My Genealogy Hound

REV. R. A. CRISWELL, Normal; was born in West Virginia, near Wheeling, May 20, 1820; son of John and Rebecca (Kilgore) Criswell, who were of Scotch origin; during his early life his school advantages were very limited, but by home study he prepared himself, and entered the West Alexandria Academy in 1844, continuing some four years; then entered the Washington College, at Washington, Penn., and graduated in 1849; early in life, he had chosen the work of the ministry, and was educating himself for that work; he entered the Princeton Theological Seminary; took a thorough course, and graduated in May, 1852; during this time, he was licensed to preach; he came to Illinois in 1852; located in Menard Co., and began preaching in the North Sangamon Church, and was installed over that Church in November, 1853, where he remained sixteen years. He served during the late war (in different regiments) as Chaplain; he located in Normal in 1867, where he has since lived, continuing in the work of the ministry. He married Miss Elizabeth E. Carson, of West Virginia, June 29, 1852; they are prominently known and highly respected; they have raised a family of nine.