David John Crichton, was born in Ogdensburg, New York.  His father, David Crichton and his uncle, Thomas Crichton had established a brewery in that town in 1827.  They were Scotsmen by birth and their brewery, naturally, manufactured ale.  The Crichton children learned the brewer's art in the family business, and when Thomas died in 1853 and David Sr. died in 1856, operation of the firm fell to the capable hands of 20 -year-old David John and his 28-year-old brother Charles.  Manufacturing continued uninterrupted.

In 1857 an excise tax raised the price of ale in New York and the brothers branched out into brewing lager beer. In 1864 Charles retired from the business and David J. continued the brewery alone.

The Crichton Brewery operated on and off until 1875, when it finally succumbed to heavy competition from the Arnold Brewery.  David Crichton defaulted on tax debts and the property fell into the hands of the city.  It lay vacant until 1879, when it was destroyed by fire.

Later that year the brewery property was sold off at auction.  David Crichton had found work in the State Hospital, then later he sold grain and feed, then, at last, the liquor business.  At some point during this time the river changed its course and washed away all that remained of the family brewery.

David John Crichton died in Odgensburg on June 19th, 1916.  He was twice widowed and 80 years old.  His years as a young brewery man with his brother on the banks of the St. Lawrence were a distant happy memory.

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