DEA. WM. H. CRANDALL
About five years before white men began to settle within the present limits of Walworth Township, and about five months before the Indian chief, Black Hawk, was conquered by government troops out in Vernon County, Wis., Wm. H. Crandall was born in Leonardsville, N. Y., March 16, 1832, a son of Riley Crandall and Maria Clark Crandall.
When eight years old, he came over the ridge to make home with his uncle, Geo. B. Clark, in Brookfield. At the age of sixteen he attended a series of gospel meetings at Unadilla Forks, held by the older Wm. B. Maxson, and was then led to his profession of faith and united with the Brookfield Church.
His coming to Wisconsin dates the same year as the opening of Bigfoot Academy, 1857. During his second season he worked for his friend, who became Deacon Lucian Covey, a man who officially served in the Walworth Church for many years. He was very fortunate that year also in making the happy choice of his life companion, Miss Martha L. Green, whom he married October 2, 1858, The ceremony was by Pastor O. P. Hull, whose home in this village is now owned and occupied by Mr. Howard Fish.
A few years later they bought the farm in Linn Township which has been in their possession ever since. After the residence there of twenty-eight years, they obtained a village home and moved to Walworth. In the year 1893 he was called and ordained to the office of deacon, and was ever one of the faithful servants in the church, while health permitted service. While living at the farm home, five miles away, with six children, they were very regularly on time at church service. For many years he held a class as teacher in the Sabbath school. He was a man of good judgment, kind-hearted, and ever earnestly desiring the welfare of the church - the human agency under God for the salvation of men.
Five of his children survive him, also sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His faithful wife has very generally been able to care for him and make home happy. He died January 5, 1910. The funeral service was held at the church on Sabbath morning, January 8. Pastor M. G. Stillman took for text John xi, 26: "And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." The two surviving deacons of the church occupied chairs at the front, and a third chair was draped and placed in line. Two sons, a grandson and three sons-in-law served as bearers.
Another of the sturdy pioneer servants of church and state is called to his rest and reward, to which his faith he could look with a glad hope. He lived in the spirit of peace and good will to men, a reliable citizen, a wise counselor, well respected in a great circle of friends.
M. G. S.
