Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-07-07

The State Journal Of Tuesday brings
the sad intelligence that Hon, A. J. Craig

The State Journal of Tuesday brings
the sad intelligence that Hon, A. j. Craig
our State Superintendent Of Public In
struction, died at his home in Madison
on Sunday, July Sd. We extract the
following from the lengthy and excellent
obituary found in the State Journal:
For some time past those acquainted
with Mr. Craigs condition, have been
apnrehensige of his early departure from
the scene Of earthly labors. An insidi-
Gus but fatal disease had long been at
work, and though seemingly quiescent
at times, it never relaxed its hold. Mr.
Craig however, with much mental yigor
and activity, possessed an indomitable
power of will, and his determination not
to give up life and its work, and this
with courage and patience, long kept the
destroyer at bay, The lurking foe, how
ever, could only be bafled for season,
not driven from lifes citadel
Alexander J. Craig was born in Walk
i'll, Orange county, n. Y. Residing for
some time previously in Western New
York. he came to this State in l843, set-
ding in Palmyra, Jefferson county, which
he has always considered his home, and
where he spent most Of his life in Wis
cousin, though his work was mainly
here for the last thirteca years--nos re-
moving his family here till some time
after he was appointed Assistant State
Superintendent
He was largely a self-taught and self
made man. Accustomed 10 toll, both on
the farm and as house-jOiner-acting
also at times as Il surveyor, and ready to
turn his hand to almost nightingale
had one Of the most active and enqulrlns
minds, which enable their pOssessors,
though enjoying few scholastic advanta>
ges to outstrip many who are more la
yored
Accepting the post Of Assistant Su-
perintendcnt in 1860, Mr. Craig contin-
ucd in that position for q period of eight
years, during the administrations OF }.
t. Pickard and j G. McGynn, discharg-
Ing the duties with rare hdelty, and
acquiring u most complete knowledge Of
the public schools and the educational
system of the State, and in 1868 he en-
tered upon the duties Of Superintendent.
in chief, having been elected to the oi'ice
in November previous, and having been
reelected IN 1869, lived to enter upon
the last half of the first year OF his Sec
ond term
As a man, Mr. Craig was emphstieally
one Of those men whose faults lean to
virtue side. His strict sense of duty
and rectitade naturally gave an appear
ance of severity to his character but his
feelings and sympathles were tender and
almost womanly,
Mr.. Craig was a devoted Christian -
Processing religion many years ago, he
was later troubled with doubts which
often harass those of his cast of mind
but while absent for time in the army
he seemed to gain new insight into Di~
vine truth, ana from .hencetorth his faith
was firm and mistaken, and his religious
experience was that Of the earnest and
loving christian.
He was an earnest temperance man
and opponent of slavery from early times,
and was always ready to help on moral
reforms and good enterprises.
Mr.. Craig was early married, and
leaves with his widowed consort an un-
broken circle Of eight children to mourn
his loss, to whom be leaves, with not
much of earthly goods, the legacy of an
honorable name and an example which
is an inspiration. His many warm
friends will 5y mpathile deeply with them
in their severe affection and great loss.