J. H. Crowley was born August 27, 1887, in Footville, Wisconsin and lived in Madison until he came to Beloit in 1920. Mr. Crowley served the city of Beloit as a council member in the early days of the City Manager form of government during a period of great controversy and difficult times.

He was very active in setting up the Depression era works programs and was a leader in finding employment and securing help for people during the 1930’s. He was an active member of the 1936 Beloit Centennial committee and served on many other boards and committees. Harry Crowley was one of a group that re-established a business organization in Beloit, then known as the Beloit Commercial Club, later to become the present Greater Beloit Association of Commerce. He served as a director during the trying times of the bank holiday, the issuance of script and other actions during those depression years. He was always in the forefront in promoting new industry and other programs for the good of the city. Harry was a leader in the commercial life of the city.

He came here from Madison to operate the Crowley Wholesale Grocery Company, for many years a leader in that field and later the Goodall Crowley Oil Company and the Crowley Oil Company. His family also operated a branch of the General Paper and Supply Company here. On May 18, 1921, Harry Crowley and Frances O’Neill of Beloit were married in St. Jude Church. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley raised a family of eight children, but always found the time and the means to help people in need or distress. He was an outstanding promoter for the city of Beloit and a benefactor of his fellow man. He died on January 15, 1960.