Gone to Rest. — During the present week death has removed one who, on account of an unfortunate affliction, was a familiar figure to many of our readers. We allude to Mr John Crawford, a well known deaf mute, who died at Richmond on Wednesday evening last. Mr Crawford, who was deaf and dumb from birth, was a son of the late Mr Samuel Crawford, of Appleby, one of Nelson's earliest pioneers, he having arrived from England in the 'forties.' The deceased passed the early years of his life at Collingwood, where he resided with his stepfather, the late Mr H. Allen. In later years he was whaling for several winters with Messrs Jackson Bros, the well known whalers of the Marlborough Sounds. During this time he experienced many of the rough adventures incidental to this dangerous and exciting occupation, and a few years ago ne was one of the inmates of a boat which was struck and smashed to pieces by a large whale. During the last eight or nine years, with the exception of short intervals, he has passed most of his time at Richmond. Deceased was well known, especially in the Golden Bay district, as a skilful boatman and canoeist, whilst as a swimmer he was one of the best exponents of the natatorial art in the district. The privations and exposures to which he was subjected while whaling seems to have told heavily on his constitution, and latterly he developed that dread disease, consumption, under which he rapidly sank, and died a peaceful death at the age of 49 years. Though deprived of the senses of speech and bearing, he was always cheerful and intelligent in demeanour, and there are many who will entertain kindly recollections of "Johnnie," by which name he was known to all his intimate acquaintances. Several of the latter attended the funeral, which took place at the Richmond cemetery yesterday afternoon, the Rev A. C. Wright officiating at the grave. -Colonist, 30/11/1895.
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