Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1901-08-01
DEATHS SHINING MARKS.
Otisco Township Lost Ihree OF Her
Oldest and Best known
Residents.
B. B. CRAWFORD.

jority. A man conspicuous Tor years
in this vicinity noted for remarkable
social qualities, and excellent judg-
ment in public affairs.
Mr.. Crawford was born in Living
ston Co. N. Y, July 9th, 1896, and
when lad of nine years immigrated
to Michigan, where he remained with
his parents in the southern part OF the
state until % years of age.
In 1852, he located in Fairplains,
Montcalm Co., where he soon became
a leader serving his township as SUI
pervisor, was its clerk for ID years and
Justice of the Peace l6 years.
In 1880, he exchanged his farm for
one in Ionia Co., and when he moved
from Montcalm Co. it became neces-
sary for him TO resign seven different
positions of official trust, while others
as officers in his respective lodges and
etc. were retained. He was by this
time an old man, and avoided as much
as possible the burdens of new public
responsibilities and passed his declin-
ing years surrounded by members of
his family and a host of new made
friends and neighbors as well as his
old ones.
Mr.. Crawford was a leader among
well-to-do people, and father to the
poor.
For IS years he held the position of
Superintendent of the poor in Mont
calm Co. and when he made his fare
well visit to the Montcalm County
poor house, the tears caursed down
many poor old cheek as the inmates
bade farewell to "Uncle Brad" as
their trusted counselor and protector
Mr.. Crawford was many years prom
inent in the Grange and only ceased
to be a regular attendent when his
health would no longer permit.
He was member of the Greenville
lodge of l. O. O. +. and was otherwise
identified with various fraternities
and clubs.
In politics, consistent Republican,
in religious views, a clear sighted be-
lever in the immortality of man.
Shortly before he died, he said 81
know there is a great Supernatural
Power, mat wills and controls the
destiny of men, and that this life is
not all of mans mission TO perform.
There is an hereafter: | shall soon
know what it is; am glad / am ready
welcome the approaching end; it will
be but the lying down to sleep little
while, then to assume new duties in
that station to which an all wise God
will appoint me-"
Jan. lst 1851, Mr.. Crawford was
married to Miss Mary j. Dickens, who
now survives him as do four of their
eight children. The living are John
A. of Chicago, VIM. B. of st. Louis,
Emmett w. of Six Lakes and Mrs.
Nora Johnston of Otisco. He leaves
large number of grandchildren and
saddened neighborhood.
His faults never wronged others so
much as they inconvenienced himself.
He was truly generous to fault, and
like Caesar the good he did only lives
after him, and it will be no small
monument of remembrance to many
people in MANY stations of life.
Let the world grow full of as good
men as b. b. Crawford, who expired
at his home in Otisco July 25th, al
7:3O p. m. Aged IS years, 10 days.
The funeral services were held Sun
day afternoon at , o'clock from the
old home, Rev ID. f. Hills officiating
The sons and grandsons acted as pail
bearers, and the burial took place in
the Otisco cemetery.
| Dearest Father Life is feeting,
And thy hands have weary grown,
Other hands may reap the harvest,
From the seed which thou has sown.
| Dearest Father thou hast left US,
We have heard the Boatman's oar,
And we know that thou art anchored,
over on the other shore.
But Dear Father we shall meet thee
And the time will not be long,
When we all shall meet together
In one grand and happy throng