Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 330 - 331

JAMES O. CROCKER, whose portrait is given in this connection, was a citizen of Union Township, where, as a leader among men, his memory is held in reverence and honor. He was a resident here from 1877 until his death, July 31,1885. During those years he was very influential in public affairs, as by his strong force of character and undoubted integrity he early gained the confidence of the people, who saw in him a man whom they could trust as a guide and well fitted to hold public office. Accordingly, at the very first election after he became a citizen of Union Township, he was made Township Treasurer. He also held the office of Township Trustee for some years. His death has left a vacancy hard to be filled, and was considered a severe blow to the material and moral interests of the township.

     Mr. Crocker was born in Thetford, Orange Co., Vt., May 16, 1820. He there grew to manhood, imbibing the fresh air of his native hills and the rugged virtues that characterize the hardy New Englander. He was bred on a farm, and was accustomed to the labors of farm life from early youth. In early manhood he went to Illinois and purchased land in Grundy County, and resided there some years, when he returned to his native State, and took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Sarah M. Mason. She was born in Woodstock, Conn., May 23, 1825, and was a daughter of Leonard and Sally (Morse) Mason; the latter was first cousin to Samuel F. B. Morse, inventor of the electric telegraph. Leonard Mason was born in Connecticut, and there followed agricultural pursuits until his death, Feb. 23, 1825, leaving five children, of whom Mrs. Crocker is the youngest and sole survivor. Mrs. Mason subsequently married a second time, the name of her husband being Dennis Dewey, and they afterward removed to Windsor County, Vt.: where Mr. Dewey died in February, 1887. Mrs. Dewey now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Crocker. She is now ninety years old.

     After marriage Mr. Crocker returned to Illinois with his youthful bride, and they began their married life on the prairies of LaSalle County, thus becoming pioneers of that county. They continued to reside there for many years prosperously engaged in farming. During his long residence there Mr. Crocker was a conspicuous figure in public life, and held several local offices. In 1877 Mr. Crocker, after spending forty years of his life in LaSalle County, witnessing and assisting in its development, broke up his home there, sold his valuable farm of 120 acres, and came to Union Township with his family to establish a new home and form new ties, his son Henry having preceded him to this county a few years before. In the fertile valley of the Arkansas River Mr. Crocker soon became the proprietor of a fine farm of 200 acres, whose broad fields yielded him rich harvests, and there his useful life was brought to a close. He has left a shining record behind him of faithfulness to the many trusts imposed upon him in public and private life. He was an earnest Methodist in his religious belief, and in politics the Republican party had in him a stanch supporter. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, namely: Ellen M., William H., John H., Herbert L., Charles O., N. Jane (deceased) and James D.

     Mrs. Crocker resides on the homestead, which comprises 200 acres, and is herself the owner of 230 acres of ]and. She is endowed with much energy and capability, and is quite equal to the management of her large interests. She is held in the highest respect in the neighborhood.

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