THOMAS H. CROWDER. Perhaps there is no family in Marrowbone Township whose various members are more prominent in social, political, agricultural and religious circles than that represented by the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this writing. Such a circle is broadly and thoroughly influential in upbuilding the material interests as well as the social and moral characteristics of a neighborhood. A more complete history of the parents of of our subject will be found in the sketch of David M. Crowder, which also appears on this page.

In a family of ten children our subject is the fourth in order of age, and was born in Jennings County, Ind., March 31, 1835. He was about three years old when his parents came to what is now Moultrie County, Ill., and his life to manhood was spent upon his father's farm in what is now known as Marrowbone Township. He resided at home until his marriage, which event took place in Sullivan, October 11, 1855.

The lady who became Mrs. Thomas H. Crowder, bore the maiden name of Mary McCord and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth McCord, who died in Marrowbone Township. She was born in Jennings, County, Ind., Dec 18, 1834. Her two children are John R. (who married first Miss Dora Hampton and subsequent to her death was united with Miss Katie Mott) and a daughter, Mary E., who is the wife of F.D. Henneigh. Mrs. Mary Crowder had ut a short experience of married life, as she died at her home in Marrowbone Township, March 15, 1860, leaving a wide circle of friends to mourn her loss.

The second marriage of Mr. Crowder took place in Marrowbone Township, June 20, 1860, his bride being Miss Louvina Bosley, who was born in Shelby County, this State, February 1, 1837. Seven children have crowned this union--Sarah B., who died when young; William E., who married Miss Nellie Jordan; Mattie M. the wife of W.H. Logan; Andrew who died in childhood; Armilda R., Viola G. and Thomas H., Jr.

Farming and stock-raising in Marrowbone Township have fully employed the energies and enterprise of our subject and he has employed the wise plans and shown the absorbing attention in business which have brought success. Upon his farm he has erected an excellent set of buildings suitable for carrying on the work and sheltering his stock, and he is the owner of between four hundred and five hundred acres of excellent land. His well known reputation as a judicious and intelligent gentleman has led his fellow-citizens to twice elect him to the office of Supervisor of Marrowbone Township. He is considered a leader in the Republican ranks and takes an active part in local politics. For more than twenty years he has been an Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in which his wife is also a member and where they are esteemed as conscientious and devoted helpers in every good work.

The introduction of Short-horn cattle in this section of the country may justly be credited to the enterprising gentleman, and he is in the possession of the only full set of American Herd Books in Shelby and Moultrie Counties. He also makes a specialty of South Down stock as well as carriage, coach and draft horses. He takes a great interest in every phase of the subject pertaining to fine stock and is thoroughly informed in regard to this matter, being considered the fountain head of information on the subject. The beautiful buildings upon his farm and his delightful residence speak forth their own praise of the systematic, conscientious and cultured gentleman whose estate they crown.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 357/358

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb