Ray County, Missouri Biographies - John CROWLEY b. 1828 Source: History of Ray County, Missouri 1881; p.686-687 John Crowley John Crowley was born, August 10, 1828, in Clay county, Missouri. His parents were John and Sarah (Mayo) Crowley. His father was born in the state of Alabama, February 2, 1792; died September 29, 1877. His mother was born in Tennessee, October 10, 1797; died September 10, 1851. His grandfather, James Crowley, was a soldier in the war for American independence, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Berry Crowley (great-grandfather of John) was a native of England. He was killed in a battle with the Indians, on the Ohio river, in Kentucky, at a very early day. The subject of this sketch lived in Clay county, working on his father’s farm until the age of twenty-six years, when he went to California. He started on this long journey from ST. Joseph, Missouri, May 4, 1853, in company with his brother, Thomas Crowley, and four hired men, to help drive their cattle, and spent about four and a half months in a tedious overland trip, arriving in California, September 16. After spending about two years in the “Golden State”, Mr. Crowley took passage on a steamship, at San Francisco, February 14, 1855, for the Isthmus, crossed among the first passengers on the railroad across Panama, and sailed from Aspinwall to Cuba, and thence to New Orleans. From there he came home by river, arriving March 31, 1855. In 1856 he removed to this county, and has lived here ever since. He owns nine hundred and seventy acres of land, seven hundred acres in cultivation, well fenced and in a fine sate of productiveness. This farm is improved, with one of the handsomest and most conveniently arranged dwelling houses in that section of the county, besides barns and other buildings. Mr. Crowley is a thoroughly practical and thrifty farmer, and the excellent condition of his farm is an evidence of his good management and industry. He is largely engaged in dealing in livestock, and devotes much attention to raising the best breeds. Mr. Crowley was married, in Clinton county, Missouri, February 2, 1858, to Miss Ann Fuller, by Reverend E. M. Martin, of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Crowley is the daughter of Andrew and Mary Fuller. She was born in Clinton county, Missouri, April 6, 1833. Mr. And Mrs. Crowley are the parents of nine children, viz: Charles, born January 15, 1859; Sallie M., October 11, 8160; Elizabeth J., September 17, 1862; Albert, September 15, 1864; John C., February 27, 1867; Frank T., October 9, 1869; Ann May, January 27, 1874; George W. and Claude C., twins, born December 20, 1874. Mr. Crowley and his wife are active, prominent members of the M. E. Church South, and he is also a leading member of Bee-Hive Lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M. He is highly esteemed and respected, by all who know him, for his many excellent qualities as a man and a citizen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by County Coordinator USGENWEB NOTICE All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ------------------------------------------------------------------------