Col. Albert N. Crandall was born in DeRuyter, N. Y., May 6, 1841, and died in Westerly, R. I., August 12, 1923. At the age of twelve Mr. Crandall moved with his parents to Brookfield, N. Y., and at the age of nineteen he came to Westerly, R. I., and began working for the firm of C. Maxson and Co., with whom he continued for twenty years. In 1879 he joined the company with William Randolph, C. Maxson and B. Courtland Bently, under the name of Randolph, Bently & Co., from which he retired in 1900.
He had been prominent in town affairs all through life, holding many places of honor and trust, and was especially helpful in the place of superintendent of the building of the Town Hall and Court House. He was a Civil War veteran and always active in G. A. R. circles. His title of Colonel, was as head of the Westerly Rifles.
Mr. Crandall had been a member of the Pawcatuck Seventh Day Baptist Church and a very helpful and interested one. When the present church was built, he selected the timber used in finishing it, from the woods in central New York and had the logs shipped here, where they were prepared for the place for which they were selected. He, with his beloved companion who preceded him but a short time, were among the most helpful of all the members of the Pawcatuck Church.
Mr. Crandall was married in Leonardsville, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1870, by the Rev. L. C. Rogers, to Mary Matilda St. John. To them were born three children, Milton A. who followed him in death in just two weeks; Emma, of Westerly, R. I., and Willard R. of Bayonne, N. J. A granddaughter, Arden Eleanor Crandall of Bayonne, N. J.; a sister, Mrs. Orcelia Bowman, of Findlay Lake, N. Y., and a brother, Herman E. Crandall of New Britain, Conn., also survive him. Mr. Crandall was one of the best known and respected residents of Westerly, and his loss will be deeply felt.
The funeral services were held at his late home, 27 Elm St., August 15, 1923, in the afternoon and were conducted by his pastor, Rev. Clayton A. Burdick, assisted by former pastor, S. H. Davis.
C. A. B.
