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{{Other people|George Crawford}}
  
{{Other people|George Crawford}}
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{{Infobox US Cabinet official
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{{Infobox officeholder
 
|honorific-prefix = The Honorable
  
|honorific-prefix = The Honorable
 
|name = George W. Crawford
  
|name = George W. Crawford
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|successor2 =[[George W. Towns]]
  
|successor2 =[[George W. Towns]]
 
|state3 =Georgia
  
|state3 =Georgia
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|district3 =[[Georgia's at-large congressional district|at-large]]
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|district3 =at-large
 
|term_start3 =January 7, 1843
  
|term_start3 =January 7, 1843
 
|term_end3 =March 3, 1843
  
|term_end3 =March 3, 1843
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|children = William Peter Crawford<br/>Sarah MacIntosh Crawford<br/>Anna Elizabeth Crawford<br/>Charles Crawford
  
|children = William Peter Crawford<br/>Sarah MacIntosh Crawford<br/>Anna Elizabeth Crawford<br/>Charles Crawford
 
|parents = Peter Crawford<br/>Mary Ann Crawford
  
|parents = Peter Crawford<br/>Mary Ann Crawford
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|alma_mater = College of New Jersey<br />[[Franklin College of Arts and Sciences]]
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|alma_mater = College of New Jersey<br />Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
 
|profession = Lawyer, Politician
  
|profession = Lawyer, Politician
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|religion =
 
−
|signature =
 
 
}}
  
}}
   
 
'''George Walker Crawford''' (December 22, 1798 – July 27, 1872) was a licensed attorney turned politician from Columbia County, Georgia. Crawford was appointed attorney general for the state in 1827, by Governor [[John Forsyth (Georgia)|John Forsyth]], serving in that capacity until 1831. Crawford also served five years in the $3's lower house as a representative of Richmond County on a [[Party platform|platform]] of state's rights.
  
'''George Walker Crawford''' (December 22, 1798 – July 27, 1872) was a licensed attorney turned politician from Columbia County, Georgia. Crawford was appointed attorney general for the state in 1827, by Governor [[John Forsyth (Georgia)|John Forsyth]], serving in that capacity until 1831. Crawford also served five years in the $3's lower house as a representative of Richmond County on a [[Party platform|platform]] of state's rights.
   
−
George Crawford served in the U.S. House of Representatives, filling the seat vacated by [[Richard W. Habersham]] who died while in office. Crawford was elected Georgia's 38th [[List of Governors of Georgia|governor]] – serving two terms from 1843–47. He became the only Whig Party candidate in state history to occupy the [[Georgia Governor's Mansion|Governor's Mansion]]. Crawford also served as [[United States Secretary of War]] from 1849–50.<REF name="congressbio"/>
 +
George Crawford served in the U.S. House of Representatives, filling the seat vacated by [[Richard W. Habersham]] who died while in office. Crawford was elected Georgia's 38th governor – serving two terms from 1843–47. He became the only Whig Party candidate in state history to occupy the [[Georgia Governor's Mansion|Governor's Mansion]]. Crawford also served as [[United States Secretary of War]] from 1849–50.<ref name="congressbio"/>
   
−
Crawford's time in [[US President|President]] [[Zachary Taylor]]'s cabinet was marred by speculation regarding a [[probate]] [[land claim|claim]] he settled for [[George Galphin]]'s heirs. Crawford received a [[gratuity]] of ''substantial [[remuneration]]'' for his services' Crawford's political adversaries framed it, as the ''[[Galphin Affair]]'' – marking the end of Crawford's political aspirations. When President Taylor unexpectedly died while in office, Crawford resigned his position as Secretary of War and entered political retirement.
 +
Crawford's time in [[US President|President]] [[Zachary Taylor]]'s cabinet was marred by speculation regarding a probate [[land claim|claim]] he settled for [[George Galphin]]'s heirs. Crawford received a [[gratuity]] of ''substantial [[remuneration]]'' for his services' Crawford's political adversaries framed it, as the ''[[Galphin Affair]]'' – marking the end of Crawford's political aspirations. When President Taylor unexpectedly died while in office, Crawford resigned his position as Secretary of War and entered political retirement.
   
−
In 1861, however, Crawford was elected a delegate from Richmond County to the state's [[Georgia General Assembly#Georgia Secession Convention|Secession Convention]] which brought him out of retirement to answer the call of his [[Constituent (politics)|constituent]]s. By the convention's first order of business, Crawford was elected ''Permanent President of the Convention'' by which he presided over Georgia's decision to secede from the [[United States|Union]].<REF name="gapedia"/>
 +
In 1861, however, Crawford was elected a delegate from Richmond County to the state's [[Georgia General Assembly#Georgia Secession Convention|Secession Convention]] which brought him out of retirement to answer the call of his constituents. By the convention's first order of business, Crawford was elected ''Permanent President of the Convention'' by which he presided over Georgia's decision to secede from the [[United States|Union]].<ref name="gapedia"/>
   
