EDWIN IRVING CROWELL.

EDWIN IRVING CROWELL.—At a period in the pioneer development of Allen county. Edwin Irving Crowell came to Kansas, and for many years was identified with agricultural interests in Elm township, becoming one of its most prosperous farmers. The years of his active labor annually augmented his income, and now with a handsome competence acquired, entirely through his own efforts, he is living retired. He has watched with interest the progress and upbuilding of the county and has aided in its advancement and progress along the lines which have contributed to its substantial improvement.

A native of the Buckeye state, Mr. Crowell was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, April 9th, 1839. It is believed that the family patronymic was originally Cromwell and that the ancestors of our subject were direct connections of Oliver Cromwell, changing their name to its present form when they fled to America in order to escape the persecution brought upon them by reason of their connection with the attempt to establish a protectorate government in England, and thus end monarchial rule. Samuel Crowell, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts in 1742, and was married in 1770 to Jerusha Tracy, by whom he had four sons: William, Samuel, John and Hezekiah. Of this number Samuel Crowell became the grandfather of our subject. With a colony he emigrated westward, locating in Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he was known as a thrifty and enterprising farmer. By trade he was a tanner, having served an apprenticeship of seven years, as was required in those days, but in later life he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He served as a soldier in the department of the east in the war of 1812 and held a captain's commission. He was born August 5, 1773, and died August 22, 1864. The early Crowells were Whigs, but on the formation of the Republican party representatives of the name joined its ranks.

George Crowell, the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut in 1859, and in his youth accompanied his parents on their removal to Ashtabula county, Ohio. There he reared his family, and his eldest son, Edward I. Crowell, after attending the common schools, continued the acquirement of an education at Grand River Institute at Austinburg, Ohio. Subsequently he engaged in teaching school for two years, and then turned his attention to farming which he followed in the state of his nativity until

his removal to Kansas in October, 1870. In the meantime, however, he had spent a few months in Greeley, Colorado, after which he took up his abode in Doniphan county, Kansas, removing thence to Iola. His farm in Elm township which he came to in 1875 was entirely a tract of raw prairie, but with indefatigable industry he began its development and for twenty-five years has continued its cultivation, making it one of the most highly improved and desirable farm properties in the county. In connection with the raising of grain he has engaged in the breeding of graded hogs, and has found this a profitable enterprise.

In December, 1866, Mr. Crowell led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah E. Crosby, a daughter of Elijah Crosby, who was originally from Connecticut, but removed to Ohio with the colony of which the Crowells were members. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza Chester, and their surviving children are Mrs. Crowell; Albert C., who is married and lives in Delta, Michigan; Alice, who was formerly a school teacher of Iola and is now teaching in the Indian Territory; Carrie, who is widow of Elton Stiles. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Crowell are Newman I., who is married and lives in Elm township; Oriette B., wife of Rev. L. S. Faust, of Emporia, Kansas; George T. and Walter C., who are still at home. They also have three adopted children, Hattie, Sarah and Nellie.

Mr. Crowell served for several years as justice of the peace in Elm township and was frequently called upon to perform marriage ceremonies as well as settle litigation. He was commissioner of Allen county in 1891, and is now filling the office of justice of the peace, discharging his duties in a manner which has won him high commendation. He is one of the leading and influential members in the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as elder for twenty years, and in all life's relations he has been found true to manly principles. His word is as good as any bond solemnized by signature or seal, and among those who know him his honesty is proverbial. In all his business dealings he has been straightforward, and this is doubtless one of the salient factors in his success. His life record is well worthy of emulation, and being closely interwoven with the history of Elm township it certainly deserves a place in this volume.

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