Submitted by
Loyd Bishop

Rev. Craighead’s Father

Samuel J Craighead

We have received a copy of the Indiana, Pa., Democrat giving the account of the death of Samuel J. Craighead, father of Rev. Jas. R.E. Craighead of this city. At his residence in Indiana at 1:30 p.m. July 4, 1901, Samuel Judson Craighead departed this life. About a month previous Mr. Craighead had sustained a slight stroke of paralysis, but he was still able to be about and attend to his business affairs. On the forenoon of July 3, he had been out driving and was very warm when he returned home. In the afternoon he was sitting in the shade when the prostration came. He was seen to have fallen from his chair, and help was summoned and he was carried into the house. He was unconscious ever after with the possible exception of a short time in the evening when signs of consciousness were manifested. He lingered through the remainder of Wednesday and died shortly after noon on Thursday. Physicians in attendance said the prostration was due to an apoplectic condition super induced by the intense heat. By the death of Mr. Craighead this community loses a member that will be kindly remembered and sincerely mourned; one who has adorned it during his few years among us, with stainless integrity and modest worth. In an age of hollow friendships and counterfeit virtues, he has shown himself a true friend and a good man. Devoted to his maker and his family, he was found on the right side of all public questions, a verdant oasis unaffected by surrounding sterility. Mr. Craighead was born near Canonsbury, Pa., Dec. 5, 1834. He was liberally educated, being a graduate of Jefferson College. He was an acceptable teacher for 20 years in Fayett County and at Elderaridge Academy. He was Superintendent of this county for two terms, a position which he filled with ability and unquestioned fairness. His county also honored itself by electing him to the State Legislature, which he duly served in 1886-7. For 26 years he was an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Elderaridge, which office he filled until his coming to Indiana and during 11 years of which he was Sabbath school superintendent of the same place.
In October 1860 he married Sarah E., only daughter of David Elder, by whom he is survived as well as by his entire family of three sons and four daughters. The sons are Rev. David Elder, of Emlenton, Pa., George V., of Wilkinsburg, post office inspector, and Rev. James R.E. of Blackwell, O.T. The daughters are Julia E., at home, Marie Elder and Mary Emeline, successful teachers, and Nancy L., a senior in the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. One brother, James Craighead, of Washington, Pa., also survives him, and by one sister, Mrs. S.C. Donaldson, widow of the late Alexander Donaldson, D.D., of Elderaridge.
Funeral services were held at his late home on Friday evening at 8:30. Rev. Dr. D.J. Waller read a portion of scripture and Rev. Dr. F.S. Crawford offered prayer. “Abide With Me” and “Lead Kindly Light,” were beautifully rendered by a male quartet. Interment was made at Greenwood cemetery on Saturday morning.

Hon. S. J. Craighead of Indiana Pa., father of Rev. Jas. Craighead of this city, died at his residence on July 4th of apoplectic conditions hastened by heat prostration. His son had just left the family residence for his return to Blackwell when he and his wife were summoned back to Indiana in time to witness the end which came after less than twenty-three hours of painless sickness. He leaves a wife and seven children two of whom are ministers. Rev. Craighead will return and preach on the 12th.