PETER CRAVEN

An important element in the national civilization has been the representatives from the Emerald Isle. The versatility, enterprise and industry of the Irish people make them valued residents of a community, and it is these qualities which have given Mr. Craven a place among the leading farmers of Nemaha county. He resides on section 6, Clear Creek township, his home being far from the place of his birth, which occurred in county Meath, Ireland, His parents were Owen and Marietta (Fox) Craven, and the former spent his entire life on the Emerald Isle. After the death of her husband, however, Mrs. Craven crossed the Atlantic and made her way direct to Kansas. In her family were eight children, namely: John; Ann, who is now deceased; Richard; Rose, who has also passed away; Sylvester; Michael; Owen, deceased, and Peter. Those who are still living are identified with the farming interests of Nemaha county.

Mr. Craven, of this review, remained in Ireland until after his father's death, when he accompanied his mother on her emigration to the new world. The duties and pleasures of boyhood occupied his time through the years of his minority. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Ellen Glynn, who was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1858, and there spent her girlhood days. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Craven was celebrated in 1874. Their union has been blessed with eight children, namely: Mary, Owen, Anna, Margaret, William, Theresa, Raymond and Bernard. Mrs. Craven's parents were Patrick and Ellen (Brown) Glynn. The former was born in Ireland in 1814 and in 1853 came to America, taking up his residence in Indiana, whence he came to Nemaha county. His wife was born in the Emerald Isle, in 1826, and is still living in Kansas. They are the parents of ten children, -- Anna; Mike and Katie, deceased; Ellen; Rose, who has also passed away; Patrick; William; Maggie; Katie; and Lizzie, deceased. The living members of the family are all in Nemaha county. After his marriage Mr. Craven rented a farm for two or three years and then, with the capital which he had acquired by his own industry, he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, having since made it his home. He is now one of the prominent stock dealers of the county, raising large numbers of cattle and hogs. His sales are extensive and bring to him an excellent income. He has served as school director, gives his political support to the Democratic party and is a member of the Catholic church. His life shows that success results not from talents or influence, but from earnest and persistent effort, and his example should serve to encourage those who have to start out on life's journey empty handed.