WILLIAM R. CROCKETT

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 630-631:

William R. Crockett

(Postmaster, and Late Editor of the Vernon County Democrat, Nevada).

   A residence of some sixteen years in Nevada would be sufficient in itself to give Mr. Crockett an extensive acquaintance, but the same length of time passed in close connection with the affairs of the county has contributed largely to his standing and substantial worth as a citizen and a man of public service. He was the son of Dr. Samuel B. Crockett, a physician of recognized prominence and merit in Frankfort, Franklin county, KY, where he lived until his death in 1850; for a number of years he had held the office of postmaster at that place. His wife, formerly Anna Instone, was a native of Frankfort; her death occurred in 1874. William R., the eighth child and fourth son of a family of 11 children, was born at Frankfort, Franklin county, KY, February 13, 1836, and though comparatively young upon leaving there he has retained to this day the sterling characteristics of men native to the Blue Grass State. His early life was passed without any special deviation from the usual habits of boys, but while still a youth he entered a printing office to learn the trade of a printer. This he has continued most of the time, and he may be said to have been reared to a journalistic experience. In 1860 Cooper county, Mo., became his home, and there he remained until 1861, when he enlisted under Gen. Price, and served throughout the war, gaining for himself an honorable record as a soldier. Among the engagements in which he participated might be mentioned those of Corinth, Iuka, Pea Ridge, Helena and others of less importance, though almost as severe in their results. After an active military career of some four years Mr. Crockett returned to Howard and Cooper counties and lived there until coming to Vernon county in 1870. In 1872 he purchased an interest in the Democrat, with which until recently he was connected. Its management is now in the hands of Robt. W. Crockett, a nephew of the subject of this sketch. In February, 1886, Mr. Crockett took charge of the post-office at Nevada, his appointment to the position having been an able recognition of the services which he has rendered the Democratic party, in which he has ever been an active, effective worker. March 17, 1870, he was married to Miss Mollie A. Trueman, who came to the State in 1860, her native place being in Franklin county, Ky. They have four children, Willie V., assistant postmaster; Hallie B., Eugene B. and Owen V.  Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

[Transcribed by Anna Giunta]

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