Henry Crane, who is engaged in the butchering business in Franksville, has been a lifelong resident of Racine County, his birth having occurred in Dover Township, January 25, 1848. His parents were William and Caroline (Sparks) Crane, both of whom were natives of Somersetshire, England, and about the year 1844 arrived in Racine County, settling in Dover, where the father purchased government land. He had about three hundred acres ere his death, constituting a valuable farming property, which indicated what might be accomplished through energy, determination and close application, for when he came to the new world he was in limited financial circumstances. His remaining days were spent in Dover Township and when death called him he was laid to rest in Union Grove cemetery. In political belief he was a democrat, while in religious faith both he and his wife were Episcopalians. They had a family of seven children: William, a retired farmer living in Kenosha County; Walter, deceased; Edward, who followed farming in Iowa; John, a retired farmer living in Union Grove; Emma Jane, who is the widow of John Spriggs and now lives with a daughter in North Dakota; Henry, of this review; and Robert, who is a butcher of Delavan, Wisconsin.
Henry Crane was reared under the parental roof and had the usual experiences of the farm bred boy. In early manhood he wedded Jane Kerns, who was born in Kenosha County and who passed away in 1876. In 1878 he wedded Mary A. Fagan, a daughter of Patrick and Jane (Ryan) Fagan, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and in 1845 came to Racine County. After a time they settled in Caledonia Township and Mr. Fagan purchased a farm of forty acres, to which he added as his financial resources increased. He became quite successful in his business affairs and was widely and favorably known in his locality. His political allegiance was given to the Democratic Party, while his religious faith was evidenced by his membership in St. Louis’ Catholic Church. To him and his wife were born five children: James, who is living in Caledonia Township; Mrs. Crane; Thomas, who was a prominent farmer of Caledonia and died in May, 1916; Katherine, who died in 1906; and Alice, who passed away at the age of seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Crane became the parents of five children: Carrie, who died at the age of eleven years; William, at home ; Leo, who is engaged in the automobile business in Milwaukee and also buys vegetables; Edmund, who was born in 1891 and died December 14, 1913; and George, who was born in 1893 and passed away July 2, 1916. Mrs. Crane was educated in the Caledonia schools and the high school of Racine and is a lady of liberal culture. She began teaching in Milwaukee County and successfully followed that profession for eight years. At the present time she is postmistress of Franksville, having been appointed in 1915.
In early life Mr. Crane learned the butcher’s trade and has given his attention to that business throughout all the intervening years. He conducted a butchering business in Racine and later in Union Grove, and about 1876 removed to Franksville, where he has since been owner of a meat market. In this connection he has built up a substantial business and is known for his thoroughly reliable methods.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Crane are active and prominent workers in St. Louis’ Catholic Church and Mr. Crane gives his political allegiance to the Democratic Party. For one term he served as postmaster of Franksville, but he has never sought office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is well known in the community where he resides and his many sterling traits of character have made him popular.