My Crane Side Notes: Sources listed first
Line so far:
Mark Murphy b. 7/2/1958
Son of Joyce Crane (b.1/25/1937) and Pike Murphy b. (10/31/1932)
Joyce daughter of John Dennis Crane (b.4/3/1905 d. abt 1972)
John Dennis son of John David b. (3/10/1878 d. 3/17/1957)
John David son of John Riley b. (7/17/1848 d. 12/10/1914)
John Riley son of Jonas, Jr. b. (5/2/1810 d. abt 9/20/1867)
Jonas, Jr. son of Jonas (b. 5/20/1766 d. 1840)
Jonas son of Benjamin (unknown b&d, moved to NY about 1790)
Benjamin son of John (b. 1695 d 9/5/1776)
John son of Deacon Azariah (b.1649, d. 11/5/1730)
Deacon Azariah son of Jasper (b. 1602, Hertfordshire, England? Bradley Plain?; chris.7/18/1602, d. 1680)
Jasper son of Richard ??
Richard had two other sons William (b. 1598) and John (b. 1595)
______
Subject: Re: Other item
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 10:41:40 -0600
From: "Gail and Norma Wilson" <>
To: "Mark Murphy" <>
Mark,
...Here is what I have on the Ambrose Crain in my husband's line. He died in
Wilkes Co., Ga ??? after 1782. Melinda Tillman has Ambrose Crain's father
listed as Stephen Crain who died in 1744 in VA. His children were Ambrose
Crain, Stephen Crain, and James Crain. No birthdates listed. In fact very
little info in her file on the earlier CRAIN family.
Hope this helps
Norma
______
Subject: Re: Crane family
Date: Tue, 06 Feb 2001 10:28:00 -0500
From: wjnp <>
To:
Interesting the records from Welwyn Parish, England. Unfortunately, the
dates don't coincide with one being Jasper's father. Maybe you can set
me straight.
My source is from a book titled LYON MEMORIAL , families of Connecticut
and New Jersey. published 1907. Page 159 & 160 refer to the ancestry of
Hannah (Crane) Huntington.
"Mr. Jasper Crane, father of Hannah (Crane) Huntington, was born in
England 1610, a younger son of Sir William Crane, who was Knighted for
his honesty. He was in Boston 1630, but returned to England for his
family and sailed from London April 26, 1639 in the "Arbella," the first
ship to enter the harbor at New Haven. He was one of the founders of
that town, and signed the fundamental agreement 1639; was freeman of
Conn. 1644, one of the Committee of Safety 1665, deputy to the General
Court and Assistant 1663-4, Representative of the United Colonies 1665;
Representative from Newark to the General Assembly 1671. His was the
Captain of the Branford Colonists that settled at Newark 1666. His will
is dated 1678. His wife, Alice Crane, died before that date.
So there is just that one little line metioning Sir William Crane.
I'll have to keep searching.
______
Subject: Crane Family
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2000 12:19:26 -0500
From: Lesley <>
To:
I found your web site at GenForum and I noticed you have Stephen Crane as
the brother to Jasper Jr.
I believe Stephen is my line. You have no info posted for Stephen's line and
I was wondering if you know of a site that could lead me to some clues for
him?
Stephen Crane b. 1630 in England m 1663 to Unknown d. 1710 Elizabeth Union
N.J. for his children I have:
1.) John who m Ester Williams
2.) Jerimiah who m Susannah ?
*3.) Daniel who m Hanna S. Miller
4.) Nathaniel who m Damaris Ward
Now I can't say for sure that any of this is correct or not yet but it is
the area I am searching for the moment. Anything you can add or correct is
greatly appreciated. Thanks
Lesley Baird Prey (originally from Cleburne, Texas)
now in Batavia, New York.
Lesley's Family Tree
census,marriages,birth,deaths, etc...
Refer Central
______
Subject: Crane family
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 11:59:25 -0500
From: wjnp <>
To:
Hi, recently saw your query about Deacon Azariah Crane, son of Jasper
and Alice. I am also a direct descendent to this line. This is the info
I have from history book of New Jersey counties.
