JAMES, CROSSON
A Prominent Citizen Born in Warren, Dies in Clermont.
Mr. Crosson noted these changes, and often during his visits to Batavia he spoke of them and of the death of men with whom he had been familiar, and of the coming in of the new, the going out of the old, and the decline of all things that can never seem, in the eyes of the aged, as good, as bright, as perfect, as the things of the good old days when we were boys. On each visit the pallor of the old gentleman's face seemed to have grown more intensified. His voice took on a childish treble, his once hearty laugh had thinned down to a silent smile, and his footsteps grew more tremulous as
they approached the end. Often we wondered if he could live to get
home, and often as he came his friends were saddened by the indications
of rapid decline. And now that he is gone the writer feels to pay such
tribute to his memory as only poor words can give to one who was honorable
in his dealings, manly In his manhood, just and charitable In his conclusions,
true to his friends, generous to his foes and fair to all his fellows.
He was a friend to the poor, giving aid without question, and sympathy
without reserve. By reason of his easy good nature, his generous heart,
genial disposition, he was loved by his fellow men, politics being obliterated
in the better and purer light of friendship. He has passed from the scene
that was enhanced by his action in it, and the gavel has fallen on a life
that was a blessing to many another life.
James Crosson was the second son of William
Crosson, who settled in Morrow in 1806. He was born June 12, 1823,
and thus lacked but a few days of having reached his 68th year. He was
married in 1847 to Miss Michel Butler, of Warren county,
and settled on a fine farm in Wayne township in 1848. He had by his wife
one son, who died at the age of 22, in 1874. His wife died in 1876. Deceased
was an old line Democrat, and in 1852 was elected township assessor, and
later justice of the peace, in which office he served six years. In 1861
he was elected sheriff of the county, and re elected in 1865. In 1877
his friends sent him to the legislature to represent the county, which
he did in a manner acceptable to his constituents and to the public satisfaction.
He was, however, defeated for the second term by a small majority. He
was a prominent member of the masonic order, and was a charter member
of Batavia chapter 112 royal arch masons. He was buried yesterday from
his home on the old farm, which was cleared and cultivated by his own
hands. No man who ever knew Mr. Crosson but will sincerely breathe a heartfelt
sigh to his memory and a whispered peace to his dust. -
Clermont Courier.