Husband James Crews
Born: Abt 1776 - Virginia 442
Christened:
Died: 24 Mar 1824 - Wilkes County, Georgia
Buried:
Father: Stanley Crews
Mother: Agnes Martin 21
Marriage: 10 Jan 1822 443
Marr. Status: Death of Spouse
Wife Benedictine Mankin
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 F Susan Crews
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Stephen W. Barkwell
Marr: 13 Oct 1831
2 F Nancy J. Crews
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Stephen H. Willis
Marr: 15 Jan 1831 444
General Notes: Husband - James Crews
Dec. 6, 1831 Probate CREWS, JAMES dec'd. Benedictine Crews app. admx. Richard J. Willis app admr Dec. 6, 1831. Writ of dower in 236 acres on Clarks creek. Mrs. Benedictine Crews, wid of Jas. Crews, dec'd Mar. 24, 1824. John T. Crews, Richard J. Willis, gdn. Returns, paid board 1832, paid Mrs. B. Crews board 1833, and Jos. T. McLaughlin tuition. To money advanced him at Sardis, 1834. To half the amount of sale of land 1834 Pulaski Co. Returns of R. J. Willis gdn of the orphs for 1833. To expense of sale of a tract of land in Harris Co. May 1833 which was drawn by said orphs. Paid Stephen W. Barkwell husband of Susan Crews, Thos. N. Heard husband of Emily Crews, S. H. Willis husband of Nancy Crews, Benedictine Crews, wid of Jas. Crews, dec'd their distributive shares of above land and perishable property of the est all in 1833.
Husband James Crews
Born: 1819 - Camden Co., GA 7
Christened:
Died: Abt 1890 - Wayne County, GA 7
Buried:
Father: Alexander Crews
Mother: Lucy Dubois
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
General Notes: Husband - James Crews
CREWS, JAMES CREWS, JAMES [Will proved October, 1875] On 2 Feb 1808, Sarah J. Earl, the third daughter of John and Zebiah Watts Earl married James Crews , the oldest son of Gideon Crews. They lived near the Vance-Granville County lines in the Salem Community, and there are many of their descendants still living in Vance County. There is some disagreement about Sarah (or Sally)'s middle name. Most sources say she was Sarah Jones Earl, but my mother's notes call her Sarah Jane Earl. The first child of James and Sarah J. Crews was Allen Spencer Crews who died in infancy. The other nine children of this couple were Death of James A. Crews Martha Hunt was the daughter of David Hunt and Charity High Hunt. She married Little Jimmy Crews on 11 August 1834 and had 11 children plus a possible twelfth one that died in infancy. Name
James Crews was born in 1819 in Camden County, a son of Alexander Crews (Vol.II) by his second wife, Lucy. He married in 1840, to his cousin, Susan Crews, born 1820 in South Carolina, daughter of Isham and Mary Crews. They had the following children:
1. Mary Ann
2. Susannah
3. Randall
4. Nancy
5. Matilda deJ. b. 1848, never married.
6. Julia Ann
7. Martha Ann b. 1852, m. Andrew J. Cobb.
8. James
James Crews was a private in the Georgia militia in the Indian War, and served first, under Capt. James Jones in his company of Ware County militia, Aug. 26th to Sept. 15, 1840, then under Capt. H.E.W. Clark in his company of Camden County militia, from Sept. 14, 1840 to May 29, 1841.
The Crews home and farm was near the village of Hickox in lower Wayne County, now Brantley County. He died there about 1890. His wife, Susannah, was a member of High Bluff Primitive Baptist Church, into which she was baptized Jan. 13, 1844. She died a member.
Name: James Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 30 years
Birth Year (Estimated): 1820
Birthplace: South Carolina
Race: White
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1850
Event Place: Ware, Georgia, United States
Event Place (Original): Ware county, Ware, Georgia, United States
Household Identifier: 51
House Number: 51
Line Number: 24
Schedule Type: 1850 Population
Affiliate Film Number: 86
Affiliate Publication Number: M432
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Household
Susan Crews
Mary Crews
Susan Crews
Randal Crews
Nancy Crews
Matilda Crews
Digital Folder Number: 004191562
Microfilm Number: 442895
Image Number: 182
Indexing Batch: N01153-4
Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1850", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZYD-1HM : Thu Oct 16 06:47:20 UTC 2025), Entry for James Crews and Susan Crews, 1850.
