Martin Jenkins Crawford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Jenkins Crawford
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| Member of the C.S. Congress from Georgia |
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| In office February 8, 1861 – February 17, 1862 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1855 – January 23, 1861 |
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| Preceded by | Alfred Colquitt |
| Succeeded by | Nelson Tift |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office 1845–1847 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | March 17, 1820 Jasper County, Georgia |
| Died | July 23, 1883 (aged 63) Columbus, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Martin Jenkins Crawford (born March 17, 1820 – died July 23, 1883) was an important figure in American history. He served as a U.S. Representative from Georgia before the American Civil War. During the war, he became a representative for the Provisional Confederate Congress. He also served as a judge in Georgia.
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Early Life and Education
Martin J. Crawford was born on March 17, 1820, in Jasper County, Georgia. He went to school at Brownwood Institute and later at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. After finishing his studies, he decided to become a lawyer. In 1839, he passed his exams and became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Hamilton, Georgia, where he also worked in farming.
Political Career Before the War
From 1845 to 1847, Martin Crawford served in the Georgia House of Representatives. This was his first step into politics. In 1849, he moved to Columbus, Georgia. The next year, in May 1850, he was chosen as a delegate to a special meeting in Nashville.
In 1854, Crawford became a judge for the superior courts of the Chattahoochee area. He served in this role from February to November of that year.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
Later in 1854, Martin Crawford was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Georgia's 2nd congressional district as a member of the Democratic Party. He was re-elected two more times, serving in Congress from March 4, 1855, until January 23, 1861.
He resigned from Congress because Georgia decided to leave the Union on January 22, 1861. This was a major event leading up to the Civil War.
During the Civil War
After leaving the U.S. Congress, Crawford was elected to the Confederate Provisional Congress. He served there from January 1861 to February 22, 1862. Jefferson Davis, who was the President of the Confederate States, also appointed Crawford as a special representative to the United States in Washington, D.C..
Joining the Confederate Army
In May 1862, Martin J. Crawford helped create the 3rd Regiment, Georgia Cavalry. This group supported the Confederate States Army. They fought alongside the Army of Tennessee. Under Crawford's leadership, the 3rd Regiment saw action in Kentucky.
Later, during a campaign near New Haven, most of the regiment was captured. The remaining soldiers fought in the Battle of Stones River. The regiment was later reorganized under a new commander. The Georgia 3rd Regiment finally surrendered on April 26, 1865, along with the rest of the Army of Tennessee.
Later Years as a Judge
After the Civil War ended, Martin Crawford returned to his legal career. On October 1, 1875, he became a judge of the superior court of the Chattahoochee area again. He was reappointed in 1877 and continued to serve as a judge until he resigned on February 9, 1880.
The very next day, he was appointed to a vacant position on the Supreme Court of Georgia. He served on this high court until his death. Martin J. Crawford passed away in Columbus, Georgia, on July 23, 1883. He was buried in Linwood Cemetery in that city.