 
==Early life==
  
==Early life==
−
Crawford was born on December 22, 1798, in Columbia County, Georgia. He was the fourth son of Peter and Mary Ann Crawford. His father was a [[veteran]] of the [[American Revolutionary War]] from [[Virginia]] who had settled in Georgia to claim a land share, known as a ''bounty grant'', which the state of Georgia had set aside for "those who had fought for independence".<REF name="peterc"/>
+
Crawford was born on December 22, 1798, in Columbia County, Georgia. He was the fourth son of Peter and Mary Ann Crawford. His father was a [[veteran]] of the [[American Revolutionary War]] from Virginia who had settled in Georgia to claim a land share, known as a ''bounty grant'', which the state of Georgia had set aside for "those who had fought for independence".<ref name="peterc"/>
  ⚫
{{anchor|Peter Crawford}}''Peter Crawford'' acquired a sizable [[Land lot|tract]] of land that he called ''Belair Plantation''. The [[Homestead Acts|homestead]] was situated close to his [[uncle]], [[Joel Crawford]]. Peter's uncle Joel fathered [[William H. Crawford]], soon becoming a politician renowned locally for his political service to the state and for two presidential bids – running in 1816, and then again in 1824.<ref name="ugagene"/>
   
  ⚫
George Crawford grew up on the family's estate, heavily influenced by his father, and his cousin William as well. George's father was a practicing attorney and George availed himself to the well-stocked personal library of his father while [[homeschooling]] his education. Peter Crawford also entered Georgia politics himself – beginning as Columbia County's first ''clerk of courts'' and becoming a 10-term representative in the $3.<ref name="peterc"/> George Crawford's cousin, William H. Crawford, was also becoming well known for his political service, and was the subject of local legend for two famous duels he had been a principal of.<ref name="wilduel"/>
⚫
{{anchor|Peter Crawford}}''Peter Crawford'' acquired a sizable [[Land lot|tract]] of land that he called ''Belair Plantation''. The [[Homestead Acts|homestead]] was situated close to his [[uncle]], [[Joel Crawford]]. Peter's uncle Joel fathered [[William H. Crawford]], soon becoming a politician renowned locally for his political service to the state and for two [[political campaign|presidential bid]]s – running in 1816, and then again in 1824.<ref name="ugagene"/>
  
   
  ⚫
George Crawford built on his homeschooling at the [[Princeton University#College of New Jersey|College of New Jersey]]'s school of law (''later becoming Princeton University''). Crawford graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1820, and subsequently completed an [[internship]] under the [[tutelage]] of [[Richard Henry Wilde]].<ref name="govofga"/> Crawford was licensed to practice law in 1822, and started a legal practice in Augusta partnering with [[Henry Harford Cumming|Henry H. Cumming]]. He went on to obtain a master's degree from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, the founding college of the University of Georgia. After graduating Franklin, Crawford served from 1824 to 1825, as a [[second lieutenant]] in the [[10th Georgia Regiment|10th Regiment]] of the [[Georgia Militia]].<ref name="gagovs"/>
⚫
George Crawford grew up on the family's estate, heavily influenced by his father, and his [[cousin]] William as well. George's father was a practicing attorney and George availed himself to the well-stocked personal library of his father while [[homeschooling]] his education. Peter Crawford also entered Georgia politics himself – beginning as Columbia County's first ''clerk of courts'' and becoming a 10-term representative in the $3.<ref name="peterc"/> George Crawford's cousin, William H. Crawford, was also becoming well known for his political service, and was the subject of local legend for two famous duels he had been a principal of.<REF name="wilduel"/>
  
   
  ⚫
In 1826, George Crawford married Mary Ann MacIntosh, having four children of the marriage: William Peter, Sarah MacIntosh, Anna Elizabeth, and Charles. George W. Crawford embarked on his political career the following year, accepting a gubernatorial appointment to become Georgia's attorney general.<ref name="govofga"/>
⚫
George Crawford built on his homeschooling at the [[Princeton University#College of New Jersey|College of New Jersey]]'s school of law (''later becoming Princeton University''). Crawford graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1820, and subsequently completed an [[internship]] under the [[tutelage]] of [[Richard Henry Wilde]].<ref name="govofga"/> Crawford was licensed to practice law in 1822, and started a legal practice in Augusta partnering with [[Henry Harford Cumming|Henry H. Cumming]]. He went on to obtain a master's degree from the [[Franklin College of Arts and Sciences]], the founding college of the University of Georgia. After graduating Franklin, Crawford served from 1824 to 1825, as a [[second lieutenant]] in the [[10th Georgia Regiment|10th Regiment]] of the [[Georgia Militia]].<REF name="gagovs"/>
  
−  
⚫
In 1826, George Crawford married Mary Ann MacIntosh, having four children of the marriage: William Peter, Sarah MacIntosh, Anna Elizabeth, and Charles. George W. Crawford embarked on his political career the following year, accepting a [[gubernatorial]] appointment to become Georgia's attorney general.<ref name="govofga"/>
  
   
 
==Attorney General of Georgia==
  
==Attorney General of Georgia==
−
Governor [[John Forsyth (politician)|John Forsyth]] appointed Crawford to succeed Thomas F. Wells as Georgia's attorney general in 1827. The following year, Crawford challenged [[Congressman]] Thomas E. Burnside, [[Ambrose Burnside]]'s uncle,<REF name="galegends"/> to a [[duel]] over published [[defamation]] Burnside had written about Crawford's father.
 +
Governor [[John Forsyth (politician)|John Forsyth]] appointed Crawford to succeed Thomas F. Wells as Georgia's attorney general in 1827. The following year, Crawford challenged Congressman Thomas E. Burnside, [[Ambrose Burnside]]'s uncle,<ref name="galegends"/> to a [[duel]] over published [[defamation]] Burnside had written about Crawford's father.
   