Name: James Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 44
Birth Year (Estimated): 1816
Birthplace: South Carolina
Race: White
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1860
Event Place: Wayne, Georgia, United States
Event Place (Original): , Wayne, Georgia, United States
Page Number: 349
Affiliate Publication Number: M653
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Household
Cecelia Crews
Mary Ann Crews
Susan Crews
Randall Crews
Nancy Crews
Mitchell De Jane Crews
Julian Crews
Martha Ann Crews
James Crews
Digital Folder Number: 005165711
Microfilm Number: 803140
Image Number: 353
Indexing Batch: N01698-3
Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1860", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZMH-Q1G : Mon Jul 08 04:50:00 UTC 2024), Entry for James Crews and Cecelia Crews, 1860.
Name: James Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 61 years
Birth Year (Estimated): 1819
Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Relationship to Head of Household: Self (Self)
Father's Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Mother's Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1880
Event Place: District 335, Wayne, Georgia, United States
Event Place (Original): District 335, ED 97, Wayne, GA, United States
Household Identifier: 12780587
Person Number: 0
Sheet Letter: C
Sheet Number: 431
Volume: 1
Affiliate Film Number: 0171
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Household
Mary Crews
Freeman Crews
Digital Folder Number: 005157390
Microfilm Number: 1254171
Image Number: 246
Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1880", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8PW-FVN : Tue Oct 14 22:01:17 UTC 2025), Entry for James Crews and Mary Crews, 1880.
While searching the Mary Ann Crews/Seaborn Johns connection, I came across this piece from Ann Crews Hance which is too good to pass up:
James Crews (1819-1890) Son of Alexander Crews and Lucy Dubois, born in South Carolina. What a twisted tale this guy has to offer! The factual portion is that he did marry his cousin Susan Crews, daughter of Isham Crews and Mary Johnson. Another fact is that after Susan's death, he immediately married a 16 year old girl named Cecelia. What we do not know for certain is whether he is the same James Crews I have found on the 1880 Census married to yet another young girl, Mary Cooper. Even more scandalous than the 16 year old Cecelia, Mary was only 14 at the time of marriage and had given birth to young Freeman Crews. James may also have been married to yet another cousin previous to Susan; Sarah Crews, but that marriage did not produce any offspring.Based upon the Family Data Records as well as the US Federal Census Records, we know that James and Susan had at least 8 children; 6 girls and 2 boys. Mary Ann, Susannah, Randall, Nancy, and Matilda appear with James and Susan in Ware County, Georgia on the 1850 census. By 1860, Susan has died and James (age 50, but listing himself as 44) has marked that both he and Cecelia (who is 16) were married within the year; she is listed as his wife. Some of his children are still listed as living at home with him and "step mom" Cecelia; Mary Ann (who is 19), Susan (18), Randal (15), Nancy (14), Mitchell De Jane (who I believe is Matilda, age 11), Julie Ann (10), Martha Ann (8), and James (4). I can not imagine the humiliation felt by Mary Ann and Susannah, both older than their new "step mother", not to mention young Randal who was only 1 year her junior.I am unable to find a credible entry for James Crews in 1870, the reason for this may be that at the time he was involved in the military and his children may have been looked after by various family members. At this time I have no solid evidence of his military actions, however, several sources have mentioned that he was involved in the following:? Military Service: 14 SEP 1840 Cambridge Co. GA militia under Capt. H.E.W. Clark ? Military Service: 27 AUG 1840 Ware County militia under Capt. James Jones. Both are previous to 1870, however, assuming he was a military man, there is the possibility that he was involved in further actions in the 1870's.The last record I was able to locate for James was the 1880 US Federal Census. All of the children he had with Susan would have been long grown, however he is now listed with a new wife, Mary (35 years his junior). They have one child, Freeman, who is 12; making Mary about 14 years old when she gave birth to him in 1868. The 1880 Census is from Wayne County, Georgia and the James Crews is listed as having been born in exactly 1819. Other sources also cite James having been married to "Mary" as well, however, the Crews family was a large one and many cousins were present all over southeast Georgia with "James" being a popular name. There is no real way to prove whether or not this is him \endash but most evidence indicates that it was.Oh yes… and he was also a Farmer.