CROWDER, WILLIAM A. (deceased), for many years a resident of Springfield, Ill., was one of that city's most useful and worthy citizens, being ready to give his support and influence to the promotion of any public movement or enterprise. He was a native of Springfield, born April 15, 1842, son of Washington and Isabel (Laughlin) Crowder, the former born in Lexington, Ky., July 9, 1813, and the latter, also a native of Lexington, born September 27, 1817. The father was a farmer and came to Sangamon County in an early day, settling just outside of Springfield, where the remainder of his life was spent.

The education of William A. Crowder was acquired in the public schools of Springfield and in a business college in that city. After leaving school he taught for several years in the business college then conducted by Messrs. Rutledge & Davidson, and then moved to Oskaloosa, Ia., where he worked in the grocery store of his uncle two years. He then returned to Springfield, and after working two years for his father on the farm, took a position as bookkeeper in the grocery store of George Connelly, where he remained eight years. Then for a short time he filled a similar position in the employ of A. H. Saunders, after which he retired from active life. He was an industrious and faithful worker and looked after the interests of his employers carefully. He won many friends in the course of his residence in Springfield, and his loss was keenly felt in many circles. His death occurred at his home, 806 North Tenth Street, Springfield, in 1891. He was a devout member of the Methodist Church and in politics was a Republican.

Mr. Crowder was married in Springfield, November 31, 1865, to Isabel Lauterman, a native of Springfield, born December 23, 1841. Her father came to Springfield from Lexington, Ky., at an early day and entered land where the State House now stands, and afterward entered land which is now included in Washington Park. His wife came from Greensburg, Ky., to Springfield, also in an early day. He died in 1863 and she in 1861, both in Springfield. The Lauterman family lived near the home of Lincoln in Springfield, and were often favored with his visits, so that Mrs. Crowder has many pleasant memories of him, having known him well as a neighbor. Ten children were born to Mr. Crowder and his wife, of whom seven are now living, namely: Charles L., of Springfield, a baggage-man in the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railway Company; Fred C., also of Springfield; George E., of St. Louis, a pressman by trade; William L., of Springfield, linotype operator for the Springfield News; Ethel B., wife of F. L. Irwin, of Fresno, Cal.; Gertrude, wife of William Pannell, a stationary engineer living in Springfield; Henrietta, wife of Arthur Billington, an employee of the Illinois Watch Company. Mrs. Crowder has five grandchildren.