J. Monroe Crego
J. Monroe Crego, a successful agriculturist of Berkshire Township, residing on his well cultivated farm of 100 acres, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, December 18, 1837, and is a son of Charles and Eliza (Clark) Crego.
Charles Crego was born in Otsego County, New York, and was a son of Lester and Mary (Chase) Crego. They came to Guernsey County at an early day. Charles Crego grew to manhood on his father's farm and married Eliza Clark, who was born in Maryland. Her parents were Levi and Eliza (Basward) Clark, who also were early settlers in Guernsey County. Some 25 years after his marriage, Charles Crego removed from Guernsey County to Knox County, Ohio, and five years later to Berkshire Township, Delaware County, where he died at the age of 82 years. The mother of J. Monroe Crego spent the last years of her life with this son, dying at his home, in June, 1905, aged 85 years. The family contained 13 children, nine of whom still survive.
J. Monroe Crego resided with his parents until he was 21 years of age, when he married. He learned the carpenter's trade in Knox County and worked at that until March, 1863, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company D, One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He continued in the service until the close of the war and, although participating in many battles and skirmishes, survived them all and returned practically unharmed to his family. For some years he followed his trade after coming to Berkshire Township, Delaware County, and then purchased his farm of 100 acres, all of which he has placed under fine cultivation.
Mr. Crego was married (first) August 1, 1858, to Alice Mitchell, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, and died June 14, 1898, and is buried at Galena. She was a daughter of Allen and Margaret (Hawkins) Mitchell, who were natives of Vermont. To this marriage were born six children, two of whom are deceased, the survivors being: Luella, who married William Garlinghouse, residing in Berkshire Township; Clara, who married William McWilliams, residing in Berkshire Township; Oren, residing in Knox County; and Caroline, who married Elmer Jaycox. residing in Berlin Township. Delaware County. Mr. Crego was married (second) October 17, 1901, to Josephine Hoy, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Erick) Hoy, who were born in Pennsylvania and came as early settlers to Fairfield County.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908