From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 858-859

Andrew Croy, son of John and Margaret (McIntire) Croy, was born in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio, Sept. 11, 1826. He was reared a farmer, with very limited opportunities for education, living with his parents until twenty-two years of age. His father, John Croy, a son of Jacob and Sarah Croy, was born in Marion County, Ohio, in 1802, and married Margaret McIntire in 1825. She was born in Ohio in 1805. In 1829, with their two children, Andrew, the subject of this sketch, and Mary, they moved to White Pigeon, Mich., thence the following year to Gilead, Branch County, of the same State, living there until 1838, when they became identified with Steuben County, buying 160 acres of Government land on section 32, York Township. In 1844 they sold their farm, and in 1845 moved to Noble Township, Branch Co., Mich. Two or three years later they moved to Marion County, Iowa, where Mr. Croy died Nov. 13, 1875. John Croy was a pioneer man by nature and habit, robust and strong, energetic and undaunted by obstacles, a man whom all remember kindly for his honorable life and many good qualities. His widow survived in 1885, and was living on the homestead in that county. The children born after the parents moved to Michigan were-- Levi, now of Guthrie County, Iowa, was born Oct. 31, 1829, the first white child born at White Pigeon; Mary Ann, wife of Andrew Fuller, of Gilead, was born in 1831, the first white child born at Gilead, Branch County; Sarah Ann, wife of R. O. Bowdish; Rachel, wife of Jacob Grate, and Mrs. Malinda J. Gray were born in Branch County, and now live in Marion County, Iowa; Henry, David and Elijah were born in Steuben County. Henry and David are deceased. David and Elijah were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Jacob Croy, the father of John Croy , was born in Maryland in 1781. He had a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. He moved to Marion County, Ohio, where his wife and one son died. In 1833 he moved to Lagrange County, Ind., where he died in 1851, aged seventy years. He had a fine farm on Pretty Prairie. Andrew Croy, the subject of this sketch, was married July 24, 1853, to Amanda L. Gates, a native of Broome County, N. Y. Three children were born to them-- Alice, now wife of John Champion; Almon W., of Anton County, Mich., and Alfred, who died in infancy. Mrs. Croy died Dec. 28, 1869, aged thirty-six years. May 28, 1870, Mr. Croy married Sarah D. Richmond, who was born in Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y., May 19, 1827. One child was born of this marriage-- Alta E., born Nov. 1, 1871. Andrew Croy came with his parents to this county in 1838, and, with the exception of less than two years, has been a resident since that time. He is a man much interested in all that pertains to the good of the public. In his early life he was deprived almost entirely of schooling, but having a progressive mind, and being a constant reader and a close observer of passing events, he has overcome this lack. A Republican and quite prominent in local politics and is a trusty and trusted citizen. He has been for several years Assessor of Richland Township. He is a member of Angola Lodge, No. 236, F. & A. M., and the teachings of this honorable order he largely makes the rule of his action.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com