Willette Henry Crandall, the only son of John Milton and Elizabeth Maxson Crandall, was born at Milton, Wis., June 29, 1858, and after a brief illness attended with intense suffering, passed away at his home in Battle Creek, Mich., December 20, 1922.
When Mr. Crandall was a mere child the family went to Farina, Ill., where they remained until 1875 when they undertook the slow and laborious journey overland to Dodge Center, Minn.
Mr. Crandall was married to Miss Rhoda Ellis of Dodge Center on July 18, 1880. In the year 1907 they came to Milton where they resided until their removal to Battle Creek in 1917. While in Milton he was employed in the barber's trade and in Battle Creek he was variously employed in the Sanitarium whenever his health permitted.
Five children made happy the home of Mr. and Mrs. Crandall. These were Mrs. Fred Crandall and Mrs. A. B. Saunders of Milton; Mrs. Paul Crandall and Miss Bessie Crandall of Battle Creek. Rex, a son, died when he was twelve years old.
Besides his wife and daughters, Mr. Crandall is survived by a sister, Mrs. Orin Moulton, of Grimes, Okla., and by eight grandchildren.
Mr. Crandall was a firm believer in the christian religion. One of the happiest experiences of his life was the reception of himself, wife and daughter into membership of the Battle Creek Seventh Day Baptist church one year ago at the time when all the members of his family were attending the homecoming at Battle Creek.
Wherever he lived Mr. Crandall made strong and enduring friendships. He was devoted to his family and his friends. He was generous to a fault.
Memorial services were held in Battle Creek conducted by Rev. M. B. Kelly, a former pastor, assisted by Rev. G. E. Fifield. The remains, accompanied by the wife and daughters living in that city were brought to Milton. Brief services were held on Sabbath afternoon, December 23, at the home of A. B. Saunders, conducted by Rev. H. N. Jordan. Interment was in the village cemetery.
