This obit was found at the Greene County, Indiana, Public Library in
Bloomfield, Indiana. It was in a white notebook identified as OBITUARY
PROJECT, 1800-1870. No date or source was noted on the obit but using the
information pertain to year of birth and age, it appears to be dated about
1921.
John H. Crane, son of Nathaniel B. and Phoebe Crane, was born in Monroe
County, Indiana, November 4, 1843. He was the third of a family of eight
children, six sons and two daughters, all of whom preceded him in death
except Mrs. Sarah J. collins, and William Crane. While a very small boy he
removed with his parents near Solsberry, Indiana, and he resided in and
near Solsberry ever afterward.
When his country called for volunteers at the beginning of the civil war in
'61, to fight for the preservation of the union, he offered himself though
only a lad of 17 years. He was accepted and mustered into service
September 27, 1861. He served in Company "C," 43rd Indiana Infantry, and
later in Company "A," 97th Indiana.
Once when engaged in battle he was wounded in the right knee. As he lay
helpless on the field and was about to fall into the hands of the enemy, a
faithful comrade, at the peril of his own life, carried him to a place of
safety. He was honorably discharged June 9, 186(illegible).
Upon his return home he formed the acquaintance of Mrs. Anna Morrison, (nee
Johnson), to whom he was married in May 1868. His married life was that of
faithfulness, love and devotion. There were born as the fruits of the
marriage, one daughter and four sons, namely Etta Blanche, Edward W., James
Hurley, Wilbert H., and John Clyde. Of this family tree, the four sons,
together with Mrs. (illegible) J. Shields, a step-daughater, survive.
After marriage the deceased began the study of medicine and later practiced
this profession a short time, but by reason of poor health he turned aside
from it and gave his attention to farming.
In early manhood he and his faithful companion united with the
Congregational Church at Solsberry and to this they adhered to the end of
their lives. He was also affiliated with the I.O.O.F., Newark Lodge No.
467, at the time of his death.
On the night of Thursday, March 9, he was stricken with a chill which
developed into double pneumonia, of which he died on the following Tuesday
night, being at the time, 78 years 4 months and 10 days of age. He was
naturally endowed with a keen intellect though opportunities for its
development were limited, it was still in evidence to those familier with him.
He loved the plain, simple life--hypocrisy, ostentation, and show were
replusive to him. A cautious, kind and courteous reservedness to all
members of his family was a feature of his home life. He was honest,
temperate, reserved in his demeanor, positive in his character, faithful to
his Creator, a gentle husband, a kind father, and a good citizen.
Funeral services on Friday afternoon, March 17, conducted by T. A. Cox of
Bloomfield, in the M. E. Church at Solsberry, and concluded by the I. O. O.
F. members attendant in large numbers. (The last sentence was practically
all illegible, but looks like burial was in the Solsberry Cemetery.)