John G Crawford

JOHN G. CRAWFORD, formerly a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of East Oakland Township, is spending his latter days in ease and retirement in the village, where he has a fine residence and two acres of land, and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He has been a resident of this county since I860, and has nearly all his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. His property includes his home in Oakland and 700 acres of valuable land in the township, the hitter comprising a fine farm which is now operated by tenants, and from which the owner receives a handsome income. He is a fine representative of the thrifty and prosperous element of Central Illinois, and has contributed his full share toward bringing it to its present condition.
The early home of our subject was in Martinsville, Ind., where his birth took place on the farm of his father, James Crawford, Aug. 10, 1837. His mother, Delilah (Gray) Crawford, a native of Pennsylvania, was born June 10, 1802, and is still living, being eighty-five years of age. James Crawford was born Jan. IS, 171)8, on the James River in Virginia, and departed this life at his home in Washington County, Ind., on the 12th of April, 1872. The parents were married in the latter-named county in 1822, and early in life became members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which the father was an Elder at Martinsville for many years. He was a man of intelligence and exerted much influence in the local and political affairs of his adopted State. He was identified with the Whig party until it was abandoned, and then cordially endorsed the principles of the Republicans.
The children of James and Delilah Crawford are as follows: William, who married Miss Sophia Day, died a year later at his home in Martinsville, Ind.; George and James A. are also deceased; Mary is the wife of William R. Harrison, and Sarah A., the wife of George W. Cramer, both residents of Martinsville, Ind.; Joseph B. and Robert H. are deceased. The latter during the late war enlisted in the 72d Indiana Infantry, in which he served two years and until the close, and afterward enlisted in the United States Regulars. His regiment was stationed at Monroe, La., where he died in August, 1868.
The subject of this biography spent his boyhood and youth after the manner of most country boys,, and after reaching his majority and laying his plans for the future, was united in marriage with Miss Virginia Valodin, the wedding taking place in Ports- mouth, Ohio, on the 10th of January, 1866. This lady was born in New Madrid. Mo., Nov. 2, 1838, and died at the home of her husband in Oakland Township, July 30, 1882, after being ill with consumption one year. Her two children, were John F., born Aug. 9, 1874, and Roscoe V., Aug. 11, 1881. Mrs. Crawford was a lady of deep piety, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when a young girl fourteen years of age. Her parents were Frank and Temperance (Burt) Valodin, the former a native of Paris, France. The mother was born in Ohio and both were connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. V. died in New Orleans in the spring of 1839.
Mr. Crawford came first to Illinois in 1 860, and purchased land in Sergeant Township, Douglas County, where he carried on farming eight years, and thence removed- to this county. He was remarkably successful in his agricultural operations, and devoted much attention to the raising of fine stock. He identified himself with the Masonic fraternity in 1872, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1870, and politically is a Republican of the first water. During the war he was the stanch enemy of rebellion and secession, and although not actively engaged in the field, contributed of his means and influence to the encouragement of the Union sentiment. He served as Supervisor of Oakland Township, and has in all respects fulfilled the obligations of a good man and worthy citizen.