George Crom Takes A Bride
         
George Crom met Louisa Nelson at a "Singing School", (probably a Community 
Sing-along), in Wood County, Ohio.  He courted her at barn dances, 
house warmings, spelling bees, and other social activities of the times.
         
When George came to Louisa's father to ask for her hand, William Nelson was 
not in favor of the idea.  Since George had been orphaned at an early age, 
and had no financial backing, Mr. Nelson expressed concern as to whether George
could adequately provide for Louisa.  This ruffled George's feathers a little, 
and he vowed to Mr. Nelson that so long as there was any strength in his hands, 
or breath in his body, by "gad" he'd provide well for her, which he did.
         
They were married May 4, 1884 in Wood County, Ohio.  For a wedding present the 
Nelsons gave the newlyweds a new milk cow, a bed and numerous other articles 
necessary and appropriate for them to start housekeeping.  George was a farmer,
and reported that his corn rows were very visible with new plants about four
inches high on their wedding day.
         
From these very humble beginnings, George and Louisa launched into a marriage 
that lasted 59 years until Louisa died in 1943 at the age of 77 years.  They 
lived to see all four of their lovely daughters grow into maturity, all nine 
of their grandchildren, and nine of their 25 great-grandchildren.  George died
February 10, 1949 at the age of 86 years.
         
Interment was in the Mausoleum in Riverside Cemetery at Elsie, Michigan.