CRANDELL, Wilson H.
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, pp 251-252

Hon. Wilson H. CRANDELL, M. D., who died at his home in Durand [Winnebago County, IL], 04 Oct 1855, was a gentleman whose long residence in Winnebago County, together with his active participation in worthy measures for the development of the community, made him prominent both socially and in the ranks of his profession.  It has been said that there are two kinds of education, one which is received at school, and the other, more important, which we give ourselves.  Dr. CRANDELL was fortunate in gaining each kind of training, and as a result his character was rounded out and developed, while he acquired those habits of perseverance and energy which are so essential in any profession.

Born in Nassau [Rensselaer County], NY, 14 Jun 1805, our subject was the son of Nathan R. and Rebecca (ARNOLD) CRANDELL.  His early life was passed on the farm and as an employee of a glass factory.  He came West in early life, and entering Rush Medical College at Chicago, received his degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution.   He first practiced medicine near the Garden City, and was later established at Freeport [Stephenson County, IL].

In 1845 Dr. CRANDELL made his advent into [p 252] Winnebago County, at which time he located in what is now Laona Township, and gave his attention to his profession.  A few years thereafter, he removed to what is now Durand Township, and purchasing a tract of land, resided upon it until his death in 1855.  He had an extensive practice, many of his patients living beyond Rockford, and even as far as Beloit [Rock County, WI].  He represented his district in the State Legislature in 1848, during which time he formulated and secured the passage of the law establishing township organization.  In politics he always voted the Whig ticket, and occupied a conspicuous place in local affairs.   He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, and gave liberally of his means to its support.

On 06 Jun 1829 our subject and Miss Sophia M. ELMORE, who was born in New Lebanon [Columbia County], NY, 13 Jul 1804, were united in marriage.  She departed this life 04 Sep 1843, leaving no family.  On 09 Apr 1845, the Doctor was married to Eliza RANDALL, who had her birth 03 Aug 1817, in Pompey [Onondaga County], NY.  She was the daughter of Joshua and Sarah (SMITH) RANDALL, also natives of the Empire State [NY].   Mrs. CRANDELL emigrated with her mother to Wayne County, MI, riding from Detroit to their home, 20 miles, over a corduroy road.  In 1838 she came to IL, and in Laona Township made her home with her sister, Ruama, who had married William H. STEVENS.   Mrs. CRANDELL remained with her sister two years, when her brother William coming to this country, she made her home with him until her marriage with our subject.

Dr. and Mrs. CRANDELL had born to them three children:  Edwin Elmore, who was born 24 Aug 1846, died 15 Sep 1852; Emily, who was born 22 Mar 1852, married Andrew BLAKE, and resides in Colorado Springs [El Paso County, CO], where Mr. BLAKE is engaged in the hardware business; Harriet, born 10 Apr 1854, became the wife of Addison BARNINGHAM, and departed this life 13 Jan 1881 [see also the Winnebago County, IL, biography of Addison BARNINGHAM].  Mr. and Mrs. BLAKE, of Colorado Springs, have four children:   Arthur, Maud Lillian, Clarence H., and Worthington G.

Dr. CRANDELL at his death left considerable property, and his wife, who carried on the farm for a number of years, sold it and built a residence in Durand.  She has given her daughter quite a little fortune, and still has in her possession a handsome competence.  She is a most excellent and charitable lady, and the doer of many kindly deeds known only to their objects.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.