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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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ALEXANDER CRISLER, whose sketch we now have the pleasure of presenting, is a native of this county, and was born in Rockwood Precinct September 18, 1851. Here he grew to man’s estate, commencing at an early age to cultivate the soil and to learn the principles of successful farming. His education was limited, but his natural ability and fondness for knowledge can more than atone for the lack of what is commonly called “schooling.” Mr. Crisler is now occupying a fine estate on section 36, township 7, range 6, where he devotes his attention to cultivating the soil.

The parents of our subject, John and Mary (Hindman) Crisler, were natives of Kentucky, and came to this county previous to their marriage, when quite young. John Crisler was a blacksmith by trade, which calling he followed in Rockwood until his decease, which occurred in 1866. Our subject was a lad of fifteen years when his father died, and he was compelled to give up any ambition he might have had for procuring an education, being obliged to work on the farm and assist in the support of his mother. The latter departed this life in 1876.

Our subject began to break land on his own account on reaching his majority, and has ever since been engaged as a general farmer and stock-raiser. Everything about his estate has been accomplished by arduous toil, and is now under a fine state of cultivation. He was married in 1871 to Miss Nancy Lowry, and they have become the parents of eight children, two of whom are deceased. John, Clemie, James, Edgar and Byrd are living at home, and Willis is residing with an aunt in Chester.

Mrs. Crisler was the daughter of Hugh and Sarah Lowry, who were residents of this county for many years; the father came from Ireland, and the mother is a native of Alabama. Our subject’s wife departed this life May 16, 1886, and July 4, 1888, Mr. Crisler was married to Margaret Lowry, a sister of his first wife. To them has been born a daughter, Sadie, who is three years old. Mrs. Crisler is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Crisler, until a few years ago, was a Liberal in politics. Now, however, he casts his vote for the People’s party candidates. He is one of the most public spirited and progressive men in this locality, and socially he is a member of Springvale Lodge No. 922, F. M. B. A., and is now Chairman of the County Assembly.

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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 Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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