ALEXANDER CRADER. This young gentleman affords an excellent example of the agricultural element which has been developed in Calhoun County, and is coming rapidly to the front in all matters pertaining to farm work and the interests of the tillers of the soil. His early life was passed amid surroundings and under influences which developed and strengthened the better traits of his character and taught him the value of integrity, industry and wise economy. His pleasant home is located on section 24, Hamburg Precinct, whore he owns a half-interest in one hundred and sixty acres of land, from the cultivation of which he is gaining a comfortable maintenance.
Mr. Crader is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county, his grandparents being numbered among the very early settlers. llis father, Isaac Crader, was born here and reared to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life, bearing a goodly share in the development of the section in which he lived. He is now in his sixty-fourth year living in Gilead Precinct and rejoicing in the growth of the country which he has seen develop from an almost primitive condition to one of great productiveness and high cultivation. He is a public-spirited citizen, who upholds the doctrines promulgated by the Church of Christ, and has for years modeled his life in accord with them. His vote is cast with the Democratic party.
The first wife of Isaac Crader was Mary J. Wilson, who breathed her last March 30, 1877, leaving behind her the record of a useful life. The children who survive her are Henry, Alexander, Austin and Isaac. The present wife of Isaac Crader was Mrs. Rosana Gresham, who was united in marriage to him in 1880.
The natal day of our subject was February 22, 1863. He was reared to manhood in the country, attending the public schools and acquiring a fair amount of practical knowledge, although he was not privileged to take a collegiate course. As he is desirous of understanding what is going on about him in the world's history and the work of mankind he devotes considerable time to reading, and is one of the most intelligent men in the community. When but sixteen years old our subject began working for himself, spending about four years as a farm hand for different parties, averaging $12 per month and board the year round. In the spring of 1884 he settled where he is now living and where he is surrounding himself with more and more of what are considered the comforts of life each year.
July 25, 1883, the interesting ceremony took place which transformed Miss Malinda Ullery into Mrs. Alexander Crader. The bride was born in Lincoln County, Mo., is an intelligent, industrious and earnest woman who wears her religion as an everyday garment and is devoted to the interests of her family. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of three children — Sylvester, DeForest and Lena. The younger son has crossed the river of death, but his parents mourn not as those without hope, being cheered by the consolations of religion.
The interest of Mr. Crader in all which will elevate society and advance the material interests of the neighborhood is well understood by all who know him. Their confidence in him has been manifested by his election to the office of Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1889, for a term of four years, and to his continuance in the office of Township School Trustee, in which he is now serving his second term. In his official capacity he is recognized as a fair-minded officer whose intention it is to do justice to all parties; in business circles he wins confidence by his integrity and strictly honorable dealing. Both Mr. and Mrs. Crader belong to the Christian Church, and he is now serving as Deacon in the society which meets in the schoolhouse on Fox Creek. As a rising and representative young farmer be merits a prominent place in this Album.
Extracted 13 Feb 2017 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, published in 1891, pages 319-320.
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