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         JOHN CRAWFORD, one of the early settlers of Louisa County, is a successful farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 18, Morning Sun Township. He was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1816, and is a son of William and Sarah (Foraker) Crawford, the father a native of Ireland, and the mother of Pennsylvania, though born of German parentage. William Crawford was born in 1777, and in 1798, when twenty-one years of age, emigrated to America, locating in Harrison County, Ohio, where he entered 160 acres of land. He there became acquainted with and wedded Sarah Foraker, and in that county their children were all born. In connection with his farming interests Mr. Crawford engaged in school-teaching, in which he was quite successful. A fine scholar, and a man of prominence and influence, he was held in high esteem in the community where he resided, and his death occurred about 1849. His wife had been called to her final rest several years previously. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church, and active workers in the interests of that organization. To them were born nine children, three of whom died in infancy, while the others grew to manhood and womanhood: Rosanna, who is now eighty years of age, makes her home with her brother William, in Morning Sun Township; James, who was a successful physician, both in his native county and in Louisa County, died Feb. 10, 1888; Jane is the widow of John Wilson, of Noble County, Ohio; John is the third in order of birth; William is a resident farmer of Morning Sun Township. After the death of his first wife William Crawford married Miss Duncan. To them were born two children: Robert, now a farmer in Morning Sun Township; and Mary Elizabeth, who wedded Mr. Strahl, of Ohio.

Our subject attended the common schools of his native State, and was reared to farm life. He remained at home until the age of thirty-six, having charge of the home farm, as his other brothers had left the parental roof. After the death of his father he had exclusive management until the settling up of the estate, when he came to Louisa County, in 1852, and entered 160 acres of land in Morning Sun Township. Remaining upon that farm for only a short time, he then sold, and purchased eighty acres of section 18, Morning Sun Township. This was raw prairie land with no improvements, not even being fenced.

Thinking it not good for man to live alone, Mr. Crawford wedded Miss Mary J. Blue, who was born in Lycoming County, Pa., Dec. 20, 1827, and is a daughter of Aaron and Anna (Brugler) Blue. Mr. and Mrs. Blue were the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters, only two of that number now living: Mrs. Crawford, and David, residents of Sylvania, Ohio. The parents, who were natives of Pennsylvania, found at the home of our subject and his wife a happy home for themselves during their old age. The mother died July 2, 1871, from a cancer, and the father on the 1st of December, 1884.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Crawford made their home for two years upon the farm . . .

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. . . where William C. now resides, but during that time erected the residence which has since been their home. To them have been born three children: Sarah M., who has qualified herself for a teacher, and is also a natural artist, for though never having taken lessons in the art of painting, her work compares favorably with those who have made it a study; William B. is at home; and Anna M. died Nov. 5, 1870, at the age of fourteen months and eleven days. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have given their children good educations, and with them are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which the husband holds the office of Elder. He has always taken an active part in the promotion of the church interests, and politically, advocates the principles of the Republican party. In 1840 he cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison, under whom his father served in the War of 1812, and in 1888 cast his vote for the grandson, Gen. Benjamin Harrison, the candidate for the country’s highest office on the Republican ticket.