CRANDALL, Oliver A.
Past and Present of the City of Rockford and Winnebago Co., IL, C. A. Church.   Chicago: Clarke, 1905, p 746.

Oliver A. CRANDALL, whose death occurred 10 Oct 1889, was born at Penfield, Monroe County, NY, 31 Dec 1827.  His parents were Jairus and Sarah CRANDALL, both of whom were natives of NY, where they spent their entire lives.  Oliver obtained a common school education and learned the cooper's trade.  He removed to Beloit [Rock County], WI, in 1845, where he worked at this trade until 1865, when he came to Rockford, establishing a large cooper shop on the water power, conducting all kinds of cooperage, etc., successfully for several years.  He was then employed as traveling salesman by the Rockford Knitting Works of this city, and for seven years sold hosiery in CA, after which he returned to Rockford to accept a position as a representative of the company here.   He was a republican in politics, was a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Order of Eastern Star and Royal Arcanum.  In business affairs he was reliable and trustworthy, and enjoyed the confidence of those he represented.  Mr. CRANDALL took a deep interest in church work, and was a member of the Court Street Methodist Episcopal church, serving as Sabbath school superintendent and leader of the choir for several years.  He also belonged to a number of glee clubs of the city, and his musical talent made him a favorite in social circles.  To his family he left an untarnished name, and his memory will ever be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him.

In 1847, while residing at Beloit [Rock County], WI, he married Miss Sarah F. CARPENTER, a native of Hoosick, Rensselaer County, NY.  She was born 27 Jul 1828.  Her parents were George & Phebe (CRANDALL) CARPENTER, the former a native of Williamstown, MA, the latter of Renssalaer County, NY.  The father spent the greater part of his life in NY, and was engaged in farming.  He came west in 1843, and settled on a tract of land in Rockton Township, where he lived until 1871, when he removed to Rockford, his death occuring in 1872.  His widow, who is still living with her daughter, Mrs CRANDALL, is 100 years of age.  She is the oldest lady in Rockford, and she yet retains her faculties in a remarkable degree, having a most retentive memory.  On the occasion of her 100th anniversary, 16 Nov 1904, she was tendered a reception, many being present.  Only two of her children are living, Mrs. CRANDALL and Martha A. HYATT, widow of Jabez A. HYATT, of Ithaca, NY.  One son, David H. CARPENTER, died 25 May 1890.  Mr. HYATT was born 02 Sep 1831, and removed from Ithaca to Beloit in 1855.   At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in defense of the Union cause as a member of the 6th WI Regiment on 28 Aug 1862, and was killed at the battle of Bull Run.   Mrs. HYATT is living with her sister and mother.  Mr. and Mrs. CRANDALL were the parents of two children:  Helen M. DUNHAM, who makes her home with her mother, at 1006 Rocton Avenue; and George, who died in infancy.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.