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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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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.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Jackson County, Illinois family biographies here: Jackson County, Illinois Biographies

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