~Page 300~

Arthur F. Crawford

Arthur F. Crawford, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 11, Harlan Township, has since his fourteenth year made his home in this county. He was born in County Longford, in the north of Ireland, July 16, 1842, and is one of six children whose parents, Samuel F. and Anna Maria (West) Crawford, were both born in that county in 1808, and were of Scotch descent. His father began life as a farmer and followed that vocation during his entire business career. On emigrating to America in 1842, he settled in the city of New York, where he made his home until 1854, when he brought his family to this county, where he and his wife are still living. They are the parents of six children - William F., who resides in Hoquiam, Wash.; Ronald S. F., who lives in Harlan; Francis R., who is located in St. James, Mo.; Arthur, of this sketch; Mary resides at home; and Hessie M., who married M. M. Taylor and they reside in Center Township.

Our subject was reared to farm life and since attaining to mature years has followed that occupation in pursuit of fortune. He was educated in the district schools of New York and Iowa, and by subsequent reading has become a well-informed man. He was married March 8, 1869, to Miss Eliza Talbot, the second of two children born unto Thomas R. and Eliza (Leal) Talbot. Her father was born in Westmeath County, Ireland, and is of Scottish descent. The year 1850 witnessed his emigration to America and in Lima, Fayette County, Iowa, he took up his residence. He became the owner of large tracts of land and was a leading and successful business man of the community. He died on the 28th of December 1883, and his wife, who was also a native of Ireland, departed this life on the 9th of June, 1881. Their daughter Lucy is now the wife of Dr. Jones, a practicing physician of Elgin, Iowa; and Eliza is the wife of our subject. Mr. Crawford and his wife have three children - Fannie E., born October 12, 1873; Reginald T., June 9, 1876; and Arthur B., May 10, 1879.

Prompted by patriotic impulses, Mr. Crawford, on the 22nd of September, 1862, enrolled his name with the boys in blue of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry. He enlisted for three years, which were spent in protecting the settlements of the Northwestern frontier, and during that time he took part in many skirmishes and engagements. When the war was over he was mustered out in Sioux City, Iowa, and honorably discharged at Davenport November 7, 1865. Socially Mr. Crawford is a member of Reynolds Post, No. 47, G. A. R., of Maynard. He takes an active interest in and keeps himself well informed on the political issues of the day. He is not hampered by party ties and holds himself free to support whoever he wills, as he desires to vote for the best men and measures. He has held the office of Township Trustee for nine consecutive years and has also served as Commissioner of Roads and Highways. He is now Secretary of the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery at Maynard, a position he has occupied since its organization. He takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the advancement and upbuilding of the county and State in which he lives, and enjoys the distinction of being one of the most prosperous and influential farmers of Fayette County.