" Robert TREAT and Jasper CRANE were chosen the first magistrates, in
1668, and representatives to the first assembly of New Jersey, convened
at Elizabethtown, 26th May of the same year;"
(Essex County)pg. 177
Also listed names of town inhabitants, 65 efficient men...... at town
meeting....
Azariah , and Jasper from Branford , year 1667, mostly to lay out the
new town and laws.
(Newark)
I have father of Jasper , Sir William Crane, no other info, must review
my record to see the reference. He was knighted for honesty and died in
1678 in Conn.
If you have any further info, I would be very interested.
Bill
______
from Mamaw's Farmer family bible 7/29/00
Thomas Franklin Farmer married Mattie Maxwell, Montague 1/11/1893
Married 3/17/1917 Giles McKinney Hendricks Age 22 Lena May Farmer Age 20
Married John Dennis Crane Age 26 Ruby Lee Farmer Age 23 4/17/1931
Birth Ruth Cleveland Farmer 1/5/1894
Infant born 10/28/1895
Lena May Farmer 11/12/1896
Ruby Lee Farmer 11/8/1907
Leroy Hendricks b. 1/20/1918
death Ruthie Farmer 2/14/1895
infant died 11/20/1895
Mattie Loucinda Farmer b. 10/12/1873
T.F. Farmer 1/6/1872
"This is the 6th day of July 1921. Mama is sewing, Lena is crocheting. Leroy is asleep. Papa & Jake are threshing. I am laying down on the floor in the North Room."
Ruby Lee Farmer, Myra, TX
"Vidas Lucas is very sick. Chatauqua is going on now. Leroy certainly is sweet."
"March 23, 1924 Sunday Night
Mama, Riley Williams and I are sitting in the dining room gossiping. Our boarders are: Riley Williams, Homer Dawson, Dora Dawson, Enos Steen. LeRoy is asleep. Gladys Boatler and I went walking this afternoon and took some pictures. Lena Mae is teaching at Lindsay."
Bible: Z.T[?] Maxwell & Rebecca Mitchell wed 11/26/1868. She died 1928
verbal per Mamaw 7/29/00: Mattie Farmer died 11/22/1955
T. F. Farmer died 12/29/1958
______
[Maxwell Family Bible from Ruby Lee Crane]
[patchwork quilt book cover]
[Items in possession of and transcribed by Mark A. Murphy, 10/13/2000]
[inside front cover says] $4.00
[handwritten inscription inside first page]
June the 20" 1869
This Book is a present from Stephen Mitchell to
Rebecah M. Maxwell his daughter
When this you see remember me
Stephen Mitchell
[in family area between Old & New Testaments]
[newspaper clipping]
Maxwell
Mrs. Rebecca Maxwell was born May 1850, and died February 2, 1928.
She was married Nov. 26, 1868. To this union eight children were born,
three of whom preceded her to their heavenly home.
Those remaining to mourn their loss are, Mrs. Maggie Roberson, Dr.
C.L. Maxwell, Mrs. Mattie Farmer, Mrs. Dora Strong and Z.T. Maxwell.
Grandma Maxwell was converted in the days of her early womanhood
and made her affiliation with the Methodist Church.
In her life she had experienced those great doctrines of Repentance,
Regeneration and Assurance, and she tried to live up to the principles
of Truth and righteousness thereafter.
Grandma was lovable and kindhearted and was happy when she could
help those who were needy and suffering. She loved her Bible and prayer,
and as her pastor visited her she never allowed him to leave without reading
God's word and praying with her. She was a faithful wife, a tender mother
and a loyal friend, and while she has gone, her influence will live on to
influence and sweeten the lives of her friends who remain on this side.
May the good Lord comfort and sustain her sorrowing children and
friends.- L.B. Tooley
[Letter attached]
Justin, Tex.
Dec. 8 - 28. [1928]
Dear Doctor Maxwell:
I am writing you with reference to Mother Maxwells obituary which is
published in this weeks Texas Christian Advocate.
I wrote the publisher to forward you six copies of the number in which
this obituary was published and I am wondering if you received them. If not,
there are four or five copies coming to Myra. Bros Biffle, Gatewood & Gaston
wil have it also Grandma Pryor. Am also sending you the one in my paper.
