My Genealogy Hound

Alvin F. Crawford, a prominent farmer of Milford township, living on his fine farm of 95 acres in section 22, was born in the old Crawford homestead on the farm which he now owns, of which it forms a part, October 30, 1854. His parents were William and Lucy (Sayles) Crawford, and his grandparents were Robert and Hannah Crawford, natives of New York of Irish extraction.

Robert and Hannah Crawford came to Michigan in 1830 and settled in Oakland County. They had these children: Jacob, Robert, Ezra, Alanson, William, Elthea and Matilda. In religious faith they were Methodists. Both died in Oakland County, Mrs. Crawford’s death occurring in 1870.

William Crawford came to Michigan in 1830 with his parents; upon engaging in farming pursuits, he settled on the property, part of which now belongs to our subject. He was considered a good farmer and was held in high esteem as a neighbor and citizen. His death took place in 1880, at the age of 59 years. He was the father of seven children, viz: Emily; Mary E., wife of John S. Pittenger; Levi S.; Wesley and William, both deceased; and Albert and Alvin, twins. William Crawford and wife were both active in the affairs of the first Methodist Church of Milford township, in which he held official positions. In politics, he was identified with the Republican party. He was survived by his widow 12 years, her death occurring at the age of 80 years.

Our subject was reared on the farm and was educated in the district schools and at the Milford High School. His life has been mainly passed on his own property, his interests centering in general farming and stock raising and in dairying which he makes a specialty, finding ready sale for all his dairy products.

In 1879 Mr. Crawford married Anna Jackson, who is a daughter of Isaac P. and Ann G. (Simpson) Jackson. Isaac P. Jackson, who was the founder of the Milford Times, was born April 25, 1824, on a farm near Rochester, Monroe County, New York. His father, who was a pioneer of Western New York, died when Isaac P. was a lad, leaving the mother with five small children to rear and educate. Mr. Jackson’s boyhood was spent in the vicinity of Walworth, New York, where he worked upon a farm and attended the district schools for short periods during the winter months of each year. In 1846 he went to Geneva, New York, to live with an uncle, Luther Kelly, and there he pursued his studies still farther, finally entering Hobart College. He was compelled to give up the hope of a full collegiate course after two years spent in that institution, on account of a severe spell of sickness that seriously affected his lungs. He then entered into the drug business at Painted Post, New York, and later removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he carried on a drug business until 1867. In that year he located in Milford, Oakland County, and opened a drug store. Soon after this he established the Milford Times, which soon became one of the substantial publications of the county and which has now been issued for 33 years by the Jackson family. He made the paper a success financially and a power in the affairs of this section of Michigan. It has well sustained to the present day the reputation established for it by its founder. Mr. Jackson was a Mason, and an active member and worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married June 19, 1851, to Ann G. Simpson, who was born in Spauldington, Yorkshire, England, January 25, 1830, and came to America with her parents in 1836. Mr. Jackson died August 22, 1886, and his wife, October 30, 1888. Their union resulted in the birth of five children, as follows: Amelia, who married S. L. Rowe; Anna, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Carrie M., the wife of G. S. Rowe; Bert W., deceased; and Mabel M. No man in the county was better known for sterling qualities of character than was Mr. Jackson.

Mr. Crawford affiliates with the Republican party. In religious belief both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Church. He is not only a representative of one of the county’s oldest pioneer families, but is also a leading citizen of Milford township, where through a long life of industry, integrity and good citizenship, he has won the esteem of all who know him.