CRUM, THOMAS JEFFERSON (deceased). - The late Thomas Jefferson Crum, who, for many years was engaged in farming and stock raising in Cass County, was man who exemplified in every step of his career the fact that honest effort, sturdy industry and well-directed management conduce to ultimate success. He worked long and faithfully, but his rewards were commensurate with his labors, and he was successful not only in a material way, but in winning the respect and esteem of those among whom he lived so long. A native of Cass County, Mr. Crum was born July 9, 1835, and was a son of James and Christina (Ream) Crum. His father was born September 22, 1806, in Clark County, Ind., a son of Matthias and Margaret (Spangler) Crum, natives of Montgomery County, Va. James Crum came to Cass County in 1830 and settled near Arenzville, being followed by his parents during the next year, and there they died. James Crum was married January 31, 1833, to Christina Ream, who died May 1, 1878. His second marriage was to Mrs. Eliza Beam, whose husband had met a soldier's death during the Civil war.

Thomas Jefferson Crum was reared on the home farm, and during the short winter terms secured some educational training in subscription schools. he was married March 11, 1857, to Sarah A. Henderson, who was born in Morgan County, Ill., May 7, 1840, daughter of William and Lucinda (Turner) Henderson, natives of Ohio. They were early settlers of Morgan County, Ill., where they were married, and where Mrs. Henderson died. Mr. Henderson subsequently married Mrs. Elizabeth Morris, and moved to Henry County, Ill., and there passed away in 1874.

After his marriage Mr. Crum moved to a farm near his old homestead, and there continued to reside for many years, constantly adding to his holdings until he had accumulated 550 acres of land, a large part of which was in timber. He carried on general farming, in which he was very successful, and was also known as one of the leading raisers of cattle, hogs, horses and sheep in this part of the county. Mr. Crum retired from the activities of life in November, 1910, at which time he moved to Virginia, and there resided with his wife and son Oscar, until his death, June 30, 1911. His life record is one that is worthy of a place among the representative men of this part of the state, and he is still remembered as one of the helpful, useful and honorable men of Cass County. He held large interests in the Centennial Bank, of Virginia, of which he served as vice president, and had other extensive holdings. His religious faith was that of the Protestant Methodist church, and his political belief that of the Democratic party. Mr. Crum for a number of years was a member of the independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was valued by his fellow members.

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crum, namely: Charles E., a resident of North Dakota, Theresa M., who married E. D. Summers, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Oscar M., who resided with his mother at Virginia; William M., of Hilton, Ohio; Ollie E., who married Frank Strong, of Spokane, Wash.; Mary L., who married William Delapp, of Pasadena, Cal.; Henry O., of Britton, Okla.; Eben R., residing on the home farm; Cecil and Cecelia, twins who died on the day of their birth; and Thomas Austin, a resident of Cedaredge, Colo.