Mr. Cranwell became identified with the building and contracting business while yet a mere youth, and during a period of nearly thirty-five years has followed that vocation with uninterrupted success, becoming one of the best known contractors and builders in the country. He learned the trade of mason and builder in Utica, N. Y., and there erected the most of the German Catholic Church, the Wheeler, Kiernan & Company's stove works, St. John's Protectory (then St. John's Orphan Asylum), and many other buildings of importance. He also built the north wing of Hamilton College in Oneida County, N. Y., St. Mary's Catholic Church at Cooperstown in the same State, many well known structures in Little Falls, and a large part of the buildings erected by Alfred Dolge at Dolgeville, N. Y., during a period of twenty years, and the large public school edifice in that town. These are only a few of the contracts executed by him in a number of towns and cities, including the City of New York, in the Empire State. In New Jersey he has also been active in contracting and building. He erected the original part of the Hoboken Monastery in West Hoboken, the new town hall in the Town of Union, and numerous other private and public buildings is these towns, in Weehawken, and in the City of Hoboken.

Mr. Cranwell's work shows great skill and ability, and stamps him as one of the ablest members of his vocation. Active and energetic, honest and upright in his dealings, thorough and exact in the work committed to his care, and faithful in the discharge of every trust, he is highly respected and esteemed. In politics he is an ardent Democrat.