*Portions of then Wayne County are now Brantley County, Georgia.Other Sources Include:Title: Ann Crews.ged.FTW Note: Source Media Type: Other Repository: Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 18, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: March 27, 1998 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #0484 Title: GEDCOM File : ~ATF0A2.ged Date: 16 Nov 2003 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 10, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: May 6, 1997 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #1598 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 13, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: August 14, 1997 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #2570 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 11, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: July 1, 1997 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #0642 Author: ANN CREWS HANCE Title: GEDCOM File : ladyhance@aol.ged Note: 3111 HANCE PARKWAY YULEE, FL 32097 Date: 28 Oct 1999 Title: Bryant L. Collier FTM Note: Source Media Type: Book Repository: Title: GEDCOM File : Crews 12-03.ged Date: 30 Mar 2000
My note: James can be found in 1870 as James Crues. I have all his census returns if interested. Cliff Johns
Husband James Crews
Born: 1819 - Camden Co., GA 7
Christened:
Died: Abt 1890 - Wayne County, GA 7
Buried:
Father: Alexander Crews
Mother: Lucy Dubois
Marriage: 1840 7
Wife Susan Crews
Born: 1820 - South Carolina 7,438
Christened: 13 Jan 1844 7
Died: Between 1856 and 1859
Buried:
Father: Isham Crews
Mother: Mary Johnson 399
Children
1 F Mary Ann Crews
Born: 1841 - Ware County, Georgia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Seaborn Johns
Marr: (Unmarried)
2 M Randall Colquitt Crews
Born: 14 Oct 1841 - Charlton Co., GA 7,445
Christened:
Died: Jun 1918 - Bacon County, GA 446
Buried: - Corinth Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery, Alma, Bacon, Georgia
Spouse: Lucretia Sweat 7
Marr: 6 Feb 1869 446
3 F Susannah Crews 25
Born: 1843 - Gardi, Wayne, Georgia 7
Christened:
Died: Oct 1917
Buried: - Moore Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, GA
Spouse: Jabez L. Dowling Jr.
Marr: 1865
4 F Nancy Crews
Born: 1846 - Wayne County, Georgia 129
Christened:
Died: - Blackshear, Pierce, Georgia
Buried:
Spouse: Jacob Leighton Altman 27
Marr: 25 Feb 1864 - Wayne County, Georgia 129
5 F Matilda Crews
Born: 1848 7
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
6 F Julia Ann Crews
Born: 1850 - Wayne County, Georgia 7
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Owen K. Harris 7
Marr: 14 Oct 1869 7
7 F Martha Ann Crews
Born: 1852 7
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
8 M James Crews Jr.
Born: 1856 - Wayne County, Georgia 7
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - James Crews
James Crews was born in 1819 in Camden County, a son of Alexander Crews (Vol.II) by his second wife, Lucy. He married in 1840, to his cousin, Susan Crews, born 1820 in South Carolina, daughter of Isham and Mary Crews. They had the following children:
1. Mary Ann
2. Susannah
3. Randall
4. Nancy
5. Matilda deJ. b. 1848, never married.
6. Julia Ann
7. Martha Ann b. 1852, m. Andrew J. Cobb.
8. James
James Crews was a private in the Georgia militia in the Indian War, and served first, under Capt. James Jones in his company of Ware County militia, Aug. 26th to Sept. 15, 1840, then under Capt. H.E.W. Clark in his company of Camden County militia, from Sept. 14, 1840 to May 29, 1841.
The Crews home and farm was near the village of Hickox in lower Wayne County, now Brantley County. He died there about 1890. His wife, Susannah, was a member of High Bluff Primitive Baptist Church, into which she was baptized Jan. 13, 1844. She died a member.
Name: James Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 30 years
Birth Year (Estimated): 1820
Birthplace: South Carolina
Race: White
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1850
Event Place: Ware, Georgia, United States
Event Place (Original): Ware county, Ware, Georgia, United States
Household Identifier: 51
House Number: 51
Line Number: 24
Schedule Type: 1850 Population
Affiliate Film Number: 86
Affiliate Publication Number: M432
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Household
Susan Crews
Mary Crews
Susan Crews
Randal Crews
Nancy Crews
Matilda Crews
Digital Folder Number: 004191562
Microfilm Number: 442895
Image Number: 182
Indexing Batch: N01153-4
Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1850", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZYD-1HM : Thu Oct 16 06:47:20 UTC 2025), Entry for James Crews and Susan Crews, 1850.
