CRISSEY, WILLIAM HENRY (deceased), who was for many years a carpenter and builder of Springfield, Ill., was born in Westchester County, N.Y., February 5, 1828, and spent his childhood and youth in his native State, where he received his education. He was a son of Benjamin and Julia (Tuttle) Crissey, the former a native of Westchester County and a shoemaker by trade. After leaving school William H. Crissey engaged in farming and in 1852 came to Illinois, locating on the Ketcham farm in Sangamon County. This farm contained 3,500 acres and Mr. Crissey was engaged in farming on it as assistant manager. In 1864 he located in Springfield, which has since been the family home, and soon became engaged in carpenter work. He later began contracting on his own account and became very successful in this line of enterprise.

Mr. Crissey was married in Westport, Conn., December 17, 1851, to Miss Hannah Jennings Lockwood, who was born in that State, August 2, 1832, daughter of Samuel and Susan Julia (Bunell) Lockwood, both natives of Connecticut. Ten children were born to Mr. Crissey and his wife, of whom five survive, namely: Frank L., a contractor residing in Springfield; Hattie B., unmarried and living at home with her mother; Nellie M., wife of Frank R. Rogers, resides in Springfield, and have two children - Hattie E., wife of Herbert L. Moore, and F. Donald, resides in Springfield; Susie married Frank P. Gayle, lives in Chicago, and they have one child, Frank W.; Frederick, of Springfield, is married and has five children - Norman H., Harold E., Frederick, Robert and Howard, all at home, except Norman and Harold, who attend school.

Mr. Crissey was a member of the First Methodist Church at Fifth and Monroe Streets, Springfield, and in politics was a stanch Republican, although he never took a very active part in public affairs. He was an expert carpenter and won an excellent business reputation. He was a man of social instincts and had many friends, who genuinely mourned his loss. He was devoted to his family and always solicitous of their welfare. Mr. Crissey died in Springfield, December 19, 1879, and his remains were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.