−
He shot Burnside dead in the infamous duel, prompting the state to pass new legislation; "forbidding persons involved in duels from holding office".<ref name="govofga"/> The restriction only applied to duels fought after the law was [[enacted]] and did not affect Crawford's career.<REF name="mcrc"/> He continued serving as attorney general until 1831, when he was succeeded by [[Charles J. Jenkins]].<REF name="gahist"/>
 +
He shot Burnside dead in the infamous duel, prompting the state to pass new legislation; "forbidding persons involved in duels from holding office".<ref name="govofga"/> The restriction only applied to duels fought after the law was [[enacted]] and did not affect Crawford's career.<ref name="mcrc"/> He continued serving as attorney general until 1831, when he was succeeded by [[Charles J. Jenkins]].<ref name="gahist"/>
   
 
===The code duello===
  
===The code duello===
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When George Crawford read the anonymous [[letter to the editor]] published in ''[[The Augusta Chronicle]]'' he was incensed by the prose – sharply criticizing the political views of his father, then declining in health. Crawford regarded it as an attack on his father's good name. Crawford demanded the newspaper editor give him the author's name but the editor refused, protecting Burnside's identity by telling Crawford the letter was from a woman, and that for this reason, he would not release the person's name.<ref name="galegends"/>
 +
When George Crawford read the anonymous [[letter to the editor]] published in ''The Augusta Chronicle'' he was incensed by the prose – sharply criticizing the political views of his father, then declining in health. Crawford regarded it as an attack on his father's good name. Crawford demanded the newspaper editor give him the author's name but the editor refused, protecting Burnside's identity by telling Crawford the letter was from a woman, and that for this reason, he would not release the person's name.<ref name="galegends"/>
   
 
Inexplicably, Burnside contacted Crawford telling him that he was the author. Crawford immediately challenged Burnside to a duel which Burnside accepted, although with reluctance.<ref name="galegends"/> The [[code duello]] was waning [[Popularity#in vogue|in vogue]] but it was still held as a measure which an honorable man was obliged to endure. Burnside was aspiring his own political career which showed promise of [[upward mobility]]. Burnside felt he would be shamed with dishonor if he refused, and in his era, without honor there was no career in politics.<ref name="galegends"/>
  
Inexplicably, Burnside contacted Crawford telling him that he was the author. Crawford immediately challenged Burnside to a duel which Burnside accepted, although with reluctance.<ref name="galegends"/> The [[code duello]] was waning [[Popularity#in vogue|in vogue]] but it was still held as a measure which an honorable man was obliged to endure. Burnside was aspiring his own political career which showed promise of [[upward mobility]]. Burnside felt he would be shamed with dishonor if he refused, and in his era, without honor there was no career in politics.<ref name="galegends"/>
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==Governor of Georgia==
  
==Governor of Georgia==
−
George W. Crawford was the Whig Party's nominee for governor in 1843. Crawford defeated the Democratic nominee, [[Mark Anthony Cooper]], by a vote of 38,813 to 35,325<ref name="govofga"/> succeeding [[Charles James McDonald|Charles J. McDonald]] to become the first Whig candidate to serve as Georgia's governor (''as of 2014, he remains the only Whig governor''). The Whigs won a majority in both houses of the $3 in 1843, as well. Crawford was reelected in 1845, defeating Democratic challenger [[Matthew Hall McAllister|Matthew H. McAllister]] by a margin of 1,751 votes.<ref name="govofga"/>
+
George W. Crawford was the Whig Party's nominee for governor in 1843. Crawford defeated the Democratic nominee, [[Mark Anthony Cooper]], by a vote of 38,813 to 35,325<ref name="govofga"/> succeeding [[Charles James McDonald|Charles J. McDonald]] to become the first Whig candidate to serve as Georgia's governor (''as of 2014, he remains the only Whig governor''). The Whigs won a majority in both houses of the $3 in 1843, as well. Crawford was reelected in 1845, defeating Democratic challenger [[Matthew Hall McAllister|Matthew H. McAllister]] by a margin of 1,751 votes.<ref name="govofga"/>
−  
 
With the legislature's support, Crawford was able to effect the Whig's agenda which focused on debt reduction and fiscal restraint. Crawford's administration was able to reduce expenditures more than $66,000 in its first year and nearly eliminate the state's debt of $500,000 before being succeeded by [[George W. Towns]].<ref name="govofga"/> Besides implementing sound budget policy, Crawford was able to expand educational opportunities in the state and hasten construction of the state-owned [[Western and Atlantic Railroad]].
  
With the legislature's support, Crawford was able to effect the Whig's agenda which focused on debt reduction and fiscal restraint. Crawford's administration was able to reduce expenditures more than $66,000 in its first year and nearly eliminate the state's debt of $500,000 before being succeeded by [[George W. Towns]].<ref name="govofga"/> Besides implementing sound budget policy, Crawford was able to expand educational opportunities in the state and hasten construction of the state-owned [[Western and Atlantic Railroad]].
   
