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HUSBAND: William Ross CROSLEY
Born: February 14, 1865 Ft. Madison, Lee Co., Iowa
Married: December 20, 1892 Wheeler, Charles Mix Co., South Dakota
Died: December 4, 1937 Springfield, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota
Buried: Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, South Dakota
FATHER: William Marsh CROSLEY
MOTHER: Katherine URFER
WIFE: Anna Matilda JACOBSON
Born: May 10, 1875 Vanga, Ostergotland County, Sweden
Died: January 24, 1958 Yankton, Yankton Co., South Dakota
Buried: Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, South Dakota
FATHER: Charles Peter JACOBSON
MOTHER: Mary Stina FOGELGREN
CHILDREN:
1. Florence Celia CROSLEY
Born: February 5, 1896 Hartington, Cedar Co., Nebraska
Married: Arnold Otto Karl BREITENBACH Dec. 20, 1917 Santee, Knox Co., Neb.
Born: April 23, 1895 Arlington, Columbia Co., Wisconsin
Died: December 4, 1957 Yankton, South Dakota
2nd Marriage: Charles Luther YOUNG Nov. 27, 1958 Springfield. S.D.
Born: February 19, 1887 Springfield, S.D.
Died: December 30, 1968 Yankton, Yankton Co., S.D.
Died: September 26, 1969 Bel Fourche, Butte Co., S.D.
All Buried: Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, South Dakota
Their Children:
A. Hilda Lorene BREITENBACH
Born: July 18, 1918 Neenah, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin
Married: Sidney Orlando DREW August 19, 1940 Sioux City, Iowa (Divorced about 1946)
Born: 1917 Iowa
2nd Marriage: David ENRIGHT December 17, 1949
Died: October 13, 1993 Milpitas, California
Died:
B. Florence Elaine BREITENBACH
Born: February 16, 1921 Springfield, Bon Homme Co., S.D.
Married: Raymond KUEHNE Sept. 20, 1941 Nashua, Chickasaw Co., Iowa
Born: February 18, 1914 Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Died: September 4, 1998 Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Died:
C. Harold Hugh BREITENBACH
Born: March 9, 1923 Springfield, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota
Married: Bette Ann GREENING Dec. 7, 1945 Sioux City, Woodbury Co., Iowa
Born: April 1, 1926 Kenosha, Wisconsin
Died:
Died: February 13, 1983 Springfield, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota
Buried: Cremated (ashes buried in parents grave) Springfield Cemetery, S.D.
D. Lois Arleta BREITENBACH
Born: April 24, 1925 Springfield, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota
Married: Elden Thomas JOHNS December 7, 1945 Menno, Hutchinson Co., S.D.
Born: January 16, 1925 Sibley, Osceola Co., Iowa
Died:
Died:
2. Hilda CROSLEY
Born: September 13, 1898 Running Water, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota
Died: February 16, 1911 Sioux City, Woodbury Co., Iowa
Buried: Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota
WILLIAM ROSS CROSLEY & ANNA MATILDA JACOBSON
William Ross Crosley was born February 14, 1865 on a farm near Ft. Madison, Iowa to William Marsh Crosley
and Katherine Urfer. When he was a small boy, he fell against the fireplace, burning his right hand. The hand was
wrapped and left alone. The doctors were most concerned with saving Ross from getting pneumonia. When his life was
out of danger, they unwrapped the hand to find that the fingers had healed together in a fist. His crippled hand wasn’t
a handicap to him. He became a talented violin player. In 1884, Ross and William Homer, who would marry his sister,
Ellen, went to Nebraska where they broke prairie in several acres of Cedar County, near Hartington. He became a successful
farmer. His father’s family followed him to Cedar County in 1885. The Crosley family belonged to the Olive Grove Community
Church and this is where Ross met Anna Matilda Jacobson.
Anna Matilda Jacobson was born May 10, 1875 in Vonga, Sockken County, Ostergutland Providence, Sweden to Charles Peter
Jacobson and Mary Cardena Fogelgren. She came to America by ship in May of 1879 from Linkopings, Sweden with her parent;
brother, Charles; and sister, Celia. They arrived in New York Harbor June 10, 1879 aboard the U.S. State of Alabama from
Glasgow, Scotland. They first lived in Portland Twp., Connecticut where Charles worked in the stone quarry. In December of
1882 they boarded a train for Yankton, South Dakota. From there they crossed the Missouri River on foot into Cedar County,
Nebraska.