We are getting along very well, tho I have the hardest work of my experience
since coming into this conference. Do not know why, but I am hoping it is
all providential. Bro. French told me he would not move me from Myra unless
he could give me an advance, but like the "nigger" it seems I am advancing
"backwards". Hope your health is better, and would be glad for you to stop
with us any time you come this way.
My regards to sister Maxwell and your big hearted boys when you see
them. Any time I can serve you, command me.
Yours fraternally,
L.B. Tooley.
[written in family section]
Family Record
Marriages
Zachra T. Maxwell and Rebecca Mitchell was Married the 26th
November A.D. 1868.
Births
Zachra T. Maxwell was born 29th Jan' A.D. 1850.
Rebecca M. Maxwell was born 18th May A.D. 1850.
Maggie L. Maxwell was Born 12th Sept A.D. 1869.
Corwin L. Maxwell was Born 2 and Feb A.D. 1871.
Martha L. Maxwell was Born Oct the 12th A.D. 1872.
J.W.R.M. Maxwell Was born April 12th A.D. 1875.
Dora L. Maxwell Was born June 20th A.D. 1881.
Zachra T. Maxwell Was born 22 and Feb A.D. 1885.
Dewit T. Maxwell Was Born march the 8th AD 1889.
Deaths
Dewit T. Maxwell Died march the 25th A.D. 1889.
Z.T. Maxwell (father) Died Oct. 18, 1909.
J.W.R.M. Maxwell Died Mch. 18th, 1919.
43 yrs, 11 mos. 6 da's.old.
Maud Maxwell Died April 23rd 1918.
Mrs. R.M. Maxwell (mother) Died Feb 2nd 1928. (4 o'clock)
[letter]
Dadeville No 16th 71 [1871]
Dear Son & Daughter
it is with pleasure I seat myself to pen you a few lines to let you know
that we have not forgotten you yet. We are all well and hope this may
find you the same and doing well the connextion are all well as far as
I know well corn was thin this year the bugs and dry weather cut it short
Wheat was very good oats only tolerable corn is worth 75 cts Wheat
75 to 80 cts & oats 50 cts per bu.
Well I will try and tell some of the News of the country Old man Blair is
Dead Tom Griffin & Fanny Armstrong is married Doe Harper & Mary
Malone is spliced Joe Harper & one of Miss Daviss Girls is joined
together John Hathman & Sade Jenkins is married also Bard
Hageman & Vice Haythman Also a young Burras and Ann Berlier and
Larkin Wakefield & Jane Fox and Marian Coats Icelean [?] Davis's Isam
Edge has his second wife and Jade Brown and Melvina Blair and sam
Rownas firm and Marthas Rowans Mary is also married Harlan Clark
and Carrie Faulkenberg also Billy Headley is married so is Ellick
Headley and Abney Edge and plenty of other to tedius to mention
Sharp John has not come back yet We have heard of him a time or
two Lou and the children are still here you may look for me next Fall
Bob Cowan and his wife is coming to Texas next Fall and I think I will
come with them three of thier Live in Gracen Co. little Georg Potter
has sold out and is going to Idaho in the spring if he dont take another
notion but no telling whether he will go or not he is as full of notions as
a dog is of fleas Jo Wilson is Teaching our school this Winter he has
sixty scholars he is Teaching a good school I want you to be sure
and write and not think the time so long between times Will[or Well]
Lee got your letter the other day he will answer it soon Write soon
from your mother
Lucinda Maxwell
to Zach and Becca
Well folks I will say a word or two hwo do you do and how how [sic] have
you been since I last saw you I am still living at the same old place am
not married nor no hopes of being soon but I am in the market if you have
any Girls down there that wants a real good husband send them up
I think I can suply thier many Wants Lou says to remember her and to
write to her Henry says he would like to see them Picturs coming
good Bye Write soon
yoursT.L. Bethell
[other loose items within bible]
[pressed flower]
[colored drawing of "The Guardian Angel"]
[newspaper clipping of a religious poem -not transcribed here]
[receipt]
Auburn Art Union
Auburn, N.Y.