−
Crawford's administration established the [[Supreme Court of Georgia (U.S. state)|Supreme Court of Georgia]] as well, which had failed to be institutionalized for decades of previous effort.<ref name="govofga"/> He redrew the state's congressional maps, and reformed the state penitentiary – making it "a more economically sound institution". Crawford also succeeded at dismantling the [[central bank|Georgia Central Bank]], an important Whig campaign endeavor for years.
 +
Crawford's administration established the [[Supreme Court of Georgia (U.S. state)|Supreme Court of Georgia]] as well, which had failed to be institutionalized for decades of previous effort.<ref name="govofga"/> He redrew the state's congressional maps, and reformed the state penitentiary – making it "a more economically sound institution". Crawford also succeeded at dismantling the Georgia Central Bank, an important Whig campaign endeavor for years.
   
 
==Secretary of War==
  
==Secretary of War==
 
When [[Major general (United States)|General]] [[Zachary Taylor]] became [[President of the United States]] in 1849, he appointed Crawford [[United States Secretary of War]]. As War Secretary, he was involved in settling a claim from the United States government for the Galphin family, descendants of [[George Galphin]], an American businessman who specialized in [[Indian Trade]]. Crawford received a large payment for his services and several of his political foes seized upon the opportunity to suggest impropriety.
  
When [[Major general (United States)|General]] [[Zachary Taylor]] became [[President of the United States]] in 1849, he appointed Crawford [[United States Secretary of War]]. As War Secretary, he was involved in settling a claim from the United States government for the Galphin family, descendants of [[George Galphin]], an American businessman who specialized in [[Indian Trade]]. Crawford received a large payment for his services and several of his political foes seized upon the opportunity to suggest impropriety.
   
−
Crawford was subsequently investigated by a [[Government agency|commission]] and completely [[exonerated]] of any wrongdoing yet his critics continued casting aspersions.<ref name="govofga"/> Crawford resigned along with the rest of the [[Zachary Taylor#Administration and cabinet|Taylor administration]] in 1850, when [[Millard Fillmore]] became president after Taylor's sudden death while in office.
 +
Crawford was subsequently investigated by a commission and completely [[exonerated]] of any wrongdoing yet his critics continued casting aspersions.<ref name="govofga"/> Crawford resigned along with the rest of the [[Zachary Taylor#Administration and cabinet|Taylor administration]] in 1850, when [[Millard Fillmore]] became president after Taylor's sudden death while in office.
   
 
==Georgia Secession Convention==
  
==Georgia Secession Convention==
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|image=Ordinance of Secession Milledgeville, Georgia 1861.png
  
|image=Ordinance of Secession Milledgeville, Georgia 1861.png
 
|image_width=230px
  
|image_width=230px
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|image_caption=Facsimile of the 1861 [[Ordinance of Secession]] signed by delegates to the [[Georgia General Assembly#Georgia Secession Convention|Georgia Secession Convention]] at the [[state capitol|statehouse]] in Milledgeville, Georgia January 21, 1861
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|image_caption=Facsimile of the 1861 [[Ordinance of Secession]] signed by delegates to the [[Georgia General Assembly#Georgia Secession Convention|Georgia Secession Convention]] at the statehouse in Milledgeville, Georgia January 21, 1861
 
}}
  
}}
 
In 1861, Crawford was elected as a delegate from Richmond County, Georgia to the state's [[Georgia General Assembly#Georgia Secession Convention|Secession Convention]]. The delegation elected Crawford president of the convention by a unanimous vote<ref name="govofga"/> and he oversaw the state's vote of secession. As the convention's president, Crawford is considered the author of Georgia's [[Ordinance of Secession]], the official document announcing the state's formal intent to secede the federal [[US|Union]] – originally as an independent republic, ultimately to join the [[Confederate States of America]].
  
In 1861, Crawford was elected as a delegate from Richmond County, Georgia to the state's [[Georgia General Assembly#Georgia Secession Convention|Secession Convention]]. The delegation elected Crawford president of the convention by a unanimous vote<ref name="govofga"/> and he oversaw the state's vote of secession. As the convention's president, Crawford is considered the author of Georgia's [[Ordinance of Secession]], the official document announcing the state's formal intent to secede the federal [[US|Union]] – originally as an independent republic, ultimately to join the [[Confederate States of America]].
   
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The delegation approved the ordinance January 19, 1861, with 208 voting in favor of secession and 89 opposed. The delegates signed the document in celebratory fashion two days later in the [[public square]] in front of the [[state capitol|statehouse]] in Milledgeville where the convention was assembled. Crawford survived to witness the consequences of enacting the ordinance, [[lament|lamenting]] its cost in the shed blood of Georgia citizens rallied by the convention's call.
 +
The delegation approved the ordinance January 19, 1861, with 208 voting in favor of secession and 89 opposed. The delegates signed the document in celebratory fashion two days later in the public square in front of the statehouse in Milledgeville where the convention was assembled. Crawford survived to witness the consequences of enacting the ordinance, [[lament]]ing its cost in the shed blood of Georgia citizens rallied by the convention's call.
   
