CROFT, WILLIAM

William Croft was b. Yorkshire, Eng., 1813, and came to Canada with his father, William Croft, Sr., and set. in Guelph in 1827. In 1833 he m. Ann Williamson, and in 1837 he purchased 100 acres lot 9, con. 5, Eramosa, where he finally settled. The late William, Croft was one of the first teamsters in the county, moving settlers from Hamilton to Guelph and the townships surrounding. His team took some of the people arrested during the troubles of 1837 to Hamilton. He also helped construct the Guelph and Goderich road. He cleared his farm in Eramosa, and became a prosperous and influential citizen. Issue: Thomas, Joseph, Robert, William G., Mrs. John Bolton, Mrs. Mutrie, and Mrs. Colson.Thomas is in Manitoba.

Joseph, b. 1838, m. Ann Mutrie in 1868. Issue: William M., Mrs. William H., Jago, Thomas I., and Strachan D. He set. on lot 10, con. 6, Eramosa, in 1863; farmed successfully until 1895, when he also engaged in the cattle buying business.

Robert, b. 1841, m. Ann E. Day in 1873. Issue: Alfred D., Ainley, Ernest, Stanley, Laura, Lillian, Ethel, and Ida. Of this branch, Alfred D., b. 1876, m. Charlotte Stovel. He lives on lot 12, con. 2, Eramosa. Issue: Alfreda.

William G., b. 1845. He purchased a farm near Markdale and cleared it, living there about twenty years, and was very successful. In 1904 he sold his farm and retired to Rockwood, where he resides with his family. He m. Sarah Peters in 1876. Issue: Effie J., Lillie and Florence.

Richard, b. 1847, learned the blacksmith's trade in Rockwood. He went to Illinois, and later to Leadville, where he d,. The Croft family are Methodists, and in politics adhere to the Liberal party.