Name: James Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 44
Birth Year (Estimated): 1816
Birthplace: South Carolina
Race: White
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1860
Event Place: Wayne, Georgia, United States
Event Place (Original): , Wayne, Georgia, United States
Page Number: 349
Affiliate Publication Number: M653
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Household
Cecelia Crews
Mary Ann Crews
Susan Crews
Randall Crews
Nancy Crews
Mitchell De Jane Crews
Julian Crews
Martha Ann Crews
James Crews
Digital Folder Number: 005165711
Microfilm Number: 803140
Image Number: 353
Indexing Batch: N01698-3
Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1860", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZMH-Q1G : Mon Jul 08 04:50:00 UTC 2024), Entry for James Crews and Cecelia Crews, 1860.
Name: James Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 61 years
Birth Year (Estimated): 1819
Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Relationship to Head of Household: Self (Self)
Father's Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Mother's Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1880
Event Place: District 335, Wayne, Georgia, United States
Event Place (Original): District 335, ED 97, Wayne, GA, United States
Household Identifier: 12780587
Person Number: 0
Sheet Letter: C
Sheet Number: 431
Volume: 1
Affiliate Film Number: 0171
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Household
Mary Crews
Freeman Crews
Digital Folder Number: 005157390
Microfilm Number: 1254171
Image Number: 246
Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1880", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8PW-FVN : Tue Oct 14 22:01:17 UTC 2025), Entry for James Crews and Mary Crews, 1880.
While searching the Mary Ann Crews/Seaborn Johns connection, I came across this piece from Ann Crews Hance which is too good to pass up:
James Crews (1819-1890) Son of Alexander Crews and Lucy Dubois, born in South Carolina. What a twisted tale this guy has to offer! The factual portion is that he did marry his cousin Susan Crews, daughter of Isham Crews and Mary Johnson. Another fact is that after Susan's death, he immediately married a 16 year old girl named Cecelia. What we do not know for certain is whether he is the same James Crews I have found on the 1880 Census married to yet another young girl, Mary Cooper. Even more scandalous than the 16 year old Cecelia, Mary was only 14 at the time of marriage and had given birth to young Freeman Crews. James may also have been married to yet another cousin previous to Susan; Sarah Crews, but that marriage did not produce any offspring.Based upon the Family Data Records as well as the US Federal Census Records, we know that James and Susan had at least 8 children; 6 girls and 2 boys. Mary Ann, Susannah, Randall, Nancy, and Matilda appear with James and Susan in Ware County, Georgia on the 1850 census. By 1860, Susan has died and James (age 50, but listing himself as 44) has marked that both he and Cecelia (who is 16) were married within the year; she is listed as his wife. Some of his children are still listed as living at home with him and "step mom" Cecelia; Mary Ann (who is 19), Susan (18), Randal (15), Nancy (14), Mitchell De Jane (who I believe is Matilda, age 11), Julie Ann (10), Martha Ann (8), and James (4). I can not imagine the humiliation felt by Mary Ann and Susannah, both older than their new "step mother", not to mention young Randal who was only 1 year her junior.I am unable to find a credible entry for James Crews in 1870, the reason for this may be that at the time he was involved in the military and his children may have been looked after by various family members. At this time I have no solid evidence of his military actions, however, several sources have mentioned that he was involved in the following:? Military Service: 14 SEP 1840 Cambridge Co. GA militia under Capt. H.E.W. Clark ? Military Service: 27 AUG 1840 Ware County militia under Capt. James Jones. Both are previous to 1870, however, assuming he was a military man, there is the possibility that he was involved in further actions in the 1870's.The last record I was able to locate for James was the 1880 US Federal Census. All of the children he had with Susan would have been long grown, however he is now listed with a new wife, Mary (35 years his junior). They have one child, Freeman, who is 12; making Mary about 14 years old when she gave birth to him in 1868. The 1880 Census is from Wayne County, Georgia and the James Crews is listed as having been born in exactly 1819. Other sources also cite James having been married to "Mary" as well, however, the Crews family was a large one and many cousins were present all over southeast Georgia with "James" being a popular name. There is no real way to prove whether or not this is him \endash but most evidence indicates that it was.Oh yes… and he was also a Farmer.