Samuel Craig - Obituary

(1808 - 1885)
Brookville, PA "Democrat"; Oct. 14, 1885, Thursday

Our town lost one of its oldest and most highly esteemed citizens on Saturday last in the person of Samuel Craig, who died about 10 o'clock in the evening of that day, from catarrah of the liver. Something over a year ago, Mr. Craig suffered from a similar attack but recovered, and has been able to give attention to his business until just recently. It has been apparent, however, that his health has not been as good as formerly. Mr. Craig had been confined to his house and room for several days, growing worse from day to day, until the realization came that he could not live long. On Saturday he began to sink very rapidly, and about six o'clock in the evening became unconscious. Up to that time his mind had been remarkably clear and he recognized all his family and friends who were present, and seemed to be conscious of all that was transpiring around him. From the time he became unconscious he gradually sank lower until finally his spirit quietly and painlessly took its flight from the clay tenement. Samuel Craig was born in Franklin County, this State, on June 6, 1808, and was 77 years, 4 months, and 4 days old at the time of his death. He moved to Westmorland Co., PA and from thence to Indiana Co., PA, where he resided for some time. While a resident of Indiana, he was married, on April 25, 1832, and very soon thereafter removed to Brookville, since which time he has been a resident of this place, and has been actively engaged in business as a merchant. To Mr. Craig and his wife, who died several years ago, eight children were born - four boys and four girls - all of whom survive him except on son, R. P. Craig who died some years ago. The surviving children are S. A. Craig, Esq., Mrs. W. A. Stewart, Frank Craig, Mary, and Maggie Craig, all of Brookville, John P. Craig, of Memphis, Scotland Co., Mo., and Mrs. Dr. S. C. Allison of Punxsutawney. As we have stated, Mr. Craig was one of our most highly esteemed citizens. For over fifty years of his life he has been identified with our town and county and their interests, and in all this time he has borne a reputation for purity and uprightness of character that has been above question. In his family he was the kindest and most loving husband and father, and was loved and respected to an unusual degree by his family, and by all who knew him. He was a consistent and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church in this place from its organization to the time of his death, and for many years filled the office of elder - holding that position when the call of the Master came for him to come up higher. His remains were laid to rest in the Brookville Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, a large number of our citizens attesting their esteem, of his long, useful and honorable life in attending the final ceremonies.