Israel Crane

Israel Crane
Born March 15, 1774
Montclair, New Jersey
Died March 20, 1858 (Age 84)
Montclair, New Jersey[1]
Occupation Merchant
Known for Crane House and Museum

Israel Crane, of the Crane Family, was a merchant who lived in Cranetown (modern-day Montclair, New Jersey). He was born in 1774 and died in 1858.[2]

Business Ventures

Israel Crane was originally a businessman, and operated a general store on the corner of what is now Glen Ridge Avenue and Lackawanna Plaza in what was then Cranetown. He was considered to be the wealthiest man in his area. Crane also headed the Morris Canal.[3] In addition, Crane was president of the Newark and Bloomfield Turnpike Company, founded in 1806.[4] These business ventures were passed down to Crane's youngest son, James.

Legacy

Crane's presence is still felt in Montclair today. His residence, the Crane House and Museum, still stands today, albeit in a different location than its original site. In addition, his family name is still seen on Montclair's town crest.

Montclair's crest, featuring Cranetown as one of three historical names.

References

  1. ↑ "Israel Crane (1774 - 1858)." Find A Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records and Online Memorials. N.p., 22 Oct. 2012. Web. 27 June 2013. <http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr>.
  2. ↑ "Israel Crane House." Montclair Historical Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 June 2013. <http://montclairhistorical.org/israel-crane-house/>.
  3. ↑ Cacioppo, Richard K. "Chapter Three: The American Revolution Comes to Cranetown." The Glory of Montclair: Past and Present. Montclair, NJ: Dream City Pub., 1995. 19-22. Print.
  4. ↑ Doremus, Philip. "Reminiscences of Montclair, New Jersey." Reminiscences of Montclair, New Jersey. Rootsweb, n.d. Web. 27 June 2013. <http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~genepool/montnj17.htm>.