CRABTREE, JAMES WASHINGTON, was born October 7, 1844, near Winchester, Scott County, Ill., and came to Morgan County with his parents in 1855. He engaged in farming and extensive stock operations with his father until 1876, when he moved to Jacksonville and engaged in general merchandising, as a member of the firm of Woods, Simmons, Cassell & Co. Subsequently he was engaged in the sale of farm implements. In August, 1901, he removed to Lawton, Okla., where he still resides.

In May, 1864, Mr. Crabtree enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until October of that year, when he was mustered out. His service was performed principally in the vicinity of Rolla and Springfield, Mo., under Gen. Rosecrans, but toward the close of his term of enlistment his regiment was on duty at Alton, Ill., guarding Confederate prisoners. He is a Mason and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. Crabtree and his wife four children were born: Edgar E.; Maurice Leroy, of Springfield, Mo.; Vinton Woods (deceased), and Charles W., of Oklahoma.