“The Church Would Look Foolish Without Them”: John Crane, New York, New York

CRANE, John, merchant, was born in Perry county, Ohio., Feb. 10, 1840, son of Thomas and Sarah (Duffy) Crane. He received a good public school education, and upon the outbreak of the civil war, in 1861, he raised a company which, being joined to the 6th Wisconsin volunteers, afterwards formed a part of the “Iron Brigade.” After one year’s service he joined the 17th Wisconsin regiment, in which he was appointed adjutant, and there saw three years’ service, taking part in the battles of Corinth and Shiloh, the siege

of Vicksburg, and many other encounters. He also participated in the battle of Atlanta, under Gen. Sherman, and was with him in his famous march to the sea. He was a personal friend of Gen. Sherman, as well as Gen. Grant and President Roosevelt. After the war he engaged in a mercantile business, later removing to New York City, which thereafter became his permanent home. He formed a partnership with W. A. MacMahon, under the name of Crane & MacMahon, and engaged in the carriage material business at 10 Bridge Street, New York. The firm enjoyed a long and prosperous career, and Mr. Crane became known as line of the leading merchants of the city. He was also a trustee and director of the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank formany years. Possessing a warm heart and generous disposition, he was a liberal contributor to worthy charities, especially those identified with the Catholic Church. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and one of its Particular Council. He was also a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Catholic Club of New York. He was also interested in the Irish Emigrant Society, and served as its president for a number of years. He was married in January, 1866, to Mary A. MacMahon, sister of his business partner, W. G. MacMahon. Mr. Crane died in New York City, April 8, 1908.


National Cyclopeadia of American Biography