Goodspeed's Biography of James H. Crutchfield, Grant Co, AR

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Submitted by: Jackie Dill <JJDILL1@aol.com>
        Date: 27 Jul 2003

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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Hon. James H. Crutchfield, well known throughout Grant County, was
born in Pickens County, Ala., October 16, 1823, and is the son of
James Crutchfield, a native of Virginia, born July 7, 1788.  He
remained there until 1810, then emigrated to South Carolina, and was
in the War of 1812.  After the war was over he taught school until
1814, when he met his wife, Rhoda Hance, who was a pupil of his.
Continuing in South Carolina until 1820, he then emigrated to
Pickens County, Ala., and lived in Alabama until 1841, moving thence
to Chickasaw County, Miss.  He died in 1855, mourned by all who knew
him, the country at large realizing that it had sustained a great
loss.  His estimable wife survived him until March 14, 1884.  Our
subject is one of nine children, seven sons, and two daughter, but
of this very interesting family only three brothers and one sister
are now living.  Mr. Crutchfield remained with his father until
twenty-two years old, receiving a good common-school education, and
that he did not waste his opportunities is clearly demonstrated by
the shrewdness he displays in all business he undertakes; and the
confidence that is reposed in him by every one all goes to show that
he is held in high esteem by those who know him.  In 1848 Mr.
Crutchfield, who for some time before had been farming, and
realizing that single life was not to his taste, chose for his
helpmate Amanda H. Symonds, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of
Henry Symonds, formerly of North Carolina.  Seven children blessed
their union:  William H., Josephine, George W., Margaret Jane,
Francis M., Thomas J., and Sarah Ann, and those that are married
live but a short distance from home.  Mr. and Mrs. Crutchfield are
members of the Baptist Church, Mr. Crutchfield joining in 1845 and
his wife the year following.  Up to 1858 he owned a fine farm in
Calhoun County, but sold it and moved to Saline County, Ark.,
settling in Davis Township, where he now resides.  He first bought
and improved a farm, but sold it after a time and bought that where
he now resides, containing some 420 acres; he formerly had 1,100
acres, but has given to his children, and now has 100 acres open
land in fine condition.  A good double-log house, stables, etc.,
indicate thrift and prosperity.  Mr. Crutchfield also owns a cotton-
gin, from which he receives good returns, and an orchard of peaches
and apples yields excellent crops.  Our subject has just cause to be
proud of the positions he has held as bailiff, deputy sheriff, and
also justice of the peace for two years, and in 1868 he was again
elected justice of the peace of Davis Township, Grant County.  He
served two terms, and 1876 was elected county and probate judge,
serving two terms in that capacity, and in the fall of 1882 was
elected representative of Grant County, and served for one term.
Since then Judge Crutchfield (which title he wears with dignity) has
retired from the political arena.  Though a public man all his life,
he has never in any way neglected his private interests or his farm,
which is one of the finest in the country.  The Judge is a deacon in
his church, and was made a Mason in 1866, now being a Master Mason. 
His very name is a synonym of all that is generous, upright and
honest.