Emmet Crawford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emmet Crawford
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Emmet Crawford - Portrait taken 1876
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| Born | December 22, 1844 Pennsylvania |
| Died | January 18, 1886 (aged 41) near Nacori, Mexico |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1886 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  71st Pennsylvania Infantry 3rd U. S. Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Emmet Crawford (born December 22, 1844 – died January 18, 1886) was a brave American soldier. He started as a regular soldier and worked his way up to become an officer. He is best known for his time serving in the Arizona Territory. There, he worked with General George Crook in the United States Cavalry. Emmet Crawford was killed in January 1886 while chasing the famous Apache leader Geronimo in Mexico.
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Early Life and Family
Emmet Crawford was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1844. He was the second of four sons born to William and Jemima Crawford. He had an older brother named Charles and two younger brothers, Zachariah and Henry. As he grew up, Emmet remained especially close to his brother Zachariah.
A Soldier's Journey
Joining the Civil War
When he was only 16, Emmet Crawford lied about his age to join the Union Army in May 1861. He became part of the 71st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. He fought in many important battles during the American Civil War. These included the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Fredericksburg.
In the spring of 1863, Emmet was wounded during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg. He was sent back to Philadelphia to recover. While he was getting better, he went to a special school. This school trained white officers to lead United States Colored Troops, which were African American soldiers. After recovering, he rejoined the army. He became a first lieutenant, leading colored troops.
Serving in the West
After the Civil War ended, Emmet Crawford continued his military career. In 1871, he joined the 3rd Cavalry as a first lieutenant. He was sent to Fort Verde in the Arizona Territory.
Fighting in the Sioux Wars
In 1872, Crawford's unit, the 3rd Cavalry, moved north. Their mission was to fight the Sioux people in Nebraska and Wyoming Territory. He was stationed at Fort Robinson.
In the summer of 1876, the 3rd Cavalry, led by General George Crook, went to Montana Territory. They were part of a plan to make the Sioux return to their reservations. On June 17, 1876, Crook's forces were attacked by the Sioux at Rosebud Creek. After a long battle, Crook's troops retreated. Just a few days later, on June 25, another famous battle happened nearby. Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and all his men were killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
After these events, Crawford spent two years recruiting new soldiers. He then returned to the 3rd Cavalry in Nebraska.
Working with Apache Scouts
In 1882, the 3rd Cavalry moved to Arizona to deal with the Apache people. Crawford was assigned to Fort Thomas. In September 1882, General Crook put Crawford in charge at the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. His job was to work with the local agent to keep peace. He also helped the Apache people become self-supporting.
Crawford started enlisting and training Apache people as scouts. These Apache scouts proved to be very valuable during a campaign in 1883. Crawford cared deeply about the Apache people being treated fairly. This sometimes caused disagreements with others.
The Pursuit of Geronimo
Later, Emmet Crawford was called back to deal with Geronimo, a famous Apache leader. Geronimo and his group had gone into Mexico. The U.S. cavalry was allowed to cross the border to chase them.
In December 1885, Crawford led a group of Apache scouts and a few officers into Mexico. He stopped to tell the Mexican authorities that they were chasing Geronimo. Then, they continued into the rugged Sierra Madre mountains.
On January 9, 1886, the Apache scouts found Geronimo's camp. They attacked the next morning. Geronimo's group fled, leaving behind their supplies. Geronimo then sent an old woman to Crawford to talk. They agreed to meet the next morning.
Crawford's Tragic Death
The next morning, Mexican soldiers attacked Crawford's camp. These soldiers were led by Mauricio Corredor. Crawford tried to stop them by waving a white handkerchief, but he was shot in the head.
An Apache scout named Dutchy bravely pulled the badly wounded Crawford to safety. Dutchy then killed the Mexican soldier who shot Crawford. He also killed the Mexican commander. Emmet Crawford did not die right away, but he never woke up again.
On January 13, Lieutenant Marion Maus met with Geronimo. He managed to get some of Geronimo's group to surrender. Geronimo also agreed to meet General Crook in two months. Lieutenant Maus then carried the wounded Crawford back towards the border. Sadly, Emmet Crawford passed away on January 18, 1886. He was buried in a small village in Mexico.
Crawford's death almost caused another war between the United States and Mexico. However, after an official investigation, no further action was taken. General Crook did meet with Geronimo later, but Geronimo did not surrender at that time. Crook believed that if Crawford had not been killed, he would have succeeded in getting Geronimo to surrender.
Final Resting Place
Emmet Crawford's body was later moved and reburied in Kearney, Nebraska. This was where his younger brother, Zachary, lived. Emmet had never married, so Zachary and his family were his closest relatives. His funeral in Nebraska was one of the largest the state had ever seen.
In 1908, Emmet Crawford's former army friends, many of whom were now generals, asked his sister-in-law if his body could be moved again. They wanted him to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. On December 1, 1908, Emmet Crawford was reburied with full military honors. His grave is marked by a tall marble stone.
Lasting Legacy
The town of Crawford, Nebraska, was named after Emmet Crawford in 1886. In 1986, Emmet's descendants were invited to the town's 100th birthday celebrations. They even served as grand marshals in the parade!
Fort Crawford in Colorado was also named after him in 1886.
Interesting Facts
- Emmet Crawford is mentioned in many books about the American Indian Wars. You can also see him in many old photographs from that time.
- One of the original buildings at Fort Robinson, where officers lived, is named after him.
- An actor named Jeremy Slate played Emmet Crawford in a 1979 TV movie called Mr. Horn.
