Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Charles C. Crockett
For about thirty years Charles C. Crockett was a faithful employe of the Panhandle Railway Company, and since 1862 he has been one of the esteemed citizens of Richmond, Wayne county. His record in the service of this company is one of which he has just reason to be proud, for he was prompt, vigilant and efficient, one who could be trusted and who was relied upon by his superiors.
Born in the town of Norway, Maine, June 12, 1837, Charles C. Crockett is a son of Ephraim S. and Sarah B. (Wentworth) Crockett, both natives of Ohio. The father, who was a seaman for forty-two years, part of the time being an officer on shipboard, sailed around the world three times and had a very interesting career. His death occurred in 1856, while his wife survived him several years, dying in 1869. Their children were fourteen in number, Charles C. being next to the youngest, and he and his brothers Frank and Samuel, and his sister Hannah are the only survivors.
Reared and educated in the town where he was born, Charles C. Crockett learned the trade of steam and gas fitting when he was young, and he worked at the business for four or five years. In 1862 he came to Richmond, and within the first year of his residence here he obtained a position on the Panhandle Railroad. At first he was a brakeman, soon was promoted to the charge of a freight construction train, and continued in that capacity until, in August, 1868, he was very seriously injured in an accident (striking a water tank), and it was necessary for him to be laid off from employment for nearly two years. In 1871 he again began running a freight train as conductor and, once more, in 1872, he was severely hurt, in a collision with a cattle-car. Back at his post of duty within a few weeks, he was promoted to be conductor of the accommodation train, running between Richmond and Indianapolis, and served as such from 1873 to 1891,—eighteen consecutive years. Since the date last mentioned he has lived in quiet retirement, as his physical disabilities, resulting from his accidents, render him unfit for severe exertion. His home, a very pleasant and comfortable one, is located in Spring Grove, a small borough adjoining Richmond. Here he owns a four-acre tract of fertile and well improved land, and a convenient house. In former years he was actively identified with the Odd Fellows' society, as a member of the lodge and encampment, and in politics he has supported the Republican party.
December 28, 1865, Mr. Crockett married Sarah League, of this place, and they became the parents of three sons and a daughter. John O., the eldest, is train dispatcher for the Vandalia Railroad, at Terre Haute; and Oscar L. is an engineer on the Panhandle Railroad, his home being in Indianapolis. Jeanette and David are still at home.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899