MARSHALL M. CROWDER. Many families are notable only for some one distinguished member, whose reputation is far superior to that of his brothers and kinsmen, who must ever be content to shine in reflected glory, but in the family which is represented by the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, it is hard to select one member who is pre-eminent above the others, as the reputation of every one as energetic, enterprising men and public-spirited citizens is acknowledged by all in this section of the country.

Our subject is the youngest in a family of ten children all of whom are worthy representatives of an excellent family. The parents, who had the honor to bring into the world and rear such valuable citizens, are spoken of more at length in the biographical sketch of David M. Crowder. He of whom we write was born in Marrowbone Township, March 12, 1851, and was reared to manhood on his father's farm, receiving his education first in the district schools and afterward attending Mount Zion Academy for two terms. After this he taught school for six months in Moultrie County but with that exception remained under the parental roof until his marriage.

That interesting event took place in Sullivan Township, May 22, 1870, the bride being Miss Lydia S. Shockey, who was born in Zanesville, Ind. She received careful training and an excellent education and was thus admirably fitted for her future work as wife and mother. Three children called her mother, viz.: Olive B. (the wife of Chesley W. Kennedy), Walter R. and Florence L. Mrs. Lydia Crowder died in Marrowbone Township, November 6, 1886, and her memory is revered by all who knew her as a true-hearted woman and a faithful and devoted Christian.

The second marriage of Marshall Crowder took place in Dalton City, Ill., August 17, 1887, he being then united with Miss Mollie E. Black, a native of Mount Zion Township, Macon County, Ill. She was there born May 26, 1867, and reared to womanhood receiving the best educational advantages which her parents could command. She, as well as her husband, are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where they are highly esteemed for their true Christian character and their intelligent promotion of all movements for the betterment of the community.

Our subject has always been engaged in farming pursuits, although for one year he was employed as clerk in a store in Bethany. For many years he was a member of the Glee Club of that village and musical matters always command his sympathetic approval and encouragement. The platform of the Republican party expresses his views in regard to political policy and principles and he is an ardent worker for the prosperity of that party. Two hundred acres arc comprised within the limits of Mr. Crowder's farm and upon this tract he has erected excellent and commodious farm buildings and a home which is an ornament to the township.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 403/404

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