*Portions of then Wayne County are now Brantley County, Georgia.Other Sources Include:Title: Ann Crews.ged.FTW Note: Source Media Type: Other Repository: Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 18, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: March 27, 1998 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #0484 Title: GEDCOM File : ~ATF0A2.ged Date: 16 Nov 2003 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 10, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: May 6, 1997 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #1598 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 13, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: August 14, 1997 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #2570 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 11, Ed. 1 Publication: Release date: July 1, 1997 Note: Customer pedigree. Source Media Type: Family Archive CD Repository: Page: Tree #0642 Author: ANN CREWS HANCE Title: GEDCOM File : ladyhance@aol.ged Note: 3111 HANCE PARKWAY YULEE, FL 32097 Date: 28 Oct 1999 Title: Bryant L. Collier FTM Note: Source Media Type: Book Repository: Title: GEDCOM File : Crews 12-03.ged Date: 30 Mar 2000
My note: James can be found in 1870 as James Crues. I have all his census returns if interested. Cliff Johns
Husband James A. Crews
Born: 2 Jul 1785 - Granville County, North Carolina, USA
Christened:
Died: 28 Sep 1875 - Granville County, North Carolina, USA
Buried: - Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, Huntsboro, Granville County, North Carolina, USA
Father: Gideon Crews
Mother: Jemima Wicker
Marriage:
Wife Sarah J. Earl
Born: 4 May 1791
Christened:
Died: 17 Mar 1863
Buried: - Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, Hahira, Lowndes County, Georgia
Children
1 M James A. Crews
AKA: Tar River Jimmy Crews
Born: 15 May 1813 - Granville County, North Carolina, USA
Christened:
Died: 10 Aug 1892 - Granville County, North Carolina, USA
Buried: - James Crews Family Cemetery, Stem, Granville County, North Carolina
Spouse: Martha A. Hunt
Marr: 11 Aug 1834
2 M Ellijah T. Crews
Born: 10 Sep 1822
Christened:
Died: 27 Apr 1881
Buried: - Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, Huntsboro, Granville County, North Carolina, USA
General Notes: Husband - James A. Crews
"Know all men by these presents that I James Crews of the county of Granville and State of North Carolina do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit
1. I confirm to my children respectively all the advancements that I have heretofore made to them respectively.
2. I direct that all my land shall be divided into eight tracts of equal size and valued by three disinterested men selected by my Executors hereinafter named and distributed by ballot as follows: one share to my son James A. Crews, one share to my son Elijah T. Crews, one share to my son Edward N. Crews, one share to my daughter Rebecca A. Cheatham, widow of James Cheatham dec'd, one share to my daughter Martha M. Hunt, wife of Joseph P. Hunt, one share to my daughter Isabella J. Hicks wife of Benjamin W. Hicks, one share to my daughter Susan C. Hunt, wife of George W. Hunt and one share to my daughter Melissa F. Hester wife of William T. Hester.
3. I direct that my Executors shall sell all my personal property on credit or for cash as they may think proper and divide the proceeds together with the value of my real estate and all other personal property after payment of my debts into nine equal shares, one share of which shall be paid to the heirs of my daughter Mary E. Wright dec'd and the remainder equally distributed between my heirs herein before named in second clause above.
4. My Executors shall have the like privelege with all other persons of bidding for and purchasing any property sold by them
5. I nominate and appoint my son James A. Crews and my son-in-law Joseph P. Hunt Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annuling any and all other wills by me at any time hereterfore made.
"In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of January A.D. 1871
"Signed published and declared by the above named James Crews as, and for, his last will and testament in presence of us who in his presence and at his request have subscribed our names and witness hereto"
A. Landis
L. H. Paschall
(Signed) James Crews
His estate settlement included a $500 cash payment to a "Sarah Crews, widow, for all clames against said estate according to marriage contract." This was a large payment, almost equivalent to the amount each son and daughter received. His papers also contained a map/plat of James' land which, which was just SE of the church; and that a cemetery existed behind his house in the middle of this land.