Anna wrote a story of her travels from Sweden and adventures growing up on the prairies of Nebraska which is included
in this book with her parents section. Anna met Ross in Cedar Co., Nebraska and they were married December 20, 1892 in Wheeler,
Charles Mix County, South Dakota. They farmed in Cedar County. Their first daughter, Florence Cecelia, was born here on
February 5, 1896. In September of 1898 when they moved to Running Water, South Dakota because Nebraska was suffering from a
terrible drought. They lived in a sod hut and their second daughter, Hilda, was born here September 13, 1898.
One winter Ross suffered a terrible accident taking his team of horses and wagon across the Missouri River. The ice
broke through and the horse and wagon were lost. Ross was fortunate to save his own life, but cried over not being able to save
his precious horses.
Ross and Anna were confirmed into the Church of the Latter-day Saints in 1903 by Elder Oscar Case of Independence, Missouri.
Ross’ brother-in-law, William Homer, grew up in that faith. Ross and his family always thought so much of William and it is
believed through William they became part of this church. When there were no Sunday schools close by, Anna had Sunday School
held in her home.
In 1908 they took a claim in Meade Co., South Dakota where they lived for eighteen months. In 1910 they moved to Springfield,
South Dakota because they believed their two daughters had the best opportunity for a good education here. They also spent some
time living across the Missouri River in Santee, Nebraska.
Tragedy struck the Crosley home in 1911. The Springfield Newspaper of January 21, 1911, told the tragic story as follows:
“On Saturday last at 4:30 P.M. occurred the most tragic accidents ever happened in Springfield, when a five gallon can of
gasoline, in the hands of Adelia Dawes, exploded and burning contents was thrown upon four girls, three of whom have since lost
their lives.
The children were: Adelia Dawes, age 13; Charlotte Dawes, age 10; Vera Brown, age 8; and Hilda Crosley, age 9. They were
getting ready to make some candy in the kitchen and as the fire was a little low, they thought it best to pour some kerosene in
order to more quickly cook the candy. Adelia, taking the five gallon gas can, and pouring oil over the already hot coals. An
explosion of great power immediately took place. The gas being confined in the can created another explosion which caused the
deaths and destruction.
When the explosion took place, the oil was thrown into all parts of the room. In a moment the flames had spread, catching
the clothing of the four little girls and the woodwork of the kitchen. Fred Dawes, the brother of Adelia and Charlotte, who is a
U.S. mail carrier, had just driven into the yard when the explosion took place. He ran into the house and into the kitchen at
once seizing Adelia, the eldest of the two girls and who was nearest to him, carried her out and tightly wrapped his large coat
around her. Charlotte and Hilda ran to the house of Earl Dryden, where the flames on their clothes were extinguished by Mrs.
Dryden, while the flames of Charlotte were put out by her brother. During this time Mrs. Dawes had rescued Vera Brown, who had
taken refuge behind the door, and carried her quickly into Mrs. Dryden’s house where she was relieved as much as possible of her
agony.
In the meantime, a fire alarm had been turned in and Doctor Keeling and Doctor Duguid called. The fire company
responded as once and although the fire had gained considerable headway, by heroic work and tireless efforts, confined the fire
to the lower floor in the kitchen and dining room and in a short time succeeded in extinguishing all the flames.
The damage to the interior of the house by water and fire is estimated at $500. This is the total loss to Mr. Dawes, as
there is no insurance.
While the fireman and citizens were fighting the flames, the great battle of life and death was being fought, from which
only one, Hilda Crosley, was victor. Adelia Dawes was left under tender care at the Dryden home. Charlotte was taken to the home
of Ira J. Smith, Vera Brown to the home of McGlaughlin, and Hilda to her father’s home.
All that tender care, love and medical attention could do, was done to enliven the spark of life. But the sad news of
the first death came when Vera Brown passed quickly away at 8 o’clock in the evening, being unconscious until death, without pain
or suffering. The heart of every man, woman and child in Springfield was saddened by the first death, but at 11 o’clock the news
came that Charlotte had died and at 3 o’clock A.M., Adelia had died, a sad gloom indeed was cast over the town.
Hilda Crosley, who is at present, gaining in her great struggle, has good chances of survival.”
