J. H. CRANE, proprietor of the Freeport Omnibus and Hack Line (successor to J. W. Crane, his father, now deceased), is a New Yorker by birth, having been born in the metropolis of that State on the 8th of April, 1837. His father, James W. Crane, was also a native of the Empire State, and born May 29, 1808. In that State he attained to manhood and was mar­ried to Almina Lasson, who was born there April 10, 1805. Not long after his marriage James W. Crane removed to Stephenson County, about the year l835 and located upon a farm, which he man­aged successfully for several years. Thence he re­paired to Freeport and purchased a livery stable, which he thoroughly stocked with horses and vehi­cles, and which he carried on successfully. In the course of a few years he added a bus and hack line to the business. During his residence in Stephenson County he was known and regarded as a very en­ergetic citizen, a man full of pluck and courage, who never seemed to know the meaning of the word “fail.” He was better known as Capt. James W. Crane, which title he gained as commander of a military company at Freeport, some years ago. He died Sept. 22, 1873; his wife survived him seven years, and died Sept. 18, 1880. She was the mother of six children, four girls and two boys, of whom J. H. was but two years of age when he came to this county with his parents.

Our subject was educated in the public schools of Freeport, and as soon as old enough he entered the stable of his father as an assistant. He remained there in this capacity until the death of this parent, when he and his brother, J. W. Crane, succeeded to the business, the two becoming partners. They continued together for four years, when J.w. Crane sold his interest to William Schrader. The new firm carried on the business about four years, when Mr. Schrader disposed of his interest to Will­iam Esterbrook, and the new firm continued for three years, when Mr. Crane purchased the interest of his partner and has since conducted the business alone. His outfit consists of twelve good horses, three large omnibuses, three hacks, two baggage-wagons and a large bus-sleigh. In. short, he has one of the best equipped establishments in the Northwest. He has two good stables adjoining each other, one 20x120 feet and the other 48x60 feet, which gives ample room for housing the ani­mals and vehicles and the grain for feed. Mr. Crane has grown up from boyhood. in this business, and consequently understands it thoroughly in every detail. He takes pride in conducting. it properly, and the hearty patronage he receives from the people shows that they appreciate his efforts.

Mr. Crane was married, in 1879, to Miss Caroline Lathrop, of Freeport; they have no children. He has served one term as Alderman of the city of Freeport, and during that time did what he could for the best interests of the city.

Portraits and Biographical 1888