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Martin Jenkins Crawford
Martin J. Crawford.jpg
Member of the C.S. Congress
from Georgia
In office
February 8, 1861 – February 17, 1862
Preceded by Position established
Succeeded by Position abolished
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Georgia's 2nd district
In office
March 4, 1855 – January 23, 1861
Preceded by Alfred Colquitt
Succeeded by Nelson Tift
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
In office
1845–1847
Personal details
Born (1820-03-17)March 17, 1820
Jasper County, Georgia
Died July 23, 1883(1883-07-23) (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 Confederate States of America Colonel.png 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.

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

Hon. Crawford - NARA - 528697
Rep. Martin Jenkins Crawford

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.

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