SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Ara D. Crocker, Page 297

ARA D. CROCKER, Vice-President of the Crocker Chair Company, was born in Essex County, N. Y., December 1, 1843.  In 1853 he came to Sheboygan with his parents and their family, arriving in that city on his tenth birthday.  His education was limited to such branches as were taught in the common schools of those days.  When fifteen years of age, Mr. Crocker went to Milwaukee and worked at the painter's trade until the breaking out of the late war.  In August, 1862, he offered his services to defend the Union, becoming a member of Company A, Twenty-fourth Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Cumberland.  The first battle in which he took part was that of Perryville, Ky.; he also participated in the famous battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and the series of engagements of the Atlanta campaign.  The Twenty-fourth Wisconsin accompanied Sherman as far as Jonesboro, from which place it was sent, under Gen. Thomas, to intercept Hood on his northern campaign.  It was in the bloody engagement at Franklin, Tenn., and also in the fight at Nashville.  Soon after enlisting in the service, Mr. Crocker was made drummer-boy in the band, serving in that capacity until his discharge, in July, 1865.  Returning to Sheboygan, he was engaged for a number of years in carriage, house and sign painting.  When the Phoenix Chair Factory was started, he was made superintendent of the finishing department, serving in that capacity until he engaged in business on his own account.  He helped to organize the Crocker Chair Company, of which he has since been a Director and is now Vice-President.

    Mr. Crocker and Miss Adelia Griffith were married in Sheboygan, December 1, 1868.  The bride was born in Buffalo, N. Y., and is a daughter of John Griffin, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.  Mr. and Mrs. Crocker's family consists of three children:  Ella, Mabel and Robert.

    Politically, Mr. Crocker is a Republican.  He has long been identified with the manufacturing interests of Sheboygan, and is a man who commands the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.  he is a member of Gustav Wintermeyer Post No. 187, G. A. R.