Joel Crawford

Joel Crawford (June 15, 1783 – April 5, 1858) was an American politician, soldier and lawyer. Crawford was born in Columbia County, Georgia. He attended the Litchfield Law School in Connecticut. After receiving admission to the state bar, he began practice in Sparta, Georgia. In 1811, Crawford moved to Milledgeville, Georgia. During the Creek War, Crawford was a second lieutenant and aide-de-camp to Brigadier General John Floyd from 1813 to 1814. After the war, he returned to practicing law the in Milledgeville. In 1814, Crawford was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives and served in the body until 1817. In 1816, Fort Crawford was built in Mississippi Territory and possibly named for Crawford. Crawford was elected to represent Georgia in the United States House of Representatives as a Republican during the 15th United States Congress. He won reelection to an additional term in the 16th Congress and served from March 4, 1817, to March 3, 1821.