CROWDER, JAMES H. (deceased). - Kentucky has given to Illinois some of its best citizens. The people of the Blue Grass State came of pioneer stock that pushed bravely into the wilderness and redeemed it from the savages. When the offspring of these pioneers grew to maturity the same love of adventure, the same longing to carve out new homes, assailed them, and they in turn sought new territory, and thus many of them came to Illinois, finding here congenial surroundings. The late James H. Crowder, who for many yeas was a prosperous farmer and stock dealer of Sangamon County, was born in Green County, Ky., a son of John C. and Poly (Lasswell) Crowder, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. The father was a farmer and stockman, who in 1824 brought his little family from Kentucky to Illinois, locating in Sangamon County, where they farmed for years. Eventually the parents moved to Springfield, where both passed away, having rounded out useful lives.

James H. Crowder was brought up in Sangamon County, attending district school and working with his father. Those were primitive times, but he never thought he was in any way harmed by the hard work and hardships, for they developed his character and made him able to meet his after experiences bravely and well. In 1849 he secured 160 acres of land, which he began developing into a stock farm. In time he became the owner of about 200 acres, and was recognized as one of the best farmers and stockmen in Sangamon County. However, in the later years of his life he met misfortunes and reverses came. In one respect he was fortunate in having a wife who was a true companion and helpmate, and through her untiring efforts he was well provided for up to the day of his demise. Gradually he began dealing in stock and his business was conducted upon an extensive scale. His death occurred April 15, 1900, at the family residence, No. 1241 West Edwards Street. He had retired from his farm in 1875, moving to Springfield, which continued to be his home until his death. In politics he was a Republican, but although he cordially supported the candidates of his party, he did not care for public life. He early joined the Methodist Church, of which his wife was a member.

On April 10, 1849, Mr. Crowder was married in Springfield to Mary Ann Wright, born in Kentucky, November 7, 1831, a daughter of Thomas O. and Jane (Phillip-Sparks) Wright, who came to Sangamon County when Mrs. Crowder was eight years old. There are two of the Wright children surviving: Thomas Wright, of Springfield, and the widow of Rev. Armenstraut, a minister of Griggsville, Ill., during his life, and there Mrs. Armenstraut still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Crowder had no issue. Mrs. Crowder was interested in her home and the work of her church, and was a pleasant, kindly, Christian woman, who accomplished much good and had many warm friends. Mrs. Crowder is now deceased.