Lyman Jerome Crumb
Lyman Jerome Crumb, a prosperous farmer of Delaware Township, was born in Orange Township, Delaware County, Ohio, February 15, 1857, son of James H. and Elizabeth Martha (Faulkner) Crumb.
The father of Mr. Crumb was born in Madison County, New York, and was 16 years of age when he accompanied his father, Stephen Crumb, to Delaware County. In his boyhood he drove two horses along the towpath on the canal and later adopted farming for his life work. When 21 years old he married and then bought a farm of 80 acres in Orange Township, from which he cleared the heavy timber, all the work being accomplished by his own hands. He subsequently became the owner of 180 acres, and as his means grew more ample, he invested in farm machinery. He was a man of more progressive ideas than many of his neighbors, and was proportionally successful. In early life he was a Whig, but later became a Republican. He married Martha Faulkner, and seven of their 10 children grew up to maturity, namely: Mary N., who died at the age of 19 years; Eunice M., who married Gordon S. Furniss and, with her husband, is now deceased; Lyman Jerome, whose name begins this article; Harvey J., who resides in Lebanon. Missouri; William B., who resides on the home farm in Orange Township; Hiland F., who is a resident of Auburn. New York; and Julia E., who married James Harris and resides at Monett, Missouri. James H. Crumb was born October 25, 1823, and died January 15, 1890, in his 67th year. His wife, who was born April 1, 1826, survived him until January, 1900. They were faithful and consistent members of the United Brethren Church, quiet, unassuming, virtuous people, whose presence was a benefit to the community in which they resided.
Lyman J. Crumb, the direct subject of this sketch, remained on the home farm until he was 25 years old, acquiring a good common school education and an agricultural training that has proved of great advantage to him since. He was subsequently engaged in a saw-mill and tile manufacturing business for three years, in partnership with Frank Johnson, under the firm name of Crumb & Johnson. In 1885 Mr. Crumb withdrew and came to Delaware, where he carried on a dairy business for six years, during which time he had a paying milk route, selling to private families. He had clean ami sanitary quarters at No. 55 West William Street. In 1891 he bought 50 acres of his present farm, subsequently acquiring the remainder—65 acres, making 115 in all. He cultivates about 75 acres and devotes the rest to pasturage, also retaining his interest in the old homestead consisting of 32 acres. He keeps 30 or more head of cattle, and from six to eight head of horses, raising a number each year. His buildings, including a 120-ton silo, are substantial and appropriate, their capacity being ample for the needs of the farm. From 1895 to 1907 he supplied Monnett Hall with milk, since which time he has sold to the creamery. In 1881 Mr. Crumb contracted for and built the brick school building in Sub-district No. 10, Berlin Township.
Mr. Crumb married Ella May Besse, who is a daughter of the late Dr. Henry Besse, of Delaware, and a graduate of the Ohio WesIeyan University, at Delaware, Class of '76. Thev are the parents of three children—Stanley. Dale and Pearl. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Crumb is a Democrat.
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