Craig, Lafayette

The following data is extracted from Biographical Sketches, Coles County, Illinois - Morgan Township.

Lafayette Craig, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Charleston; born in Clark Co., Ill., Mar. 27, 1832; he emigrated with his parents when 3 years of age, and located in what is now known as Morgan Tp., in December, 1835, in which township he has since continued to live for a period of upward of forty-three years; he is a son of Isaac N. Craig, and with his father is one of the earliest pioneers of Morgan Tp.; the subject of this sketch was employed in his early days in watching sheep during the day to protect them from the wolves, and at night would drive the sheep in close pens near the house, for safety during the night; there were no roads in those days, and to go to Charleston and other points, they would follow by-paths, taking a direct line to whatever point they wished to go; he remained with his father and assisted him in farming until 21 years of age, when he was employed by his father for two years, at $100 per year, when he, with his brother farmed upon the old farm for six years, receiving half of the crops for their labor; he then continued farming alone on the same conditions, for a period of three years longer; he removed upon his present place in the spring of 1864, where he has since continued to live; he owns 161 acres of land in his home farm, and 110 in other parts of the county. He married Jan. 3, 1856, to Jemima Fowler; she was born in Coles Co., Oct. 14, 1836; she died March 26, 1862, leaving no children; his marriage with Margaret J. Woodfull was celebrated Feb. 12, 1863; they have six children now living by this union-Willis N. Ida May, Alma L., Robert H., Oscar A., and Thomas D. Mr. Craig was the first Collector of Morgan Tp., which office he held for two years, when he was elected Supervisor for ten years in succession; took the census in 1865, and served for two years as School Director.

Source: Biographical Sketches, Coles County, Illinois - Morgan Township

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