JOSEPH CROCKFORD                                

Goodland Republic, Friday, Jan. 25, 1901

Died:  Jan. 20, 1901

 

WAS A NONAGENARIAN

Death Removes Joseph Crockford.  Who Lived Nearly a Century

Was Born in New Jersey in 1803

 

  Joseph Crockford. the oldest man in Sherman county if not in the state of Kansas, died Sunday afternoon about two o'clock at his home in Goodland. Had he lived two years longer he would have reached the century mark. He would have been 98 years of age next Sunday.

  He was taken ill over a week ago with lagrippe and his enfeebled condition and advanced age could not withstand the disease. Eleven years ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis which deprived him of the power of speech, but the attack did not affect his limbs and he was able to walk about town until he was taken with the illness that resulted in his death.

  Joseph Crockford was born in Mount Holly, N.J.. January 27, 1803. He was married in Ohio in 1840 to Miss Mary Friday, who still survives him. Eight children were born to them, six of whom are still living. Only two children were present at the funeral, a daughter, Mrs. Ellen Canaga, and a son. J. L. Crockford, of this county.

  Many years ago he joined the Christian church and was a member of that society when he died. In 1862 he enlisted in the Twenty-sixth Michigan volunteer infantry and served one year, being discharged on account of disability received from exposure while standing guard at Colfax Court House, Va. He came to Kansas in 1887 and has since been a resident of Sherman county.

  The funeral was held at the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. Woodward conducting the services. The G. A. R. organization was in attendance and the escort and pall bearers were veterans of the civil war.

CONTRIBUTED BY LLOYD P. HOLBROOK, RESEARCHER OF G. A. R. POST , W. R. ROBERTSON POST #428