−
Crawford was to be tried for inciting a rebellion due to his role in presiding over the state's secession and was excluded from eligibility for both [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln]]'s and [[Andrew Johnson|Johnson]]'s amnesty proclamations because of his leadership status. Crawford escaped the harsh consequences of an [[adjudication]] of guilt in 1865, when Johnson approved his direct application for amnesty thereby restoring Crawford as a citizen of the United States in good stead – with full protection of his person and property against all forms of [[reprisal]].<REF name="confpapers"/>
 +
Crawford was to be tried for inciting a rebellion due to his role in presiding over the state's secession and was excluded from eligibility for both [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln]]'s and [[Andrew Johnson|Johnson]]'s amnesty proclamations because of his leadership status. Crawford escaped the harsh consequences of an [[adjudication]] of guilt in 1865, when Johnson approved his direct application for amnesty thereby restoring Crawford as a citizen of the United States in good stead – with full protection of his person and property against all forms of [[reprisal]].<ref name="confpapers"/>
   
 
==Death and legacy==
  
==Death and legacy==
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Crawford died on July 27, 1872, at his ''Belair'' estate, located near Augusta, Georgia. His funeral was held in [[St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Augusta, Georgia)|St. Paul's Episcopal Church]] and he was buried in [[Summerville Cemetery]] located in Augusta.<ref name="govofga"/>
+
Crawford died on July 27, 1872, at his ''Belair'' estate, located near Augusta, Georgia. His funeral was held in St. Paul's Episcopal Church and he was buried in [[Summerville Cemetery]] located in Augusta.<ref name="govofga"/>
  ⚫
On November 16, 1943, the keel was laid for the ''[[List of Liberty ships (G–Je)#George Walker Crawford|SS George Walker Crawford]]'', a [[liberty ship]] built by the [[J.A. Jones Construction|J.A. Jones Construction Company]] in Brunswick, Georgia honoring Crawford for his service to the state of Georgia. The ship was launched January 1, 1944, and delivered into federal service January 13, 1944.<ref name="AutoRQ-1"/>
−  
⚫
On November 16, 1943, the keel was laid for the ''[[List of Liberty ships (G–Je)#George Walker Crawford|SS George Walker Crawford]]'', a [[liberty ship]] built by the [[J.A. Jones Construction|J.A. Jones Construction Company]] in [[Brunswick, Georgia]] honoring Crawford for his service to the state of Georgia. The ship was launched January 1, 1944, and delivered into federal service January 13, 1944.<REF name="AutoRQ-1"/>
  
   
 
Crawford's biographer Len Cleveland said that in researching his material he observed that "Crawford's entire political career was motivated by a traditional sense of duty rather than by deep political convictions".<ref name="govofga"/> [[Robert Toombs]] spoke well of Crawford, Saying, "There are but few abler and no purer men in America, and he has administrative qualities of an unusually high order."<ref name="50wad"/>
  
Crawford's biographer Len Cleveland said that in researching his material he observed that "Crawford's entire political career was motivated by a traditional sense of duty rather than by deep political convictions".<ref name="govofga"/> [[Robert Toombs]] spoke well of Crawford, Saying, "There are but few abler and no purer men in America, and he has administrative qualities of an unusually high order."<ref name="50wad"/>
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<ref name="gahist">Jones, Charles Colcock; Dutcher, Salem (1890). <span class="plainlinks">[http://books.google.com/books?id=2fAxAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA246&lpg=PA246&dq=george+w+crawford+georgia&source=bl&ots=xjXiyLk9y1&sig=TwLF4UqzGSFCbWpA1A4TZ6M1Tt4&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hIHlUYOAEoSMqQH3iIHoCQ&ved=0CE8Q6AEwBzgK#v=onepage&q=george%20w%20crawford%20georgia&f=false Memorial History of Augusta, Georgia: from Its Settlement in 1735 to 1890]</span>. Syracuse, NY: D. Mason & Co., Publishers. Retrieved July 16, 2013.</ref>
  
<ref name="gahist">Jones, Charles Colcock; Dutcher, Salem (1890). <span class="plainlinks">[http://books.google.com/books?id=2fAxAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA246&lpg=PA246&dq=george+w+crawford+georgia&source=bl&ots=xjXiyLk9y1&sig=TwLF4UqzGSFCbWpA1A4TZ6M1Tt4&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hIHlUYOAEoSMqQH3iIHoCQ&ved=0CE8Q6AEwBzgK#v=onepage&q=george%20w%20crawford%20georgia&f=false Memorial History of Augusta, Georgia: from Its Settlement in 1735 to 1890]</span>. Syracuse, NY: D. Mason & Co., Publishers. Retrieved July 16, 2013.</ref>
   
−
<ref name="confpapers"><span class="plainlinks">[http://www.fold3.com/s.php#query=George+Crawford&t=59&p_place_usa=GA,none Confederate Amnesty Papers, Petitioner Surname: Crawford, Petitioner Given Name: George W]</span>. fold3.com. Retrieved July, 16, 2013.</ref>
 +
<ref name="confpapers"><span class="plainlinks">[http://www.fold3.com/s.php#query=George+Crawford&t=59&p_place_usa=GA,none Confederate Amnesty Papers, Petitioner Surname: Crawford, Petitioner Given Name: George W]</span>. fold3.com. Retrieved July 16, 2013.</ref>
   
