Benton V. Crumrine, one of the successful and energetic farmers of the county, is a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, born November 20, 1847, the son of Abraham and Sarah A. (Boyd) Crumrine: the former is a native of Pennsylvania, and a millwright by trade, and the latter is a native of Virginia, who moved to Putnam County, Illinois in 1856. In 1862 the subject of this sketch enlisted in the regular army, the Sixteenth Regiment of the United States Infantry, serving as a private soldier nearly three years. He then re-enlisted in the Second United States Infantry, serving until the end of the war, and during his army service he was promoted to Sergeant-Major of his regiment, and was honorably discharged at Livingston, Alabama, in 1867. After his return to Illinois he engaged in the milling busines with his father and brother, In 1872 he sold his interest to his brother and associated hinself with the coal mines of Bureau County, Illinois. In 1875 he sold his interest in the mines and came by rail to California, locating near Marysville, and engaged in farming on the Feather River. This enterprise proved a failure, caused by the overflow of the river for two years in succession, inundating his farm and entirely destroying his crops both years. Nothing daunted, however, he looked around to mend his fortune, and in the fall of 1877 he came to Tehama County, landing here without a dollar, but by hard work he has come to the surface, and now resides on his farm of 200 acres, located in the foothills twelve miles west of Corning, where he carries on farming and stock-raising.
Mr. Crumrine was married in La Salle County, Illinois, October 1, 1872 to Miss Ellen R. Barr, whose father was one of the early settlers on the Vermillion River, that State. They have four children: Romeyn E., Mabel H., Burrett and Ralph O. Politically Mr Crumrine affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes an active part in political matters. He has represented his party in the State and also in County conventions, and at the last election was their candidate for State Assemblyman. He is prominent member of the G.A.R. and affiliates with the F.&A.M., Moline Lodge, No.150, and also the A.O.U.W., No.187, of Tehama.
