Biography - Joshua L. Crawford
JOSHUA L. CRAWFORD, a minister of the Gospel, preaching the doctrines of the
Presbyterian denomination and resident in Cedar Township, owning a farm on
section 14, is the subject of this biographical notice. A part of his labors are
confined to Foster's Point, McDonough County, Ill., while he occupies the pulpit
at West Prairie Church, preaching in these two places alternately. In connection
with his religious work, he is interested in agricultural pursuits.
Rev. Mr. Crawford was born in Indian Point Township, Sept. 28, 1844, and is the
son of John and Elizabeth (Howard) Crawford, natives of Virginia and Kentucky,
respectively. His father was born in 1798, and died Aug. 14, 1875. His mother,
Elizabeth, born Nov. 29, 1808, is still living. This union was blessed by the
birth of 11 children, of whom Joshua is the youngest member. The names of his
brothers and sisters are James, Charles H., John W., Elizabeth A., Nancy, Henry,
Cynthia M., Peter D., Rebecca, Matilda F. and Joshua.
In the year 1856, April 4, occurred the union of our subject with Miss Ella
Marsh [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a Joshua L. Crawford marrying
a Frances E. Marsh in Knox County on April 4, 1866], who was born July 18, 1847,
in the township of Cedar, Knox County, and who is the daughter of Thomas B. and
Sophronia (Alden) Marsh, both natives of New York. Mrs. Crawford's mother and
father reckon in their family circle Sophia J., Benjamin A., Noble L., Hannah
P., Francis E., Harriet A., and Ella, besides two sons lost in infancy.
The fruit of the Crawford family tree has been nine children, namely: Charles
A., born Jan. 7, 1867; Sophronia E., Oct. 2, 1868; Harriet E., June 12, 1870;
Edna B., June 2, 1872; Leroy W., Oct. 20, 1874; John B., May 26, 1876; Philena
B., Nov. 2, 1879; Edith E., Sept. 8, 1882; and Agnes J., Oct. 5, 1884; of these
two are deceased.
Mr. Crawford follows his profession as minister of the Gospel, preaching in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in the towns previously spoken of. He entered
the ministry in 1872, and was ordained in August of that year, since which
period he has successfully labored in this field of work. In this position he is
kind, genial and friendly, and is popular both as a man and a minister. He is
noble in principle, large-hearted and intellectually strong. He joined the
church at the age of 14 years, since which time he has lived an upright,
consistent life, winning many friends and supporters. John, the father of our
subject, occupied the pulpit in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, laboring
earnestly and winning many souls to Christ, also assisting in many large
revivals throughout the States of Illinois and Iowa. He closed a worthy and
useful life-work in behalf of his chosen church, after an extended period of 50
years' faithful labor.
Mr. Crawford was a Union soldier, enlisting in the late war, Aug. 7, 1862, at
Abingdon, Ill., in the 83rd Ill. Vol. Inf., under Colonel A. C. Harding, of
Monmouth. He fought for the stars and stripes, participating in the second
general battle of Fort Donelson, served 2 years and 11 months continuously,
doing, as a rule, post duty in the United States service, and receiving an
honorable discharge, June 26, at Nashville, Tenn., and was mustered out at
Chicago, July 5, 1865. He supports and voices the sentiments of the Republican
party, and is wide awake and interested in public matters. He may be esteemed,
in general characteristics, as an able citizen and a desirable friend and
neighbor.
Contributed by Pat Thomas, extracted from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical
Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 582.