The only thing that saved Hilda from certain death was that she was wearing her winter coat. She had only just entered
the house when the explosion occurred. She had stopped by to pick up the girls to go downtown. Hilda was taken to St. Joseph’s
Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa and Anna stayed with her. Hilda developed pneumonia and lost her battle for life February 16, 1911.
Anna said she cried her last tear and that she would never shed another tear. Anna never expected to out live her son-in-law,
Arnold Breitenbach, whom she dearly loved, but when he died in December of 1957, she cried.
The Springfield Times of Thursday, December 12, 1918 stated “Mrs. W.R. Crosley is substituting at the Mission as Little
Boy’s Matron in place of Mrs. Sam Baskin.” and “ Mrs. Ross Crosley is in Springfield this week nursing her husband’s mother
who is quite sick.” The Spanish flu epidemic was there at the time and Mr. Aldridge, husband of Katherine Crosley, died
December 9. 1918. Ross and Anna moved permanently to Springfield in 1919. Ross built their family home on the Missouri
River on the southwest edge of town.
Anna built a reputation for being a kindhearted woman. Anna believed everyone has a lot in life and hers was in the
caring of children. At one time there were four children, two girls for seven years and two boys for four years. In about 1920,
Rose Whipper, a Sioux Indian, moved in with Anna as she was a single, pregnant girl. It wasn’t unusual for Anna and Ross to
take in people in need. They never passed judgement on anyone. Rose gave birth to a son, Francis, and he grew up like a son to
Ross and Anna in their home.
George Jr. and Ross Crosley, sons of Ross’ brother, George W. Crosley, lived with Anna and Ross for a time after their
mother died. One day Anna caught the two boys behind the house smoking. She bought two packs of cigarettes and made the boys
smoke a whole pack each. They became so sick that they never smoked again.
Hazella Crosley Mae, daughter of Ross Crosley, says she owes her life to her Aunt Anna Crosley. When Hazella was a girl,
she became seriously ill with pneumonia and it was Anna that nursed her back to health. The doctors prescribed a tablespoon of
whiskey to be give once a day. They had difficulty in persuading Anna to administer the whiskey. Anna being a Mormon didn’t
believe in drinking alcohol for any reason, but she finally agreed.
Ross died of a heart attack December 4, 1937. His daughter, Florence, had been at their home with her children that
afternoon. On Florence’s way home she had told the children they would get grandpa something really special for Christmas.
He had been out chopping wood in afternoon and came into the kitchen for supper. He sat down by the fire to talk with Mr. Austin,
a boarder in their home, closed his eyes and died. Anna lived out the remainder of her years in their home in Springfield.
She died January 24, 1858 of heart disease at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota. Ross, Anna, Hilda, Florence
and Arnold are all buried in the Springfield Cemetery.
BIRTH RECORD
SWEDEN Microfilm SL # 197 071
OSTERGOTLAND COUNTY, VANGA PARISH
Child’s Name: Anna Mathilda Jacobson Father: Carl Peter Jakobson; Age 30
Mother: Maja Stina Fogelgren; Age 28; 2nd Child
Date of Birth: May 10, 1875
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MARRIAGE RECORD No. 122 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, CHARLES MIX CO., Wheeler, South Dakota Dec. 21, 1892
William R. Crosley Age 27
Annie Jacobson Age 18
AFFIDAVIT
I, F. M. Crosley, of Charles Mix County, State of South Dakota, aged 26, do solemnly swear that I am acquainted with
William R. Crosley and Annie Jacobson who are the parties for the marriage of whom a license is applied for, that said
William R. Crosley is the age of 27 years and upwards, of sound contracting mind and unmarried; that said Annie Jacobson is
of the age of 18 years and unmarried; and that there is no legal impediment to said parties entering the marriage state,
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief and that I am not interested in the issue of said license.
