Rev. Hugh R. Crockett, D.D., a member of the Presbytery of Kirksville, died in Denver, Col., Sept. 21, of general debility, aged seventy years, three months and four days. His remains were taken back to La Plata, Mo., and buried beside his wife, who died December 4, 1904. His daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Althouse, accompanied the remains. The funeral was preached by Rev. W. H. Johnston, assisted by Rev. F. E. Haynes, who spoke of Dr. Crockett as a preacher, and Rev. J. C. Arnett, who spoke of him as a retired pastor. Dr. Crockett was a noble man, an efficient preacher and a good presbyter. Rev. T. W. Baker, S.C., of the Presbytery of McGee, has been asked to published a full account of his life.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, October 3, 1907, page 436]

The death of this noble man, I think, should not pass with the simple short announcement made in "The Cumberland Presbyterian" of October 3.

I thought then that Rev. T. W. Baker, who had been so long and intimately associated with him in the old McGee Presbytery, would prepare a suitable sketch of his life; but he writes me that serious illness in his family and the fact that he has not access to the records, make it necessary for some one else to do it.

My first acquaintance with Brother Crockett dates back to just before the war (1858 or 1859). He was then a young man and I only a boy eight or nine years old. My father's house was a preachers' home and Brother Crockett was one of a number of ministers who frequently visited our neighborhood and preached at some of the residences until the schoolhouse was built. Among these early preachers, whose preaching made such a deep impression on my mind and on the entire community, were S. B. F. Caldwell, Uncle "Jimps" Dysart, Dave and Frank Manning, J. W. Morrow, Little "Jimps" Dysart, and Hugh R. Crockett. Of all these men of God Brother Crockett was the last to go; but I thank God that his testimony was that he was not only ready, but anxious "to depart and be with Christ."

Brother Crockett was born in Boone county, Missouri, near where Brown Station now stands, June 17, 1837. His father, James R. Crockett, was born in Virginia. He was of Irish descent, having also a little Scotch blood in his veins. Soon after joining McGee Presbytery as a candidate, he entered McGee College and after five years graduated therefrom in 1861. In 1866, June 5, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Allen (Mittie) Fray. Three children blessed this union, two of whom, both sons, died in infancy. The daughter, Ermie (now Mrs. G. H. Althouse, of Denver, Col.), survives him, Sister Crockett having gone before on December 4, 1904.

He was licensed in 1858 and ordained by the McGee Presbytery at New Bethel (now Holliday) Church, October 14, 1860. Rev. J. B. Mitchell, D.D., of precious memory, preached the ordination sermon from I Cor. 3:6, and Rev. Azel Freeman, D.D., presided and gave the charge. Brother Crockett was greatly blessed in holding revival meetings. Scores will rise up and call him blessed in the coming day, the writer being among the number. As pastor he was much loved and very successful. He served the Moberly Church from 1870 to 1881, having previously served the church at College Mound for several years. He was pastor at Macon, Mo., four years; at Bethany, Ill., nearly three years, besides pastorates at Holliday, Pilot Grove, Slater, Odessa, and other churches.

He was a very spiritual preacher; and his preaching ever honored God and helped the people. He was also a fine presbyter, having served many times as moderator in the presbytery and synod. The end came on September 21, 1907, at the home of his daughter in Denver, Col. According to his own request he was brought back to LaPlata, Mo., and buried beside his wife.

When news of his death came, word was sent to several of his brethren, who were best acquainted with him and who loved him and whom he loved, to be present at the funeral; but sickness and other things interfered so that Rev. J. C. Arnett, Rev. Finis E. Haynes and the writer were all who could be there. His funeral was preached by the undersigned, assisted by the above brethren from the words: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

God grant that his mantle may fall on some one who will fill his place and carry on the work that he has lain down. May God bless the daughter in her bereavement.
                                                W. H. Johnston.
    Callao, Mo.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, November 7, 1907, page 607]

[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., 1908, page 261]