Ancestors of David M. Crews



picture
John J. Crews Sr. and Larceny Williams




Husband John J. Crews Sr.

         Born: 9 Feb 1873 - Baker County, Florida
   Christened: 
         Died: 16 Jul 1947 - Sanderson, Baker County, Florida
       Buried:  - Taylor Cemetery, Baker County, Florida


       Father: John Cone Crews
       Mother: Martha Johns


     Marriage: 1896



Wife Larceny Williams

         Born: 12 Oct 1880
   Christened: 
         Died: 9 Dec 1911
       Buried:  - Taylor Cemetery, Taylor, Baker County, Florida, US


Children
1 M Andrew Jackson Crews

         Born: 15 Feb 1901 - Glen Saint Mary, Baker County, Florida, USA
   Christened: 
         Died: 2 Jul 1974
       Buried:  - Ft Myers Cemetery, Ft Myers, Lee County, Florida



2 F Cecil C. H. Crews

         Born: 18 Oct 1903
   Christened: 
         Died: 26 Oct 1980
       Buried:  - Taylor Cemetery, Baker County, Florida
       Spouse: Tate Powell Sr.
         Marr: 1934


3 M John Paul Crews

         Born: 11 Jan 1906
   Christened: 
         Died: 23 Apr 1985
       Buried:  - Woodlawn Cemetery, Baker County, Florida



4 M Daniel Benjamin Crews

         Born: 18 Apr 1911 - Florida
   Christened: 
         Died: 9 Aug 1976 - Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida
       Buried:  - Taylor Cemetery, Baker County, Florida
       Spouse: Gladys Stringer



General Notes: Husband - John J. Crews Sr.

Name:John J Crews
Titles and Terms:
Event Type:Census
Event Date:1940
Event Place:Election Precinct 3, Baker, Florida, United States
Sex:Male
Age:67
Marital Status:Divorced
Race (Original):White
Race:White
Relationship to Head of Household (Original):Father
Relationship to Head of Household:Father
Birthplace:Florida
Birth Year (Estimated):1873
Last Place of Residence:Rural, Baker, Florida
District:2-5
Family Number:145
Sheet Number and Letter:8B
Line Number:76
Affiliate Publication Number:T627
Affiliate Film Number:574
Digital Folder Number:005449565
Image Number:00103


HouseholdRoleSexAgeBirthplace
John Paul CrewsHeadM34Georgia
Minnie CrewsWifeF28Georgia
Hubert CrewsSonM11Florida
Lynwood CrewsSonM8Florida
Sherron CrewsDaughterF0Florida
John J CrewsFatherM67Florida



Citing this Record:
"United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTH3-M13 : accessed 18 August 2018), John J Crews in household of John Paul Crews, Election Precinct 3, Baker, Florida, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 2-5, sheet 8B, line 76, family 145, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 574.

Baker County Press, July 1947

John J Crews, 74, Will Be Buried At Taylor Friday at 11
John J. Crews, 74, died Wednesday afternoon, 16th, at 4:00 o'clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse W. Raulerson of Taylor, with whom he had been staying for several months. Mr. Crews was a leading citizen and former member of the School Board from the Macclenny school district. He was a life-long citizen of Baker County, being born and retired near Baxter.
Mr. Crews suffered a stroke of paralysis a number of years ago and this was followed by another stroke Monday night, complicated with an attack of pneumonia. He never rallied from these attacks but gradually passed away
Funeral services will be conducted at Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Taylor, of which he had long been a faithful and consistent member at 11 A. M. Friday.
Elder Everett Johns of Taylor and Elder W. R. Rhoden of Macclenny, will conduct the services. Burial will follow in Taylor Cemetery. Pall bearers will be B. T. Rhoden, C. C. Eddy, Dewey Fish, Henry Rhoden, Lawton Conner and Arthur Yarborough.
Mr. Crews is survived by a large family connection, the immediate family being five sons, A. J. (Ander) Crews, Fort Myers; J. Paul Crews, Macclenny; Daniel B. Crews and J. J. Crews, Jr., Gainesville; Broward (Tiny) Crews, Macclenny; three daughters Mrs. J. J. Dowling (Lilia), Taylor; Mrs. Tate Powell (Cecil), Macclenny; Mrs. Powers Williams (Nova), Jacksonville; three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Crews, Mrs. John Raulerson (Martha or "Mattie") and Miss Sevilla Crews, St. George, Ga.; 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
The body will be at the home of Mrs. Powell in Macclenny from Thursday afternoon until time for the funeral service. Friends of the family in invited to call.


General Notes: Wife - Larceny Williams

Grand-daughter of John Daniel "Jocham" Williams & Rebecca Sweat Williams; daughter of James Jasper Williams & Sarah Bennett Williams; Sister of lewellyn L (Ped), James Harney, Jefferson, George P, Ottis, Courtney Williams Combs, Clara Williams, Nona Williams Lyles, & Cora Williams Thompson; Wife of John J. Crews, Sr.; mother of Andrew Jackson, John Paul, Daniel, Eulalia Crews Dowling, Cleopatria Crews Dowling, Cecil Crews Harris Powell, & Nova Crews Williams

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23520659/john_j-crews: accessed November 3, 2024), memorial page for John J Crews Sr. (9 Feb 1873\endash 16 Jul 1947), Find a Grave Memorial ID 23520659, citing Taylor Cemetery, Taylor, Baker County, Florida, USA; Maintained by Elaine Wilson Toomey (contributor 46951411).
picture

John Jackson Crews and Sabra Selina Dowling




Husband John Jackson Crews

          AKA: Jack
         Born: May 1823 - Wayne County, Georgia 139,439
   Christened: 
         Died: Abt 1897 - Brantley Co., GA 139
       Buried:  - Moore Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, GA


       Father: Isham Crews
       Mother: Mary Johnson 399


     Marriage: 29 Nov 1849 - Wayne County, GA 440



Wife Sabra Selina Dowling

         Born: 15 Aug 1833 - Wayne (now Brantley) County, Georgia 139,456
   Christened: 
         Died: Bef 1900 - Brantley Co., GA 139
       Buried:  - Moore Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, GA


       Father: Jabez Lazurus Dowling
       Mother: Honor Elizabeth Davis 25




Children
1 F Mary A. Crews

         Born: 1851 - Wayne County, GA 139
   Christened: 
         Died: 31 May 1930 - Hoboken, Brantley, Georgia 457
       Buried:  - Moore Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, GA
       Spouse: John Benjamin Johns Sr
         Marr: 25 Feb 1875 - Pierce County, Georgia 139


2 M Isham L. Crews

         Born: 10 Apr 1851 - Wayne County, GA 139
   Christened: 
         Died: 19 Sep 1929 - Hoboken, Brantley, Georgia, United States 441
       Buried: 20 Sep 1929 - Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Blackshear, Pierce County, Georgia
       Spouse: Keziah Johns
         Marr: Abt 1876 - Georgia
       Spouse: Missouri Frances Johns 139
         Marr: 1 Sep 1898 - Pierce Co., GA