Signed, F. M. Crosley
ISSUE OF LICENSE
Application being made under this day by F. M. Crosley for license for the marriage of Mr. William R. Crosley, age 27
years, and Miss Annie Jacobson, aged 18 years, it appearing by affidavit that the said parties are of competent age and
condition to marry, license is therefore issued.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
This certifies, That on the 20th day 0f December A.D. 1892, at Wheeler in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, according
to law, and by authority, I duly
JOINED IN MARRIAGE
Mr. William R. Crosley and Miss Annie Jacobson
Given under my hand the 20th day of December 1892
J.F. Nichols
Justice of the Peace
TWELFTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA VOLUME 1 E.D. 21
BON HOMME COUNTY SHEET 9 LINE 27
TOWNSHIP 92 RANGE 60 June 12, 1900
William R. Crosley Head of House White Male
Born Feb. 1865 in Iowa; Farm Laborer; Age 35, Married 7 years
Father Born Indiana; Mother Born in Switzerland
Can Read, Write and Speak English
Rents a Farm Schedule 29
Anna Crosley Wife White Female
Born May 1875 in Sweden; Age 25, Married 7 years
Father Born in Sweden; Mother Born in Sweden
Mother of 2 Children; Both Living
Can Read, Write And Speak English
Florence Crosley Daughter White Female
Born February 1896 in Nebraska; Age 4
Hilda Crosley Daughter White Female
Born September 1898 in South Dakota; Age 1
Catherine Crosley Mother White Female
Born October 1840 in Switzerland; Age 59, Widowed
Mother of 2 children; 2 living
Parents Born in Switzerland
Edward Crosley Brother White Male
Born March 1880 in Iowa; Age 19, Single
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CERTIFICATE of BAPTISM and CONFIRMATION
THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That on the sixth day of January, 1903, I administered the ordinance of Baptism to William Ross
Crosley at Springfield, County of Bon Homme, State of South Dakota. Said Brother was born Feb. 14, 1865 at Veilie, County of
Lee, Iowa.
Given Jan. 9, 1903.
Oscar Case, Elder of the R.C. of J.C. of L.D.S.
(Reformed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
The said Brother was confirmed a member of the church Jan. 6, 1903, at Springfield, County of Bon Homme, South Dakota,
under the hand of Elder Oscar Case.
Given Jan. 9, 1903.
Oscar Case, Elder of the R.C. of J.C. of L.D.S.
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CERTIFICATE of BAPTISM and CONFIRMATION
THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That on the sixth day of January, 1903, I administered the ordinance of Baptism to Anna Matilda
Crosley at Springfield, County of Bon Homme, State of South Dakota. Said Sister was born May 10, 1875 at Norkoping, County of Sweden.
Given Jan. 9, 1903.
Oscar Case, Elder of the R.C. of J.C. of L.D.S. (Reformed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
The said Sister was confirmed a member of the church Jan. 6, 1903, at Springfield, County of Bon Homme, South Dakota,
under the hand of Elder Oscar Case.
Given Jan. 9, 1903.
Oscar Case, Elder of the R.C. of J.C. of L.D.S.
THIRTEENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA E. D. 24
BON HOMME COUNTY SHEET 5 A
SPRINGFIELD CITY May 4, 1910
Ross W. Crosley Head of House White Male, Born in Missouri; Age 46, Married 16 years
Laborer; General Work, Can Read, Write And Speak English; Owns
House With Mortgage, Father Born in Scotland; Mother Born in Missouri
Anna Crosley Wife White Female, Born in Missouri; Age 40, Married 16 years
Can Read, Write and Speak English
Father Born in Missouri; Mother Born in Kansas
Mother of 2 children; 2 living
Florence Crosley Daughter White Female, Born in Missouri; Age 17, Single
Can Read, Write and Speak English
Hilda Crosley Daughter White Female, Born in South Dakota; Age 10, Single
Can Read, Write and Speak English
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THIRTEENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATESSTATE OF NEBRASKA E.D. 119
KNOX COUNTY SHEET 9
SANTEE TOWNSHIP May 20, 1910
Wm. I. Crosley Head of House White Male Laborer, Born in Iowa, Age 45, Married 18Years
Father Born in Ind.; Mother Born in Switz., Rents: Works at Sawmill For Wages
Annie Crosley Wife White Female Mother of 2 Children, Both Living, Born in Sweden, Age 35
Married 18 Years, Parents Born in Sweden: Came to America in 1879
Florence Crosley Daughter White Female, Born in Nebraska, Age 14
Hilda Crosley Daughter White Female, Born in Dakota, Age 11
Emmet Lauden Boarder White Male Single Laborer
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Next property Franklin Crosley (Brother of Wm. Ross Crosley)
F. M. Crosley Head of House White Male Laborer, Born in Iowa, Age 44
Married 20 Years, Working at Sawmill
Etta Crosley Wife White Female, Born in South Dakota, Age 43, Married 20 Years
Mother of 10 Children; 7 Living
Edith Crosley Daughter, Age 15, Born in South Dakota
Bell Daughter, Age 10, Born in South Dakota
Maud Daughter, Age 7, Born in South Dakota
Willa Daughter, Age 5, Born in South Dakota
Vernon Son, Age 3, Born in South Dakota
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WESTERN PIONEER CLUB
Here are a few interesting notes from books with notes from club meetings that Anna Crosley and her daughter, Florence
Crosley, belonged:
June 30, 1909: Mrs. Anna Crosley is seen daily strolling over the hills after her old cow. Better look out Edna, she likes to
take the south easterly direction and expects to find her on Turtle Creek.