−
<ref name="AutoRQ-1" name"libertyphoto">(January 1, 1944). <span class="plainlinks">[http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/meta/html/dlg/vsbg/meta_dlg_vsbg_jaj033.html?Welcome Photograph of Mrs. I. M. Aiken christening the Liberty ship George W. Crawford, J.A. Jones Construction Company shipyard, Brunswick, Georgia, 1944 Jan. 1?]</span>. usg.edu. Retrieved July 16, 2013.</ref>
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<ref name="AutoRQ-1 namelibertyphoto">(January 1, 1944). <span class="plainlinks">[http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/meta/html/dlg/vsbg/meta_dlg_vsbg_jaj033.html?Welcome Photograph of Mrs. I. M. Aiken christening the Liberty ship George W. Crawford, J.A. Jones Construction Company shipyard, Brunswick, Georgia, 1944 Jan. 1?]</span>. usg.edu. Retrieved July 16, 2013.</ref>
 
}}
  
}}
   
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{{s-off}}
  
{{s-off}}
 
{{succession box
  
{{succession box
−
|title=[[Attorney General of Georgia]]
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|title=Attorney General of Georgia
 
|before= Thomas F. Wells
  
|before= Thomas F. Wells
 
|after= [[Charles J. Jenkins]]
  
|after= [[Charles J. Jenkins]]
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}}
  
}}
 
{{succession box
  
{{succession box
−
|title=[[List of governors of Georgia|Governor of Georgia]]
 +
|title=Governor of Georgia
 
|before= [[Charles James McDonald|Charles J. McDonald]]
  
|before= [[Charles James McDonald|Charles J. McDonald]]
 
|after= [[George W. Towns]]
  
|after= [[George W. Towns]]

Revision as of 01:27, 15 October 2019

For other people named George Crawford, see George Crawford (disambiguation).
The Honorable
George W. Crawford
GeorgeWCrawford
Portrait of George W. Crawford
21st United States Secretary of War

In office
March 8, 1849 – July 23, 1850
President Zachary Taylor
Preceded by William L. Marcy
Succeeded by Charles M. Conrad
38th Governor of Georgia

In office
November 8, 1843 – November 3, 1847
Preceded by Charles J. McDonald
Succeeded by George W. Towns
Member of the United States House of Representatives
In office
January 7, 1843 – March 3, 1843
Preceded by Jabez Y. Jackson
Succeeded by Edward J. Black
Howell Cobb
Mark A. Cooper
Hugh A. Haralson
John B. Lamar
John H. Lumpkin
John Millen
William H. Stiles
Personal details
Born George Walker Crawford
(1798-12-22)December 22, 1798
Columbia County, Georgia, U.S.
Died July 27, 1872(1872-07-27) (aged 73)
Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
Political party Whig
Spouse(s) Mary Ann McIntosh Crawford
Children William Peter Crawford
Sarah MacIntosh Crawford
Anna Elizabeth Crawford
Charles Crawford
Parents Peter Crawford
Mary Ann Crawford
Alma mater College of New Jersey
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Profession Lawyer, Politician

George Walker Crawford (December 22, 1798 – July 27, 1872) was a licensed attorney turned politician from Columbia County, Georgia. Crawford was appointed attorney general for the state in 1827, by Governor John Forsyth, serving in that capacity until 1831. Crawford also served five years in the $3's lower house as a representative of Richmond County on a platform of state's rights.

George Crawford served in the U.S. House of Representatives, filling the seat vacated by Richard W. Habersham who died while in office. Crawford was elected Georgia's 38th governor – serving two terms from 1843–47. He became the only Whig Party candidate in state history to occupy the Governor's Mansion. Crawford also served as United States Secretary of War from 1849–50.[1]

Crawford's time in President Zachary Taylor's cabinet was marred by speculation regarding a probate claim he settled for George Galphin's heirs. Crawford received a gratuity of substantial remuneration for his services' Crawford's political adversaries framed it, as the Galphin Affair – marking the end of Crawford's political aspirations. When President Taylor unexpectedly died while in office, Crawford resigned his position as Secretary of War and entered political retirement.

In 1861, however, Crawford was elected a delegate from Richmond County to the state's Secession Convention which brought him out of retirement to answer the call of his constituents. By the convention's first order of business, Crawford was elected Permanent President of the Convention by which he presided over Georgia's decision to secede from the Union.[2]

Early life

Crawford was born on December 22, 1798, in Columbia County, Georgia. He was the fourth son of Peter and Mary Ann Crawford. His father was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War from Virginia who had settled in Georgia to claim a land share, known as a bounty grant, which the state of Georgia had set aside for "those who had fought for independence".[3] Peter Crawford acquired a sizable tract of land that he called Belair Plantation. The homestead was situated close to his uncle, Joel Crawford. Peter's uncle Joel fathered William H. Crawford, soon becoming a politician renowned locally for his political service to the state and for two presidential bids – running in 1816, and then again in 1824.[4]

