For many years a resident of Miami county, Michael Crawmer was one of its most highly respected citizens and in his death the community lost one whom all had learned to respect and honor for his sterling qualities of head and heart. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, near Frederick City, on the 12th of February, 1811. His grandfather was a Hessian soldier who fought in the Revolutionary war. He came to this country with the British army, but, becoming convinced of the justice of the American cause, he deserted near Philadelphia and established a home in the new world. After the war he took up his abode in Maryland and thus became the founder of a family on this side of the Atlantic. Peter Crawmer, the father of our subject, came to Muskingum county about 1833, and here spent his remaining days. His son, Michael, was reared in Maryland, being twenty-two years of age when the family came to Ohio. He learned the cooper's trade in Muskingum county, serving a regular apprenticeship, during which time he received twenty-five cents per week and his board. Subsequently he worked as a journeyman, receiving twenty-five cents each for flour barrels.

During that year Mr. Crawmer was married, on the 28th of October, 1838, to Miss Miranda Mumford, a sister of John Mumford. They at once began housekeeping, Mr. Crawmer making his own furniture, while the cooking utensils and other furnishings of that character were given them by their parents. During the first winter after his marriage Mr. Crawmer's labors at coopering brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a horse, and the next spring his brother-in-law, George Mumford, removed them to Miami county. For two years Mr. Crawmer rented a farm north of Alcony and subsequently spent thirteen years on the Dr. Beard farm. His labors during that period brought him capital sufficient to enable him to make a third payment upon one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead farm. He purchased this in 1853 and at once began its further development and improvement. A small clearing had been made and a small 1og house had been erected. With characteristic energy Mr. Crawmer took up the work of development and improvement and within two years not only had his land under a good state of cultivation but had discharged the entire indebtedness on the place. For eighteen years he there carried on agricultural pursuits and was a most systematic and enterprising general farmer. In 1857 he erected the barn which is still standing. The timber was cut upon the farm and the structure is as it was originally built, having been kept in good repair. The residence was erected in 1861, the old-fashioned heavy frames being used. Mr. Crawmer made the plans for both the house and barn and gave his personal supervision to the work. He placed about one hundred and thirty-five acres of his land under cultivation and divided the farm into fields of convenient size, which yielded him a golden tribute in return for his care and labor. He reclaimed a swampy tract of several acres by tiling and made that portion of his farm the most productive and valuable part of it, having refused one hundred and fifty dollars per acre for it. About 1870 he began adding to his property, purchasing forty-five acres adjoining the old homestead. His farm was planted to the grains best adapted to the climate, and his labors were rewarded with excellent harvests. During the last thirteen years of his life he lived retired, relegating the management of his property to others while he enjoyed a well merited rest.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crawmer were born the following children: Henry G., who died at the age of forty-five years; Elizabeth Ann, wife of Henry Leffel, of Clark county; George W., of Elizabeth township; John P., of Clark county; Miranda Ellen, wife of James Ledwidge, of Miami county; Mary Amanda, wife of W. D. Weaver, of this county; James W., of Elizabeth township; Robert, who died in infancy, as did the next child; Charles E. S.; and Maggie L., who married E. L. Davis and died at the age of twenty-five years.

In his political views Mr. Crawmer was a stanch Democrat and kept well informed on the issues of the day, yet never sought or desired public office, caring not to enter into political controversy. His opinions were formed as the result of careful deliberation, and he accorded to all the right he reserved for himself of working out his own ideas and exemplifying them in his ballot. At the age of sixteen years he joined the Lutheran church and throughout his life was a consistent Christian gentleman. He contributed generously to all church work an was very liberal in his views, although he believed most firmly in the teachings of the scripture. He read the Bible through seven times and was well qualified to argue on any subject connected therewith, making a close study of religious questions. He was absolutely just and fair in his treatment of friends and neighbors and was never known to over-reach anyone in a business transaction. He felt the keenest interest in the welfare and advancement of Miami county, which he regarded as the garden spot of Eden. His support was withheld from no measure which he believed would prove of public good and he was recognized as one of the valued citizens of his community. Some time prior to his death he gave much thought to the division of his property and left a will which was pronounced to be one of the most correct ever probated. His wife, who was a most estimable lady and devoted to her home and family, passed away on the 20th of September, 1881, but he survived her for about sixteen years, dying on the 12th of August, 1897. All who knew him esteemed him for his sterling worth. In business matters he was prompt and reliable, his religious views were consistent yet tolerant, and in his relations with his fellow men he was known as a trustworthy friend and a loving husband and father, as well as a loyal citizen. He well deserves mention among those whose influence and labors have been directed in those channels which make the world better among ethical as well as moral lines.