Obituary of James Crews
TorchLight, Oxford, Granville County, North Carolina
October 12, 1875
Died on Tuesday morning, Sept. 28th, 1875, at his residence near Salem Church in Granville county, James Crews, aged 90 years and nearly two months, having been born July 2, 1785. Mr. Crews at the time of his death was doubtless the oldest white male citizen of Granville county. His career has been in many respects a remarkable one. Endowed by nature with a vigorous constitution and a sound mind, he married early and set out in life to carve out his fortune with no human aid but his wife, but carrying within a brave heart, a strong will and an implicit trust in God. He steadily and actively pursued a course of honest industry in the quiet, rural life of a farmer until he acquired an estate that enabled him to provide well for a large family of children and to secure for his declining years all the comforts which his simple habits required. He early connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and amid all its vicissitudes in Granville county he maintained to the end of life his devotion to her doctrines and mode of worship. He was literally the temporal father of Salem Church, for by his instrumentality it was founded, and until his children grew up around him and begun to take their places in the Church, and it was mainly through his support that it was sustained. Though devoted to the Church of his choice he was no bigot. There was nothing narrow contracted in his religious opinions. His great heart was too deep and too broad and his Christianity was too earnest to be confined within any mere sectarian limits. His religion was emphatically a religion of the heart. It was the great motor of his life; it was practical, earnest, diffusive. It consisted of a profound love for the God he worshiped, and a broad liberal christian charity for his fellow men, and as he approached the end of life, it seemed to shed upon his path-way a radiance of more than earthly splendor. His fondness for sacred music amounted to a passion. He purchased and presented to the Salem Church a handsome Cabinet Organ, and it was his great delight to sit near this his favorite instrument during divine service and on other occasions when opportunity offered, always with an attentive ear, and often were the big tears seen to roll down his cheeks as he would become enraptured by its sweet strains.
James Crews had passed away from earth. He is at home with his God his Savior. A heavenly harp and crown are his. His death gives no occasion for tears for he is infinitely happier than we, and he leaves to his children the rich legacy of a noble example and a stainless character. His whole life was a testimony to the truth of the christian religion, and truly may it be said of him, that he had fought the good fight, he had kept the faith and was ready to be offered up.
For several weeks before his death it was evident that his end was near. His body was unaltered by disease but was literally worn out with age. His mind was not clouded and his usual cheerfulness never forsook him to the last.
His funeral was preached at Salem Church on Wednesday afternoon the 29th ult., by Rev. J. R. Griffith from Psalms 58:11. "Verily there is a reward for the righteous." At the close of the sermon L. K. Willie pronounced a eulogy of the deceased after which the body was interred near the church.
There was present at these services a larger number of relatives of the deceased than was even known to be assembled on a similar occasion in Granville County. Mr. Crews has had more than one hundred lineal descendants, exclusive of those who may have been born in other States, and his family connections can scarcely be numbered. They all loved him dearly, and his influence upon them will be felt for good, to the latest generations of his posterity.
(bio by: RosalieAnn)
General Notes: Wife - Sarah J. Earl
- James A. Crews (Little Jimmy or Tar River Jimmy) who married Martha Hunt, a cousin of his brother-in-law and sister-in-law
- Mary E. Crews who married William O. Wright and moved to Tennessee,
- Rebecca A Crews who married James Cheatham
- Martha M Crews married Joseph Penn Hunt
- Elijah Thomas Crews who married Mary Parham
- Edward N. Crews who married Martha Parham (Mary's sister)
-Isabella Jane Crews who married Benjamin W. Hicks
- Susan Crews married George W. Hunt (Joseph's brother)
- Melissa F. Crews married Rev.William S. Hester
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23372454/sarah_j-crews: accessed December 2, 2025), memorial page for Sarah J. Earl Crews (4 May 1791\endash 17 Mar 1863), Find a Grave Memorial ID 23372454, citing Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, Huntsboro, Granville County, North Carolina, USA; Maintained by The Cemetery Lady (contributor 47893478).
Husband James A. Crews
AKA: Tar River Jimmy Crews
Born: 15 May 1813 - Granville County, North Carolina, USA
Christened:
Died: 10 Aug 1892 - Granville County, North Carolina, USA
Buried: - James Crews Family Cemetery, Stem, Granville County, North Carolina
Father: James A. Crews
Mother: Sarah J. Earl
Marriage: 11 Aug 1834
Wife Martha A. Hunt
Born: 5 Dec 1815 - Franklin County, North Carolina
Christened:
Died: 6 Jan 1892 - North Carolina
Buried: - James Crews Family Cemetery, Stem, Granville County, North Carolina
Children
General Notes: Husband - James A. Crews
From a transcript by John W. Hays.
Died at his house in Granville county on Wednesday the 10th of August, 1892, James A. Crews, in the 80th year of his age.
