|
William Crawford, who was
long identified with the railroad service and later became a speculator
in real estate, in which field he most carefully and sagaciously
directed his interests, so that success in substantial measure came to
him, is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former
toil and is accounted one of the highly esteemed residents of Medicine
Hat. He comes to this section of the country from Ontario, where his
birth occurred on the 7th of April, 1864, his parents being John and
Mary (Kerr) Crawford, both of whom were natives of Scotland. Leaving the
land of hills and heather, they came to the new world in early life and
were married in Ontario, where the father followed the occupation of
farming and thus provided for his family, which numbered twelve
children, six of whom are living, William being the seventh in order of
birth. The parents held membership in the Presbyterian church and John
Crawford always gave his political allegiance to the Liberal party.
The public schools of his
native province accorded William Crawford his early educational
opportunities. He passed through consecutive grades and eventually
became a high school pupil at Park Hill, Ontario. His educational
training thus constituted a sure foundation upon which to build success
and he started out in the business world in a clerical position in a
bank. The year 1884 witnessed his arrival in Medicine Hat and he
obtained employment with the Canadian Pacific Railroad as a brakeman.
After working in that capacity for a time he was advanced to the
position of conductor and continued with the railroad company for a
quarter of a century—a fact plainly indicative of his faithfulness and
capability. Just when the boom at Medicine Hat was at its height,
however, he left the road and began speculating in property. His sound
judgment enabled him to make judicious investments and he disposed of
the major part of his property before the boom died out. He had thus
realized a handsome fortune and his success was sufficient to enable him
now to live etired, save for the management which he gives to his
investments. He is a stockholder and director of the J. H. Tabor Candy
Company, has been president of the Medicine Hat News for several years
and is a director of the Medicine Hat Steam Laundry Company.
In 1900 Mr. Crawford was
united in marriage to Miss Eva Edwards, who was born in Ontario, a
daughter of Samuel Edwards, one of the pioneer farmers of that province.
Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have four children: George Maxwell, who is a
student in the Alberta University at Edmonton; Hugh Wilfrid, also a
university student; Dorothy Mary, a high school pupil; and Edith Jean,
who is also in school. That Mr. Craw- ford's life has been guided by
high and honorable principles is indicated in the fact that he has long
been a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife
is an equally faithful representative and both take active and helpful
interest in all branches of the church work, Mr. Crawford serving at the
present time on the board of managers. Fraternally he is a Scottish Rite
Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and is a past master of the lodge.
He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a past
noble grand. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has
always voted with the Liberal party but has never sought nor desired
office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business and personal affairs. He had nothing but the clothes which he
wore when he came to Medicine Hat. He was one of a large family and his
parents were not in affluent circumstances, so it was necessary that the
sons should early begin to provide for their own support. Like his
brothers, he started out when a Youth in his teens and from the
beginning his course was characterized by indefatigable industry and
perseverance. Steadily he has worked his way upward, improving every
opportunity that has come to him, and with the passing years he has
accumulated a most substantial fortune, so that he is now able to enjoy
all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He has a nice home
at No. 9 First street in Medicine Hat and is able to surround his family
with much that goes to make life worth living. His example should serve
to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished
through individual effort, persistency of purpose and straightforward
dealing. |
