Durham -Governor Crittenden - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Monday Nov 20, 1911

Governor Crittenden Durham, the third son of Jesse Youce and Martha Tarkington Durham, was born in Mercer County near Perryville, Ky. April 12, 1848. At the very tender age of two he moved with his parents to the home on the farm 2 miles north of Waveland, Ind where his parents lived the remainder of their lives. This, too was where he made his home until four years ago, when his father died. His mother passed into the glorious home above many years ago. His education was such as was obtained at the Waveland Presbyterian Academy of which the venerable Prof. Henry S. Kritz now of Waveland was its principal. After completing his studies at this institution he engaged in agricultural pursuit as his life chosen occupation. For nearly 20 years he was a sufferer from a complication of diseases, which suddenly terminated his life Wednesday evening Nov 15 at 8 o’clock at the age 63 years 7 months and 8 days. He was a most kind and devoted son and brother, and one who had a good word of cheer and a kindly greeting for all with whom he came in contact. Early in his life he united with the ME Church of Waveland. This was in keeping with the training of his Christian mother, who was a devout member of the ME Church for over 40 years. For 39 years he was a member of the Masonic Order, having attained the 30-second degree a member of Scottish Rite, prominent in Indiana. The funeral occurred at the ME Church at Waveland Friday at 10:30 am. Conducted by Rev. WH Fertich, DD of Crawfordsville, using as his text Job 14:14 assisted by the Order of Masons. On account of the inclemency of the weather all of the services were held in the church, after which the remains were buried in Waveland cemetery by the side of his father and mother. The deceased is survived by 5 brothers and one sister all of whom were present. They are: Dr. John Lawson Durham, Sullivan, Ind; George Tarkington Durham, Waveland, Laura D. Rue, Danville, Ky; Joseph Pinckney Durham, Indianapolis; Joshua Bell Durham, Graysville, Ind; William Youce Durham, Waveland. Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. John Durham, Jamestown, Ind; Mr. George Carver and John Amos Johnson of Crawfordsville. Many friends from neighboring towns and vicinity who with hosts of other relatives and friends, united with the family in mourning the loss of his departure. - kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Nov 16, 1911

Waveland, Nov 16 -- Governor Crittenden Durham, unmarried age 63 better known as "governor," died at the home of his brother, George Durham one and a half miles east of here at 8 last evening. His immediate illness covered a period of 2 or 3 weeks but he took to his bed yesterday afternoon and grew rapidly worse to the end, his death being due to a complication of diseases, according to the diagnosis of Dr. KK Straughn, the attending physician. The deceased was a farmer and saw the light of day in this county about two miles north of Waveland and the most of his life was spent in this community. He went west a few years since and remained there until about 3 years ago when he returned here to spend the remainder of his life. He was the son of Youse and Martha Durham, two of the pioneer settlers of Brown Township. He leaves five brothers, Dr. John Durham and Bell Durham of Sullivan Ind, JP Durham of Indianapolis and George and William of Waveland and one sister, Mrs. Laura Roe of this place. The funeral will be held at the Methodist Church here at 11 on Friday monring and interment will take place at Maple Ridge Cemetery just north of town. Fount Johnson of Crawfordsville is a relative of the deceased. - kbz

Source: The Indianapolis Star - 16 November 1911 p 3

Word was received here last night of the death about 8 o'clock of Crittenden Durham, 63 years old, a retired farmer of Waveland, Ind., after a brief illness. Mr. Durham had lived in and near Waveland nearly all of his life, having moved there from Fairview, Ky., with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Y. Durham, when he was only 3 years old. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and of the Waveland M. E. Church. He is survived by five brothers, Dr. John L. Durham of Sullivan, Ind., George Tarkington Durham of Waveland, Joshua B. Durham of Graysville, Ind.; William Y. Durham of Waveland and Joseph P. Durham of Indianapolis, and by one sister, Mrs. Laura D. Rue of Danville, Ky. the funeral arrangements have not been made. (Thanks muches Ginny A for this one :)

Source: 1907 Hiram Pratt diary -- Pratt was a barber in Waveland indiana for many years and often commented on local people/happenings

Thursday Feb 23 – Clear most of the day 36. $.80. John Holland has been bussy all day moving the goods from the old store room to the one newly fitted up. It will not be completed. The transfer this week. Paid 25 c for 6 beautiful apples. Washington growth. Gov. Durham took a tin bucket and went to the Kleiser sugar camp and got it full of sugar water. I have had all I could drink. It is a fine drink for me. Gov likes it too. - kbz

Source: Pratt Diary 1911 Wednesday November 15

$3.25. Cloudy sun was out a few minutes. 39. Wrote a card today to my Eva. Report came in about 7 o’clock this evening that Gov Durham was dead. I was surprised very much. He was in my shop yesterday and was shaved by me last Monday morning. He said he was not well, had vomited several times last night he made his way to his brother George’s and died. He was known by the name of Gov. His name was Crittenden Durham. Eat dinner at Buddy Kelso’s. Thursday November 16 -- $3.25. 35 Cloudy and rain seems to be assured before morning. Paid John Robertson a dollar for a couple of bags of corn. 2 bushel. The funeral will be held in the ME Church house at 11 tomorrow morning. Bro WH Fertich will preach. The sermon The Masons will have charge of the services. Only 2 more days before I can greet my sweetheart Bless the Lord. Friday November 17 -- $6.50. Rained all day. 48. Commenced some time before day light. Bob McMains was my bed fellow last night. I got breakfast for us. Had coffee, pork chops and light bread. The funeral was well attended. The rain kept some away. - kbz