My Genealogy Hound

JAMES H. CRAWFORD, the leading general merchant at Green Ridge, is not only a prominent and progressive business man of Pettis County, but has succeeded in establishing for himself a reputation for thorough integrity, enterprise and correctness, that is truly most desirable. He was born in Virginia, in 1855, and is the eldest member of the family of Baxter and Agnes Crawford, also natives of the Old Dominion, where they were reared and married. The father was identified with farming interests until the time of his decease, which occurred in January, 1895. His estimable wife is still living, making her home with her youngest daughter in Virginia.

The boyhood of our subject was passed in the usual manner of farm lads, his time being divided between work and play and attending the district school. He continued to make his home under the parental roof for two years after reaching his majority, when he embarked in farming on his own account. He was thus employed in his native state until 1884, when he came westward to Missouri, locating in Sedalia. His stay there was short, and six months later he changed his place of residence to Owsley, Johnson County, and for over four years was engaged in merchandising in that place. The outlook being yet bright for his line of business in Green Ridge, he came hither, and now has the largest general store in the city, and indeed one of the largest in the county. He carries a full stock of the latest goods, and, his prices being popular, he is well patronized. Practical and progressive in his ideas, in the management of his large business interests he manifests good judgment and these qualities which insure success.

James H. Crawford and Miss Anna H. Craig were united in marriage in 1882. The lady is the daughter of Kenerly and Mary J. (Clayton) Craig, natives of Virginia, in which state Mrs. Crawford was also born. Their union has resulted in the birth of three children, named respectively, Nellie, Willie and Marvin. Our subject is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, while his estimable wife is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat, politically, and is consequently opposed to monopolies. Although never seeking political honors, he has nevertheless been prevailed upon to serve as a member of the Board of Councilmen, and is at present a member of that body.