Sherman Griswold Crandall was born at the Crandall homestead in Independence, N. Y., February 20, 1845, and died of apoplexy at the sanitarium in Wellsville, N. Y., May 9, 1918, aged 73 years, 2 months, and 17 days.
He was the oldest son of the seven children born to Nelson R. and Laura Clarke Crandall. Of these brothers and sisters, Ellen, wife of W. W. Brown, of Bradford, Pa., Clara, wife of the late Thomas B. Titsworth, of Plainfield, N. J., William R. and Maxson A., of Independence, are still living.
February 26, 1870, he was united in marriage to Lenora G. Wood and to them were born four children, - Benjamin Ray, of Holtville, Cal., C. Milford and Elrene, who live at the old home in Independence, and Florence, who died in childhood.
Mr. Crandall secured his school training in the public schools near his home and at Alfred University where he attended in the sixties. For several years he successfully taught school in nearby schools, during the winter terms, and at the same time carried on his farm activities.
In May, 1860, when fifteen years of age, he was baptized by Rev. Jared Kenyon and united with the Seventh Day Baptist church at Independence, where he retained his membership until called to the church triumphant. May 8, 1870 the church unanimously called him to serve as deacon, an office he has filled with great faithfulness and devotion for forty-eight years. For many years he has been a member of the board of trustees and since 1894 he has served as chairman of the church.
Deacon Crandall was a man of vision and of action. Possessed of a strong will and tireless energy, a keen sense of righteousness and natural qualities of leadership, he has been a tower of strength in the church and community life. Worthy enterprises found in him a ready and generous helper. Church and denominational work, education and community welfare received of his benefactions. A strong and useful life has gone home. May his mantle fall on others as capable and worthy.
His last week at home before returning to the sanitarium was partly spent in crating our old church chandelier for the new church at Fouke, Ark. Plans for the coming association meetings in June were on his mind and heart, and among his last acts in the church was to give notice of a business meeting to perfect plans for its sessions.
Farewell services were held at the church in Independence, May 12, 1918, conducted by Pastor W. L. Greene, assisted by Rev. W. L. Burdick, and President B. C. Davis. Interment in the family plot at Independence. W. L. G.