July 21, 1909: The Crosley brothers will finish breaking 30 acres for Mr. Johnson this week. Just leave it to the Crosley boys
to turn the earth over.
Oct. 6, 1909: The opening for registering of the “Standing Rock” and “Cheyenne River” reservations is now at hand and several
cities or points of registering are undoubtedly quite busy. Land for homesteads is getting to be a thing of the past, as our
neighborhood is being pretty well settled.
Oct. 20, 1909: Miss Florence Crosley has organized a class of 8 of the smallest children in our neighborhood to meet at her home
3 times a week for studying. Last Saturday her class had a lawn party in the meadow from 3 to 6 o’clock. All
present reported having a good time.
Oct. 20, 1909: This month we celebrate all over the United States a day we have set apart by our president for giving thanks to
our heavenly Father for all the benefits received. May we all find many things to be grateful for. In our club of about 25
members, we celebrate many happy things to be grateful for. The friendship and goodwill of a band of merry neighbors is worth
much in days of homesteading. I speak on behalf of every member and neighbor. We are each and everyone grateful to each other
for every kind act known, and beg this good feeling of fellowship may forever exist.
Jan. 19, 1910: Now Florence, if Louie does not call so often from now on, you will have to blame George for killing that cow.
As that was Louie’s excuse to go over to Crosley’s to get the old cow, and now we don’t know what excuse he will have.
Jan. 19, 1910: Albert Jackson and Mrs. Crosley are no longer the champion checkers players. Hilda Crosley and Mr. Erickson
are taking the lead now.
There was mention of bakery bread costing five cents a loaf and carpenter’s wages as being $2.50 per day plus a room.
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OBITUARY
THE DEMOCRAT, Springfield, Bon Homme County, South Dakota, Friday, February 24, 1911, Volume 3, # 22
Hilda Crossley Passes Away
Wednesday, February 16th, Hilda Crossley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Crossley, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in
Sioux City. The cause of death being the severe burns she received in the kerosene explosion in the Dawes home on January 21.
Little Hilda was born at Running Water, South Dakota on September 13, 1898 and four years later her parents moved to
Springfield. Her brief school days have been spent in our city where her sweet face and winsome ways won the hearts of both
teachers and pupils. When they heard of her death, arrangements were made to meet the body at the depot and every member of
her class and teachers were there to extend their heartfelt sympathy to the grief stricken parents. Mr. Rainie, of Independence,
Missouri, conducted the services at the Congregational Church and the sweet solemn music of the choir touched every heart.
Loving hands laid the little form to her rest in the Springfield Cemetery. Death is a hard master. He would take
form us our brightest and best, but he cannot ever mar memory. Yet comes the comforting thoughts that the gentle child was
spared earths cares and sorrows that her memory, but forms another cord to draw her loved ones to that brighter home beyond.
Springfield Times, Springfield, South Dakota, Thursday, December 12, 1918
Santee News - Mrs. W. R. Crosley, is substituting at the Mission as little boy’s matron in the place of Mrs. Sam Baskin
who is out in the country with her dangerously ill mother, Mrs. Kitto.
Mrs. Ross Crosley is in Springfield this week nursing her husband’s mother who is quite sick. (Whose husband A.W.
