Oliver C. Crookham (1854-1890) was laid to rest after a fatal gun shot wound in the Eureka Cemetery. “The large number of people, more than two hundred, who were present at the services fully attest to the esteem and regard entertained for the noble dead. ” (Eureka Herald and Greenwood County Repubican, 14 Nov 1890, page 4)
Details of the Service
Crookham was buried on a Friday afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. William Sparr at the Crookham home.
The newspapers claimed that “it was a cold day, but the funeral process was the largest seen in the this community for years.” (Greenwood County Republican, 12 Nov 1890, page 1)
There were fifty-seven carriages, buggies and wagons in the O.C. Crookham funeral procession last Friday.
Eureka Herald and Greenwood County Republican | 14 Nov 1890 | page 4
Loss of a Man
Upon his death, the newspapers were filled with resolutions of respect and statements of character of O.C. Crookham:
“He had no enemies. All were his fiends. He went about doing good to all with whom he come in contact. ‘ He loved his neighbor as himself.’ … There is not a man in Bachelor Township who is not mourning this good man’s death. They will miss him as a business man, and as a neighbor and a friend.” (EHAGCR, 14 Nov 1890, page 4)
“As a business man his dealing were always honest, square, and liberal. Probably no man in Greenwood County had more friends or fewer enemies.” (Democratic Messenger, 07 Nov 1890, page 3)
Finding the Yellow Bricks 