| #1 5 Dec., 1929 - The Enterprise
William J. Crane passed quietly away at his home here Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27 at the advanced age of almost 89 years. He was born at Oswego, New York, Nov. 29, 1840. At the age of twelve he moved with his parents to Wellsville where he lived for several years. In August, 1860 he enlisted in Co. H of the 85 New York Volunteer Regiment and served his country faithfully in the great Civil War, being wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks. In 1871 Mr. Crane and his wife came to Arlington, and here for many years they lived active useful lives. Mr. Crane was the agent for the Mo. Valley Land Co. for 14 years. He was also postmaster for the same number of years; also the local depot agent for a number of years. Mr. Crane had the honor of opening the first bank in Arlington which was in 1878. He was also interested in mining, being the owner of the Charter Oak copper mine, and president of the Copper Bar Mining Co. of Wyo. Mr. Crane was also interested in the G.A.R. and I.O.O.F. lodges. He was a charter member of the local Odd Fellow lodge. Several years ago he was presented with a 50-year jewel. Mr. Crane was the son of a minister, and always took a deep interest in the religious life of his community. Soon after coming to Arlington, he interested himself in organizing a Congregational church here. It was organized in his home and by his passing, the last charter member of the local church is gone. He has ever been one of its most loyal and liberal supporters. When the church was remodeled several years ago the basement was named Crane chapel in his honor. He had one brother and three sisters, all of whom have preceded him in death. Mrs. Crane passed away in 1910. He has one son. W. H. Crane of Ark. and two grandchildren, one of them, Elliott Crane being in California and the other, Inez, is married and living in Utah. After living a long, useful life, death came as a release as he was growing weaker daily, both physically and mentally. The funeral was held on Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Congregational church. An escort of honor was furnished from the American Legion post, and he was buried in the Arlington cemetery with full military honors. His pastor, Dr. R. C. Swisher had charge of the funeral services and he was assisted by Rev. J. E. Aeschbacher, former pastor, now living in Fremont, and Rev. A. J. Edgar of the M. E. church.
#2 Printed in the Dec. 5, 1929 Pilot-Tribune, Blair, Nebraska
William J. Crane, one of the oldest residents of Arlington, quietly passed to the Great Beyond shortly after noon November 27th, at his home here. William J. Crane was born in Oswego, New York, November 29, 1840, almost reaching the age of 89 years. When 12 years of age he moved with his parents to Wellsville, N.Y., where he resided until reaching his majority. He was agent for the Missouri Valley Land Company for 14 years and postmaster for the same length of time. He was the pioneer banker of Arlington having established a bank here in 1878. He was local depot agent for the railroad for some time also. Mr. Crane was engaged in mining and was president of the Copper Bar Mining Co., of Wyoming, and the owner of the famous Charter Oak copper mine. Mr. Crane was the son of a minister and reared in a religious atmosphere. Early in life he became identified with the Congregational church. Upon coming to Arlington he at once interested himself in the organizing of a church, it having been organized in his home and for many years he was one of the most loyal and liberal supporters. When the church was remodeled some years ago, the basement was named “Crane Chapel” in his honor. He had one brother and three sisters, all of whom have preceded him in death. His wife died in 1910. There is one son, W.H. Crane, who lives in Arkansas and two grandchildren. The grandson, Elliot Crane, is in California and the granddaughter, Inez, is married and living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon from the Congregational Church. His pastor, the Dr. Raymond Swisher, was in charge. He was assisted by Rev. J.E. Aeschbacher, of Fremont, and Rev. A.J. Edgar, of the M.E. church. An escort of honor was furnished by the American Legion and he was laid to rest in the Arlington cemetery with full military honors.
#3
Crane, William J.
Published in Pilot Tribune on 5 December 1929
Veteran-Civil War
ARLINGTON MAN BURIED SATURDAY
WILLIAM CRANE WAS COUNTY RESIDENT FOR 58 YEARS
The funeral of the late William J. Crane was held from the Arlington Congregational church Saturday afternoon, the sermon being conducted by Rev. Raymond Wisher, assisted by Rev. J.E. Aesbacher and the Rev. A.J. Edgar. The American Legion furnished an escort of honor. He died November 27 of infirmities of old age.
William J. Crane had been a resident of Arlington for 58 years and prominent in its affairs for many years. He came when the town was known as Bell Creek in 1871 and was the agent for the Missouri Valley Land company and postmaster for 14 years and he established a band in 1878 and was for a period station agent. He was absent for a period while he engaged in mining and was the president of the Copper Bar Mining company of Wyoming.
Mr. Crane was the son of a minister and after coming to Arlington was instrumental in the organization of the Congregational church and was its last charter member. The organization took place in his home. When the church was remodeled the basement was named Crane chapel. He was a 50-year member of the Odd Fellows and a member of the G.A.R. He was born in Oswego, N.Y. November 29, 1840. He enlisted in the Civil War in August, 1860, in Co. H, 85th N.Y. volunteer regiment and was wounded in the Battle of Fair Oaks.
~~~Obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. News clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~
FindaGrave #44778892
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