Benjamin Franklin Craig was born in Hamilton County, Iowa, on August 20, 1871. He and his twin sister, Kathryn Frances, were fourth in the Joseph and Sophia (Groom) Craig family of ten children, all of who preceded him in death except one brother, Albert, who resides in Webster City, Iowa. At the age of 18, Ben homesteaded a quarter section of land when the Olkahoma Territory was opened for settlement. At the age of 26 he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Spanish-American War at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He served until the end of the war when he was discharged. He returned to Webster City, Iowa, and started drilling wells. In 1922, at the age of 51, he moved to Clarkfield and bought a farm in Normania Township where he resided and continued to drill wells. On September 14, 1927, he married Inez Lucille Ferguson, also of Clarkfield. Their union was blessed with four children: Tharon (Mrs. Clifford Lindroth) of Pine City, Minnesota, Leslie of Newport, Minnesota, Larry of Clarkfield and Carol (Mrs. Duane Barkheim) of Newport, Minnesota. Mr. Craig and his wife moved from their farm home to Clarkfield December, 1963, and in September, 1964, went to Newport, Minnesota, to spend the winter months with their son, Leslie, and his family. It was there on October 6, 1964, that he suffered a severe stroke and was taken to the hospital where he passed away on October 16, 1964, at the age of 93 years. Besides his wife, he is survived by four children, one brother and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers: Everett, Warren, Louis, Craig George, Craig James and Harrison Craig; and two sisters: Mary Craig and Kathryn Frances Hamlin. Ben remained unusually active through his last years. He continued well digging until six years ago and was seen shingling his house on his 90th birthday. He was known for his unusual sense of humor and his easy-going nature. He will be missed by a wide circle of friends. IN MEMORY OF BENJAMIN F. CRAIG August 20, 1871 ~ October 16, 1964 Funeral Services Tuesday, October 20, 1964, 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Rev. C. M. Bagaason Organist, Mrs. Curtis Dahl Vocal Solo, Mrs. Arden Lynne, Sr. Casket Bearers Oscar Barkeim ~ Boyd Long Walter Oraas ~ Melville Long Oral Oraas ~ Guy Johns Final Resting Place Clarkfield Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota