After a brief serious illness which culminated in pneumonia Henry Francis Crandall died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Floyd T. Coon, early Sabbath morning, February 4, 1922.
He was born in Milton Junction, Wis. February 25, 1847, the only child of Amos Sidney and Arminda Frink Crandall. His mother died when he was nine years old. His father's family were of sturdy New England stock, who were influential persons in the civic, industrial and religious life in the early history of Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut. Henry was a lineal descendant of John Crandall, who emigrated to the New England colonies, presumably about 1636. This ancestor was originally a Baptist in his religious belief. But after coming to America he accepted the tenets of the Seventh Day Baptists and became a member of their pioneer church at Newport, Rhode Island. The record is that he was a prominent influential person, as he held positions of responsibility in the church and community.
The traits of moral, civic and religious integrity were prominent in succeeding generations and Henry Crandall became a just inheritor of the excellent qualities of character of his ancestors. His father and grandfather were pioneer settlers on Du Lac Prairie in southern Wisconsin. Here, with other emigrants from New York state, they began the formidable tasks of clearing and breaking the land preparatory to the establishing of permanent homes.
On March 19, 1868, Henry was married to Lucinda E. Cottrell of Milton Junction. They resided in this village for a few years until their removal to Denison, Iowa, where Mr. Crandall engaged in business. When settlers began taking up land in the Loup Valley, Nebraska, Mr. and Mrs. Crandall went to North Loup where they experienced the deprivations and hardships which were common to those early settlers. Later on, they removed to Farina, Ill. In March of 1900, they came to Milton where they resided till the time of their deaths. Mrs. Crandall, after a long and painful illness, died June 5, 1919.
Seven children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy. There are still living Wilmer H., Harry B., Fred A., and Mrs. Maud Hurley of Riverside, Cal. There are also twelve grandchildren. A half-brother, George A. resides in Yakima, Wash. Mr. Crandall, when a young man, became an earnest believer in Christ and joined the Seventh Day Baptist church at Milton. He has been a humble, earnest supporter of the church and of every good cause. While living at North Loup, he was the successful teacher of a class of young men. He was ordained deacon by the church at Farina, and faithfully and efficiently served in that position both at Farina and at Milton.
Mr. Crandall was a man in whom all who knew him had the utmost confidence. His uprightness, courtesy and considerate bearing gained for him lasting friendships. For a time he worked at carpentry with his brother-in-law, Ormanzo Cottrell. For twenty years or more he was connected with the firm, now F. C. Dunn and Company.
Farewell services were held at the home of Floyd T. Coon and at the Seventh Day Baptist church on Monday afternoon, Feb. 6, conducted by Pastor Henry N. Jordan. A male quartet composed of Mr. Leslie Bennett, Prof. W. D. Burdick, Prof. L. H. Stringer and Prof. A. E. Whitford sang three songs of hope and consolation.
Mr. Crandall was buried in the family plot in the cemetery at Milton Junction.
