The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-01-09
Death Of Reni. Crawford, ESQ.

! Its rarely we are called upon to announce
| the dealt, OF a citizen who had maintained
so we'll and so long such prominent and
useful relations to community as those sns-
tanned by Benz. Crawford. lie was repre-
| sentative Of class OF men who now and
then stand out to distinguish them from the
great mass OF their fellow-citizens by the
symmetry OF their character, combining the
mental balance and moral elevation which
inspire the respect and command the conf
dence Of their fellow men. Sixty years ago
he commenced the business training, under
the judlcious direction and advice Of such
careful manager as the late Joseph Smith,
which, by steady steps, advanced him to the
| front Of the business nien OF this section Of
country. Through all the relations he bore
to this community-as merchant, President
OF the Augusta Savings Bank, director in the
Valley and National Valley Banks, Magis.
trate, Councilman, proprietor of manuiac-
turing interests, and the depository OF the
monied interests of many Of the citizens OF
the county, he measured up to the full stature
of mar, and won and retained the confidence
OF all with whom he transacted business.
Uniform kindness, open generosity and
proverbial integrity were interwoyen with
his every day business life, and until he re-
tired from the activity Of busy career,
he was looked upon as model business man
and citizen.
Mr.. Crawford was born in Rockingham ic
1903, on the farm he owned at the time OF
his death, and upon which his fathers fam
| lily were raised, situated in the western por-
tion of the county. At an early age he re-
moved to Stanton and commenced bust
ness schooling under his uncle, Mr.. Joseph
Smith, in the mercantile pursuit. He close
~ applied himself to the interest Of the firm
in which he was employed for nine years,
developing those traits OF character aud ac-
quiring those strict business habits which
afterward contributed so much to his sue
cess. In 1925 he married Miss Ntagdalene
NJ. Cochran, sister Of George N. Cochran,
ST.. OF this city, and John Cochran, Esq,
of Charlottesville. After assuming the re-
| sponsiblity OF the marriage relation, he en-
barked in business for himself, and con-
| tinued to conduct large mercantile estab-
lishment until 1912, when Mr.. G.. NJ. Coch.
The excellent judgment and solid business
capacities OF Mr.. Cochran added still more
strength to the concern and com manded, il
possible, wider confidence. In 1857 Mr..
Cochran retired from active business, and
his son, MIR. Fl. X. Cochran, succeeded him
as the partner of Mr.. Crawford. This firm
continued for several years, and sometime
after the death OF Mr.. II. X. Cochran. Mr..
Crawford himself closed his long and sue
cessiul mercantile endeavors. From that
time until his death, which occurred at his
residence in this place, on the morning OF
the I'd inst, Mr.. Crawford devoted himself
to settling up and adjusting his business,
which had become somewhat deranged by
heavy losses during and after the war, and
managing his large landed interests located
| in several counties Of the State, and especial
ly in Rockingham and Bath. The effects OF
age and incipient disease had been percep-
tible upon him for several years, and for
some months previous to his death, he rarely
ventnre6 from his house. The immediate
| cause OF his death was an illness of short
duration, but his system had been prepar-
ing for it for months. EIe passed off calm
| ly and peacefully, closing life OF great ac-
tivity and usefulness, in the full possession
of his faculties and surrounded By loving
and devoted relatives and friends, who ten
derby administered to every want and antic-
ipated every desire.
Mr.. Crawford leaves three children
James W. and Miss Lizzie Crawford, OF this
place, and Mrs. Mamie, wife OF Colonel
James Cochran. Of Cdlpeper. His youngest
son, Dr.. Benz. Crawford, died in Texas
some years ago. His only surviving brother
is William Crawford, Esq. who reside. on his
farm near Fort Defiance, ia this county.
Throughout Augusta and Rockingham conn
ties he had an extensive relationship, and
his circle Of friends extended to almost every
portion OF the State. Wherever known he
was respected and esteemed, and few men
have passed from the scenes OF life leaving
behind them remem brances more pleasant
or deeds more richly favored with humane
sympathy and Christian charity.
The funeral took place from Trinity (Eps-
copaG church at o'clock on last Saturday,
and the remains were followed to their last
resting place in Thornrose Cemetry by his
mourning relatives and friends. The pail
bearers were Messrs. II. NJ. Bell, Il. C. FL
der, Or. Newton Wayt, n. p. Catlett, H.
/. Hoover, G. G. Gooch, and Thomas A.
Bledsoe.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE |
NATIONAL VALLEY BANK.
Alta meeting OF the Directors of the National
Valley Bank OF Stanton, held at their banking
house on the End day of January, 1879, the death
of BENJAMIN Crawford. Esq, long connected off,
cially with said bank. having been announced it
was ordered that the following paper be entered
upon the records of the Board, viz
This Board deems it becoming TO preserve in
an enduring form an expression of the high esti-
personal and official character Of the late Ben.
fully discharged the position Of director . and
ice-President OF this Institution Mr.. Crawford
lied with the business OF this city and county,
and by his public spirit integrity, and fine bust
Of the most prominent and influential CITIZENS Of
this portion OF the State. Faithful to every trust
committed to him, ne was at the same time gen. |
erous aud charitable. with the tenderest sens- |
bilities, easily aroused in behalf of the unforu-
nate or distressed. He was . true man in all the
relations Of life as husband father. master, and
citizen and he has now descended to the grave. !
venerable In years. and venerated by all cIasses
Of society for his virtues; therefore, resolved,
!. That this Board have heard with deep regret |
of their late venerable and honored associate and
this community has lost a most valuable citizen, |
and this bank steadfast friend.
2. That we will attend in body the funeral of !
Mr.. Crawford, and, as farther testimony Of /
respect to his memory, We will wear the usnai |
badge of mourning for thirty days.
3. That copy Of this minute be published in !
the papers OF this city. and certified copy Of the
same be furnished by the Secretary of the Board |
to the family of Mr.. Crawford.