Toliver Craig Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Toliver Craig
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|
|---|---|
| Born |
Taliaferro Craig
c.1704 |
| Died | 1795 Woodford County, Kentucky, United States
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Tolliver Craig |
| Occupation | Landowner, militia officer and farmer |
| Known for | Early Kentucky pioneer and landowner; one of the defenders of Bryan Station |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary "Polly" Hawkins
(m. 1730) |
| Children | 12 |
| Parent(s) | Captain Ricardo Tagliaferro? and Jane Craig |
| Signature | |
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Toliver Craig Sr. (born Taliaferro Craig; around 1704–1795) was an important American pioneer and military officer in the 1700s. He was one of the first people to settle and own land near what is now Lexington, Kentucky. He also helped defend the fort of Bryan Station during the American Revolutionary War. This fort was attacked by British and Shawnee forces on August 15, 1782.
Craig and his family were among the first to join the Baptist Church in the Colony of Virginia. His sons, especially, shared their religious beliefs widely in the 1760s and 1770s. One of his sons, Rev. Lewis Craig, was even put in jail in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was jailed for preaching without a special permission from the official Anglican Church. This event was very important for religious freedom in America.
In 1781, Toliver, along with his sons Lewis and Joseph Craig, led a large group of 400-600 church members. This group was famously known as "The Travelling Church" and moved to Kentucky. Another younger son, Rev. Elijah Craig, worked with James Madison to make sure religious freedom was protected by law after the Revolutionary War. Elijah later joined his family in Kentucky, where he became a successful preacher, teacher, and businessman.
Toliver Craig Jr., another son, became a major landowner in Scott and Logan counties in Kentucky. He was also elected to serve as a representative in the Kentucky state legislature.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Toliver Craig Sr. was born Taliaferro Craig around 1704. His name was later changed to Toliver or Tolliver. He grew up to be a farmer and was part of the Virginia militia. In 1730, he married Mary "Polly" Hawkins. They had 12 children together.
Like many people at that time, Toliver and his family likely could not read or write. However, the Hawkins family was well-known in Virginia. This suggests that Toliver had a good standing in his community.
A Family of Faith
In the 1760s, Toliver Craig and his family became strong followers of the Baptist movement. Three of his sons, Elijah, Lewis, and Joseph Craig, became Baptist preachers. At that time, the Anglican Church was the official church in Virginia. Preaching without their permission was against the law.
Both Elijah and Lewis were put in jail in Fredericksburg, Virginia for preaching. Some stories say that Patrick Henry, a famous American patriot, defended them. However, historians are not sure if this is true.
Moving to Kentucky
Near the end of the American Revolution, Toliver Craig and his family moved to Kentucky. They were part of the famous "Travelling Church." This group included about 500 people and was led by his son, Rev. Lewis Craig. They arrived in December 1781, settling first at Gilbert's Creek.
The journey of "The Travelling Church" was seen by many as similar to Moses leading his people in the Bible. In April 1782, Craig, his wife Polly, and their many children and grandchildren lived briefly at Bryan Station fort. This fort was near what is now Lexington.
Heroic Defense of Bryan Station
On August 15, 1782, Bryan Station fort was attacked. A raiding party of British Canadians and Shawnee warriors, led by Captain William Caldwell and Simon Girty, surrounded the fort. Even though Toliver and his wife Polly were elderly, they were known for their bravery during the attack.
Mary "Polly" Craig, who was 66 years old, famously led a group of women outside the fort. They went to a spring to get water. This water was needed to put out burning arrows that were being shot at the fort. Their brave actions were honored in 1896. The DAR placed a memorial near the spring, naming all the Craig family members who defended the fort.
Later Life
After the war, Toliver Craig became an important landowner. He bought a large estate from John Bowman. He also gave a lot of his land to the Baptist church. Toliver Craig Sr. passed away in Woodford County, Kentucky in 1795.