George Crawford grew up on the family's estate, heavily influenced by his father, and his cousin William as well. George's father was a practicing attorney and George availed himself to the well-stocked personal library of his father while homeschooling his education. Peter Crawford also entered Georgia politics himself – beginning as Columbia County's first clerk of courts and becoming a 10-term representative in the $3.[3] George Crawford's cousin, William H. Crawford, was also becoming well known for his political service, and was the subject of local legend for two famous duels he had been a principal of.[5]

George Crawford built on his homeschooling at the College of New Jersey's school of law (later becoming Princeton University). Crawford graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1820, and subsequently completed an internship under the tutelage of Richard Henry Wilde.[6] Crawford was licensed to practice law in 1822, and started a legal practice in Augusta partnering with Henry H. Cumming. He went on to obtain a master's degree from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, the founding college of the University of Georgia. After graduating Franklin, Crawford served from 1824 to 1825, as a second lieutenant in the 10th Regiment of the Georgia Militia.[7]

In 1826, George Crawford married Mary Ann MacIntosh, having four children of the marriage: William Peter, Sarah MacIntosh, Anna Elizabeth, and Charles. George W. Crawford embarked on his political career the following year, accepting a gubernatorial appointment to become Georgia's attorney general.[6]

Attorney General of Georgia

Governor John Forsyth appointed Crawford to succeed Thomas F. Wells as Georgia's attorney general in 1827. The following year, Crawford challenged Congressman Thomas E. Burnside, Ambrose Burnside's uncle,[8] to a duel over published defamation Burnside had written about Crawford's father.

He shot Burnside dead in the infamous duel, prompting the state to pass new legislation; "forbidding persons involved in duels from holding office".[6] The restriction only applied to duels fought after the law was enacted and did not affect Crawford's career.[9] He continued serving as attorney general until 1831, when he was succeeded by Charles J. Jenkins.[10]

The code duello

When George Crawford read the anonymous letter to the editor published in The Augusta Chronicle he was incensed by the prose – sharply criticizing the political views of his father, then declining in health. Crawford regarded it as an attack on his father's good name. Crawford demanded the newspaper editor give him the author's name but the editor refused, protecting Burnside's identity by telling Crawford the letter was from a woman, and that for this reason, he would not release the person's name.[8]

Inexplicably, Burnside contacted Crawford telling him that he was the author. Crawford immediately challenged Burnside to a duel which Burnside accepted, although with reluctance.[8] The code duello was waning in vogue but it was still held as a measure which an honorable man was obliged to endure. Burnside was aspiring his own political career which showed promise of upward mobility. Burnside felt he would be shamed with dishonor if he refused, and in his era, without honor there was no career in politics.[8]

Dueling had already been outlawed in Georgia so the two belligerents, with their seconds, traveled together by train to Fort Mitchell, Alabama where the practice was still legal – to finish what by then had become a "well-publicized fight". Burnside seemed to have sensed the duel would not end in his favor, dispatching a letter to his wife on the eve of the fateful encounter:

Fort Mitchell, Jan. 24, 1828
Dear Wife and Mother:
    Tomorrow I fight. I do it on principle. Whatever may be my fate, I believe I am right. On this ground I have acted and will act. I believe I shall succeed, but if I do not I am prepared for consequences. Kiss the children and tell them that if I fall my last thought was of them. Yours most affectionatelyThomas E. Burnside[8]


Thomas E. Burnside was interred in the private burial ground of Colonel John Crowell, renowned for his participation in the War of 1812. The Colonel lived near the site where the duel had taken place and personally ensured every protocol of respect was accorded at Burnside's burial. Two weeks passed before Mrs. Burnside received word of her husband's demise. It was said that she nearly died herself from distraught upon receiving the news.[8]

She moved with her children to Dahlonega, Georgia, residing there until her death. Crawford carried regret for his role in what was called "a deplorable and unfortunate affair".[6] He was known to have made anonymous financial contributions to Burnside's widow and children[6] though he was remembered as saying it made no amends – and for having expressed lament shortly before his own death in 1872.[8]

Congressman

In 1837, Crawford was elected to the Georgia General Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives. There, Crawford distinguished himself as a fiscal conservative. He was elevated to the United States House of Representatives as a Whig to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Richard W. Habersham. His term there was short, only serving from January 7 to March 3, 1843.

Governor of Georgia

George W. Crawford was the Whig Party's nominee for governor in 1843. Crawford defeated the Democratic nominee, Mark Anthony Cooper, by a vote of 38,813 to 35,325[6] succeeding Charles J. McDonald to become the first Whig candidate to serve as Georgia's governor (as of 2014, he remains the only Whig governor). The Whigs won a majority in both houses of the $3 in 1843, as well. Crawford was reelected in 1845, defeating Democratic challenger Matthew H. McAllister by a margin of 1,751 votes.[6] With the legislature's support, Crawford was able to effect the Whig's agenda which focused on debt reduction and fiscal restraint. Crawford's administration was able to reduce expenditures more than $66,000 in its first year and nearly eliminate the state's debt of $500,000 before being succeeded by George W. Towns.[6] Besides implementing sound budget policy, Crawford was able to expand educational opportunities in the state and hasten construction of the state-owned Western and Atlantic Railroad.

