Benjamin Crowley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Crowley
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|---|---|
| Born | 1758 |
| Died | 1842 (aged 83–84) |
| Resting place | Shiloh Cemetery at Crowley's Ridge State Park |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Settler |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Annie Wiley |
Benjamin Crowley II (born around 1758, died 1842) was an important early settler in Arkansas. He is famous for helping to establish Crowley's Ridge, a unique landform named after him. He also played a big role in founding Greene County, Arkansas.
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Who Was Benjamin Crowley?
Benjamin Crowley was born in Halifax County, Virginia. His parents were Benjamin Crowley I and Sarah Strong. By 1787, his family had moved to Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
Family Life
On December 15, 1795, Benjamin married Catherine Annie Wiley. Catherine was born around 1771 in Augusta County, Virginia. She passed away in 1850 in what is now Walcott, in Greene County, Arkansas. Benjamin and Catherine had eight children together.
Moving to Arkansas
In 1808, Benjamin Crowley received a special document called a land patent for 200 acres (about 81 hectares) in Christian County, Kentucky. This document officially gave him ownership of the land. He was listed as living there in the 1810 census.
By 1817, Benjamin had moved to Lawrence County, Arkansas. He was involved in managing his son John's estate there.
Settling New Land
On October 12, 1819, Benjamin Crowley bought land on the Spring River. He paid $200 for this property. He was already living there at the time.
On November 27, 1820, Benjamin received a special land grant of 160 acres (about 65 hectares). This was a "land bounty" given to him for his service in the War of 1812. He served as a "Matross," which was a type of soldier who helped load and fire cannons. This land was located in Phillips County, Arkansas.
In 1821, Benjamin Crowley moved to and founded the settlement that would become Crowley's Ridge. He also helped establish the Post Office for Greene County, Arkansas in 1832. Greene County itself was officially formed in 1833.
Benjamin Crowley's Legacy
Benjamin Crowley passed away in 1842. He is buried at Pioneer Cemetery, also known as Shiloh Cemetery. This cemetery is now part of Crowley's Ridge State Park.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many structures at Crowley's Ridge State Park. They also created a monument at Benjamin Crowley's burial site.
Benjamin Crowley was very important in the early history of Arkansas. He helped create Greene County, Arkansas. He was also the first postmaster for the county and founded its first church. Many of his family members still live on Crowley's Ridge today.
His original land is now Crowley's Ridge State Park. This park is a very popular place for visitors. Arkansas also built the Crowley's Ridge Parkway. This road connects many parks and attractions across eastern Arkansas.
His Children
Benjamin and Catherine had the following children:
- Thomas Crowley (1796 – before 1829)
- Samuel Crowley (1798 – 1837)
- John Crowley (1800 – 1816)
- Wiley Crowley (1803 – around 1847)
- Polly Crowley (1805 – around 1841)
- Benjamin Crowley III (1807 – before 1830)
- Margaret Crowley (1810 – ?)
- Sarah Crowley (1812 – ?)
