Copyright © 2004 Submitted by: Jan Cortez This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ MAJOR GEORGE W. CRAWFORD DEAD Big Rapids Pioneer - 3-19-1903 He Suddenly Passes Away After Only a Few Minutes Illness Funeral Services The sudden death of Major George W. Crawford has not only cast a deep gloom over the city, but has caused many to seriously reflect upon the uncertainty of life. Less than an hour before his death Major Crawford was apparently enjoying the best of health. He was among those who went to the depot Saturday night to meet the remains of Don Hovey, and for some time after reaching home he appeared as well as usual. It was after 10 or 11 o'clock that night when he complained of not feeling well, and ten minutes after midnight he was dead. He was about retiring for the night when he complained of a severe headache, and soon commenced to vomit. A doctor was sent for, but before he reached the house the stricken man was beyond mortal aid - was dying when the doctor arrived. According to the doctor's statement, cerebral hemorrhage was the immediate cause of death. Major Crawford was born in Oakland County, this state, Jan. 22, 1842, and removed with his parents to Kent County in 1852. He lived in and near Grand Rapids until he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. F, 6th Michigan Cavalry, in 1862. He was appointed second lieutenant of his company before the regiment left the state, and was afterwards promoted to first lieutenant. His regiment was assigned to duty in the Army of the Potomac, and Mr. Crawford was in command of his company continuously until he was badly wounded as to entirely disable him for field service. He served under Gen. Pleasanton and others until the Gettysburg campaign was commenced, when his regiment was placed in the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, under command of Gen. Custer. He went through the battle of Gettysburg, and was afterwards engaged at Monterey, Boonsboro, Hagerstown and Falling Waters. At Falling Waters, while leading a charge of companies B and F, of the 6th, Mr. Crawford lost his right leg, at the upper third of the thigh, and received five gunshot, one saber and one bayonet wounds; and while lying on the ground nearly helpless and bleeding he struck down a rebel who was trying to rob him. After recovering from his wounds so that he could walk on crutches he was assigned to duty on the staff of Gen. Champlin as quartermaster and commissary of Michigan. He built camps and acted as paymaster, and was sent to Illinois and Wisconsin to sell the government supplies to those states. He handled over $5,000,000 of government money, and not a penny was lost. He resigned his commission in 1864 and returned to his civil life. Shortly aster the close of the war Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Clara Cobb, the wedding taking place in Grand Rapids, and shortly after the wedding Big Rapids became the home of the young people. In partnership with a man named Wilson, Mr. Crawford engaged in the cariage and wagon business for a time, and then for a number of years he was engaged in the grocery business. His store was destroyed by fire a number of years ago, but he soon resumed business in a new location. A lumber mill which he operated more than twenty years ago was destroyed by fire, and fire has a number of times partially consumed the Crescent Furniture Factory, with which he was connected as manager from the date of its establishment, he having organized the company in 1887. He was a Republican in politics, and a leader of the party in this county. He held a number of honorable positions, and was a member of of a number of local organizations. He was a charter member of Big Rapids Lodge No. 111, I.O.O.F. and was also a member of Andrews Post, G.A.R., which organization will have charge of the funeral. Deceased leaves a wife and one daughter, the daughter being Mrs. Maggie Zwisler, of Kalamazoo. Another daughter - a twin sister of Mrs. Zwisler - died a number of years ago. She was the wife of D.C. Morrill, and left three sons. Mr. Crawford's death will be a great loss to Big Rapids, and in their sudden sorrow the bereaved ones have the sympathy of all. There was a large attendance at the funeral of Major Crawford, which took place at the house Tuesday afternoon. The services were in charge of Andrews Post, G.A.R., and remarks were made by Rev. M.S. Woodruff, a former rector of St. Andrew's Church, who preached here last MOnday. The present rector of St. Andrew's church, Rev. D. Charles White, also assisted in the services. The Odd Fellows turned out in good numbers, and the other orders of which deceased was a member were also well represented. The daughter from Kalamazoo, Mrs. Zwisler, with her husband, reached here Sunday morning, and other relatives and friends from outside were also present at the funeral, including the brother from Grand Rapids.