William McCrum

WILLIAM McCRUM,* a successful farmer residing in section 14, township 31, range 17, in Osage township, Labette county, Kansas, was born in De Kalb county, Indiana, in 1842. He is a son of James and Mary Ann (Cughan) McCrum.

James McCrum was of Irish descent, and came to Canada, when he was twenty years old. Subsequently, he moved to Indiana, where he died some years later. His wife was also born in Ireland, and her death occurred in Indiana. They had seven children, two of whom are deceased. One of their sons, John, lives in Cherryvale; another son lives in Indiana, and Sarah, a daughter, lives in Colorado.

William McCrum, whose name heads this sketch, was reared and schooled in Indiana, where he remained until he reached the age of twenty years. He enlisted in Company D, 74th Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf., and served from July, 1862, until June, 1865. He received an honorable discharge, as a noncommissioned officer, in Indiana. After he left the army, he engaged in farming in Indiana, where he married. April 8, 1871, Mr. McCrum removed to Osage township, Labette county, Kansas, and settled on his present farm in section 14. This claim had been bought and improved by another man, and Mr. McCrum purchased improvements in February, 1871. The house, which was 14 by 16 feet, in size, was of walnut lumber; it still stands on the farm, and is used as an outbuilding. With a few additions made to it, the family occupied this house until 1895, when Mr. McCrum built a comfortable home, 28 feet square, with a 10-by-18-foot addition. The old stable has been replaced by one 40 by 56 feet, in dimensions, and 16 feet to the square, which was built in 1885. There is a complete system of water works, supplying the house, barn, and all parts of the farm. The land is finely improved, and during 1900, Mr. McCrum sold $1,400 worth of farm products. When he first reached Cherryvale, he had a team of horses and $95 in money. He went into debt to purchase the farm, and began general farming and stock raising. He also has something of an orchard. He has worked with untiring energy, and his efforts have been well rewarded, for he is now one of the many prosperous farmers in Labette county. He also owns a half interest in a farm several miles southwest in Osage township.

Mr. McCrum formed a matrimonial union with Nancy McClish, and they have four children: Rosa E., who is at home; Mary L., who lives near home; Minnie B. (Batey), who lives in Osage township, southwest of her father's farm; and William W., who lives in Los Angeles, California. Mr. McCrum was formerly a Democrat in politics, but is now an independent voter. He was a charter member of Houston Post, G. A. R., No. 180, of Morehead, and has served as commander of the post. He now belongs to Hackleman Post, G. A. R., No. 142. He is liberal in his religious views, and lends his support to all churches.