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The citizens of Alvordton and vicinity were greatly shocked Wednesday evening to learn of the sudden death of Silas Crum, one of Millcreek's most honored and respected citizens.  Since June, 1894, when he accidentally fell from a fence and injured himself, he has never had the health that he has been blessed with before.  Yet so industrious and energetic a man could not be idle and as soon as possible he was again busy with his work.  He has been enjoying fairly good health and actively engaged in overseeing his large farm.  Tuesday he had helped about as usual, but on Wednesday morning he complained of not feeling very well and ate but little breakfast.  During the forenoon he was in and out overseeing the care of his wheat, but at noon he felt so bad that he ate nothing.  After dinner he told them that they might send for the doctor and then he laid down.  His wife stepped out to the summer kitchen for a moment and when she returned he was past speaking and soon passed away.  Doctors pronounced it heart trouble.  Doctors pronounced it heart trouble.  

Silas Crum was born in Franklin Township, Richland County, this state, August 11, 1825, and remained there until 30 years of age.  On March 24, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Frances Gates, and November 15, 1855, they removed to the farm north of Primrose, where he lived until death, having been a resident of Millcreek Township for nearly thirty-eight years, and aged 69 years, 10 months and 29 days.

Mr. Crum has been a prosperous farmer, and by his upright dealing has been held in the highest esteem by his neighbors.  For years he has been Township Trustee, which position he filled to the satisfaction of his constituents and with credit to himself.  To him was born four sons and four daughters, of whom four sons and two daughters remain, with their mother to mourn the departure of a loving father and husband.  

Of the sons, Melvin, the eldest, has been at home 'till recently.  John is a farmer near Pioneer.  Willis, unmarried, is in the employ of the Wabash railroad, and Frank, who is now at home.  Of the daughters living Huldah, the wife of James Masters, lives at Pioneer, and Ada, wife of J.E. Alvord, county clerk at Bryan.  Of the dead, one died in infancy and the other, Kate, was the wife of Rev. Smith of Waldron, who died within the past year.  

Mr. Crum responded to the call of his country and was a member of the 182d. O.V.I.  He united with no church but was a life-long believer in the Universalist faith.  The funeral was held at the house, two miles north of Alvordton, Saturday, July 13, at 10 o'clock, and was one of the largest every held in Millcreek Twp., Rev. E.D. Jacobs of Bryan preached a very appropriate sermon and the remains were laid at rest in the peaceful quiet of Walnut Grove Cemetery.  Mr. Crum's brother, John, of Richland County, the only remaining member of the family, attended the funeral, together with many of his relatives and acquaintances in various parts of the country.

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