JAMES M. CROOKE

JAMES M. CROOKE is a native of Kentucky, where he was born August 12, 1822, son of Oily and Nancy (Cruse) Crooke (elsewhere written). Subject artended the subscripticm schools in beyhood and made his home with his parents until 1841. When nineteen years of age he began teaching school and continued that occupation for eight years, meeting with flattering success. He received for his services $12 per month. November 5, 1845, he married Maria Ann Barnes, bern November 4, 1827, in Orange County, Ind., daughter of Dean and Mahala (Athon) Barnes. January 24, 1861, his wife died after having born eight children, three of whom are living: Olly F., James M. and John B.. Olly is living in Martin County, farming; James is in Mitchell, Ind., in a printing office, and John is a teacher by profession. In 1858 Mr. Crooke came to Daviess County and settled at Odon. and entered into partnership with his brother Howard, and another gentleman, in a general merchandise store, at which he and his brother continued for several years after their partner had sold out his interest. In 1875 Mr. Crooke moved to California and lived for about three years near the "Golden Gate," keeping hotel; but not liking the country he returned to Odon, in 1878. July 17, 1862, he married Julia M. Calvert, born in Kentucky, April 24, 1833, daughter of George and Sarah Calvert. To their union five children were born, four of whom are living: Charles, who is in partnership with his father; William, clerking in a store in Mitchell; Lizzie Y., and Albert E. Mr. Crooke as a merchant is enterprising and possesses rare business qualities. He has a fine stock of goods and commands a large trade. He is the oldest merchant in Odon, a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

History of Knox and Daviess Counties by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow michael.tedrow@br-ranch.com