CRUM, WILLIAM W. (deceased), for many years was a highly respected man and successful agriculturist of Cass County. He was born in this county, January 1, 1839, a son of Christian and Mary (Robertson) Crum, and died on his farm in township 17, range 9, on December 23, 1912, and was buried in Yatesville cemetery in Morgan County. Christian Crum was born in Kentucky and left there on account of the outrages of the Indians, and went to Indiana, but in 1831 came to Morgan County, Ill. He was there married to Mary Robertson, who was a native of Indiana. After marriage they settled a few miles distant from Virginia, Ill., it being Mr. Crum's intention to engage in chopping wood in the timber during the winter, but his plans were frustrated as that was the winter made notable by the "big snow," so much snow falling that the people could do little but remain at home. On the original homestead Christian Crum and his wife passed the rest of their lives and reared a family of eight children.

William W. Crum was the third born in his parents' family and lived at home until his marriage, in the meanwhile, during the winter months, attending the Union district school. Following marriage he settled on a farm in township 17, range 9, having 314 acres in Cass County, and 108 acres in Morgan County, the farm buildings standing on the latter tract, which, when he located there, was covered with timber. At present it is all cleared and under cultivation, except fifteen acres. Mr. Crum made improvements and thereby increased the value of his land many fold. He devoted himself to general farming and stock raising, each year turning out many horses, cattle and hogs. He conducted his affairs along practical, common sense lines and was successful.

On February 5, 1862, Mr. Crum was married by Rev. John Dale of Virginia, to Miss Anna Mary Clark, who was born in Cass County, Ill., April 4, 1843, and is the daughter of John and Martha (Bane) Clark, and a granddaughter of Lawrence Clark. The grandfather came to Cass County about 1834 and was one of the early surveyors. His brother-in-law, William Clark, settled in Cass County early in 1820. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crum: Laura and Frank, both of whom are deceased; Lillian, now Mrs. William Cleary, of Morgan County, has three children, Anna, Crum and Lillian; Edward and Mary, both of whom are deceased; Martha, now Mrs. George E. Coudy, of Granite City, Ill., has had three children, Martha Ann, living, Elizabeth, deceased, and George W.; Bertha, who resides at home; Edwin and Edgar, twins, both of whom are deceased; Edna, now Mrs. George Wittlinger, of Menard County, Ill., had one son, Michael C., deceased; Edith and Alma, both of whom reside at home; and John, who is deceased. Mr. Crum was a Democrat in politics. Since his death Mrs. Crum has managed the farm industries and has proved to be a capable business woman. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.