3 F Eliza Lucinda Crews

         Born: 1853
   Christened: 
         Died: 1896
       Buried:  - Moore Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, GA



4 M James Crews

         Born: 27 Oct 1856 - Pierce County, GA
   Christened: 
         Died: 27 Jul 1928 - Brooker, Bradford, Florida
       Buried:  - New Hope Primitive Baptist Cemetery, LaCrosse, Alachua County, Florida, USA
       Spouse: Virginia Ella Harrell
         Marr: 1 Aug 1877 - Bradford County, Florida


5 M Samuel S. Crews

         Born: 23 Dec 1858 - Georgia 458
   Christened: 
         Died: 23 May 1928 - Brantley County, Georgia 458
       Buried: 24 May 1928 - Moore Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, GA



6 M David Lawton Crews

         Born: 24 Mar 1862
   Christened: 
         Died: 21 Oct 1945
       Buried:  - Moore Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, GA
       Spouse: Mary Roberson


7 M Perry S. Crews

         Born: 16 Apr 1862
   Christened: 
         Died: 6 Oct 1909
       Buried:  - Live Oak Methodist Church Cemetery, Atkinson County, Georgia, USA
       Spouse: Rhoda Guthrie


8 F Susan Crews

         Born: 3 Jun 1862 - Blackshear, Pierce County, Georgia, USA
   Christened: 
         Died: 25 Jul 1933 - Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, USA
       Buried:  - Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, USA
       Spouse: John DuBose


9 M John B. Crews

         Born: 1863 - Pierce Co., GA
   Christened: 
         Died: 17 Aug 1931 - Pierce Co., GA
       Buried: 
       Spouse: Litha Early Johns
         Marr: 24 May 1888 - Pierce County, GA 140


10 M William Crews

         Born: 1866
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 



11 M Cain C. Crews

         Born: 1870
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 



12 M Benjamin Brantley Crews

         Born: 9 Aug 1873 - Georgia
   Christened: 
         Died: 6 Mar 1960 - Pierce Co., GA
       Buried:  - Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Pierce County, Georgia, USA
       Spouse: Mary Dixon


13 F Jane Crews

         Born: 1875
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 




General Notes: Husband - John Jackson Crews

CREWS, JOHN.1823-1897 BRANTLEY

John Crews (better known as "Jack" Crews) was born May 1823 in Wayne (now Brantley) County, a son of Isham and Mary Crews who emigrated to that county a few years before from Colleton County, S.C. He was married Nov. 29, 1849, to Sabra Dowling, born 1834 in Wayne County, daughter of Jabez L. Dowling (Vol.III). They had thirteen children, viz:

1. Mary b. 1851, m. John B. Johns, Feb. 25, 1875.
2. Isham b. 1852, m. 1st. Keziah Johns, dau. of James B.; 2nd. Missouri Johns, her sister.
3. Eliza- b. 1853, m. Edward Carew, Oct. 17, 1880.
4. James b. 1855, m. Virginia Harrell.
5. Susan b. 1858, m. John DuBose.
6. John B. b. 1859, m. Earlie Johns.
7. David Lawton b. 1861, m. Mary Roberson, Nov. 27, 1882.
8. Perry b. 1863, m. (unknown).
9. William b. 1866, m. Elizabeth Thornton. No issue.
10. Samuel b. 1868, m. Margaret Hunter.
11. Cain C. b. 1870, m. Laura DuBose.
12. Brantley b. 1873, m. Mary Dixon.
13. Jane b. 1875, m. Samuel Griffin.

John Crews died about 1897, and his wife before 1900; they were buried in the Moore Cemetery near their old home in present Brantley County; graves unmarked.

Jack and Sabra enumerated 1850 Ware County Census
Name: John Crews
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1850
Event Place: Ware county, Ware, Georgia, United States
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Marital Status:
Race (Original):
Race:
Birthplace: Georgia
Birth Year (Estimated): 1824
House Number: 43
Family Number: 43
Line Number: 12
Affiliate Publication Number: M432
Affiliate Film Number: 86
GS Film number:442895
Digital Folder Number:004191562
Image Number: 00181
HouseholdGenderAgeBirthplace
John CrewsM26 Georgia
Labray CrewsF16 Georgia
Sources

"United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MZYD-GTZ : accessed 04 Oct 2013), John Crews, 1850.

Name:Isham Crews
Titles and Terms:
Event Type:Census
Event Date:1860
Event Place:Wayne, Georgia, United States
Gender:Male
Age:8
Race:White
Race (Original):
Occupation:
Birth Year (Estimated):1852
Birthplace:Georgia
Page:349
Household ID:208
Affiliate Name:The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number:M653
Affiliate Film Number:140
GS Film Number:803140
Digital Folder Number:005165711
Image Number:00353


HouseholdRoleSexAgeBirthplace
Jno CrewsM38Georgia
Sabra CrewsF27Georgia
Mary CrewsF9Georgia
Isham CrewsM8Georgia
Eliza CrewsF7Georgia
James CrewsM5Georgia
Susan CrewsF2Georgia
John B CrewsM1Georgia



Citing this Record:
"United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZMH-7MF : 13 December 2017), Isham Crews in entry for Jno Crews, 1860.
Name: John Crews
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1880
Event Place: District 590, Pierce, Georgia, United States
Gender: Male
Age: 56
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Farmer
Race (Original): W
Ethnicity: American
Relationship to Head of Household: Self
Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Birth Date: 1824
Spouse's Name: Sabia Crews
Spouse's Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Father's Name:
Father's Birthplace: South Carolina, United States
Mother's Name:
Mother's Birthplace: South Carolina, United States
Page: 594
Page Letter: D
Entry Number: 2761
Affiliate Film Number: T9-0161
GS Film number:1254161
Digital Folder Number:004240154
Image Number: 00193
HouseholdGenderAgeBirthplace
Self John CrewsM56 Georgia, United States
Wife Sabia CrewsF45 Georgia, United States
Dau Lizzie CrewsF25 Georgia, United States
Dau Susan CrewsF23 Georgia, United States
Son John CrewsM21 Georgia, United States
Son Perry CrewsM19 Georgia, United States
Daughter Rena CrewsF12 Georgia, United States
Son Sam CrewsM10 Georgia, United States
Daughter Jane CrewsF8 Georgia, United States
Son Wm CrewsM6 Georgia, United States
Grandson Brantley CrewsM4 Georgia, United States
Grandson Edward CrewsM1 Georgia, United States
Gdaughter Macey CrewsF1 Georgia, United States
Other John DuncanM21 Virginia, United States
Sources

Citing this Record

"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M8GL-X33 : accessed 04 Oct 2013), John Crews, 1880.

