One of the most useful citizens Gadsden ever had was Charles K. Crossfield. He came here in 1916 from Kentucky, the state of his birth, and established an ice business and later added an ice cream factory, which grew into considerable magnitude before his death in 1934.
Since then, the business grew rapidly under the management of his son, Louis Crossfield, and his daughter, Miss Goldie Crossfield. It became one of the largest concerns in the city and served a large area around Gadsden.
Charles K. Crossfield was a member of the Civitan Club and from the very start he gave liberally of his time and money to aid every worth-while undertaking for this area. He was always in the forefront of any campaign and was a religious leader whose influence was widespread.
Mr. Crossfield was born near Lawrenceburg, Ky., June 9, 1863, being the son of R.H. And Elizabeth Jackson Crossfield. One of three children, he married Miss Ada Hackley, of Anderson County, Kentucky, Sept. 4, 1887 and to them were born seven children.
They are Mrs. Mary Mcdiarmid, Black Mountain, N.C., Mrs. Madie Belle Redwine, San Diego, Cal; Miss Goldie Crossfield, Mrs. Julia Harp and Louis Crossfield, Gadsden. Mrs. John Mitchell and Miss Ritchie Crossfield.
He became a Christian in Kentucky in early youth and became an elder of the Christain Church in 1888 and served as such the remainder of his life.
He began his business career in Kentucky. He resided in Lexington for a number of years where he was a success. Few men have served Gadsden with more zeal and more effectiveness than this good man, yet he was modest and unassuming.
His whole life was a model one in every respect. In business, and in social and religious contacts he added the force of example to that of precept. In other words, he practiced what he preached.
After he had passed away, a note to his children was found among his papers. It was characteristic of the man and read:
“I was made elder of the church in Kentucky in January 1888. I have contributed to the church every year since then. I do not claim to be a perfect man, but there are some things that I have not done that have let me live closer to god. I never took a drink of whiskey in my life; I never swore an oath in my life; I never committed adultery in my life; I never committed murder in my life; I never gambled and God being my helper I never will.” He was that kind of a man and he was universally respected and honored for it.
Mr. Crossfield’s death occurred while on the way to Florida to spend the winter, January 8, 1934. He and his daughter, Ritchie, were killed in an automobile accident.
The double funeral in the First Christian Church here was impressive and was also one of the saddest events in the history of Gadsden.
He was a devoted family man and a successful businessman who was primarily known for his moral and Christian character. He was a strong advocate of temperance and was a loyal mason. Gadsden has had a few such characters and his memory is cherished as an outstanding man set to the community.
Contact The Vagabond at dkcrown@bellsouth.net.
