedding. In 1866 John moved to McGregor, Iowa, and in 1867 came to Clermont, Iowa, and went into partnership with Mr. Herley in a blacksmith shop and wagon-making business, continuing with him about ten years, when Mr. Herley went west. Mr. Crowe followed the blacksmith trade until he became postmaster under Harrison, which office he has held ever since, except during Cleveland's administration, and has just received the appointment for four years more. He has fulfilled the duties of this position in such a manner as to receive the commendation of all. His children are Patrick James, who died in 1880; William, subject of this sketch; Mrs. Maria Cahalan, Agnes, and Elizabeth, teachers; and Ann, assistant postmaster under her father. Mr. Crowe is a member of the Catholic church, and a Republican. He has been township trustee, school director, and was one of the first mayors of Clermont. He has also served as justice of the peace. His sociability and strong character have made him very well liked in his town, and no family there is more respected than the Crowe family.

William Crowe was born in Canada, in March, 1863, and at the age of three came with his parents to Clermont, where he has since lived. He received but a limited education in the schools of Clermont, but his success has demonstrated that school education, while valuable, is not essential. As a young man he learned the business of Doctor LEWIS, at the same location where he is now in business as a partner of Doctor BERRY. For thirty years he has been in business as a druggist in the same location with various partners.

In 1882 Mr. Crowe married Lily M. Dibble, daughter of M. V. Dibble, mentioned in this work. There have been born to them four children; John W., druggist at Grinnell, Iowa; Mae, teacher; Richard B., of Keota, Washington; and Everett L., at home. Mrs. Crowe is an Episcopalian. Mr. Crowe is a Catholic, and a member of the Elks and Modern Woodmen. He is a Democrat, and has been for some time the assessor of Clermont. Mr. Crowe's drug store is in the very forefront of the retail businesses of Clermont, where his capabilities have placed it. In social and family life, as well as in business, his character reaches the same high standard."


~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Richard Smith