Old Picture Copied and Enlarged in the Most Artistic Manner
Feb. 25, 1891
Received of Mr. Maxwell, Residence- Hardy
Three Picture to copy and enlarge. To be framed in 1.8x10 10x12
Price $10.50
To be delivered Oct 1891 or soon after
Represented by J.L. Loveless
[copy of The Methodist Messenger, Friday May 26, 1950- not transcribed here]
[addressed to:]
Mr. Tom Farmer
408 Ponder
City
[photograph of graduating female- appears to be Miss Ada McQuie who picture
is in the newspaper described above]
______
All of the following about the Crane family is taken from "Our Family Tree" by Luther A. Crane, booklet not dated, but about 1965-68 or so. Transcribed to computer by Mark A. Murphy, 7/22/2000. Other files will be added, mostly scanned letters, pictures and documents. "Uncle" Luther is no longer alive, but I will try to merge the histories of my parents (Pike C. Murphy and Joyce L. Crane) together. I am attempting to digitize all Murphy family history, with the help of Shirley Ann "Sam" Murphy, who has been working on it since about 1976. She has a lot in a Mormom Personal Ancestral File (PAF) and "5 boxes of records" which she said this morning she will give me. I will transfer the tree from Luther's booklet into a PAF file, along with letters and stories he has included. I will be as diligent as possible in the transfer, including misspellings and grammatical error of our ancestors, which he had chosen to do. Please remember, dear reader, that they did not have spell checker on their computers in the 1960's, and actually had to write letters on paper back before the 1900's.
Our Family Tree
A Genealogy by Luther A. Crane
"...and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water." Psalms 1-3
Foreward
This all started with very little warning. I don't believe that my father realized a simple curiosity about our forebears would grow into the job it eventually became. But, like Pandora's Box, when the lid was opened, out came loose ends to chase down, field trips to make, correspondance to write and sheets of notes to gather together and edit.
If I were called upon to make a sage observation about this business of compiling a geneology I would say that this is no idle pastime, no brief interlude for a rainy afternoon. It is a real undertaking albeit an interesting one.
My part in this is that of spectator, sitting on the sideline and occasionally offering a shout of encouragement. In fact, since I am disqualified as a geneological expert, the only conclusion I can make out of a preliminary look at some of the outlines is that unless some of us quit specializing in raising daughters exclusively, we, like the whooping variety, may be headed for tribal extinction.---Luther Crane
Introduction:
For a number of years I have had a brief outline of our family history from 1639, when the New Haven Colony was settled, down to my great grandfather Jonas Crane. This information was given to me by the late Hubert Hammond Crane, well know architect of Fort Worth. A few months ago my niece, Jeanie Engelke, daughter of Wm. Irby Crane asked for some information about her fathers family. I thought it would be worth while to fill in the "family tree" on down to date. I have finished all the "branches" as far as possible and hand it to you for whatever pleasure you may derive from the reading thereof.
I have written in the first person in place of the editorial "We" because it was easier and more simple for me to do so and not from a "fattened ego".
Source of information: Hubert Hammond Crane had a rather large book containing the complete history of the Crane family from 1639 to Jonas Crane. The first part of this story is what he gave me from that book.
I have examined as many family Bibles as I could find and have found a great amount of information in them. A wealth of information has been procured by conversation with older surviving members of our family. They have been most co-operative and have helped a great deal in furnishing clues to other sources.
The legal records of the various counties in which our ancestors dwelt have furnished a fairly clear picture of the coming and goings of our people. I have used the dates of the various documents on record to determine when moves were made from place to place. In some instances a lapse of time between recordings have made it difficult to follow year to year happenings, but over all a fairly clear story has been worked out.
Ordinarily family letters are a valuable source of information. I have found a very few and have included them verbatim for what they may be worth to you.
Grave markers have also furnished a very valuable amount of information. The birthdays and dates of death when woven into the fabric, with the other sources have helped make the story more complete. I have found some graves marked with small sand stones only and in those instances, I have had to seek other sources.
I have had a great deal of pleasure in the preparation of this booklet for it has brought me into friendly contact with many of you. I wish to express my appreciation to each of you for the help you have given me. I wish to thank Joe M. Crane, my son for helping me very much in designing the cover and in the preparation of the pictures and in arranging for the printing of this story.