John Crews in household of John Crews, "United States Census, 1900"
Name: John Crews
Titles and Terms:
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1900
Event Place: ED 80 Militia District 584 Blackshear town, Pierce, Georgia, United States
Birth Date: May 1823
Birthplace: Georgia
Relationship to Head of Household: Father
Father's Birthplace: Georgia
Mother's Birthplace: Georgia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Widowed
Years Married:
Marriage Year (Estimated):
Mother of how many children:
Number of Living Children:
Immigration Year:
Page: 25
Sheet Letter: B
Family Number: 456
Reference ID: 71
GS Film number:1240216
Digital Folder Number:004120079
Image Number: 00179
HouseholdGenderAgeBirthplace
HeadJohn CrewsM41 Georgia
Wife Litha E Crews F39 Georgia
Dau Lilly E Crews F10 Georgia
Son Jerry E Crews M 9 Georgia
Dau Mary E Crews F 6 Georgia
Dau Martha Ann F 2 Georgia
Niece Ida S CaraughF15 Georgia
Father John CrewsM77 Georgia
Sources

"United States Census, 1900," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M3JY-TBQ : accessed 04 Oct 2013), John Crews in entry for John Crews, 1900.


General Notes: Wife - Sabra Selina Dowling

John Crews to Sabra Dowling, Nov. 29, 1849. Willia Brown, J. P.
picture

John L. Crews and Mariah Sears




Husband John L. Crews

         Born: 1826 - Camden County, Georgia 459
   Christened: 
         Died: 1896 - Belmont, Hamilton County, Florida
       Buried:  - Bethel Cemetery, Echols County, GA


       Father: Stephen Crews
       Mother: Elizabeth Larrisey


     Marriage: 



Wife Mariah Sears

         Born: 1834 - Ware County, Georgia 459
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried:  - Mount Zion Cemetery, Axson, Atkinson County, Georgia


       Father: Harrison Sears
       Mother: Harriet Tully




Children
1 M Harrison Crews

         Born: 9 Feb 1855 - Echols County, GA
   Christened: 
         Died: 15 Dec 1917
       Buried:  - Wayfair Cemetery, Bell, Gilchrist, FL
       Spouse: Emma Texas Shirley
       Spouse: Margianna Elizabeth Brady
         Marr: Abt 1886


2 F Annie Elizabeth Crews

         Born: 1858 - Charlton County, Georgia
   Christened: 
         Died: 1898 - Glynn County, Georgia
       Buried:  - High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA



3 F Harriet Crews

         Born: 1858
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 



4 F Caroline Crews

         Born: Oct 1865
   Christened: 
         Died: 1 Jun 1925
       Buried:  - Rock Sink Baptist Church Cemetery, Old Town, Dixie County, Florida



5 F Victoria Crews

         Born: Oct 1865 - Florida
   Christened: 
         Died: 1 Oct 1925 - Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida
       Spouse: Edward Eyre Williams



General Notes: Husband - John L. Crews

1860 Census Echols County, GA
162 CREWS, John L. M 33 GA Farmer RENT/585
Mariah F 26 GA Wife
Harrison M 5 GA
Elizabeth F 4 GA
Harriett F 2 GA

John L was a Private in the 1st Florida Cavalry E Company. The record states he lost a leg in Atlanta 10 August 1864 and he died in 88


General Notes: Wife - Mariah Sears

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/228916967/mariah-crews: accessed December 3, 2025), memorial page for Mariah Sears Crews (1834\endash unknown), Find a Grave Memorial ID 228916967, citing Mount Zion Cemetery, Axson, Atkinson County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by Kaz' (contributor 50044904).
picture

John Melton Crews and Lydia A. Smith




Husband John Melton Crews

          AKA: Doll Baby
         Born: 17 Aug 1906
   Christened: 
         Died: 7 Jan 1970
       Buried:  - High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA


       Father: Bryant C. Crews
       Mother: Olive Johns


     Marriage: 



Wife Lydia A. Smith

         Born: 22 Jun 1864 - Georgia
   Christened: 
         Died: 4 Jan 1938 - Racepond, Charlton County, Georgia
       Buried:  - High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA


Children

General Notes: Husband - John Melton Crews

(First Appeared in Sunday Magazine, Florida Times-Union, February 26, 1967)
October 12, 1928

WEDDING. An interesting event of the week was the marriage of Mr. J. Melton Crews, age 22, son of Mr. Bryant Crews, who resides on the Little Okefenokee, to Mrs. Lydia Stone, a blushing bride of 63 years, who is the best known character of Charlton County, being the owner of some 17,000 acres in the Racepond section of the Okefinokee Swamp, an accumulation of her own honest toil and frugal habits. The ceremony was performed in the courtroom at Masonic Hall by H.G. Gibson, Ordinary before an audience of a hundred and fifty friends and well-wishers of the happy couple who showered upon them their hearty congratulations. The groom has been assisting with the care of the large interest of Miss Lydia's for the past year or so and proved his ability in taking care of her interest in such a splendid way and won the esteem and affection of the lady. The bride, it is stated, said that having laid by in store a plenty for rainy days intends to enjoy her remaining years with her husband as their desires prompt them, the income being sufficient, while the landed estate will be kept intact. A lease on a part of the timber the past week supplied some $2,000.00 for honeymoon expenses and a handsome Chevrolet Sedan purchased by the bride for that occasion brought them to the wedding place and more than happily on their way back to their home near Racepond. The Herald wishes them all the joys that life has in store for those that can and are able to enjoy it.

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33896905/john_melton_%22doll_baby%22-crews: accessed December 29, 2024), memorial page for John Melton "Doll Baby" Crews (17 Aug 1906\endash 7 Jan 1970), Find a Grave Memorial ID 33896905, citing High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by d powell (contributor 48137798).


General Notes: Wife - Lydia A. Smith

Lydia Stone was the name she was best known by, but she was born Lydia Smith and died Lydia Crews, the name of her second husband.
Lydia Stone was known by such various nicknames as "Queen of the Okefenokee," "The Swamp Baroness," and simply "Miz Liddie."
In an interview in 1928, the simple-living millionairess told her formula for success: "When I was a girl, my `pappy' gave me and my sisters a cow and a sow apiece and told us if we would look after them we could make some money. Before the year was out, I made a few dollars off mine and had saved every penny of it. After another year I made enough to buy 45 acres of land. I got it dirt cheap. And as soon as I could save little money ahead, I would buy some timber land; until now, I own nearly 30,000 acres."
"I never went to school but six days and the pity of it is, I didn't learn anything in those six days. But a man ain't livin' that can outfigger me." All witnesses agreed that this woman's self-education in the fields of economics, business, timber and cattle placed her in as powerful position as the Indian chieftain Osceola, who once had roamed this area. Her loyalty to that childhood dream allowed the swamper very little time for anything else but her land, which she talked about constantly and expanded continually until the entire Racepond community was Miz Liddie's holdings.
The "Queen of the Okefenokee" died at her Racepond home on January 4, 1938; she was laid to rest beside her parents, a sister, and a former husband. And the tallest monument in the cemetery was erected to the unschooled woman who, once, very simply, stated the chief rule of finance: "I always said I could make $5 out of every $1 I could get my hands on. I believe anybody can if they're careful and not afraid to work." And her estate of over a million confirmed her philosophy.

