Amer Crannell,
dealer in grain, buggies, spring wagons, etc., was born in Hadley, Saratoga County, New York, February II, 1838.
He was the fifth of a family of nine children. His father, Elijah Crannell, was a farmer, and his mother's maiden name
was Mary Lord.
He received a limited education in the common schools of the country, and was raised to habits of industry, working the
greater part of his early life on a farm. In December, 1856, he left his native home and emigrated west, landing in
Jackson County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming till 1861.
In the spring
of that year he crossed the plains with an ox team, and reached Oriville, California, in September following. In the last
week of that month he enlisted in the Second California Cavalry, U. S. service, and went with his troop to San Francisco,
where he was duly sworn in, and with his command, Company D., repaired to New San Pedro, California, where they established
a camp. They remained there till June, 1862, when they moved to Camp Latham, six miles up the coast, about eighteen miles
from Los Angeles.
In the three years which he remained in the service, his command was frequently engaged with the Indians. The latter
they removed finally to a reservation near Fort Tejon. Company D., of the Second California Cavalry, during their
campaign in this country, established Fort Independence, in Owen River Valley. They continued to operate against
the Indians and rebels of that country till October, 1864, when they were ordered to San Francisco, where they
were mustered out. This closed the military career of the subject of this sketch, who filled, at different times
during the period of his service, the positions of farrier and commissary sergeant. In March, 1865, he left
California and returned home by way of Panama, arriving at his home in Iowa on the day of the assassination
of President Lincoln.
In 1869 he married, in Iowa, Miss Cornelia E. Bates, daughter of David B. Bates. By this
marriage he has five children living, four sons and one daughter. In December, 1871, Mr. Crannell moved with his
family to Maryville, Missouri, and thence, in 1872, to Mound City, Missouri, where he has since continued to reside,
pursuing, in the meantime, various branches of business, and contributing to the growth and advancement of that important
commercial center, of which he is recognized as a representative and eminently popular citizen. He established, in
partnership with J. F. Davis, the first exclusive hardware store in Mound City, and subsequently the first extensive
harness factory. He is no longer identified with either of these interests.
Source:"History of Holt and Atchison Counties, 1882"
Transcribed by Karyn
