My Genealogy Hound

Isaac Crawford, one of the old residents of Milford township, Oakland County, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm, which is comprised by a tract of 80 acres in section 17, where he lives, and a tract of 60 acres in section 18, was born in the parish of Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England, October 23, 1825. He is a son of Isaac and Mary (Blanchard) Crawford, and a grandson of Robert Crawford.

In 1849 our subject’s parents came to America and in the following year settled in Michigan. They purchased 80 acres in Milford township, the same on which our subject’s residence now stands. The land was originally purchased from the government by Norman Gladding, was sold to Edgar Smith, and later passed into the possession of Mr. Crawford and his son, our subject. But 50 acres of the tract had been roughly cleared and a small house stood on the property and is still in use as a tool house. It was once of considerable importance, being the first frame house in the neighborhood. There the elder Isaac Crawford lived and there he died in 1891, in his 94th year. In the old country the family had lived for generations on the same land and our subject entertains a pride in his present farm and would require a great inducement to cause him to part with any of it. A great affection existed between Mr. Crawford and his father, being men of similar tastes and character. They labored amicably together until the death of the father broke the connection. The mother passed away at Buffalo, in 1850, aged 52 years, having been the mother of seven children, the three growing to maturity being, — Robert, Joseph and Isaac. Both parents belonged to the Methodist Church.

Our subject was given instruction in private schools in his native country and worked on the farm that had been operated by his father and grandfather for many years. He has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits and is considered one of the progressive farmers of Oakland County. His practical methods having been productive of excellent results.

In 1861 Mr. Crawford was married to Louisa Cosart, who was born in Castile, New York, and is a daughter of Rev. John and Louisa (Stowell) Cosart. Their children are: Isaac H., who was married to Emma J. Crawford; Arthur J., who was married to Emma Farnsworth; Harry B.; and Mary L., who married Elmer O. Potter.

Politically Mr. Crawford is identified with the Republican party and he has served in local offices and was for a considerable period the moderator on the township school board. In religious belief and practice, the family are Methodists. He enjoys an enviable reputation as a man of integrity and reliability.