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F. W.CROUCH, The present Superintendent of Schools of Macoupin county, was born in Washington county, Tennessee, January 1st, 1846. The family of Crouch's were originally from Tennessee. John Crouch, the father of the present sketch, married Caroline A. J. Pritchard, who was also a native of the same county and state. Two chidren were born to them, both boys. The mother died July 6th, 1847. Mr. Crouch again married in 1848. He remained in Tennessee, and engaged in farming until 1857, when he removed to Illinois, and settled in Greene county. On the lst of October, 1858, he came to Macoupin county, and settled near Barr's store, where he still resides. Francis W. attended the schoools in the winter season and worked upon the farm in the summer, until 1866, when he entered a select school at Scottville under Professor J. H. Woodel, where he remained for three terms during the summer season, and in the winter of the same year taught school. After this time he adopted teaching as his profession, and followed it, teaching in various parts of the county until 1877, when he was elected superintendent of schools, and at present is engaged in looking after the educational interests of the county. Under Mr. Crouch's vigorous and efficient administration, the schools of Macoupin county are fast taking a leading and prominent postiion with others in the state. As an educator he belongs to the progressive school. He has carefully and prudently eliminated all old and crude customs, and inaugurated a new system that is more in conformity to the times and theories of advanced thinkers upon school subjects. He has been an active member of the county Normal since 1872. In politics Mr. Crouch is a pronounced democrat. In manners he is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman, and of rather a retiring disposition. The circle of his friends increases as he becomes known.