W. R. CRAIN, farmer. Among the more active, upright and highly respected citizens of Pulaski County, who have carved out a successful career by their own indomitable energy, is Mr. W. R. Crain, whose name heads this sketch. Commencing life a poor man, he has, by his honesty, industry and economy, succeeded in accumulating a good property. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, September 29, 1834, where he was reared and educated. In 1858 with father came to Illinois and settled in Pulaski County, and engaged in farming. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted as a private in the late civil war, serving in Company I of the Eighty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and when he was mustered out of the service held the rank of First Lieutenant. He was in the following engagements: Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, Red River, Gun Town, Blue River, Nashville and Fort Blakely. After the war, he returned to his home in Pulaski County, and again engaged in farming. He is now the owner of 340 acres of good land, and is considered one of the most practical farmers of the county. On the 2d of February, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary A. Spence, a daughter of William J. and Christie Ann Spence. Mrs. Crain is a native of Pulaski County, born March 2, 1844. This union has been blessed with the following children: James L., Warren C., Emma, Alma, Lewis F., Mary and William R. Mr. Crain is an active member of the A. F. & A. M., Villa Ridge Lodge, No. 562. Politically, he is a Republican, and has served the people in the office of County Commissioner for five years, Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and besides many of the minor offices.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, page 335.
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