(First Appeared in Sunday Magazine,
Florida Times-Union, February 26, 1967)
October 12, 1928

WEDDING. An interesting event of the week was the marriage of Mr. J. Melton Crews, age 22, son of Mr. Bryant Crews, who resides on the Little Okefenokee, to Mrs. Lydia Stone, a blushing bride of 63 years, who is the best known character of Charlton County, being the owner of some 17,000 acres in the Racepond section of the Okefinokee Swamp, an accumulation of her own honest toil and frugal habits. The ceremony was performed in the courtroom at Masonic Hall by H.G. Gibson, Ordinary before an audience of a hundred and fifty friends and well-wishers of the happy couple who showered upon them their hearty congratulations. The groom has been assisting with the care of the large interest of Miss Lydia's for the past year or so and proved his ability in taking care of her interest in such a splendid way and won the esteem and affection of the lady. The bride, it is stated, said that having laid by in store a plenty for rainy days intends to enjoy her remaining years with her husband as their desires prompt them, the income being sufficient, while the landed estate will be kept intact. A lease on a part of the timber the past week supplied some $2,000.00 for honeymoon expenses and a handsome Chevrolet Sedan purchased by the bride for that occasion brought them to the wedding place and more than happily on their way back to their home near Racepond. The Herald wishes them all the joys that life has in store for those that can and are able to enjoy it.

Lydia Stone was the name she was best known by, but she was born Lydia Smith and died Lydia Crews, the name of her second husband.
Lydia Stone was known by such various nicknames as "Queen of the Okefenokee," "The Swamp Baroness," and simply "Miz Liddie."
In an interview in 1928, the simple-living millionairess told her formula for success: "When I was a girl, my `pappy' gave me and my sisters a cow and a sow apiece and told us if we would look after them we could make some money. Before the year was out, I made a few dollars off mine and had saved every penny of it. After another year I made enough to buy 45 acres of land. I got it dirt cheap. And as soon as I could save little money ahead, I would buy some timber land; until now, I own nearly 30,000 acres."
"I never went to school but six days and the pity of it is, I didn't learn anything in those six days. But a man ain't livin' that can outfigger me." All witnesses agreed that this woman's self-education in the fields of economics, business, timber and cattle placed her in as powerful position as the Indian chieftain Osceola, who once had roamed this area. Her loyalty to that childhood dream allowed the swamper very little time for anything else but her land, which she talked about constantly and expanded continually until the entire Racepond community was Miz Liddie's holdings.
The "Queen of the Okefenokee" died at her Racepond home on January 4, 1938; she was laid to rest beside her parents, a sister, and a former husband. And the tallest monument in the cemetery was erected to the unschooled woman who, once, very simply, stated the chief rule of finance: "I always said I could make $5 out of every $1 I could get my hands on. I believe anybody can if they're careful and not afraid to work." And her estate of over a million confirmed her philosophy.

(First Appeared in Sunday Magazine,
Florida Times-Union, February 26, 1967)
October 12, 1928

WEDDING. An interesting event of the week was the marriage of Mr. J. Melton Crews, age 22, son of Mr. Bryant Crews, who resides on the Little Okefenokee, to Mrs. Lydia Stone, a blushing bride of 63 years, who is the best known character of Charlton County, being the owner of some 17,000 acres in the Racepond section of the Okefinokee Swamp, an accumulation of her own honest toil and frugal habits. The ceremony was performed in the courtroom at Masonic Hall by H.G. Gibson, Ordinary before an audience of a hundred and fifty friends and well-wishers of the happy couple who showered upon them their hearty congratulations. The groom has been assisting with the care of the large interest of Miss Lydia's for the past year or so and proved his ability in taking care of her interest in such a splendid way and won the esteem and affection of the lady. The bride, it is stated, said that having laid by in store a plenty for rainy days intends to enjoy her remaining years with her husband as their desires prompt them, the income being sufficient, while the landed estate will be kept intact. A lease on a part of the timber the past week supplied some $2,000.00 for honeymoon expenses and a handsome Chevrolet Sedan purchased by the bride for that occasion brought them to the wedding place and more than happily on their way back to their home near Racepond. The Herald wishes them all the joys that life has in store for those that can and are able to enjoy it.

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33896686/lydia_a-crews: accessed December 29, 2024), memorial page for Lydia A. "Queen of Okefenokee" Smith Crews (22 Jun 1864\endash 4 Jan 1938), Find a Grave Memorial ID 33896686, citing High Bluff Cemetery, Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by d powell (contributor 48137798).


picture

John North Crews and Elizabeth North




Husband John North Crews

         Born: 29 Mar 1844 - Ware County, Georgia 460,461
   Christened: 
         Died: 26 Nov 1929 - Watertown, Columbia, Florida 461,462
       Buried:  - Prospect Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Hamilton Co., Florida, USA 462


       Father: William B. Crews
       Mother: Martha M. North


     Marriage: 



Wife Elizabeth North

         Born: 11 Apr 1841 - Ware County, Georgia 463,464
   Christened: 
         Died: 1 Jun 1884 - Echols County, Georgia 464
       Buried:  - Bethel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Echols County, GA 465


       Father: John James North II
       Mother: Margaret Whiddon




Children
1 M Robert Stewart Crews 466

         Born: 22 Jun 1881
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 




General Notes: Husband - John North Crews

John North Crews married Elizabeth North b. 11 Apr 1841 in, Ware, Georgia d. 01 Jan 1883 in Echols, GA. She is buried in Boney Bluff Cemetery at the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Echols County, Georgia (near Fargo),near her in-laws, William B. and Martha Crews. They had one son, Robert Stewart Crews b. 22 June 1881. His second wife was, Syrene Fletcher. They had two children as follows Catherine "Katie" Crews b.abt 1890 and Thomas Drew "T.D." Crews b.1891-1974. In the 1910 Census, John and Syrene (listed as Serena) and their 2 children, Katie age 20 and Thomas D. Crews age 18 lived in White Springs, Hamilton, Florida.

Wounded CSA 11/30.1864 at Franklin TN. 1st Fla Calvary Regiment

Other information in the record of John N. Crews
from Florida Deaths
NameJohn N. Crews
Event Date06 Dec 1929
Event PlaceWatertown, Columbia, Florida
GenderMale
Race (Original)White
RaceWhite
Age (Original)85y
Birth DateMar 1844
BirthplaceGeorgia
Marital StatusWidowed
Spouse's NameSurena Crews
Father's NameBilly Crews
Father's BirthplaceGeorgia
Mother's NamePatsie North
Mother's BirthplaceGeorgia
OccupationRetired Farmer
Burial PlacePrescott
Burial Date07 Dec 1929
Additional RelativesX
Citing this Record
"Florida Deaths, 1877-1939," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FP38-HRS : 24 December 2014), Billy Crews in entry for John N. Crews, 06 Dec 1929; citing Watertown, Columbia, Florida, reference 18076; FHL microfilm 2,135,347.

