My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES CRANE. As a tribute to the worth and character of the late Mr. Crane, formerly one of the successful farmers of Seneca County, we incorporate in the Record the following facts with reference to his life. He was born in Putnam County, this state, March 26, 1793, a son of Belden Crane, whose family consisted of six children, three sons and three daughters. All grew to manhood and womanhood, but of these George is the only survivor. He is now living retired in California.

As might be expected, our subject did not have the best opportunities for gaining an education, but, being ambitious to learn, he attended school whenever the farm work permitted, and by close application to his books became well informed. He aided his father in carrying on the home place until his marriage to Miss Susan Baets, who survived her union many years.

January 12, 1869, Mr. Crane chose for his second companion Miss Annis, daughter of Eben and Martha (Austin) Hawks. Mrs. Crane was born about 1823, and was fairly well educated.

One year after attaining his majority our subject came to this county, and with the means which he had saved purchased a small farm in the town of Covert. He made that his home for a few years, when, receiving a good offer, he sold out and located upon the place where his widow now makes her home. This was in 1859. He was a pushing, energetic man, thrifty, and possessing good business qualifications, so that he accumulated a goodly property, and at his decease, in May, 1877, left his family in good circumstances. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Trumansburg, which is the family burying-ground. Mr. Crane was a member in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was one of the first of his congregation to engage in benevolent work.

A Democrat in politics, our subject was always interested in public affairs, and never let an opportunity to vote for President go by after he was permitted to vote. During the War of 1812 he served as a private in the ranks, under the command of Capt. Henry Haight, in a company of New York militia. He was a blacksmith by trade, and after coming here, in 1816, opened a shop, which he carried on in connection with farm work for a period of fifty years, and was therefore one of the pioneers in this business in Seneca County. The qualifications of mind and character which he exhibited throughout life could not fail to win the respect of those among whom he was known, and made his acquaintances life-time friends.