Aldridge died Dec. 9th)
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FOURTEENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA VOLUME 1 E.D. 18
BON HOMME COUNTY SHEET 1 LINE 8
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP January 5 & 6, 1920
R. William Crossley Head of House White Male, Born in Iowa,Age 54, Married
Father Born in Indiana, Mother Born in Switzerland
Owns Home Free of Mortgage, Can Read, Write and Speak English
Farmer; Working On Own Accord
M. Anna Crossley Wife White Female, Born in Sweden, Age 44, Married
Parents Born in Sweden, Mother Tongue Swedish
Came to America in 1879, Naturalized Citizen
Can Read, Write and Speak English
Catherine Alderidge Mother White Female, Born in Switzerland, Age 79, Widowed
Came to America in 1841, Naturalized Citizen
Can Read, Write and Speak English
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Fifteenth Census of the United States
South Dakota E.D. 15
Bon Homme County April 12, 1930 Line 1
Crosley, William R. Head of House, Owns Home $2000 Value, Not on farm, Age 65, Male,
Born Iowa, Can Read & Write, Married at age 28
Father Born Ind., Mother Born, Switzerland
Anna Crosley Wife, age 54, Married at age 18, Can Read & Write, Born Sweden
Came to U.S.A. 1879, Not Naturalized Citizen
Catherine Aldridge Mother, Age 89, Married at age 19, Widow, Can Read & Write
Born Switzerland, Parents Born Switzerland, Came to U.S.A. 1846
Frances Whipper Adopted Son, Indian, Age 8, Attends school, Born South Dakota
Can Read & Write, Father Full Blooded Indian; Mother Sioux
CERTIFIED COPY OF DEATH RECORD
State of South Dakota, County File Number 74
Decedents’s Name: WILLIAM ROSS CROSLEY
Date of Death: December 5, 1937,Age: 72
County of Death: Bon Homme, City or Town of Death: Springfield
Mother’s Maiden Name: Katherine Urfer, Father’s Name: William Crosley
Informant: Mrs. Anna Crosley, Cause of Death: Heart Disease
Name of Physician: P. G. Monfore, Date Received By Registrar: December 11, 1937
I hereby certify that the above information appears on the transcript of death on file in Bon Homme County Register
of Deeds Office. Local Registrar: Elten Rokesck
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OBITUARY
Springfield Times, Springfield, Bon Homme County, South Dakota, Thursday, December 9, 1937
William Ross Crosley Dies Suddenly Sunday Evening 40 Years A Resident Here
Deceased Born Near Ft. Madison, Iowa, Feb. 14th, 1865; Survived By Wife and Daughter
The Springfield community was shocked and grieved Sunday evening as the tidings came that Ross Crosley had suddenly died
from heart failure. He had seemed in usual health and had sawed some wood during the afternoon. Later he went out to his evening
chores, came into the house and sat down by the fire, talking to Lyon Austin, who makes his home with the Crosley’s and suddenly
closed his eyes in death. Mrs. Crosley, who had been away for a few minutes on an errand to a neighbor, entered the house just
as Mr. Austin was hastening to summon her.
The funeral services were held in the Congregational Church on Tuesday afternoon and a large congregation of friends
assembled in the last tribute to a man who has been an honored and loved resident of Springfield for the past 27 years and of
the county for almost 40 years.
William Ross Crosley was born on a farm near Ft. Madison, Iowa, on February 14, 1865, the son of William and Catherine
(Urfer) Crosley. The family later moved to Missouri and then to western Iowa.
In 1886, Ross, in company with William Homer, came to Cedar County, Nebraska, where he worked for some time breaking
prairie. So extensively did he do this that he used to say jokingly that he had broke up the county. The year after his coming,
his parents with their family of children, followed him to Cedar County.
On the 20th of December, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jacobson, the marriage taking place in Wheeler, S. D.
For three years the couple continued to reside in Cedar County and then moved to eastern Iowa, to Cedar County in that state,
where they resided for two years. This was at the time when the great drought made it necessary for many to leave this region
temporarily. But in 1898 they returned to the west. Coming to Bon Homme County, and making their home at Running Water. They
moved to Springfield in 1910 where Mr. Crosley has since engaged in farming on the south edge of town.
Their special object in moving to Springfield had been the education of their two daughters, but a few months after their
coming, their younger daughter, Hilda, met death in an accident. The older daughter, Florence, is the wife of Arnold Breitenbach,
of Springfield. There are four grandchildren. Of the parental family there are four brothers and two sisters. They are: Frank,
of Sturgis; Ella (Mrs. William Homer), of Running Water; George, of Santee, Nebraska; Otto, of Springfield; Edward, of Santee;
and Florence (Mrs. Frank Donnelly), of Canada. Mr. Crosley was a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, having joined
them by confession and baptism in 1903.