He was the oldest son of the late James Crews and Sallie (Earl) Crews of Granville County. His father, who died in 1875, at the advanced age of 90 years, belonged to a family who were the pioneers of Methodism in Granville, and was the principal founder of Salem Church on what is now the Oxford circuit. He left a large number of descendants reaching to the third and fourth generation, and nearly all have remained true to the teaching of their fathers.
James A. Crews was born May 15, 1813, and was married August 11, 1834, to Martha A. Hunt of (illegible) county. Of their marriage eleven children were born, nine of whom survive. His wife preceded him to the grave on the 6th of January, 1892.
Brother Crews had inherited a vigorous constitution and was remembered for his energy both of body and mind. He had a successful farm and by industry and economy had accumulated a good estate. For some years before his death his unusually robust health began to decline. He became a great sufferer from rheumatism, which emphasized with other disorders, terminated his life.
He was motivated to Christ and joined the Methodist church in early youth, and throughout his life was an earnest and (illegible) Christian. He was a man of decided convictions and of determined character. He loved the Truth and hated all that was false. He was a close student of the Bible and was deeply imbued with its teachings. He (illegible) (it?,if?) as an impregnable rock and the (illegible) of all excellence. He carried his religion with his daily life and made it his governing principle in all his business transactions. It comforted him in time of trouble, soothed his sorrow and was a constant source of sacred joy. It was the theme of much of his conversation and the joy that it offered to him he seemed ever anxious to impart to others. With an unfaltering faith in the efficacy of prayer and with a heart full of tender devotions, there was nothing that offered him so much happiness or awakened all his power to so full a (ae?, as?) living but to be at work in the service of a great religious revival. On such occasions he would often manifest a (spiritual?, penitential?) power in exhaustion and prayer that would reach the most callous heart. As approached the end of life he seemed to lose his hold upon all things earthly. He had arranged his business affairs with calmness and deliberation, and then placed them behind him, and was looking steadfastly forward to another life when he would meet the loved ones who had gone before and realize his brightest hopes in the presence of his Redeemer.
The land of Beulah and the (delectable?) mountains were constantly in view, and when he came to pass the work given his faith failed not. He whom he had trusted in health was still his (illegible) and support.
The grave has closed where his mortal remains. He leaves to his children his example of life without reproach; that of an honest man, a good citizen, a kind neighbor, a fearless and faithful soldier of Christ. His spirit has entered into that nest (rest?) prepared for the people of God.
His funeral was preached on the 11th inst. By his pastor, the Rev. John H. Hall, in the presence of a large (collection?, consensus?) of relatives and friends and his body laid to rest in the cemetery near his home.
Source: Frances B. Hays Collection, "Obituaries V", page 66. Richard H. Thornton Library, Oxford, North Carolina
The following is a complete, unedited transcription from a handwritten manuscript appearing in the volume described above. The manuscript is undated, but it is presumed that it was written shortly after the death of James A. Crews, which occurred on August 10th, 1892. The handwriting was very difficult to decipher, and where I have been unable to puzzle a word, I have indicated it as (illegible). Where a specific word or phrase can be presumed, I have included it in parenthesis with a question mark (?) to indicate a guess.
Transcription provided by Constance Hall Jones, Raleigh, North Carolina. April 22, 2015.
General Notes: Wife - Martha A. Hunt
Lorena Crews (Rogers), Sarah A. Crews who married William Lyon, Louisa J. Crews who married William D. Mitchell, David Goodman Crews who married Louisa Jane Fleming, Rebecca E. Crews, Robert T. Crews who married Annie T. Stark, Edward H. Crews who married Laura T. Horner, Caroline Frances Crews who married John Smith, Leroy Lafayette Crews who married Fannie Evelyn Johnston, Flora A Crews who married G. D. Best, and Albert A. Crews who married Martha Della Stark.
Oxford Public Ledger
Friday January 15, 1892
Death The Reaper
Mrs. J. A. Crews
Peaceful Sleep.
