Person:Michael Crum (1)

There is an incident in connection with the life of Michael Crum who recently died which as never been mentioned [unreadable]. It is known only to a few people in this vacinity that he came as near [to] giving his life for his brother as a man could and still remain alive. He had a patriotic regard for his country and he loved his brother just as well. In taking the notion related below he served both.

His brother, Jacob Crum who resides near Shelby, was drafted for military service. He was married and had a family. It meant a great deal to take the head of the family to the front where the chances are his death would result leaving his family suffer. Michael Crum upon hearing of his brother being drafted for the war [unreadable] to the house of his brother Jacob and then a Damon and Pythias scene ensued. Michael argued that he was single and in good health with no one depending upon him for support. He argued the question calmly as if he were not making a great sacrifice and finally convinced his brother that he ought to be permitted to go to the front as his substitute. Obtaining his brother's permission he bade his parents and brother good bye and enlisted. He was wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg being shot through both legs. This fact has been mentioned in the Globe but nothing was ever said as to the way in which he came to [unreadable]his brother Jacob still living and enjoying good health. Michael suffered all through life from the injuries received in the battle in which he participated. It was a great sacrifice to make but the deceased did it willingly and never complained or expressed himself as being sorry for making it possible for his brother to remain at home with his family. To our mind he came as near giving his life for his brother as he could.

My family is experiencing the hardships of this terrible war. Jacob, the eldest has been drafted. He is married and has a family to support. Michael has volunteered to go in his brother's place. He offered his services to the government in defense of the Union, enlisting for nine months as a member of Company F of the Eighty-Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. his regiment was attached to the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Second Army Corp. Although his time expired two days before the battle of Gettysburg, he did not leave the army, for he felt that his service was still needed. He entered that engagement and was wounded in both legs by a minie ball on the first day of the battle. After being wounded he was taken prisoner, but the next day the rebels retreated and he was left once more among his friends. He was then removed to the county infirmary, which was being used as an army hospital. The place was only about ten miles from the place of his birth. A friend visiting the hospital recognized him and notified his people, who came and cared for him. He suffered from this wound all of his life. As soon as he has sufficiently recovered, he received an honorable discharge and returned home. (NOTE: The minie ball, a grim reminder, is in the possession of Michael's family today.)

Biographies - C
Crum, Michael -- Michael Crum and his son, Paul, are .... large land holders [in Sharon Township]. A singular coincident occurred to Mr. Crum. He was born within view of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Crum enlisted in Company F, 82nd. Regiment, O.V.I. and during the memorable battle of Gettysburg he was shot through both legs, between the ankle and knee. As he put his weight on his right foot, a minnie ball passed through between the bones of the leg. In stepping on either limb, doctors say the two bones spread and in doing so the ball passed in this case through that leg without breaking either bone. Being wounded he was captured by the Confederate soldiers and placed in their hospital, which was the Adams County, Pennsylvania Infirmary. An uncle of John F. Hartman, of Jackson Township, was then the superintendent of that institution and was a personal friend of Mr. Crum, who from that time received all the attention that medical skill could give. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 19 February 1903, Vol. 11, No. 7]

Crum surname misspelled "Crumb" on this census. Moses, Margarett & 6 children at home - Michael is the youngest.