A short biography from THE CRAWFORD FAMILY published by the American Genealogical Research Institute, Arlington VA. Francis Marion Crawford b.2 Aug 1854 Bagni di Lucca, Tuscany d.9 Apr 1909 Sorrento Italy. Novelist and historian. Son of Thomas and Louisa Cutler Ward Crawford. At an early age, he was sent to live with relatives in Bordentown NJ, but when his father died, he returned to Italy. He received preliminary education from a French tutor, then attended St Paul's School in Concord NH. Between ages of 14 and 24, he was a student in Rome, England, Sweden, and Germany. In 1879, he traveled to India to perfect his knowledge of Sanskrit. Finding himself in financial difficulties, he took several jobs as a journalist, for eighteen months editing the Indian herald in Allahabad. In 1881 he returned to the US to study Sanskrit at Harvard, making his home with his aunt, Julia Ward Howe. Unsure of a career interest, he soon became discontent with his activities. An uncle persuaded him to write a novel from a story Francis had encountered in India. The book, written in less than 6 weeks, was MR. JACOBS. It became the most successful book of the season and convinced Crawford he had found his profession. For the rest of his life, he wrote prolific fiction, often completing 3 books in one year. In less than 25 years, he produced over 40 novels, as well as historical and critical works. His power as a novelist resulted from his great story-telling abilities and his use of dialogue. In 1884, he married Elizabeth Berden and in 1885 the couple settled in Sorrento Italy. He died there. Hope Francis and Elizabeth have online grandchildren! Debra Claussen PS - Please don't ask me what "Sanskrit" is.... I don't have a clue!