Mrs. Martha A. Crews, wife of J. A. Crews, died at her home in Granville county, January 6th, at the advanced age of 76 years and one month. She was the daughter of David Hunt and Charity Hunt and was born in Person County in 1815 and was married in 1834 to Mr. J. A. Crews which union was blessed with eleven children, all of whom are living save, one that died in infancy. This is the first death in the immediate family in more than forty years. She was sick only eight days and when the first taken with the grip, which afterwards terminated in pneumonia, it was thought she would soon be well; but her constitution was unable to withstand the disease and she "fell on sleep" and was gathered to her Fathers On Jan. 8th. She was laid to rest in the family cemetery in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends. Her funeral sermon was preached by the writer from Mark 14:8--?She hath done what she could.
No one who knew her could doubt the appropriateness of the text. She performed her work faithfully and in the spirit of her Master. She was not ostentatious, not did she court the applause of the world, but in a gentle, quiet ways she performed her allotted tasks looking to God for His praise and approval. But her work is now finished; it was fallen from her tired hands and she has gone to receive the reward promised by her Lord to the faithful servant.
Many that have entertained at the hospitable board of her husband and talked around the fireside in "converse sweet" with this modest, motherly woman have carried away with them a picture of a happy home presided over by one endowed with a gentle and lovable nature.
She was a faithful wife, proving her self "an helpmeet" indeed in the fifty-seven years of her married life. Her children will rise up and call her blessed as they remember her kind ministrations and her deeds of love for them, performed as only a mother can. Thank God we never grow too old to appreciate and love the best of all human friends----mother. She was also a mother in Israel for she loved the Kingdom of God and prized "Its sweet communion, solemn vows, Its hymns of love and praise."
She showed her love for her Savior by a pure and consistent life, thereby expressing "the holy Gospel she professed." She has gone from the church here to take her place in the triumphant church and join that company who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, in ascribing praise and honor unto Him who gave himself
as a ransom for them.
Rest, tired and weary pilgrim ! thy feet have completed their journey and we, who must travel a little longer, will join thee in our Father's house.
Husband James Barton Crews
Born: 28 Mar 1878 - Georgia
Christened:
Died: 21 Mar 1937 - Ware County, GA
Buried: - Smyrna Cemetery, Lulaton, Brantley, Georgia
Father: Isham L. Crews
Mother: Keziah Johns
Marriage: 18 Jun 1905 - Ware County, Georgia
Wife Georgia Rozier
Born: 22 Jul 1885
Christened:
Died: 28 Dec 1960
Buried: - Smyrna Cemetery, Lulaton, Brantley, Georgia
Children
1 F Mamie Crews
Born: 25 May 1906 - Georgia
Christened:
Died: 23 Nov 1936 - Augusta, Richmond Co., Georgia, USA
Buried: - Crawfordville, Taliaferro, Georgia
2 M Everett Randolph Crews
Born: 19 Sep 1907
Christened:
Died: 14 Aug 1943 - Waycross, Ware, Georgia, United States
Buried: - Smyrna Cemetery, Lulaton, Brantley, Georgia
3 F Catherine Corine Crews
Born: 21 Mar 1913 - Darien, McIntosh, Georgia
Christened:
Died: 21 Feb 1960 - Blackshear, Pierce, Georgia
Buried: 23 Feb 1960 - Oakland Cemetery, Waycross, Ware County, Georgia
4 F Sadie Crews
Born: 15 Nov 1914 - Blackshear, Pierce County, Georgia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
5 F Georgia Alice Crews
Born: 6 Dec 1918
Christened:
Died: 31 May 2011 - Waycross, Ware County, Georgia, USA
Buried: - Oakland Cemetery, Waycross, Ware County, Georgia
6 F Dorsey May Crews
Born: 22 Jun 1922 - Waynesboro, Burke, Georgia
Christened:
Died: 1 Nov 1922 - Augusta, Richmond Co., Georgia, USA
Buried:
7 M Stanley James Crews
Born: 2 Sep 1923 - Augusta, Richmond, Georgia
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
8 M Edgar Emerson Crews
Born: 5 Mar 1927 - Ware County, Georgia
Christened:
Died: 1 May 1977
Buried: - Smyrna Cemetery, Lulaton, Brantley, Georgia
9 F Frances Crews
Born: 6 Jan 1929 - Ware County, Georgia
Christened:
Died: 24 Nov 2012 - Waycross, Ware Co., Georgia, USA
Buried: - Greenlawn Cemetery, Waycross, Ware Co., Georgia, USA
General Notes: Husband - James Barton Crews
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James Crews's Parents and Siblings
Isham Crews
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Kizzie Crews
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John Crews
Brother
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