Richard Richardson Cruzen (1803 - 1891)

Born 17 Apr 1803 in Harpers Ferry Jefferson West Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Arelia Wayne (North) Cruzen — married 8 Dec 1825 in Harpers Ferry Jefferson West Virginia

Descendants

Died 8 Oct 1891 at age 88 in Gallatin Davies Missouri

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Biography

Parents

Richard's parents were Richard Derrick Cruzen and Elizabeth Ashfield. His parents were married probably some time between 1780 and 1790.^[1]

Birth Data

Richard Richardson Cruzen was born on April 17, 1803.^[2]

Marriage

Richard married Arelia Wayne North on December 8, 1825.^[3]

The wedded life of Richard and Arelia extend over a period of 66 years; an unusually long time, even for today. Both were communicants since an early age, first as Methodist Episcopal and later Southern Baptists. Both "exemplified the highest degree of character of Christian citizenship our nation so much needs". They are both buried at the Baptist Cemetery in Miami, Missouri.^[4]

Children

Richard and Arelia had nine children:^[5]

1. Nathaniel born c. 1827
2. Mary born c. 1829
3. Hannah born c. 1833
4. Mildred born c. 1834
5. Margaret born c. 1836
6. Issac born c. 1842
7. Eliza born c. 1844
8. George born c. 1846
9. Winfield born c. 1847

Life Events

It has been noted that the Cruzen family was of 'German descent' on the paternal side, while the maternal side seems to be of Scotch-Irish lineage. Richard's father resided in Loudon County, Virgina and according to author Millard Fillmore Stiles, he seems to arrived with a group of men about 1790, who came from Pennsylvania and Maryland "to work the iron furnaces at Harpers Ferry". It seems that he "was accompanied by one brother and one sister"^[6].

According to Mr. Millard Fillmore Stipes, in his genealogy publication on Richard Cruzen et al., "..it is possible that Richard located to Harper's ferry when he was "quite young" since he worked for the government there at the Armory for 30 years, six of them as an inspector, and retired after 30 years and headed for Missouri in 1849. Richard started working at the Armory when he was but sixteen years old.

He had been married to Arelia Wayne North already for almost 25 years when he arrived in Missouri. They were married on December 8, 1825. Their marriage was 'an elopement' and not at all in the family's plans for Arelia. For Arelia was of aristocratic blood and Richard, well, he was just a commoner who was a mechanic.

Census Data

1830 U.S. Census

Richardson Cruzen was living in Harpers Ferry, Jefferson, Virginia. He was the head of household with three others living with him.^[7]

1850 U.S. Census

Richard R. Cruisen (Cruzen) was farming in Saline County, Missouri. He was 45 years old and married to Arelia who was also 45 years old. They had nine children living with them. Two others lived in the household with them, Jacob and Absalom Vanvactor; 30 and 17 years old, respectively.^[8]

Death and Burial

See Also

• Keyes, North and Cruzen Families; The Cruzen Family, page 233, by Millard Fillmore Stiles

Notes

Sources

1. ↑ Keyes, North and Cruzen Families; by Millard Fillmore Stiles; page 33
2. ↑ Keyes, North and Cruzen Families; by Millard Fillmore Stiles; page 33
3. ↑ The Cruzen Family; Keyes, North and Cruzen Families
4. ↑ [The Cruzen Family; Keyes, North and Cruzen Families; page 244.]
5. ↑ 1850 U.S. Census; Richard R. Cruisen; District 90, Saline, Missouri
6. ↑ [The Cruzen Family; Keyes, North and Cruzen Families]
7. ↑ 1830 U.S. Federal Census; Harpers Ferry, Jefferson, Virginia
8. ↑ 1850 U.S. Federal Census; Saline, Missouri