Joshua Cranor

Altoona Tribune, Thursday, Feb. 18, 1915, Pg. 5

J. Cranor

Dies Suddenly.

This community was shocked last Friday morning when it was announced that Joshua Cranor had died suddenly from heart disease at his home about three miles southeast of Altoona. He arose that morning in his usual health and was taking to his family when he suddenly fell over dead. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Altoona Saturday conducted by the pastor, the Rev. C. H. Gerkin. The Altoona Masonic lodge, of which the deceased was a charter member, conducted the services at the grave, interment being in the Altoona cemetery.

Joshua Cranor was born October 6th, 1840, near Greensborough, North Carolina. He was 74 years, 4 months and 7 days old at the time of his death. With his parents he moved to Kentucky in 1846, where he grew to manhood. He enlisted in Company G, 17th Regular Kentucky Volunteers, October 15th, 1861. Was discharged because of disabilities on April 20th, 1862. He was united in marriage to Serena J. O’Roark, March 29th, 1869. His wife, seven sons and three daughters survive him. The sons, Edward, Robert, William, George, John, Benjamin and Frank, and the daughters Mrs. Sadie Crowder, Mrs. Iola Kessell, all live in the vicinity of their father’s home, where he has resided since the spring of 1870. Mrs. Mary Green, the youngest daughter, resides in Chanute. All of these children have reached the years of maturity, the youngest being 23 years of age, all have families except the two. The wish of the father’s heart to live to see his children all grown, has been gratified. The passing of this father, is the first inroad that the pale rider (death) has made in this large family. He knew all about the struggles and privations of the poor man in a new country, but through persistent effort, frugality, and good management, he succeeded in making a good home, in which he enjoyed many of the comforts of life during the latter years of his life. He was a good husband, a loving father, and a true friend. His word was as good as his bond, he believed in God, in God’s people and the church. His race is run, and he is gone, let us emulate every good quality he possessed. He was an honorable gentleman in the highest sense that term implies. To man, woman, or child, saint or sinner, he always extended a cordial greeting. He commanded the respect of all. By the death of Joshua Cranor this community loses a good and righteous man.