From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.

JOHN B. CROSE, who carries on general farming and stock-raising on section 21, township 12 north, range 4 west, is an enterprising and progressive man, and a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of this community. He has the honor of being a native of Illinois, for his birth occurred in McLean County on the 16th of September, 1851. The family, however, is of German lineage. The grandfather, John Crose, and the father, Andrew Crose, were both natives of Ohio, and followed farming in that State. The latter was united in marriage with Miss Margaret J. Erwin, daughter of Robert Erwin.'and they became the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, widow of John Grable; John B., of this sketch; Rosanna, deceased, wife of L. M. Beeding; William R., of Henderson County; and one son and daughter who died in infancy.

In the autumn of 1853, Andrew Crose removed with his family from McLean to Henderson County. Our subject was then only three years of age. The family located on a rented farm on section 29, township 12 north, range 4 west, and later the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on the same section. Upon the old homestead John was reared to manhood, his boyhood days being passed midst play and work. He also attended the district schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired a fair English education. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until twenty-one years of age, when, in 1873, he removed to Hamilton County, Iowa, and began farming for himself. He there remained for six months, after which he returned to Illinois. Here he farmed upon rented land until 1880, when, with the capital he had acquired through perseverance, industry and economy, he purchased one hundred and forty acres of land on section 1, township 11 north, range 5 west, operating the same until 1888. In the spring of that year he traded his first farm for eighty acres of the farm on which he now resides. From time to time, however, he has added to this until now two hundred and sixty-six acres of rich and valuable land pay tribute to his care and cultivation. In connection with general farming he carries on stock-raising, making a specialty of Percheron and Norman horses. His home is a comfortable dwelling, and his barns and outbuildings add to the thrifty condition of the place.

On the 9th of January, 1873, Mr. Crose was united in marriage with Miss Ermina E. Ryason, daughter of George W. and Mary A. (Carney) Ryason, and a native of La Grange County, Ind. They have an adopted daughter, Fannie M., wife of William W. Crose, of Mercer County, Ill.

Mr. Crose has served as School Director of his district for one term, but has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office. He cast his first Presidential vote for Horace Greeley, and has since affiliated with the Democracy. In his business dealings he has met with good success. He does not easily give up an undertaking, and as the result of a resolute purpose and judicious management he has acquired a handsome competence, becoming one of the substantial citizens of the community.