My Genealogy Hound

Dr. Amandus Crull, practicing physician of Big River Township, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1820, and after receiving a good collegiate education in the German, French and Spanish languages, came to the United States, in 1838, and after making a tour of all the principal cities of the country, spent some time visiting relatives in St. Louis County, Mo. He came to Big River Township in 1841, there being but two other German families west of Big River in Jefferson County at that time, to his knowledge. After remaining in that vicinity for about two years he left and made an extended tour through Texas and Mexico. Here he remained for about two years, and while in Texas acted as guide for a company who assisted in establishing a German settlement there. He soon after returned to Big River Township, and in 1849 married Miss Mary Ann, daughter of George and Dosia McFry, who were among the early settlers of Jefferson County, but afterward moved to Franklin County, where Mrs. Crull was born. To the Doctor and wife were born two children, sons, named John and George, and both enterprising farmers of Big River Township, the latter owning the home farm of 113 acres. After marriage the Doctor first located at the head of Belew’s Creek, and a few years later moved to where he has since made his home, twelve miles northwest of Hillsboro. The Doctor farmed until a few years prior to the war, when he began the study of medicine, under the instruction of Dr. Charles Rugge. After a few years’ study he commenced his practice in 1861, and continued this successfully until broken down by age and hard work, although he still continues an office practice. From 1875 until 1883 he was notary public. He was formerly a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk, in 1844, but after the organization of the Republican party he identified himself with that party and remained for several years. He then became dissatisfied with some of its principles, and is now strictly conservative, voting for the man without regard to the party. His parents were Hon. John and Josephine (Stein) Crull. The father was procurator in law, a position of high rank. He served during the French War, under Napoleon I, and was a lieutenant of the “Black Hussars” in Germany.