Biographies

WILLIAM A. M. CROUCH, one of the early settlers of Henderson County, who since 1862 has resided upon his present farm on section 3, township 11 north, range 4 west, is a native of the Keystone State, and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. He was born in Washington County, Pa., on the 19th of September, 1841, and is a son of William Crouch, who was a native of Maryland, and a farmer by occupation. He traces the ancestry of the family in America back to 1700, when representatives of the Crouch family in Scotland crossed the Atlantic to make homes in the New World.

During his early life he emigrated to Pennsylvania, and married Miss Nancy Mercer, a daughter of Boyd and Mary (Blackstone) Mercer. They became the parents of five children: John B., who is now living in St. Joseph, Mo.; Mary P., widow of Robert Moore, of Washington County, Pa.; Ebenezer M., who resides in the same county; William A. M., of this sketch; and Sarah, who died in infancy.

Mr. Crouch of this notice was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and remained in the Keystone State until the spring of 1860, when he started westward.

Taking up his residence in Henderson County, he engaged in teaching for two years, and on the expiration of that period purchased the farm on which he has made his home continuously since, covering a third of a century. He is a wide-awake and enterprising agriculturist, and his farm is supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences. Fields of waving grain meet the eye on every side, and there are good buildings upon the place, which stand as monuments to the progressive spirit of the owner.

In Burlington, Iowa, Mr. Crouch was united in marriage with Miss Sarah G. Leebrick, of that city, and to them have been born ten children: Ida E., now the wife of Valentine Hazlett; Mary G., wife of John F. Main; Nannie M. ; William L., who makes his home in Jewell City, Kan.; Rachel P. and Virginia E., who are attending school in Galesburg; Kate, Samuel, Hattie and Ruth, who are still with their parents. Although the family is quite large, the circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death.

Mr. Crouch, his wife and children, are all members of the Presbyterian Church, and he takes an active part in its growth and upbuilding.

He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and holds membership with Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. F. & A. M.

The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he has given his children good advantages, thus fitting them for the practical and responsible duties of life.

The best interests of the community ever receive his hearty support and co-operation, and he is regarded as a valued citizen of the community. Although he has not been prominent in public affairs, his career has been such as to win him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

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.