Mr. Crosley has been a hard working, industrious man, a warm hearted and kindly neighbor, and honorable citizen. His
sudden death came as a personal loss to all in the community where he has lived so long, for he was a friendly man, respected
and loved by all.
Their sympathy is extended to Mrs. Crosley and daughter, and all the other relatives in this heavy bereavement that has
come to them.STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA IN COUNTY COURT
COUNTY OF BON HOMME JANUARY TERM 1938
In the matter of the Estate of Wm. R. Crosley, deceased.
Petition For Letters of Administration
To the Honorable Wm. F. Hansen, Judge of the County Court of the County of Bon Homme, State of South Dakota:
The petition of Mrs. Anna Crosley of said Bon Homme County, respectively shows,
that W. R. Crosley died on or about the 5th day of December, 1937 in the city of Springfield, County of Bon Homme, State of
South Dakota.
That said deceased, at the time of his death, was a resident of Springfield, County of bon Homme, State of South Dakota.
That the said deceased left an estate in the City of Springfield, County of Bon Homme, State of South Dakota, consisting
of real property.
That the value and character of said property, so far as known to your applicant , are as follows to wit: Blocks
sixty-eight (68) sixty-nine (69) Seventy (70) Seventy-one (71) Seventy-two (72), Block Sixty-three (63), also lots Four to
Fourteen (4 to 14), Block Sixty-four (64), City of Springfield, South Dakota, of the value of Eight Hundred Dollars.
That the personal estate and effects for or in respect of which Letters of Administration we hereby applied for, do
not exceed the value of no dollars, and the annual rents, issues and profits of the real estate do not exceed one-hundred dollars.
That the next of kin of said deceased, and whom your petitioner is advised and believes and therefore alleges to be
the heirs at laws of the deceased:
Florence Breitenbach, residing at Springfield.
That due search and inquiry have been made to ascertain if said deceased left any will and testament, but none has been
found, and, according to the best knowledge, information and belief of your petitioner, said deceased died interstate.
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STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA IN COUNTY COURT
COUNT OF BON HOMME JANUARY TERM 1938
Know To all Men by these Presents:
That we, Mrs. Anna Crosley, as principal and Arnold Breitenbach and S. W. Richmond, as sureties, all of the county
of Bon Homme and State of South Dakota, are held and firmly bound unto the State of South Dakota, in the penal sum of Five
Hundred Dollars, for which payment of which, well and truly to be made, we hereby jointly and severally bind ourselves, our
heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these presents.
The condition of the above obligation is such, that if the above bounden, Mrs. Anna Crosley who has been appointed
administrix of the estate of Wm. R. Crosley, deceased, by the County Court of Bon Homme County, South Dakota, in accordance
with a decree of said County Court dated the 18th day of January A.D. 1938 shall faithfully discharge the office and duly of
such administrix as required by law and shall render a fair and just account of such administration to said Court whenever
required so to do by law, or by order of said court, of all moneys and property that comes into her hands or into the hands
of anyone for her belonging to the estate of said deceased, and pay out the same under the sanction of direction of said court,
or to any administrator hereafter to be appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, should such appointment be made, then
this obligation to be null and void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hands and seals this 25th day of April A.D. 1938.
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of: Signed: Anna Crosley
Arnold Breitenbach
S. W. Richmond
We, Arnold Breitenbach and S. W. Richmond being duly sworn, depose and say that we are each residents of and freeholders
within the state of South Dakota , and that we are each worth the sum of five hundred dollars over and above all our just debts
and liabilities, exclusive of property exempt from execution. Signed: Arnold Breitenbach
S. W. Richmond
Subscribed in my presence by Arnold Breitenbach and S. W. Richmond and by them to before me this 25th day of April A. D. 1938.
LAST WILL & TESTAMENT OF ANNA CROSLEY
Handwritten August 23, 1951
There comes a time when personal things must be divided after the owner is gone.
I am not leaving much and am trusting to the judgement of the one who shall take charge.
First, let Rose have the choice of anything she may want.
Let the four granddaughters have anything they may want for remembrance, as dishes, silverware or handwork.
