My Genealogy Hound

CROCKER, HENRY A., druggist; residence, Payson; is the oldest of two sons and two daughters of Rev. Robert Crocker, of Dartmouth, Mass., where he was born June 29, 1818. At the age of 14 he left the parental roof in the night time, with his effects in a handkerchief, and twenty-five cents in his pocket, and made his way to Oxford, Ohio, with a view to secure an education. Not finding favorable opportunities there, he went to Hanover, Ind., which was then conducted on the manual labor plan. He was dubbed the “Prodigal;” defrayed his expenses by work and teaching private classes in grammar. For several years his friends knew nothing of his whereabouts, until his sister came to the institution as the wife of one of its professors, when a recognition of the “lost child” took place. When 19 years old he married Lucia Brandt, born in France. After completing his studies in college, he read medicine with Drs. Hayes & Speers, and removed to Hannibal, Mo., where he began practice in 1841; continued ten years there, came to Payson in 1851, practiced seven years, then went into the drug business. Had six children, five living: Phelix H. A., Mrs. Alice Thomas, Frank, Omer, and Julius V. Doctor and wife are members of the M. E. church. He owns the store, a residence and two lots in the village.