John North Crews (1844-1929) married two women and had three kids in his life.

First Wife - Elizabeth North (1841 - 1883)
Buried- Boney Bluff Cemetery at the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Echols County, Georgia

Child
Robert Stewart Crews (b. 1881)

Second Wife - Syrene M Fletcher
Children
Catherine "Katie" Crews (b. abt 1890)
Thomas Drew "T.D." Crews (1891-1974)

In a 1910 Census, John and Syrene (written as Serena) and their 2 children, Katie, age 20, and Thomas D. Crews, age 18, lived in White Springs, Hamilton, Florida.

In John's application for a Confederate pension, it is noted that he enlisted as a private into Company E, 1st Florida Calvary, CSA on November 1, 1861 at White Springs, FL, and was mustered out on April 26, 1865 at Greensboro, North Carolina.

He was wounded in the back between his shoulder blades at Franklin, Tennessee on November 30, 1864 causing injury to his lungs.

Inscription
Company E - 1st Florida Calvary - Confederate States Army

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10299116/john_north-crews: accessed June 29, 2025), memorial page for John North Crews Sr. (29 Mar 1844\endash 26 Nov 1929), Find a Grave Memorial ID 10299116, citing Prospect Primitive Baptist Cemetery, White Springs, Hamilton County, Florida, USA; Maintained by Alton Christie (contributor 46630650).


General Notes: Wife - Elizabeth North

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/36697014/elizabeth-crews: accessed June 29, 2025), memorial page for Elizabeth North Crews (11 Apr 1841\endash 1 Jun 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 36697014, citing Boney Bluff Cemetery, Echols County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by JFJN (contributor 46976255).
picture

John North Crews and Syrene Fletcher




Husband John North Crews

         Born: 29 Mar 1844 - Ware County, Georgia 460,461
   Christened: 
         Died: 26 Nov 1929 - Watertown, Columbia, Florida 461,462
       Buried:  - Prospect Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Hamilton Co., Florida, USA 462


       Father: William B. Crews
       Mother: Martha M. North


     Marriage: 



Wife Syrene Fletcher

         Born: 
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 


Children

General Notes: Husband - John North Crews

John North Crews married Elizabeth North b. 11 Apr 1841 in, Ware, Georgia d. 01 Jan 1883 in Echols, GA. She is buried in Boney Bluff Cemetery at the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Echols County, Georgia (near Fargo),near her in-laws, William B. and Martha Crews. They had one son, Robert Stewart Crews b. 22 June 1881. His second wife was, Syrene Fletcher. They had two children as follows Catherine "Katie" Crews b.abt 1890 and Thomas Drew "T.D." Crews b.1891-1974. In the 1910 Census, John and Syrene (listed as Serena) and their 2 children, Katie age 20 and Thomas D. Crews age 18 lived in White Springs, Hamilton, Florida.

Wounded CSA 11/30.1864 at Franklin TN. 1st Fla Calvary Regiment

Other information in the record of John N. Crews
from Florida Deaths
NameJohn N. Crews
Event Date06 Dec 1929
Event PlaceWatertown, Columbia, Florida
GenderMale
Race (Original)White
RaceWhite
Age (Original)85y
Birth DateMar 1844
BirthplaceGeorgia
Marital StatusWidowed
Spouse's NameSurena Crews
Father's NameBilly Crews
Father's BirthplaceGeorgia
Mother's NamePatsie North
Mother's BirthplaceGeorgia
OccupationRetired Farmer
Burial PlacePrescott
Burial Date07 Dec 1929
Additional RelativesX
Citing this Record
"Florida Deaths, 1877-1939," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FP38-HRS : 24 December 2014), Billy Crews in entry for John N. Crews, 06 Dec 1929; citing Watertown, Columbia, Florida, reference 18076; FHL microfilm 2,135,347.

John North Crews (1844-1929) married two women and had three kids in his life.

First Wife - Elizabeth North (1841 - 1883)
Buried- Boney Bluff Cemetery at the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Echols County, Georgia

Child
Robert Stewart Crews (b. 1881)

Second Wife - Syrene M Fletcher
Children
Catherine "Katie" Crews (b. abt 1890)
Thomas Drew "T.D." Crews (1891-1974)

In a 1910 Census, John and Syrene (written as Serena) and their 2 children, Katie, age 20, and Thomas D. Crews, age 18, lived in White Springs, Hamilton, Florida.

In John's application for a Confederate pension, it is noted that he enlisted as a private into Company E, 1st Florida Calvary, CSA on November 1, 1861 at White Springs, FL, and was mustered out on April 26, 1865 at Greensboro, North Carolina.

He was wounded in the back between his shoulder blades at Franklin, Tennessee on November 30, 1864 causing injury to his lungs.

Inscription
Company E - 1st Florida Calvary - Confederate States Army

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10299116/john_north-crews: accessed June 29, 2025), memorial page for John North Crews Sr. (29 Mar 1844\endash 26 Nov 1929), Find a Grave Memorial ID 10299116, citing Prospect Primitive Baptist Cemetery, White Springs, Hamilton County, Florida, USA; Maintained by Alton Christie (contributor 46630650).

picture

John Quincy Crews Sr and Edna Barilla Sellers




Husband John Quincy Crews Sr

         Born: Jan 1852 - Echols County, GA
   Christened: 
         Died: 1913 - Florida
       Buried:  - New Hope Cemetery, Crewsville, DeSoto, Florida


       Father: Benjamin L. Crews
       Mother: Mary Crews


     Marriage: 



Wife Edna Barilla Sellers

         Born: 1866 - Florida
   Christened: 
         Died: 1907 - Florida
       Buried:  - New Hope Baptist Cemetery, Crewsville, Hardee County, Florida, USA


Children
1 F Elsie Crews

         Born: 1884 - Florida
   Christened: 
         Died: 1927 - Florida
       Buried:  - New Hope Baptist Cemetery, Crewsville, Hardee County, Florida, USA
       Spouse: William Henry Lovett


2 M Horace Crews

         Born: 13 Apr 1896 - Wachulla, DeSoto, Florida
   Christened: 
         Died: 13 May 1931 - Ft Meade, Polk, Florida
       Buried: 17 May 1931 - New Hope Cemetery, Zolfo Springs, Hardee, FL
       Spouse: Susan Edna Porter Roberts


3 F Pearl Crews

         Born: 10 May 1898 - DeSoto County, Florida, USA
   Christened: 
         Died: 17 Dec 1979 - Highlands County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery, Ft Meade, Polk, Florida



4 F Esther Hortense Crews

         Born: 13 Apr 1900 - DeSoto County, Florida, USA
   Christened: 
         Died: 17 Jan 1980 - Avon Park, Highlands County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Manasota Memorial Park, Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida, USA



5 F Lettie Carolyn Crews

         Born: 11 Mar 1902
   Christened: 
         Died: 14 Aug 1975
       Buried:  - Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery, Fort Meade, Polk County, Florida, USA



6 M John Quincy Crews Jr

         Born: 1904
   Christened: 
         Died: 9 Oct 1916 - Arcadia, DeSoto, FL
       Buried:  - New Hope Baptist Cemetery, Crewsville, Hardee County, Florida, USA




General Notes: Husband - John Quincy Crews Sr

Name: John Q. Crews
Event Date: 09 Oct 1916
Event Place: Arcadia, Desoto, Florida
Gender: Male
Race (Original): White
Race: White
Age (Original): 12y
Birth Year (Estimated): 1904
Father's Name:John Q. Crews
Father's Birthplace: Georgia
Occupation: Going To School; Farmer
Cemetery: New Hope Cemetery
Additional Relatives: X
"Florida, Deaths, 1877-1939," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FPQY-19G : accessed 10 Jul 2014), John Q. Crews, 09 Oct 1916; citing Arcadia, Desoto, Florida, reference cn 849; FHL microfilm 2116815.


General Notes: Wife - Edna Barilla Sellers

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25450838/edith_barilla-crews: accessed September 13, 2025), memorial page for Edith Barilla Sellers Crews (1866\endash 1907), Find a Grave Memorial ID 25450838, citing New Hope Baptist Cemetery, Wauchula, Hardee County, Florida, USA; Maintained by RJ (contributor 47172169).
picture

John Sr Crews




Husband John Sr Crews

         Born: 1729
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 
     Marriage: 



Wife

         Born: 
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 


Children
1 M Joseph Crews

         Born: Abt 1749
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 



2 M Samuel Crews

         Born: 1751 - South Carolina
   Christened: 
         Died: Abt 1820
       Buried: 



3 M John Crews

         Born: Bef 1775 449
   Christened: 
         Died: After 1820 - South Carolina
       Buried: 




General Notes: Husband - John Sr Crews

All listed children of Old John Crews are speculation at this point in my research 7/28/22.

There was a John Crews from Craven County. He was granted over 1300 acres by decree of King George of England. His son John Jr paid taxes on the same land during 1825, indicating this John had passed by that time.

Minutes of the North Carolina Governor's Council
North Carolina. Council
March 01, 1739 - March 06, 1739
Volume 04, Pages 343-347

The first of March 1739.
Present His Excellency the Governour
The Honoble Will Smith Esqr Member of Council
The Honoble Math Rowan Esqr Member of Council
The Honoble Robt Halton Esqr Member of Council
The Honoble Edwd Moseley Esqr Member of Council
The Honoble Eleazer Allen Esqr Member of Council
Read Sundry Petitions Vizt

Barnel Evans 260 Edgcombe, Jacob Do 270 Do, Josiah Jones 300 Beaufort, Jno Brown 640 Do, Jane Harris 160 Do, Tho Lewis 150 Craven, Jno Williams 150 Do, Timothys Harris 400 Beaufort, Abraha Busset 200 Craven, Jas McLewcan 530 Do, Jno Fellows 400 Do, Simon Herring 629 Craven, Theo Williams 375 Do, Richd Byrd 250 Do, Jno Ratclif 300 Do, Robt Dunbar 200 Do, Howel Jones 50 Do, Jno Beasley 200 Craven, Nesly Mills 200 Do, William Smith 633 Do, Thos Copland 247 Do, Jno Williams 150 Do, Job Ives 300 Do, Christo Dudley 150, Jno Vernan 200 Craven, Lewis Fryar 300 Do, Benja Williams 140 Do, Jno Do 640 Do, Jos Sessums (268 retd) 300 Carteret, Jas Wainwright 550 Do, Sam Swearingham 640 Edgcombe, Jabez Spooner 300 Onslow, Jos Calvert 292 Carteret, Do 480 & 640 Onslow Granted

-------------------- page 344 --------------------

The 2d March Present as before
Read the Petition of Jno Brooks setting forth that he has obtained the Governours Warrant for 110 Acres of Land in Beaufort Precinct that the Deputy Surveyor by mistake instead of No 15 E incerted No 15 Wt pray it may be rectifyed.

Ordered that the alteration as prayed be endorsed on the patent 64 Patent with the order be enrolled in the Secretarys Office

Read Sundry Petitions Vizt

Isaac Odams (550 retd) 640 acres Craven, Edmd Smithwick 100 Tyrril, Do 300 Do, Sam Smithwick 300 Do, Geo Linnington 640 Craven, Do 200 Do, Math Reasonover 200 Do, Richd Harris 320 Beaufort, Dav Mead for a resurvey of 229 Bertie, Robt Cale 617 Craven, James Jones 218 Do, Jas Clark 300 Do, Frans Nun 200 Do, Jno Gatling 200 Do, Sam Wiggins (575 retd) 640 Beaufort, Do 160 Do, Will Harris 640 Beaufort, Edwd Collins 313 Do, Jno Brown 553 Do, Sylvens Pumphry 150 Do, Pat Lashly 200 Edgcombe, Arthr Whitehead 450 Do, Wm Fish 400 Do, Thos Brown 200 Do, Jno Span 640 Edgcombe, Sol Wood 200 Beaufort, Jno Crew 300 Craven, Nicha Corbet 100 Do, Benja Mathews 200 Do, Do 327 Do, Hardy Council 200 Beaufort, Wm Fish 550 Edgcombe Mich Lowber for a resurvey Granted

So yes, an elder John Crews did exist in the area. However, NO ONE has proved the identity of his decendants nor of his spouse!
picture

John Washington Crews and Julia Elizabeth Stokes




Husband John Washington Crews

         Born: 1 Nov 1850
   Christened: 
         Died: 17 May 1924 - Nassau County, Florida
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida


       Father: Roger Crews Jr.
       Mother: Minerva Ann Waldron


     Marriage: 13 Jul 1879 - Nassau County, Florida



Wife Julia Elizabeth Stokes

         Born: 1859 - Traders Hill (Charlton County) Georgia
   Christened: 
         Died: 14 Feb 1944 - Duval County, FL
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida


Children
1 M Jasper Pleasant Crews

         Born: 1885 - Hilliard, Nassau, Florida
   Christened: 
         Died: 20 Jan 1930 - Hilliard, Nassau, Florida
       Buried: 22 Jan 1930 - Mill Creek, Fla



2 M Henry Sylvester Crews

         Born: 23 Jul 1886 - Florida
   Christened: 
         Died:  - Nassau County, FL
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida



3 M Eddie Isom Crews

         Born: 20 Jun 1888 - Nassau County, FL
   Christened: 
         Died: 10 Feb 1963 - Duval County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida



4 F Sarah Evelyn Crews

         Born: 28 Feb 1889 - Nassau County, FL
   Christened: 
         Died: Jun 1976 - Callahan, Nassau County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida



5 M Joshua S. Crews

         Born: 12 Feb 1891 - Hilliard, Nassau County, Florida, USA
   Christened: 
         Died: 17 Mar 1974 - New York, USA
       Buried:  - Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York, USA



6 M John Gilmore Crews

         Born: 13 Apr 1894 - Nassau County, Florida, USA
   Christened: 
         Died: 9 Dec 1965 - Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA
       Buried: 



7 F Mattie Rachel Crews

         Born: 22 Jan 1900
   Christened: 
         Died: 2 Apr 1964
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida



8 F Annie Crews

         Born: 27 Apr 1902 - Nassau County, Florida, USA
   Christened: 
         Died: 12 Dec 1974 - Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida



9 F Nettie Elizabeth Crews

         Born: 10 Jun 1904 - Nassau County, FL
   Christened: 
         Died: 20 Jun 1987 - Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida



10 F Emily V. Crews

         Born: 28 Aug 1907 - Nassau County, FL
   Christened: 
         Died: 24 Jan 1931 - Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida



11 F Ida Crews

         Born: 
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried:  - Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida




General Notes: Husband - John Washington Crews

s/o Roger Crews born 1808 in Colleton, South Carolina.

Died October 21, 1855 in Nassau County, Florida.

f/o Rufus E. Crews died 1923

f/o Sivelity Crews died unknown

They were twins that died of Diphtheria.
Gravesite Details
no obituary found. no death certificate found.

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55471434/john_washington-crews: accessed December 26, 2024), memorial page for John Washington Crews (1 Nov 1850\endash 17 May 1924), Find a Grave Memorial ID 55471434, citing Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida, USA; Maintained by Karen Hudson (contributor 47214625).

Name: John Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 23
Birth Year (Estimated): 1857
Birthplace: Florida, United States
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Farmer
Race: White
Relationship to Head of Household: Self (Self)
Father's Birthplace: South Carolina, United States
Mother's Birthplace: Georgia, United States
Event Type: Census
Event Date: 1880
Event Place: Election Precinct 8 Lessie, Nassau, Florida, United States
Event Place (Original): Precinct 8, ED 124, Nassau, FL, United States
Household Identifier: 11552485
Person Number: 0
Sheet Letter: A
Sheet Number: 365
Volume: 1
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace
Julia Crews Wife F 17 Florida, United States

Digital Folder Number: 005157346
Microfilm Number: 1254131
Image Number: 373

Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1880", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNZ4-BVK : Tue Jan 21 06:13:55 UTC 2025), Entry for John Crews and Julia Crews, 1880.


General Notes: Wife - Julia Elizabeth Stokes

On the 1940 census it shows her middle initial as E.

Florida Death Index, 1877-1998 about
Julia Elizabeth Crews

Name: Julia Elizabeth Crews
Death Date: 1944
County of Death:Duval
State of Death: Florida
Race: White
Gender:Female

photo courtesy of Melba Simmons.

m/o Rufus E. Crews died 1923

m/o Sivelity Crews died unknown

They were twins that died of Diphtheria.

**There is an confusion on Julia's name. Some Family members and her Children death certificates state: Isabelle Stokes

**Others say & death record states: Julia Elizabeth Stokes
1940 census states Julia E. Crews.

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55471450/julia_elizabeth-crews: accessed December 26, 2024), memorial page for Julia Elizabeth Stokes Crews (1861\endash 14 Feb 1944), Find a Grave Memorial ID 55471450, citing Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Nassau County, Florida, USA; Maintained by Karen Hudson (contributor 47214625).


Notes: Marriage (Julia Elizabeth Stokes):

Name: John Crews
Sex: Male
Spouse's Name: Julia Stokes
Spouse's Sex: Female
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 13 Jul 1879
Event Place: Nassau, Florida, United States
Reference: Volumes B-D

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace
Julia Stokes Wife F

Digital Folder Number: 007621700
Microfilm Number: 954984
Originating System: ODM
Indexing Batch: M51337-1

Citing this Record
"Florida, Marriages, 1837-1974", , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V5ZS-X1Z : 11 January 2020), John Crews, 1879.

picture

Joseph Crews and Sarah Johns




Husband Joseph Crews

         Born: Abt 1805 - Beaufort District, South Carolina 467
   Christened: Jun 1847 - Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, Ware County, Georgia 468
         Died: 1856 - Clinch County, Georgia 3,469
       Buried:  - Lot 310 12th District, Clinch County, Georgia
     Marriage: 1834 - Ware County, GA 470
 Marr. Status: Death of Spouse



Wife Sarah Johns

         Born: Abt 1812 - Camden County, Georgia 471
   Christened: 1 Oct 1843 - Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, Ware County, GA 472
         Died: Mar 1860 - Clinch County, GA 473
       Buried:  - Lot 310 12th District, Clinch County, Georgia


Children
1 M Samuel Crews

         Born: 1835 - Ware County, Georgia 474
   Christened: 
         Died: Abt 1875 - Echols County, Georgia
       Buried:  - Bethel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Echols County, GA
       Spouse: Morgiana Waldron
         Marr: 1867


2 F Martha Mary Crews

         Born: 1839 - Georgia 53
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 



3 M Joseph Crews III

         Born: 1841 - Georgia 358
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 
       Spouse: Frances Corbitt
         Marr: 1860 68


4 M Alexander Crews

         Born: 1842 - Georgia 414
   Christened: 
         Died: After 2 Jul 1863
       Buried: 

Events

• Military: 4 Mar 1862, Csa 50Th GA Reg., Company "G".

• Military: 2 Apr 1863, Wounded And Captured At Gettysburg. Died In Prison.


5 F Charity Crews

         Born: 1844 - Ware County, Georgia 414
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 
       Spouse: Wiley Shaw


6 F Elizabeth Crews

         Born: 1846 - Ware County, Georgia 414
   Christened: 
         Died: 
       Buried: 



7 M Simon Crews

         Born: Nov 1847 - Clinch County, Georgia 52
   Christened: 
         Died: 1 Dec 1913 - Clinch County, Georgia 53
       Buried:  - Ramah Cemetery Clinch County, GA
       Spouse: Lucinda
       Spouse: Nancy Waldron
         Marr: 21 Jan 1875 - Clinch County, Georgia 53


8 F Julia Ann Crews

         Born: 1849 - Ware County, GA 353
   Christened: 
         Died: After 1920
       Buried: 
       Spouse: Henry Corbett
         Marr: 17 Jan 1873 - Clinch County, Georgia



General Notes: Husband - Joseph Crews

Joseph Crews, sometimes listed as Joseph Crews, Jr. to differentiate from another Joseph Crews (when both were residing next door to one another in Ware County, GA) was born in South Carolina. Folks Huxford states Beaufort District, South Carolina. Birthdates for Joseph range widely from 1790-1800 (1840 census for Ware county) to 1805 (1850 Census for Ware).

