Pike County  Georgia Obits Captain Frank L. Crenshaw
Spanish-American war

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Lynn Cunningham  lcunnin1@bellsouth.net 

Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/pike.htm
Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm

A Georgia Hero

The following editorial which appeared in Tuesday’s
Constitution will be of interest to the many friends and
relatives of Captain Frank L. Crenshaw in this county
where he lived for several years and married the daughter
of Judge E.M. Eppinger of Molena.

Captain Frank L. Crenshaw, the gallant young Georgian who
lost his life in the Filipino ambuscade on the 5th of
June 1900, is one of the state’s most notable
contributions to that quota of bright names, such as
Bagley, Hobson and Blue, which gloriously illustrated
Southern bravery in the Spanish-American war.

The untimely death of this officer was all the more
tragic, since he had been nominated by the President for
the brevet rank both of major and lieutenant colonel of
volunteers, for distinguished conduct in action. His
personal and military qualities were such as there is no
doubt that had he survived the insurrection these signal
honors would have been eclipsed by deeds of greater
bravery and fidelity.

The government has further recognized Captain Crenshaw’s
gallant services by designating one of its permanent
fortifications by his name. It will be remembered that
but a few days ago, his colonel, William E. Birkhimer,
wrote The Constitution commending this action and
expressing the high esteem in which the young man had
been held in the regiment.

Following Captain Crenshaw’s death, Colonel Birkhimer
issued an official order of which the following tribute
is an extract:

He inspired his company with his own indomitable spirit,
it following him cheerfully, knowing not fatigue, through
morass or over mountain in quest of the foe. It was in
one of the engagements incident to this life of constant
scouting that he received the would [which] it is
supposed caused his death. He died like the soldier he
was. His example incites to gallant deeds and devotion to
duty. however arduous. It is left to us to emulate that
example. As a mark of respect to his memory the officers
of the regiment will wear a net of crepe upon the sword
hilt for the period of thirty days.

(Transcribed by Lynn Ballard Cunningham 9/5/02)