JOHN W. CRICHFIELD.—Among the many men of energy and enter-
prise that are so ably assisting in the agricultural development and
advancement of Clay county is John W. Crichfleld, who, on his well-
improved and well-kept farm in Lewis township, is actively engaged in
general farming and stock-raising. A son of John Crichfleld, he was
born December 9, 1858, in the township where he is now living. His
grandfather, Absalom Crichfield, was one of the early settlers of Greene
county, Indiana, moving there, it is supposed, from Pennsylvania. He
afterwards came to Lewis township, Clay county, bought timbered land
in section 20, and on the farm which he improved lived for some time.
When unable longer to manage his land, he made his home with his
children, living retired from active pursuits until his death, when upwards
of sixty years old. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Jolly.
    Born, without doubt, in Washington township, Greene county, Indi-
ana, John Crichfield came with his parents in pioneer days to Lewis town-
ship, and was here bred and educated. Arriving at man’s estate, he
entered eighty acres of government land in section seven, south half of
northwest quarter. The land was heavily timbered, with the exception
of six acres partially cleared. Building a hewed log house, which is still
standing, he improved a good farm, and there was engaged in tilling the
soil for thirty years. Selling out then, he removed to Missouri and
finally to Illinois, and is now a resident of Normal, McLean county. He
married Amanda Kester, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of William
M. and — (Mosier) Kester. They became the parents of eleven
children, seven of whom grew to years of maturity, as follows: Jesse F.;
John W.; Eliza Bryce; William; Martha Robison; Frances M.; and
George Riley.
    Brought up on the farm, John W. Crichfield received a practical
common school education, and under his father’s instructions was well
drilled in the numerous branches of agriculture. After his marriage, he
followed mining for a long time, being employed in Clay City for eight
years, and in Hymera, Sullivan county, for nine years. Resuming then
the free and independent occupation to which he was reared, Mr. Crich-
field for three years rented land in Jackson township, Sullivan county,
after which he bought his present farm, lying in sections seven and eight,
and has since devoted his time and attention to its care and culture, carry-
ing on general farming most successfully.
    Mr. Crichfleld has been twice married. He married first, in March,
1881, Annie M. Burns, a daughter of John and Catherine (Coulson)
Burns, of Lewis township, born in 1861. She died July 1, 1896, leaving
three children, Samuel, Elwood, and Lena. Mr. Crichfield married
second, October 8, 1889, Clara B. Brock. She was born in Jackson town-
ship, Sullivan county, Indiana, June 18, 1870, a daughter of Elijah and
Susan (Saunders) Brock. There were two sons and four daughters in
the Brock family, and all are living. Joseph L., a resident of Hymera,
Indiana, and a miner, married Miss Etta Nelson. They have five chil-
dren: Lester, Elva, Roosevelt, Emma and Noble. Win. F., residing in
Jackson township, Sullivan county, is a farmer and married Flora Griffith.
There are three children: Russell, Foster and Forrest (twins). Frances
E., wedded James R. Liston, a farmer and resident of Clay county, and
has two children, Paul and Leland. Dora A. is the wife of Thomas R.
Nelson, a resident of Hymera, Indiana, and a salesman. They have
three sons: Manley, Randolph and Harry. Lucretia R., wife of John
Fox, a telegrapher, residing in Casey, Illinois, has one daughter, Juniata
Belle. Clara (Mrs. Crichfield). Father Brock was a soldier in Civil
war, serving four years. and was a prisoner thirteen months. He resides
in Hymera and is a retired farmer. The mother is deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Crichfield have three children, namely: Willard, Ralph and Maston
Beecher. Religiously Mr. Crichfield is a member of the Free Methodist
church, and Mrs. Crichfield belongs to the Missionary Baptist church.