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Dr. Amandus Crull, practicing physician of Big River Township, was born
in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1820 and after receiving a good collegiate
education in the German, French and Spanish languages, came to the United

States in 1838, and after making a tour of all the principal cities
of the country, spent some time visiting relatives in St. Louis County,
Mo.  He came to Big River Township in 1841, there being but two other 
German families west of Big River in Jefferson County at that time, to
his knowledge.  After remaining in that vicinity for about two years he
left and made an extended tour through Texas and Mexico. Here he remained

for about two years, and while in Texas acted as guide for a company who 

assisted in establishing a German settlement there.  He soon after 

returned to Big River Township, and in 1849 married Miss Mary Ann, 

daughter of George and Dosia McFry, who were among the early settlers of 

Jefferson County, but afterward moved to Franklin County, where Mrs. Crull 

was born.  To the Doctor and wife were born two children, sons, named John 

and George, and both enterprising farmers of Big River Township, the latter 

owning the home farm of 113 acres. After marriage the Doctor first located 

at the head of Belew's Creek, and a few years later moved to where he has 

since made his home, twelve miles northwest of Hillsboro. The Doctor farmed 

until a few years prior to the war, when he began the study of medicine, 

under the instruction of Dr. Charles Rugge. After a few years' study he 

commenced his practice in 1861, and continued this successfully until broken 

down by age and hard work, although he still continues an office practice.  

From 1875 until 1883 he was notary public.  He was formerly a Democrat, and 

cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk, in 1844, but after the
organization of the Republican party he identified himself with that party 

and remained for several years.  He then became dissatisfied, with some of 

its principles, and is now strictly conservative, voting for the man without 

regard to the party. His parents were Hon. John and Josephine (Stein) Crull.

The father was procurator in law, a position of high rank.  He served during 

the French War, under Napoleon I, and was a lieutenant of the "Black Hussars" 

in Germany.