James and Mary Crockett

James Crockett stands in front of his store in McClure, Ohio.

James Crockett was born in Seneca County, May 11, 1842, the son of Asa Crockett and Mary (Germand) Crockett. In his early childhood the family moved to Henry County where they lived a few years, when his father and mother died leaving three children: Josephine, Jarvis, and James. He then lived with a Ryder family a few miles east of Napoleon until the Civil War began. On August 2, 1862, he enlisted in the Union forces in Co B 100 Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw extensive action but escaped unwounded and was discharged at Knoxville, Tenn. Eighteen months later, he enlisted in the army again for service in the newly opened west and for the next four years fought the Indians in Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and North and South Dakota. James was a second cousin to Davey Crockett. His Grandfather Orin Crockett was a brother to Davey's dad.

James helped guard the workers on the Union Pacific Railroad as they layed the tracks that joined both sides of the continent and was present when the golden spike was driven that signified the union by steam transportation of the east and of the west. He was discharged on January 10, 1870.

He returned to Henry County and on March 17, 1870, and was united in marriage with Mary Evangeline Nestleroad. Mary was born on September 7, 1849, in Rockingham County, Virginia, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Nestleroad. To this union were born six children: James Jr., Lillian, LeRoy, Charles, Clara (my grandmother), and Mary.

James ran a sorghum mill north and east of Malinta in 1890, then sold the farm and twenty acres where the mill was and moved to McClure and opened a restaurant. Later when he retired, his son-in-law, Henry Patteen (Mary's husband) took over the business.

In 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Crockett celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mrs. Crockett passed away, July 4, 1929 at 79 years old. Mr. Crockett passed away on February 1, 1939. They were members of the baptist church. Burial is in Hockman Cemetery, McClure, Ohio.