JOHN CRAWFORD, one of the most substantial residents of Nora Township, came to this section in the spring of 1879, and purchased 200 acres of land on section 16, where he now lives. During the ten years in which he has operated this farm he has effected many improvements, having the true conception of the manner in which to prosecute agriculture, and being especially interested in fine horses. He is an excellent judge of the equine race, and having a natural love for this noblest of animals, takes pride in exhibiting some of the finest specimens to be found in this part of the county; and he brought the first imported Clydesdale horses into Jo Daviess County.

Wayne County, Ohio, was the early tramping ground of our subject, and where his birth took place Dec. 20, 1844. His father, William Crawford, was a native of Scotland, and married Miss Margaret McCole, who was born in the Highlands of Scotland. They emigrated to America at an early period in their lives, and settled first in Ohio, whence they removed to Wisconsin, and were residents of La Fayette County, that State, one year. Their next removal was to this county, they settling near Elizabeth, in Woodbine Township, where they spent their last days. The parental household included ten children, of whom our subject was next to the youngest. He accompanied his parents to Wisconsin, and was reared to man’s estate in this county, acquiring his education in the common schools. He took naturally to farming pursuits; and the breeding of fine horses, which he commenced when about thirty-five years old. Leaving Woodbine Township in the spring of 1879 he removed to his present farm.

Mr. Crawford cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln, and since that time has been identified with the Republican party, with whose policy he keeps himself fully acquainted, and is also fully posted upon other matters of general interest to the intelligent citizen. He has never been ambitious for office, preferring to give his time to farming pursuits, although having served as a School Director in his district. Socially, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and I. O. M. A. One of those men whose word is considered as good as his bond, he represents the respectability and moral worth of his township. To such men as he is Jo Daviess indebted for her standing among the well-regulated communities of the Northwest.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889) Pg 334-35