Obituary from an 1897 newspaper for the former Postmaster of Craigvale, Mr. Robert Gordon McCraw, who had served in the position for forty years. The text of the article, which also features a photograph of Mr. McGraw with a white beard, reads: "Death removed one of the oldest, best known and most highly respected residents of Innisfil on Friday evening, when R.G. McCraw, postmaster at Craigvale, passed away. His illness lasted but eight days and the news of its fatal termination came as a sad shock to his friends for few were aware of the serious nature of his illness. On Thursday, April 16, he had a very severe hemorrhage of the stomach, and this was followed by other attacks that his constitution was unable to withstand. Gastric ulcers is given as the cause of death. During his illness he did not suffer and his end was a peaceful one. Robert Gordon McCraw was born in Edinburgh, Scotland Feb. 1 1837, and came to Canada in 1857. After working at his trade for a time in Toronto and Bolton, he removed to Innisfil and in 1864 began business as merchant tailor in Craigvale. Some forty years ago he was appointed postmaster and later gave up the tailoring and conducted a small general store. Though Mr. McCraw was a staunch Liberal in politics, there never was any attempt made in that strongly Conservative section to have him dismissed when the Conservatives were in power. Mr. McCraw came of good old Scotch Presbyterian stock. His father, John McCraw, was an elder for many years in Rev. Dr. Guthrie's church, Edinburgh, and when the son left home he carried from that celebrated divine a letter to ministers in Canada. With such training it was natural that he should clearly identify himself with ... [text missing] In 1864 he was married to Eliza Jane Sutherland of Cookstown, who survives him with two daughters and six sons, as follows: Mrs. James Johnston of Thornton and Miss Eda; John General Agent of the Central Vermont Ry [Railway] at New London, Conn.; Robert G., Grand Trunk Agent at Linday; Thomas G., Buffalo, lately with G.T.R.; Geo. G., Chie[f] Clerk in G.T.R. offices at Niagara Falls; D. Frederick, passenger yardmaster for G.T.R. at Toronto, and Maurice at home. William was killed in an accident on the C.P.R. in 1901. Two brothers and a sister of deceased are yet living, viz., George of Edinburgh, Maurice of Dunedin, New Zealand, and Mrs. Elder of Melbourne, Australia. The funeral was held on Monday afternoon to the Sixth Line Cemetery, the service being conducted by Rev. G. I. Craw, assisted by Rev. L. McLean and Rev. R.B. Beynon. Mr. Craw preached from I John 3:3. The church was draped in black. Masonic services were conducted by Minerva Lodge assisted by brethren from Alliston, Cookstown, Bradford, Barrie, Landsdowne, and Cataraqui lodges. Those who bore the pall were E.T. McConkey, J.F. Ardill, Samuel Maneer, James Black, Wm. Latimer and W.J. Latimer. Among the floral tributes were: Square and compass, Minerva Lodge; wreath, L.O.L. No. 605; pillow, Craigvale Church friends; wreath, Union Station officials, Toronto."
