Biography of Thomas Crews, Clay Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Date: Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** From: The Goodspeed Biographical and Historical Memoirs of N. E. Ark. Biographical Information. Thomas J. Crews, farmer and stock raiser of St. Francis Township, Clay County, Ark., was born in Bedford County, Tenn., August 1, 1847, and is the son of Dr. John Crews, a native of Virginia, and Mary A. (Tribble) Crews. Dr. John Crews was reared in his native State and was married twice, his first wife bearing him two sons and three daughters, all now deceased but one, a daughter. His second marriage was to the mother of our subject, who bore him four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to mature years. The Doctor moved from Bedford to Weakley County, residing there some nine years, engaged in farming, and then, about 1857, he moved with his family to Arkansas, locating in what is now Clay County, made a farm and there resided until his death, which occurred in December, 1876. Thomas J. Crews grew to manhood on the farm in Clay County, remaining with his parents until grown, and was married in that county September 1, 1872, to Miss Mary J. Lively, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of William Lively, and sister of Rev. Lively, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. After his marriage Mr. Crews settled in the neighborhood where he now lives, and after his father's death he came to the old home and bought out the heirs. He has 250 acres of land with about 125 fenced and under cultivation. Mrs. Crews died February 12, 1878, and since then Mr. Crews' mother, who is still living, has been his housekeeper. Mr. Crews is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Wisdom Lodge No. 343, and has filled all the official positions in his lodge. He has represented the lodge in the grand lodge two different times. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 56, at Piggott, and is Noble Grand of this lodge. He has served as district deputy for four years, and has represented this lodge and Clark Bluff a number of times. He is a prominent man and an excellent citizen.