J.B. Crouch, son of William and Nancy 'Barlow' Crouch

J.B. CROUCH, merchant, P. O. Berry, is a descendant of Harrison County's old pioneers. He being of the third generation of his people who have been residents of the county.

He was born September 20, 1829, and is the son of William and Nancy "Barlow" Crouch; the former, a native of Harrison County, and son of John Crouch, the pioneer. William was born in 1803, received his education in his native county and spent his life in the occupation of farming; he died June 17, 1873. The mother of J. B. died in 1834, aged twenty-five years.

The early years of Mr. Crouch's life was spent with his parents, where he received his education and assisted his father in the duties of farming.

In 1850 he married Miss Mary Crouch, who bore him five children, four of whom are living, viz: Martha, Nancy, Samuel and Louisa. His wife died in 1868, and in 1871 he was married to Mrs. Eveline G. Dills, daughter of Thomas A. Rankin. One child has been born to them.

Being raised on a farm, Mr. Crouch in 1850 began farming on his own account, owning and working a farm of 140 acres; in 1865, however, he engaged in the mercantile business to which he has since devoted his time; he began in Colmansville, as successor to L. M. Hume and in 1866 removed to Berry's Station, remaining, however, but six months, and then he returned to Colmansville and engaged in business in the Masonic Hall building, which burned in 1869; he fortunately saved his goods and removed to the building where he first entered trade; in 1878 he again removed to Berry's Station and engaged in business with a vigor, honesty, and determination that has won him success. He now carried a stock of about $10,000 and does an annual business of about $25,000. His store is 100 feet deep by 20 feet frontage; the first floor is occupied as a general salesroom and the second is given up to boots and shoes, hats and caps, ready made clothing, etc. In all respects Mr. Crouch's place of business would do credit to many of the larger cities of the Blue Grass region.

Politically, Mr. Crouch is a Democrat and himself and family are members of the Baptist Church, in which he is a deacon; he is a member of the Taylor Lodge No. 164, A. F. & A.M., in which he is at present acting as W. M.

Source: History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, edited by William Henry Perrin, O. L. Baskin & Co., Chicago, 1882 page 702