Crawford's administration established the Supreme Court of Georgia as well, which had failed to be institutionalized for decades of previous effort.[6] He redrew the state's congressional maps, and reformed the state penitentiary – making it "a more economically sound institution". Crawford also succeeded at dismantling the Georgia Central Bank, an important Whig campaign endeavor for years.

Secretary of War

When General Zachary Taylor became President of the United States in 1849, he appointed Crawford United States Secretary of War. As War Secretary, he was involved in settling a claim from the United States government for the Galphin family, descendants of George Galphin, an American businessman who specialized in Indian Trade. Crawford received a large payment for his services and several of his political foes seized upon the opportunity to suggest impropriety.

Crawford was subsequently investigated by a commission and completely exonerated of any wrongdoing yet his critics continued casting aspersions.[6] Crawford resigned along with the rest of the Taylor administration in 1850, when Millard Fillmore became president after Taylor's sudden death while in office.

Georgia Secession Convention

Ordinance of Secession
Ordinance of Secession Milledgeville, Georgia 1861
Facsimile of the 1861 Ordinance of Secession signed by delegates to the Georgia Secession Convention at the statehouse in Milledgeville, Georgia January 21, 1861

In 1861, Crawford was elected as a delegate from Richmond County, Georgia to the state's Secession Convention. The delegation elected Crawford president of the convention by a unanimous vote[6] and he oversaw the state's vote of secession. As the convention's president, Crawford is considered the author of Georgia's Ordinance of Secession, the official document announcing the state's formal intent to secede the federal Union – originally as an independent republic, ultimately to join the Confederate States of America.

The delegation approved the ordinance January 19, 1861, with 208 voting in favor of secession and 89 opposed. The delegates signed the document in celebratory fashion two days later in the public square in front of the statehouse in Milledgeville where the convention was assembled. Crawford survived to witness the consequences of enacting the ordinance, lamenting its cost in the shed blood of Georgia citizens rallied by the convention's call.

Crawford was to be tried for inciting a rebellion due to his role in presiding over the state's secession and was excluded from eligibility for both Lincoln's and Johnson's amnesty proclamations because of his leadership status. Crawford escaped the harsh consequences of an adjudication of guilt in 1865, when Johnson approved his direct application for amnesty thereby restoring Crawford as a citizen of the United States in good stead – with full protection of his person and property against all forms of reprisal.[11]

Death and legacy

Crawford died on July 27, 1872, at his Belair estate, located near Augusta, Georgia. His funeral was held in St. Paul's Episcopal Church and he was buried in Summerville Cemetery located in Augusta.[6] On November 16, 1943, the keel was laid for the SS George Walker Crawford, a liberty ship built by the J.A. Jones Construction Company in Brunswick, Georgia honoring Crawford for his service to the state of Georgia. The ship was launched January 1, 1944, and delivered into federal service January 13, 1944.[12]

Crawford's biographer Len Cleveland said that in researching his material he observed that "Crawford's entire political career was motivated by a traditional sense of duty rather than by deep political convictions".[6] Robert Toombs spoke well of Crawford, Saying, "There are but few abler and no purer men in America, and he has administrative qualities of an unusually high order."[13]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Crawford, George Walker, (1798 - 1872). congress.gov. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  2. ↑ George W. Crawford (1798-1872). georgiaencyclopedia.org. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Seaborn, Barbara (May 04, 2005). Peter Crawford: Columbia County's first clerk of court. augusta.com. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  4. ↑ Crawford family genealogy. uga.edu. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  5. ↑ Knight, Lucian Lamar (1917). A Standard History of Georgia and Georgians, Volume 1. Lewish publishing Company. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 Cook, James F. (2005). The Governors Of Georgia: 1754-2004. Mercer University Press. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  7. ↑ Georgia Governor George Walker Crawford. nga.org. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Knight, Lucian Lamar (1880). Georgia's Landmarks, Memorials, and Legends ...: Under the code duello .... Harvard University Press. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  9. ↑ American President: A Reference Resource. millercenter.org. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  10. ↑ Jones, Charles Colcock; Dutcher, Salem (1890). Memorial History of Augusta, Georgia: from Its Settlement in 1735 to 1890. Syracuse, NY: D. Mason & Co., Publishers. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  11. ↑ Confederate Amnesty Papers, Petitioner Surname: Crawford, Petitioner Given Name: George W. fold3.com. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AutoRQ-1
  13. ↑ Fifty Waddel Academy Alumni (biographies). faithinwriting.com. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
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External links

United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Richard W. Habersham 		Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Georgia's at-large congressional district
January 7, 1843 – March 3, 1843
 Succeeded by
Edward J. Black
Howell Cobb
Mark A. Cooper
Hugh A. Haralson
John B. Lamar
John H. Lumpkin
John Millen
William H. Stiles
Political offices
Preceded by
Thomas F. Wells 		Attorney General of Georgia
1827–1831 		Succeeded by
Charles J. Jenkins
Preceded by
Charles J. McDonald 		Governor of Georgia
1843–1847 		Succeeded by
George W. Towns
Preceded by
William L. Marcy 		U.S. Secretary of War
Served under: Zachary Taylor
March 8, 1849 – July 22, 1850 		Succeeded by
Charles M. Conrad
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