CROFFORD.--After an illness of about ten days Rev. T. F. Crofford went to his reward February 2, 1904, aged 73 years and 13 days. He professed religion at the age of twenty and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was soon after ordained to the office of ruling elder in the Oakland congregation, Oxford Presbytery, Mississippi. He was educated at Wirt College, West Tennessee. He was married to Miss Addie Burns, of McLemoresville, Tenn., who survives him. He also leaves three children to mourn for him. He served four years in the Civil War. He had been under impressions to preach for several years, and while a soldier he promised the Lord if spared to get home he would do his duty. Accordingly in the fall of 1867 he joined the Oxford Presbytery which met near Batesville, Miss., and was licensed to preach the gospel at the same meeting. The following spring he was ordained to the whole work of the ministry. He then took charge of a group of churches consisting of Pine Hill, Oakland, Sardis and Harrison Station, and served them until failing health caused him to give up the work. In the spring of 1872 he moved to West Tennessee. His health having improved, he joined Hopewell Presbytery and spent the remainder of his life in its bounds. For the last sixteen years he lived in McKenzie, Tenn. At one time or another he served the majority of congregations in his presbytery. For several years he was a member of the board of trustees of Bethel College, and at the time of his death was president of the board and one of the faculty of the college. Faithfulness characterized his life in every work. Brother Crofford was truly a Christian gentleman. His life was above reproach. The tongue of slander never touched his pure character. He met deep sorrow, yet he wore a smiling face and comforted others less tried than himself. He was truly a man of faith. If dark providence gathered around he always relied on the promise, "All things shall work together for good." He was possessed of a fine mind, and well stored with information. History and prophecy were a delight to him. As a preacher, he confined himself to the plain gospel, never searching for strange or sensational doctrines or methods. His qualities as pastor were of the best, drawing all men to him. His fireside sermons delighted and helped every one. Every one was glad to see him coming. He loved every one, and every one loved him. He never sought to be prominent, but when called to fill important places he did it ably and in earnest. He was a great man in many particulars, but his crowning greatness was his goodness. He could always find something good in other people. He tried to be oblivious to their faults. When death came he was aware of its approach and said, "It is sin that kills the body, and were it not for Christ it would kill the soul." He bade his weeping wife and children farewell, assuring them it would not be a long separation; then passed over to the other side of the river to "see," as he often said, "what is over there." Many souls were led to Christ through his faithful ministry, and when the "crowning day" shall come many will be his stars. He as the young preacher's friend and helper. But he now "rests from his labors and his works do follow him."--Allen Faust.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, May 12, 1904, page 605]