David McCranor
History of Montana,by Joaquin Miller, 1894
USGENWEB Montana Archives,maintained by burns@asu.edu

David McCranor, one of the earliest settlers and best 
known citizens of Montana, now of Madison County was 
born in Germantown, Ohio, January 8, 1838, son of James 
and Elizabeth (Bender) McCranor.His father who was a 
cabinetmaker by trade, died when David was seven years 
old, and thus deprived of a father's care, young McCranor 
was early in life thrown upon his own resources, and ere 
long not only provided for himself but also assisted in 
the support of the family.  Growing up under these 
circumstances, his schooling was of a necessity limited.  
In 1856 while still in his teens, ambitious and eager to 
see the world and made a fortune, Mr. McCranor went to 
California and began mining.  He mined on Johnston's bar 
and made some money. He had been there eighteen months 
when the Pike's Peak excitement broke out in Colorado 
and the news of the gold discovery at that place spread 
all over the country.  He was among others who made a 
rush for that place and IN Russell Gulch he mined until 
the following year, 1860.  In 1863 the Salmon River 
gold find brought him to Montana but he came only as 
far as Bannack. He afterward began mining in Alder 
gulch where he made money and remained until 1870.  
That year he turned his attention to merchandising at 
Silver Bow, where he conducted business two years, 
after which he again came to Madison County, this 
time settling at Sheridan.  For ten consecutive years 
he has successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
Sheridan.  In 1882 he again began mining, which he 
continued successfully until failing health compelled 
him to dispose of his property and retire from active 
business operations.While he calls Madison County his 
home he spends his winters in the genial climate of 
sunny California.

USGenWeb Project NOTICE: 
In keeping with our policy of providing free information on 
the internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as
long as this message remains on all copied 
material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in 
any format forprofit, nor for commercial presentation by any other organization. 

Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for 
purposes other than as stated above, must obtain express writtenpermission from the author, or the submitter and from 
the listed USGenWeb Project archivist.