Piqua Daily Call

March 23, 1926

FORMER MAYOR DIES AFTER A LONG ILLNESS  

Lucius C. Cron, 89, Passes Away After Lingering Illness and Confinement  

PROMINENT-IN CITY FOR YEARS  

Was Politician, Manufacturer, Business Man and Veteran of the War.  

Lucius C. Cron, 89, pioneer resident of Piqua, former mayor, business man, manufacturer, and for nearly a half century prominent in public life, passed away at his beautiful home “Arrowstan” on West Park avenue near 6 o’clock last evening after an illness of four years. The death of Mr. Cron marks the passing of one of the city’s most prominent and successful men, both in business and public life and although his condition has been such for some time as to expect the end from day to day his passing comes as a great shock to members of the family and the entire city. Lucius C. Cron was born Sept. 16, 1836 in a log cabin, which stood on what is now Water street, and was then one of the few houses in the village of Piqua.  He was the second child in a family of six born to Nicholas and Nancy Cron, pioneer settlers in Piqua.  His elementary schooling, which was the extent of education in those days was acquired under the tutelage of the late M. H. Jones, scholar and teacher, and father of Judge Walter D. Jones.  Mr. Cron was the last surviving pupil of Professor Jones, who died some years ago, at an advanced age.  Following his school days Lucius Cron served as an apprentice in masonry, later giving up mason work in preference to cabinet making.  He learned the trade of cabinet making in a little shop which stood at the corner of what is now Market Square where Lucky’s Delicatessen store is located. He served in the Civil War as Chief Musician with Co. A, 110th O. V. I. taking part in many famous engagements during the three and a half years he was in service, such as Appomattox, C. H., Spottsylvania, C. H., and others.  Mr. Cron was one of the three remaining survivors of his company. After attaining considerable success in business he founded and for years conducted the L. C. & W. L. Furniture Manufacturing Co., of this city, which is still one of the leading industries.  He served as president and general manager for over a score of years. He served as Mayor of Huntersville, now Shawnee, but then a separate municipality form Piqua, for a number of years and held office as councilman, clerk and practically every office of the village at one time or other.  Always a strong Democrat, he for years headed the Piqua Democratic party and was elected to the office of Mayor on that ticket serving from 1902 to 1905.  As Democratic candidate from the district to the state legislature he was defeated by the narrow margin of nine votes making the strongest run for the office of any member of the party of that period.   Among other prominent events in the life of this pioneer leader, was when he was selected as delegate to attend the funeral of President U. S. Grant at New York, and named State and National commissioner to the board of directors of the World’s Fair at Chicago, being the only member to have the distinction of being named both state and national commissioner. After his term as Mayor of Piqua he served as Justice of the Peace, maintaining an office for six years until his retirement from active life over ten years ago.  Following retirement and until incapacitate by illness he spent much of his time following a hobby of a lifetime -- fishing in the pond near his home. Those left to mourn his passing are; his widow, Mrs. Marcella Cron, three sons and one daughter including J. C. Cron of Piqua, C. S. of Columbus, Clarence of Dayton and Mrs. Robert J. Kunkle of Piqua.  Nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive.  Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

Piqua Daily Call

March 26, 1926  

MANY ATTEND THE RITES OF FORMER MAYOR OF PIQUA  

Brief ceremonies, impressive in their simplicity, marked the last rites held over the remains of Lucius C. Cron, ex-mayor of Piqua, and prominent pioneer business man and manufacturer, held yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock at his home Arrowstan and attended by relatives, friends and associates of every walk of life. Dr. E. H. Montgomery, in charge of the funeral services delivered a brief eulogistic sermon after which the body was taken to Forest Hill cemetery and laid to rest in the family lot with a short service at the grave. As a mark of esteem for the former head of the city government, city offices were closed during the funeral services, from the hours of 3 to 4 o’clock and city officials for the most part attended the services. Beautiful floral offerings from Mr. Cron’s many friends and relatives banked the casket and partially filled the room where the body lay in state during the services.  Relatives, friends and business associates completely filled the massive home at the services.  

Piqua Daily Call

Wednesday, March 24, 1926  

CRON FUNERAL IS SET FOR THURSDAY  

Funeral services for Lucius C. Cron, pioneer merchant and manufacturer and former mayor of Piqua, who died Monday evening at his West Park avenue estate, “Arrowstan” following a long illness – will be held at the home Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock.  Interment will be made at Forest Hill cemetery. Members of the Piqua Lodge of Elks, of which Mr. Cron was a lifetime member will conduct special services at the home tonight at 8 o’clock.

Provided by Roger A. Hopkins

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