James Crowe

James Crowe, one of the substantial farmers who owns and operates a fine tract of land on section 15, township 3, range 9, Monroe County, is a native of the Emerald Isle. He was there born on the 1st of May, 1836, and is a son of Mathias and Catherine (Ragin) Crowe, who were also natives of Ireland. The father lived with his parents until his marriage and then began farming for himself. He carried on agricultural pursuits in his native land until 1852, when he bade adieu to his home and friends, and with his family sailed for the New World. Coming to Illinois, he located in Monroe County, where he carried on farming until his death, and so successful was he in his undertakings that he became possessed of considerable property and was numbered among the substantial farmers of the community. He was truly a self-made man, for his possessions were all acquired through his own efforts. In politics he was a supporter of the Democracy, and both he and his wife were members of the Catholic Church. His death occurred in 1864, and Mrs. Crowe passed away about 1878. They were the parents of seven children, Celia, Mary, Patrick, Lawrence, Bridget, Thomas and James.
In his native land James Crowe spent the first sixteen years of his life, and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to America. The public schools of Ireland furnished him his educational privileges. He continued to reside at home and give his father the benefit of his services until his marriage, which was celebrated in 1871, Miss Margaret Fox becoming his wife. Six children have blessed their union, viz.: Catherine, Agnes, Mathias, Thomas, Mary and James. The mother is a native of Monroe County, and has here spent her entire life. She acquired her education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and remained upon her father's farm until she went to the home of her husband. She is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Crowe have carefully reared their children, giving the good school privileges, and with one exception all are single. Agnes, who married Matthew H. Dunn, makes her home in St. Louis.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Crowe has followed agriculture and is a practical and progressive farmer, who in the able management of his business affairs has met with a high degree of success. Diligence, economy and perseverance have brought him to prosperity, and he is now the owner of one of the finest and most valuable farms of this community. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, and, like his wife and children, is a member of the Catholic Church. He has lived in Monroe County since the age of sixteen years, and those who have known him from his youth upward are numbered among his warmest friends, a fact which indicates a well spent life.