Biography of Augustus A. Crawford, Saline Co, AR

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        Date: 25 May 2002
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SOURCE: Goodspeed's History of Saline County
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Capt. Augustus A. Crawford, county and probate judge of Saline County, and also
a prominent planter of that locality, was born in Rhea County, East Tenn.,
March 31, 1838, and is a son of Robert B. and Olivia (Howard) Crawford, whose
birth occurred in the same State in 1808 and 1817, respectively. The parents
were married there in the year 1820, making it their home until 1833, when they
moved to Russell County, Ala., where the father died in 1813, the mother
afterward marrying a Mr. Lockhard, who died some years later. She has since
remained a widow and resides in Georgia at the present time with a daughter.
Her father, Abraham Howard, of Virginia, was one of the earliest settlers of
Rhea County, Tenn., and a prosperous farmer of that place, where be resided
until his decease. The senior Crawford was also a farmer, and an influential
citizen of Rhea County during his residence in that place. He had three
brothers and two sisters living in Saline County, Ark., one of whom (Hon
William A. Crawford) at one time represented that county in the legislature,
and for six years was its sheriff. Augustus A. was the third of four sons and
one daughter born to his parents, all of whom, except himself, have died. One
brother (Rev. Robert B. Crawford, of Alabama) was among the most noted
Methodist divines in that State, and a man who spoke from the pulpit with
marvelous power. Augustus was the only son . who came to Saline County;
previous to settling here he had worked on a farm, having also for two years
taken up the carpenter's trade, which calling he followed at Benton and Little
Rock during the first year of his arrival. His advantages for schooling were
limited, as he had to work for the neighboring farmers during youth in order to
pay his, way, but his natural shrewdness and ability manifested themselves
sooner, perhaps, than if he had absorbed more book knowledge, and exercised
less talent. In March, 1860, he was married to Miss Martha J. Rowan, a daughter
of Thomas and Ruth Rowan, of Alabama, who were among the earliest settlers of
Saline County, where both parents died. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Crawford (four sons and six daughters), all of whom are living. Mr. Crawford
continued to reside in Benton and vicinity until 1874, when he settled on his
present place, now owning about 120 acres of productive land and has placed
sixty acres under cultivation. His prosperity is all due entirely to his
individual effort and good management, he having started in life for himself at
fourteen years of age with but little, if anything. He also owns another tract
of thirty seven acres, comprising some of the best land in this section, all
situated about six miles northeast of Benton. During the war he enlisted in
Company D, Eleventh Arkansas Infantry, operating principally in Missouri and
Tennessee, and after the battle of Belmont was promoted to the rank of captain.
On April 8, 1862, be was captured at Tiptonville and imprisoned at Camp Chase
for a short time, and then taken to Johnson's Island, where he was confined
until the following September, when he was taken to Vicksburg and exchanged. He
at once rejoined his regiment and was promptly made captain of the same
company, holding that rank until the close of the war. During his service Capt.
Crawford took part in the battles of Baker's Creek, Port Hudson, Jackson,
Miss., Clinton, La., Atlanta, Ga., and from there was sent buck into the
western territory to join Gen. Wirt Adams. In 1811 he was transferred to the
TransMississippi Department in Gen. Fagan's division, and operated in Arkansas
and Louisiana, and in May of the following year surrendered to Capt. L. B.
Nash, at Benton, who was then provost? marshal Capt. Crawford was at once
arrested for treason, but the case was nolleproscquied. From 1858 to 18(14) he
was deputy sheriff under his uncle. and from 18511 to 1800 was also tax
collector. He served as justice of the peace from 1878 to 188`? in Bryant
Township, and in 1884 was elected county and probate judge to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Judge Barton Howard. Since then he has been reelected
twice, and has filled the office with a dignity and wisdom that has never been
surpassed in Saline County. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and from 1880
to 1888 was a delegate to the State convention. In secret societies he is a
member of Bryant Lodge No. 441, A. F. & A. M., and is the present secretary of
his lodge. He and wife both attend the Missionary Baptist Church, and are
leaders in aiding all religious and other worthy j enterprises.