The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-02-19
Loyal Crane.

Loyal Crane was born in Mentz, Cayuga
CO., n. Y, April 14th, 1913, and died in Paw
Paw, Feb. 10Th, 1885, reaching the ripe age
~ years. Ee was the third OF five children
forming the family of Jas. Crane, one of the
pioneer citizens of this place. In October.
1884, he was married to Sally A. DeGraff
sister of our esteemed citizen, Martin DeGraff
of this town. As a true helper, as a faithful
and loving wife and mother, and gaining the
esteem OF all with whom she came in contact
by the many glaces of her heart and life, she
strengthened and Iightened the labors of her
husband till the period of her death, April
l4th, 1874, leaving two children, who now
mourn the loss of a faithful father, and who
were present at his funeral. In early life.
listening to the preaching Of such men as
Campbell, Lowell and Bartlett, he became con-
vinced of the divine truth of the gospel and
was immersed upon the confession of his
faith about the year 1882, and cast his lot
with the Disciples, then just organizing in
western n. Y. In 1887 Mr.. Crane moved TO
this town settling about mile west of our
village. 1t was all a forest wild then, and
giant oaks seemed TO defy the pany arm of
man. As if by magic log house was raised:
sheets and blankets formed its doors and
windows. Now having made quiet retreat,
stone and loving words filed his heart with
cheer, with stout arms and resolute spirit
ne Went forth and entered into the great con
tict with rugged natures to compel her to
yield him bread. The forests were cleared.
the soil was turned to receive the kiss and
caress Of sunbeam and dew, and soon golden
harvests waved and cast their precious treas
ures into the lap Of toll and the victory was
won. How grand the thought that the inn
perial will of man can make stern nature
bow at his feet and minister TO ell his needs.
Mr.. Crane was not one that would let the
cares of life eat out all the inner graces OF
the heart; he brought his religion with
him. Several OF the associates of hls early life
came here aud settled in this vicinity among
these l name A. S. Downing Daniel Abbott,
Edwin Barnum, good, faithful and true
Gods noble men all, animated by the same
hope, bound together by the one faith, and
they would not let the light 60 out from the
altar of their hearts. SO from the record /
read that March 25th, 1S43, seventeen per-
sons met at the residence of Loyal Crane,
and were organized under the proper title as
the Church of Christ. James and Loyal
Crane. father and son, were made elders and
A. S. Downing and s. Turner deacons. ac-
cepting the bible as sufficient in all matters
of christian faith and practice. OF this
number only five are living. In the follow
ing May ind the names of Edwin Barnuin.
deceased, and Mr.. and Mrs Merriman, and
a few others still living Mr.. Crane found
kindred spirit in Mr.. Barnum. Their minds
running along the lines of God given truths
and ready to pour them into the hearts of
others, they soon began to mingle the labors
of the field with the ministry OF the Word.
Why be an elder and not exercise an elders
Office? They soon began TO preach in school
houses, log barns, and wherever open hearts
were ready to receive the life giving truth.
Without the discipline of the college or the
methods of the school men, they preached
as best they could. Hardy pioneers OF an
advancing nation, they were also pioneers OF
an advancing religion. Let as cherish their
virtues, avoid their errors and give TO them
the need Of praise that is due to their pa
tience Of hope and their labors of love-" Mr..
Crane was married the second time, to Miss
Jane Van Auken, and faithfully has she min
istered to him during their welded lives.
Mr.. Crane had been on a decline for year
past-through several warnings he was made
conscious that life's drama was closing, and
when the shock came il proved to be dead
ly one. / think he was conscious to the last.
for when the final struggle approached he
seemed to rally all his remaining strength
and clearly spoke in the ears of his stricken
wife the words at is well--it is well'' and
then "fell on sleep" The angel of peace
breathed comfort in her heart and left q
sacred memory there. MIR. Crane was man
of strong-of pronounced convictions, and
feared not to avow them, and the world has
great need of such men, and their loss Is n
felt loss to all earnest lives. Acquainted with
him almost thirty years and differing sharply
on several points, yet / can conscientiousIy
say that he never uttered a word 10 offend
nor left o wound TO rankle in my heart
Bending over the mound that covers his
form. can say, farewell, brother and friend.
farewell / live in the hope of meeting you
again. L, b.