Alexander P. Criswell

Narrative:

     Alexander P. Criswell was born on 8 Apr 1851 in Millers Eddy, Armstrong Co., Pennsylvania.^7,8,9
     He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Perry Twp., Armstrong Co., Pennsylvania, in the household of his parents, Robert Criswell and Sarah Pickels.¹⁶
     He moved to Oil City, Pennsylvania, with his parents about 1864.⁵
     His parents and his younger siblings had moved to Aurora, Indiana, by 1870, but he is not listed with them in the 1870 census, nor has he been found elsewhere. It appears he remained in Pennsylvania.¹⁷
     Alexander moved to Karns City, Pennsylvania, about 1875 where he bought and operated the hotel, continuing there until 1878 or 1879.⁵
     Alexander married Mary Walsh, daughter of John Cobb and Maria Caffyn, on 9 Oct 1877 in Dearborn Co., Indiana, with Samuel N. Wellson offciating.^10,11,12 He appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana, in the household of his mother, apparently living near Mary, as she was shown the John Cobb household which was listed as the second preceding one.⁶
     He reported in the 1880 census that he was a speculator in oil. But about this time he became a "refrigerating engineer," an occupation he pursued for many years.^18,19
     Alexander traveled extensively on business, and no record has been found of him having a permanent residence after 1880. It appears he and Mary lived in El Paso, Texas, for a time, as their son was born there in 1886, but no record of them actually living together has been found.²⁰
     Alexander applied for a passport 2 Jun 1891 for himself, his wife, and their son Clyde. He said his occupation was builder of ice machines and his permanent address was Aurora, Indiana, but wanted the passport sent to Findlay Brewery in Toledo, Ohio. The passport was issued 6 Jun 1891.³
     On 8 Jun 1896 Alexander applied for a new passport, stating his permanent address residence was in Chicago, Illinois, and his occupation was salesman. He said he would return to the U.S. within two years. The passport was approved 10 Jun 1896.²¹
     Alexander applied for a new passport 22 Apr 1899, again stating his permanent address residence was in Chicago, Illinois, but directing the passport to be delivered to him at a hotel in New York City. He said his occupation was salesman, and he said he would return to the U.S. within one year. The passport was approved 24 Apr 1899.²²
     His wife died on 2 Feb 1905 in College Hill, Hamilton Co., Ohio.²³
     On 27 Dec 1912 Alexander applied for a new passport, stating his permanent address residence was in Chicago but directing the passport be delivered to him at a hotel in New Orleans. He said his occupation was miner and he would return to the U.S. within one year. The passport was approved 30 Dec 1912.²⁴ He left Chicago 10 Jan 1913 and arrived in Honduras 15 Jan. He registered with the U.S. consul in Ceiba two weeks later, stating he was there for the purpose of mining. He listed his son Clyde in Chicago as the person to be contacted in case of accident.²⁵
     Alexander died on 21 Feb 1915 in Cincinnati, Ohio, at age 63.¹³ He was buried in River View Cemetery, Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana.^14,15