CROWE, Ira E.
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, pp 403-404  (Portrait p 402)

A stranger would not be in Winnebago County [IL] long without hearing the name of Ira E. CROWE, a representative citizen of Durand Township, a native of Winnebago County, and one of its most highly respected residents.  Born 25 Dec 1845, he is the son of Edward and Mary (CODY) CROWE, natives of County Wexford, Ireland, and born in 1814.  His father learned the trade of a ship carpenter, which he followed with fair success.   In 1832 he was married to Mary, the daughter of James and Mary (MURPHY) CODY.   She was a child of nine years when she accompanied her uncle, James MURPHY, to Quebec, Canada, where her brothers, James and Robert, were living.  After their marriage, the parents of our subject resided in Canada until 1837, when they removed to the States and located in Steuben County, NY, Mr. CROWE there aiding in the construction of the New York & Erie Railroad.

In 1843 Edward CROWE came West to Chicago, and in the fall of that year proceeded to Grand Haven [Ottawa County], MI, where he engaged in lumbering during the winter.In the spring of 1844 he went to Milwaukee, WI, and shortly afterward located in Winnebago County [IL].   Here he purchased 40 acres of unimproved land, on section 27, Durand Township, and upon that made his home until his decease, 19 Jun 1848.  His wife survived him many years, passing away 20 Jun 1885.

The parental family comprised five children:  John, who was born in Quebec, Canada, 18 Mar 1835, and resides in Durand Township; Mary, born in Steuben County, NY, in 1837, who died in her fourth year; James, who was born in Steuben County, died in infancy; Robert, born in Broome County, NY, died in infancy; and Ira E., born in Winnebago County [IL].  The parents were members of the Roman Catholic Church, and were upright and industrious.

Ira E. CROWE was reared to farm pursuits, receiving his education in the district schools, and at Durand Seminary.  He remained at home until reaching mature years, when, in 1875, he was married to Mary Ann HORIGAN.  The lady was a daughter of Patrick and Alice (McCORMICK) HORIGAN, and was born in Westchester County, NY, 13 Apr 1853.  Her parents were natives of County Kilkenny and County Antrim, Ireland, respectively, and in early life came to the U. S., and were married in NY City on 28 Mar 1852.  They became the parents of two children:  Mrs. CROWE and Albert, who was born 25 Nov 1860.   They came to IL in 1858, and locating in Harrison Township, Winnebago County, the father rented a tract of land, upon which he resided until 1860.  He then took up his abode on 181 acres in Durand Township, which is his present place of residence.  They are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

After his marriage, Mr. CROWE located upon his present property which he had purchased six years previously.  He is now the possessor of a splendid estate, numbering 481 acres, 161 of which are included in the home farm, and the remainder located in Humboldt County, IA.  His family includes six children:  (1)  Edward G., born 13 Jul 1876; (2)  Mary A., 01 Jul 1879, died 09 Nov 1879; (3)  John A., born 08 Jul 1881; (4)   Merton P., 31 May 1885; (5)  Anna Belle, 08 Oct 1886; and (6)  Irene, 19 Aug 1888, died five days later.

Although leaning toward Democratic principles, our subject is not confined to party lines, but votes for the best man.  He has held the position of School Director for a number of years and is also [p 404] occupying a like position in the Durand Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company.  In Jan 1865 our subject enlisted and was mustered into service in Company G, 153rd IL Infantry.  The company was organized at Camp Fry, Chicago, and was ordered to Tullahoma, TN, where Mr. CROWE was hospital clerk, and was serving in that capacity at the time of his discharge in Aug 1865.  He is a member of Ellis Post No. 320, G. A. R., at Pecatonica.  He is Secretary of the Patrons of Industry of Durand Center, No. 2456, and is also Secretary of the Anti-Horse Thief Association of Durand.   With his wife, he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and occupies a high position socially in this community.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.