If none of the grandchildren care for the Church history and other church books, give them to some Latter Day Saints family.
I should like for the big chair kept in the family.
Don’t let the violin out of the family. Let someone keep it.
The few pieces of furniture can be sold for anything it would bring.
There are some bonds in the bank.
Signed, Anna Crosley
No one saw me write this. August 23, 1951
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CERTIFICATE OF DEATH, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, YANKTON COUNTY
COUNTY NO. 14233
Name of Deceased: Anna M. Crosley
Date of Death: January 24, 1858
Time of death: 10:38 P.M.
Place of Death: Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, South Dakota
Length of Stay: 16 Hours
Residence: Springfield, Bon Homme County, South Dakota
Sex: Female
Widowed: Name of Spouse: Ross W. Crosley
Age: 82
Date & Place of Birth: May 11, 1876 in Sweden
Name of Father: Jacobsen, Unknown
Name of Mother: Unknown
Citizen of the United States
Informant: Florence Breitenbach
Cause of Death: Pneumonia for 4 days; Heart Disease For 10 Years
Autopsy Performed
Physician: Clark F. Johnson
Burial: Springfield Cemetery, South Dakota, January 27, 1958
OBITUARY, NEWSPAPER ARTICLE, January 1958
IN MEMORIAM OF MRS. ANNA CROSLEY
Funeral services were held for Mrs. Anna Crosley, 82, Monday afternoon, January 27, at the Springfield Congregational
Church with the Rev. Benj. Trickey officiating and the Crosby funeral home in charge. Interment was in the family plot in the
Springfield Cemetery. Bearers were Glen Roddan, John Slattery, Jesse Dawes, Sam Henderson, Fred Dawes and Clio Henderson. Mrs.
Anna Crosley passed away Friday morning, January 24, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.
Anna Matilda Jacobson was born May 10, 1875 in Vonga, Sockken County, Ostergutland Providence, Sweden. When four years
old, she came to America with her parents, an older brother, Charles, and a younger sister, Celia. For three years the family
lived in Portland, Conn., then the came west in 1882, stopping in Yankton a few days before going by wagon to what is now
Hartington, Nebraska, where they lived on a farm for the winter. In the spring, they moved to St. Helena, Nebraska, where
Mrs. Crosley attended school for two terms.
In 1885 the family moved by ox team to Holt County, Nebraska, where the father filed on a homestead near O’Neil. In
1889 they returned to Cedar County and engaged in farming near Wausa.
On December 20, 1892, Anna Jacobson was united in marriage to Ross Crosley. Six years later they came to Running Water
and farmed near Springfield until 1908 when they moved to Mead county and lived on a homestead for eighteen months, then returning
to the farm in Cedar county, Nebraska near Santee for eight years. In 1919 they returned to Springfield, which has been Mrs.
Crosley’s home ever since.
Mr. and Mrs. Crosley were the parents of two daughters, Florence and Hilda. When Hilda was 12 years old, she was seriously
burned in a fire which destroyed the home of the late Ed Dawes and passed away on December 21, 1911. Mr. Crosley also preceded
her in death.
Mrs. Crosley was a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. She was also interested in Sunday school work and when
no Sunday school was near, would have classes in her own home.
She leaves to mourn her, the daughter, Mrs. Florence Breitenbach, of Yankton; four grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren;
one sister and two brothers; also her companion of many years, Rose Whipper and son, Francis, who grew up in the family home.
Ross Crosley & Anna Matilda Jacobson’s section contains:
Ross & Anna’s marriage certificate (copy of original); found in Florence Breitenbach’s personal papers
Ross & Anna’s marriage record; found in Charles Mix County Courthouse, S.D.
Ross & Anna’s certificates of Baptism into the Church of the Latter Day Saints; found in Florence Breitenbach’s personal papers
Hilda Crosley school story written in 1910; found in Florence Breitenbach’s personal papers
Ross Crosley’s Death Certicate from Tyndall County Courthouse, S.D.
Anna Crosley’s Death Certicate from Yankton County Courthouse, S.D.
Ross Crosley’s Estate papers from Tyndall County Courthouse, S.D.
Anna Crosley’s hand written will; found in Florence Breitenbach’s personal papers
Picture of Ross, Anna, & Hilda Crosley’s gravestones in Springfield Cemetery, S.D.
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