CHARLES W. CROUDSON. A traveler through the farming lands of Moultrie County will be pleased to observe the large number of well-improved farms and the numerous evidences of prosperity. In East Nelson Township an estate of eighty acres, which is admirably adapted for both farming and stock-raising, is owned and operated by the young gentleman above named. A visitor here will see everything that is necessary in the way of farm buildings, machinery and all the modern appliances of agriculture. During his residence her Mr. Croudson has effected many improvements upon the farm and by a proper rotation of crops has brought the soil to a high degree of fertility, so that it is fittingly classed among the best farms of the township.

Douglas County, Ill., was the native place of Mr. Croudson and his eyes first opened to the light July 28, 1862. He was the only son in the family circle and has two sisters, Sarah M., now the wife of J.W. Bailey, and Lida J., who is still at home. The parents, William and Lucinda (Lawrence) Croudson, were natives of England and Ohio, respectively, and passed the greater part of their lives in Douglas County, this State, where they both died. They were people of steady habits and high principles, doing as they would be done by in the various relations they sustained toward others, and the record of their lives is unblemished and worthy of emulation.

The education of our subject was gleaned from the schools in the vicinity of the parental home, and his youth was passed in mingled work and play, his study developing the powers of his mind, while his recreation and boyhood sports developed a stalwart physique. Having been reared to farming pursuits, when the time came for him to choose a calling in life, he naturally selected agriculture and in his chosen avocation he has been more than ordinarily successful. Although still quite young he is very comfortably situated and the future undoubtedly contains many honors for him. He takes an active part in political affairs and is a Democrat in his views, believing the principles of that party are best calculated for the national welfare. He is greatly interested in educational affairs and has held the office of School Director, during which time he materially advanced the cause of education in the community.

A very important event in the life of our subject was his marriage February 14, 1886, in Moultrie County, Ill., to Miss Margaret, the daughter of William and Sarah Wiley. Mrs. Croudson was born in this county, where she has passed her entire life and where her parents still reside. She has a cultivated mind, a sympathizing heart and adds thereto the housewifely knowledge which is necessary for all who make their homes attractive and comfortable. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Croudson one child has been born, a daughter, Osa, whose birth occurred March 22, 1890. As a farmer Mr. Croudson is enterprising and industrious, well informed regarding things connected with his work and ranks high among his fellow-citizens.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 317/318

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb