My Genealogy Hound

John W. Crawford, whose 90 acres of fine farming land are located in section 2, Southfield township, Oakland County, was born on this valuable farm in 1857, and is a son of a pioneer of 1821.

Edward A. Crawford, the father of John W. Crawford, was born in New Jersey and was a son of John and Rhoda Crawford, who were among the earliest settlers of Oakland County. They located on the present farm of our subject and there passed the remainder of their lives, succeeded by their son and later by their grandson, our subject. Edward A. Crawford accompanied his parents to Michigan and devoted a long life to the clearing and cultivation of the farm. His death occurred at the age of 78 years in 1899. He was married to Cornelia Beardsley, who was born in Connecticut and is now a highly esteemed resident of Birmingham, Oakland County. She is a worthy member of the Methodist Church in which her late husband was also prominent. Six children were born to them, namely: Martha, deceased; George, of Ionia, Michigan; Harrison, of California; Margaret, wife of Briggs Grow of North Dakota; Sarah, wife of Henry Stiff of Birmingham, Oakland County; and our subject, the youngest of the family.

John W. Crawford obtained a district school education and subsequently attended the Birmingham High School. He has always been engaged in farming and has been very successful. His land is very productive and under his management has brought him large returns. His reputation in his neighborhood is that of one of the good farmers as well as reliable citizens of Southfield township.

In 1893 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage with Lillie Mc Arthur, who was born in Tuscola County, Michigan, in 1866, and is a daughter of Levi O. and Elsie McArthur. The two children of this union are: Florence and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the Methodist Church. Although never a politician or office seeker, Mr. Crawford is an active member of the Republican party and a citizen who has the best interests of his section at heart.