Judge Folks Huxford tells us Joseph was a son of 1790 Samuel and Elizabeth Crews. The problem with this is Samuel and Joseph are too close in their ages to be father and son, if their respective ages have been documented correctly.

Perhaps a clue to Joseph's father's identity is a quote from Pioneers of Wiregrass Volume III. "Joseph Crews was a first-cousin to Wm. B. Crews (Vol. I) according to his (Joseph's) daughter, Mrs. Corbett; their fathers being brothers". Stephen Crews is William B. Crews' father therefore, Joseph's father is a brother to Stephen.

This is an interesting statement for several reasons. Folks Huxford's Pioneers of Wiregrass Georgia Volume 3, informs the reader Stephen is a son of Alexander. However, none of Alex's offspring could have fathered Joseph based on birth dates. Also, Huxford's books indicate Stephen, William, 1790 Samuel, 1805 John II, and Joseph were all born in Beaufort District of South Carolina while other Crews; Alexander, Micajah, Roger, and Edward were said to be born in Colleton/Charleston District.

There was a post from 2005 Rootsweb informing the readers that Stephen is not a son of Alexander but a brother to 1790 Samuel. Yet, DNA testing has helped certify Joseph is very closely related to at least Isham, Alexander and 1790 Samuel Crews.

Joseph's third son is named Alexander (traditionally a third son is named after the father). Skip to 1840 and Joseph Crews is found living among Stephen, William, Dempsey, and Sophia (married to Max Whidden) in Ware County, Georgia. They remain neighbors during the 1850 Ware Census.

So, Joseph's parents currently remain a mystery. More DNA testing by other Wiregrass Crews descendants may yet resolve this.

He married about 1834 to Sarah Johns, born 1815 in South Carolina. Sarah was the daughter of Jeremiah "Jerry" Johns and Levicy. Joseph and Sarah had eight children, all born in Georgia. They are:

1.Samuel b. 1839, m. Morgiana Waldron, daughter of Elias D. Waldron
2. Martha M.b. 1840, never married.
3.Joseph b. 1841, m. Fannie Corbett, daughter of David.
4.Alexanderb. 1842, wounded and captured in war. Died in a Union prison.
5. Charity b. 1844, m. Wily Shaw of Hamilton County, GA
6. Elizabethb. 1846, never married.
7. Julia Ann b.. 1849, m. Henry Corbett, son of Daniel

Judge Huxford's notes state Joseph was in Ware County in 1840. His mustering into service during the 2nd Seminole Indian War in Columbia County in 1837 and 1838, support this statement.

Joseph was a farmer, but did a couple tours of duty during the Second Seminole Indian War. The first record is Joseph Crews shown as a private in Capt William B. North's 2nd Reg., 2nd Brigade. The muster sheet states the militia was ordered into service by Major General Thos S. Jessup from June 1837 to Dec. 1837 and enrolled in Columbia Co. Fla.

The next record, Joseph Crews Jr. is shown as private in Capt William B. North's Co. of Florida mounted militia. The muster sheet states the militia was ordered into service by the governor from 4/6/38 to 7/12/38 and enrolled in Columbia Co. Fla. Mr. Crews was also a private in Capt. John J. North's volunteer militia company, which patrolled the state line in 1842, against Indian excursions into Georgia from Florida.

Joseph and family were in Ware County in 1840 (district 719). This would now be Echols County. Joseph's neighbors during the 1840 Ware census are Stephen, Alexander, and Joseph Sr., Crews.

Joseph and Sarah were active at the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, also known as Boney Bluff, along with other Crews relations, Dempsey, William B., and Stephen. First mentions of Sarah in the church minutes and roles began in 1 October 1843 with her Baptism. Joseph in 1847 when he joined Bethel as a member in April of 1847 and was baptized in June of 1847.

The family was living in Ware during the 1850 Census in an area stated as District 89. This is now in Echols County. In the 1850 census, Joseph Sr., William B. and Elizabeth Crews (Stephen's widow households are his neighbors.

He died about 1856 (though the Meeting Minutes of Boney Bluff from Jun, 1849 lists Joseph as dead at that time) and his wife died in March of 1860. Both were buried in a private burying-ground on lot of land 310, 12th district of Clinch County. This location was now known as the Ramah Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family was then living in that community.

The children were taken in charge by neighbors and reared to maturity. The 1860 Census for Clinch County, Georgia shows Joseph and Sarah's children were split up among neighbors. The younger children including Simon and Julia (ages 11 and 12) were in the Thomas S. Morgan household. Charity was enumerated in the Benjamin Dryden home. Samuel, Joseph, and Alexander (ages 24, 20, and 18) were in the James North household. This is shortly after wife Sarah's death.


References:
Huxford, Pioneers of Wiregrass, Vol. III pg. 59.
Judge Folks Huxford's personal notes on Joseph Crews.
Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Division 89, Ware, Georgia; Roll: M432_86; Page: 119B; Image: 246.
1850 Census Ware County, GA Roll M432_86, page 119, image 241
1860 Census Clinch County, GA
1860 Mortality Census Clinch County, GA
Muster Sheets 1837 and 1838.
Church Minutes, Boney Bluff, Echols County, Georgia
"History of Ware County, pg 234"

Name: Joseph Crews
Sex: Male
Age: 9
Birth Year (Estimated): 1841
Birthplace: Georgia
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: 464
House Number: 464
Line Number: 42
Schedule Type: 1850 Population
Affiliate Publication Number: M432
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace
Joseph Crews M 45 South Carolina
Sarah Crews F 35 Georgia
Samuel Crews M 15 Georgia
Mary Crews F 11 Georgia
Alexander Crews M 8 Georgia
Charity Crews F 6 Georgia
Elizabeth Crews F 4 Georgia
Simon Crews M 0 Georgia

Digital Folder Number: 004191562
Microfilm Number: 442895
Image Number: 246
Indexing Batch: N01153-4

Citing this Record
"United States, Census, 1850", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZYD-6PN : Mon Jan 13 08:43:01 UTC 2025), Entry for Joseph Crews and Sarah Crews, 1850.


General Notes: Wife - Sarah Johns

Year: 1860 Mortality State: Georgia County: Clinch
Reel No: T655-8 Division: (In the transcription)
Enumerated by: John Williams on June 1, 1860
Transcribed by Lorraine H. Robinson for the USGenWeb Archives.
Copyright: 2010

Sarah Crews age 48 died in March 1860 for unknown reasons. Death was sudden



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