William H. Crafton was the son of Thomas & Mary (Shirley) Crafton.

Spouses:
1) Sarah Eve Phillippe m: 3/7/1861 in Shelby County, IN

Children with Sarah Phillippe:
Martha (Crafton) Wasson 1861–1928
Mary "Mollie" (Crafton) Deiwert 1863–1929
Elizabeth Crafton 1864–1865
Alta "Altie" Crafton 1865–1880
Katherine "Kate" (Crafton) Anders 1868–1939
Grant Crafton 1870–1941
Thomas Harvey Crafton 1872–1963

2) Sarah Jane Lawson m: 1/4/1876 in Shelby County, IN

Children with Sarah Lawson:
Stillborn Crafton 1878–1878
Clyde Earnest Crafton 1880–1954
Nellie (Crafton) Wasson 1882–1926
Joshua Sherman Crafton 1886–1957

3) Mary C. Messenheimer m: 1/8/1904 in Shelby County, IN
No children together

OBIT:

John Messenheimer returned Wednesday night from Milford, Decatur County, where he attended the funeral of his brother-in-law, William Crafton, who died of heart disease Monday night at his home in Milford.

The Republic, October 28, 1909

William Henry Crafton, eldest son of Thomas and Mary Crafton, was born in Decatur County, Indiana, July 23, 1835. He was married to Sarah E. Phillippe, March 3, 1861. To this union seven children were born, two sons and five daughters. Two daughters died when quite young. His wife died September 15, 1872.

He was married again the second time to Sarah Lawson on January 3, 1876. To this union were born four children, three sons, and one daughter. One son died in infancy. Mr. Crafton was bereft of this second companion October 18, 1901. He was married again in the third time to Mrs. Mary C. Blades, the widow of Jonathan Blades, on June 8, 1904.

Mr. Crafton is survived by his widow, four sons, and four daughters, all of whom are married; also twenty-one grandchildren.

Mr. Crafton had many good traits of character, honest, and upright, a good friend and neighbor. He never united with any church organization but always attended services regularly as long as he was able to walk.

He was an honorable member of the Farmer's Lodge, No. 147, F & A.M., having been a Mason in good standing for fifty years. He was the oldest member of this lodge except one.

About two years ago he suffered a partial stroke of paralysis, fro which he never recovered. On last Monday night, October 25, surrounded by his companion and many dear friends, he passed quietly and peacefully into the great beyond, aged 74 years, 3 months, and 2 days.

Greensburg News, November 5, 1909

Contributor:
Shelli Steedman - [email protected]