crow

ROBERT P. CROW

Robert P. Crow, senior member of the firm of Crow & Buford Bros., dealers in general merchandise, of Fredericktown, Mo., is a native of St. Francois County, Mo., where he was born in 1853. His parents were Henry W. and Virginia (Moore) Crow. The father was born in the State of Virginia in 1804, and was of Iris descent. When a youth he went to Christian County, Ky., where he married and afterward moved to Bloomington, Ill., where he engaged in merchandising. About 1830 he removed to Adair County, Mo., and he and his brother-in-law, John Moore, settled Osceola, and the town was called "Crow Town" for the first few years. About 1835 he moved to Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo., and again engaged in merchandising. Joseph Brady being his partner. Mr. Crow was judge of the county court a number of years, and held the position when the former courthouse was erected. About 1853 he moved to Libertyville, purchased a farm of 430 acres, and began his career as a tiller of soil. He died in 1876. His wife was born in Virginia in 1818m and died the year after her husband's demise. Of their family of nine children, six are now living: Ellen, Lucy, Mary (wife of Jesse Jopland), William H. (farmer), John C. (also a farmer), and Robert P. The latter was educated at Libertyville and at Chester, Ill. At the age of twenty he entered the teacher's profession, and taught one term near Libertyville. In 1875 he was employed by Crow, Hargadine & Co., of St. Louis, wholesale dry goods merchants and remained with them about eight years. In 1884 Mr. Crow came to Fredericktown, and established his present business, and is one of the leading merchants of Fredericktown. The firm of Crow & Buford Bros. Are doing an extensive business, and have a first-class stock of general merchandise. In October of 1880, Mr. Crow married Miss Nellie Buford, a native of Madison County, Mo., born in April 1862, and the daughter of Christopher Y. and Jane E. Buford. One child was born to this union - Clarence R. Mr. Crow is a member of the L. Of H. of St. Louis, is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church.