Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-08-13
]. CRUBAUGH DEAD
Pioneer Contractorand Capitalist Ex-
pires at Home on Third Avenue
After Illness of Three Years.
END COMES THIS MORNING
Had Supervised the Erection of Many
of the Largest Bridges on the
Mississippi River.

substantial citizen and pioneer in the
death of John Crubaugh at his home,
90l Third avenue, at G:1O o'clock this
morning. Mr. Crubaugh has been in
failing health for three years, begin
ming with an asthmatic affection
which was followed by weakening of
the heart and finally a general break
ing down Of the system. The rugged
constitution that had been the marvel
of his friends in that period had vast
ed away until he was only a shadow of
his former self.
Mr. Crubaugh was born in COlum-
biana county, Ohio, May 8, 1926 He
was of German ancestry. his father.
George Crubaugh, having however.
been native of Pennsylvania. His
parents were among the early settlers
of eastern Ohio. Until Il he
worked on the farm and at
tended the district school At
- he began to Shift for himself
He apprenticed himself to a chair
manufacturer and for two years was
engaged at that trade and that of
painting, receiving board for his ser
vices. At the end of the two years,
90 WI ~ iDtlbSl II W d. DtOlINl " ltIdIO
when discussing his earlier struggles
in later years, he was presented by
his employer a new suit of clothes
and holy bible. His occupation did
not satisfy his ambition and he
reached out for larger fields.
Success In Public Works.
In 1850 he turned his attention to
public works, and became a railroad
contractor and bridge builder. Some
of the largest bridges over the Mis-
sissippi and Missouri rivers were con
structed under his supervision. Mr..
Crubaugh settled in Rock Island with
his family in 1866, and this city con
tinued as his home until the end. He
remained in the contracting business
up to the year 1890. when he retired
from the wearing labOrs of this avoca-
ton, having accumulated a cOmpe-
tence. Mr.. Crubaugh built himself a
fine home and made wise investments,
having become interested financially
in number of local enterprises. He
was vice president and member of
the board of directors both of the Rock
Island Savings bank and the Rock
Island Buggy company.
Despite his determination to aban-
don the activities of the business life
that he had so long followed, Mr..
Crubaugh was not a man who could
give himself over entirely to idle
ness, and managed until the last to
occupy himself with his private affairs.
which had grown TO be quite extensive.
He was q home lover. and paid little
character to which other men devote
SO much of their time. although he was
widely read and posted on all matters
of current interest. He was fond of
a good horse, and few there are who
will not recall his drives through the
city every morning bright and early,
summer and winter. rain or shine. rid
ing in his cart behind a high-stepper.
He was a good citizen and staunCh
in his friendships, and there will be
keen sorrow among those who had
the pleasure OF having known him
well enough to value his acquaintance
over his passing. To him was accord
cd the full measure OF lifes successes
and happiness. and it is joy as it
ought to be an inspiration TO know
that in every walk of his long life he
proved himself man.
Prominent In Masonry.
Politically. Mr.. Crubaugh was a re-
publican. Socially. he was a member
of the Rock Island Club. where he
was a daily visitor and a participant
in the various amusements offered
there, entering into them with the
yrir ,T ,T ;rI },
his last attack confined him at his
home. Fraternally. he was a Mason.
and in the councils of that order stood
high. He had been a member of the
fraternity since 1883. when he affilia-
ted with Rock Island lodge No. Cos,
y +. & \. NJ Afterwards he became
a member of Barrett chapter No. IS,
Z. y. NJ. Rock Island cOmmandery
No. Is, X. T. and Kaaba Temple, No
bles of the Mystic Shrine. Out of re-
spect to his memory. the flag today
is flying at half mast from the staff
of the Masonic temple on Second ave
nue.
The survivors are the wife. to whom
Mr.. Crubaugh was married in 1861.
she having been Miss Sarah Poole. OF
Stark county. Ohio. and two children,
William A. Crubaugh. and Mrs.
Charles McHuGh. both of this city.
The funeral will take place from the
residence at o'clock Monday after
noon. II is the wish of the family
that friends omit flowers. Services at
the cemetery at Chippiannock will be
private.
As mark of respect to the deceased
the Rock Island Savings bank Will sus-
pend after I o'clock the day of the
funeral.