EDWARD CRAWFORD, who resides in Murphysboro, is the efficient County
Clerk of Jackson County, and is a genial and entertaining gentleman, well
liked by all. In the history of this community his record should not be
omitted. He has the honor of being a native of Illinois, his birth having
occurred in the capital city on Christmas Day of 1861. His grandfather,
Thomas Crawford, was a pioneer farmer of Cadiz, Ohio, and was of Scotch
descent. He died in 1893, at the age of ninety-three years. His son Hugh,
the father of our subject, was born in Cadiz, and was reared to manhood in
the Buckeye State. At an early age he removed westward. Attracted by the
discovery of gold, he went to California, where he engaged in mining for a
time, but afterward returned to Jackson County, Ill. Subsequently he engaged
in teaching school in Springfield, but in 1862 we again find him in
Murphysboro.
Hugh Crawford married Elizabeth Kimmel, a native of
Pennsylvania. Her father, Philip Kimmel, emigrated from the Keystone State
to this county in 1840, and located in Somerset Township. There he improved
a farm, upon which he is still living, at the advanced age of ninety years.
The family is of German descent. Mrs. Crawford, who was a faithful member of
the Lutheran Church, died in 1884. In the family were five sons and a
daughter who grew to mature years, and they also lost two children in early
life. Hugh Crawford still survives his wife, and is a well known and honored
citizen of this community. He was appointed County Clerk to fill a vacancy,
then for two terms was elected Circuit Clerk of the county. Subsequently he
acted as Deputy in that office for one term, and is now serving as Deputy in
the office of County Clerk.
Edward Crawford, whose name heads this
record, was principally reared in Murphysboro, and in his youth received the
advantages of a common school. His life has been a busy and useful one. From
an early age he spent his vacations working in offices or stores, and for
ten years was employed as clerk in a dry-goods establishment. Of late years
his time has all been given to official duties, and so faithfully has he
discharged these that he has won the high commendation of all concerned. In
1887 he was elected City Treasurer for a term of two years; was then
appointed Tax Collector of Murphysboro Township to fill a vacancy, and
afterward was elected to that office. In 1890 he was nominated as County
Clerk and received the largest majority of any candidate on the Democratic
ticket. In December he entered upon the discharge of his duties and is the
present efficient and capable County Clerk. Socially, he is connected with
the Odd Fellows' society.
In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Crawford and Miss Laura Coad. The lady is a native of Hardin County, and a
daughter of Samuel Coad. They have a pleasant and comfortable home on Logan
Street, which is the abode of hospitality and good cheer. Their friends
throughout the community are many, and by all they are held in warm regard.
Extracted 31 Jul 2020 by Norma Hass from 1894 Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry, and Monroe Counties, Illinois, pages 642-643.