S. B. CROMER KILLED
While working with a corn husker on the Lorin Hill farm at Eola this morning, S. B. Cromer was caught in the belting and injured about the head. He lived but half an hour after the accident.

The Naperville Clarion
November 18, 1908

Sebastian B. Cromer was born in Maryland, Oct. 1st, 1847, and died Nov. 17th, 1908.
He was the son of Jacob and Hetty Cromer. His early years were spent in southern Illinois, but in 1867 he came with his parents to Big Woods where he continued to reside until his marriage to Miss Anna Steck, in 1869. A few years later, with his wife and little child, he removed to Kansas, hoping in that new country to make a home for his family upon the broad prairies, but after contending with droughts and the many discouragements which came to the early settlers of that state for a number of years, he again returned to this vicinity where by earnest, honest work he had in a measure been prospered.
His greatest joy was to be surrounded by his family and the "home ties" were very strong in his nature. With his family he was at his best, and he delighted to sing songs of praise to God with them. His father's example of piety evidently left a marked impression upon his mind and he was among the first of a large family to give his heart to God, and in order to follow the teachings of his youth he united with the River Brethren Society, of which church he was ever afterward a loyal member. He was a constant reader of the Bible. To him it was the "book of books" and it was his delight to talk of the Word to others.
He was a kind husband and father. The writer of this sketch recalls a conversation with a friend in regard to his influence over his children, and the friend said: "I believe his success lies in the fact, that he always has a word of praise instead of blame for them." He was a kind neighbor, and many were the social hours spent in his home with relatives and friends, to all of whom he was a hospitable host.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, eight children, and twelve grandchildren, seven brothers and three sisters, beside relatives and friends. His children are Myron S.Cromer of New London, Iowa; C. L. Cromer, Naperville; Mrs. Rhodes, Manhattan, Kansas; Mrs. Susie Daw, Warrenhurst, Ill.; Mr. L. J. Cromer, Big Woods, Ill.; Mrs. Lizzie Hartraft, Manhattan, Kansas; Mrs. Harry Brewer, West Chicago, Ill.; and Fred Cromer, Big Woods, Ill.
On Tuesday evening he was asked as he left his work, "You will be with us tomorrow?" to which he replied, "I will if the Lord will," and then added "you know I always say that," and the next morning passed suddenly away to do the will of his Father in heaven. The funeral occurred from the home at Big Woods, Saturday morning, and was attended by a very large number of people. His six brothers acted as pall bearers and he was laid to rest in the Big Woods cemetery beneath the many beautiful floral offerings sent by sympathizing friends.

The Naperville Clarion
November 25, 1908