The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1955-08-06


more appropriate than giving YOU the complete report
by the History and General Research Division of the
Library OF Congress, made to member of Congress- fol-
lowing search of its files and documents bearing on
"Davy Crockett"
DAVID CROCKETT
Crockett, David august II, 1886 - March 6, 1887
rontlersman was the son of John and Rebecca (Hawk
ns Crockett and born near the present Rogersyie
Hawkins County, Tenn.
His father a revolutionary soldier who fought at
Kings Mountain, was born either in Ireland on the
voyage to America and his mother in northern Mary
His parents moved probaby from Lincoln County
N c. to the Hawkins County location about years be-
fore he was born, later settling the Holston where
the father kept tavern Here the boy remained until
about his 18th year.
To escape an anticipated beating he ran awav from
home, making his way far Baltimore and wander
ing about for nearly years
On his return he worked for months for neigh
Dor to pay off debt of $36 owed by his father and an
otner months Tor another neighbor to cancel similar
debt of $40.
At IS, to heighten his chances with the girl Of his
choice ne went to school for nearly months but left
when ne learned that he had been Tilted
Some months afterward he married Molly Fndlay
and on rented tract with horse his brides dover Of
two COWS with calves and $15 capital borrowed from
friend, he set up home of his own.
Though mighty hunter he was poor farmer. in
dolent and shiftless and he did not prosper
couple of years later with his wife and two babies
W
ma line.
In the Greek War of 1894, under the command
of Andrew Jackson served with distinction as scout
but retired before the end Of the campaign hiring
SUBSTITUTE TO I'LL out his term of enlistment.
His wife died about 1915 leaving him with three
children He acquired two by his ma rage some
monthS later, TO the widow of a fellow soldier.
He now moved to settlement 80 miles west where
ne was informally chosen magistrate and on the in
corporation of the district into Giles County was ap
pointed justice of the peace.
In after years he could boast that in reaching his
decisions ne relied natural-born sense instead of
law learning and that of his judgements was ever
reversed
He was elected as colonel of militia regiment or
cameo N MS district, and in 1921 elected to the
He was then wholly unacquainted with public af-
fairs and did not even know the meaning of the word
Judiciary"
He moved again, this time to point in the extreme
western part OF the State the junction of the Obon
with the Mississippi where his nearest neghbor was
miles distant
Here, among other activities he hunted bears; and
unless he Woefuy mscounted his Victims he succeeded
IN killing, during period of or months 105 of them
his new constituency elected him to the legislature
in 1928.
In the spring Of 1926 he attempted to float cargo
q slaves down the Mississippi losing all his cargo and
nearly losing his life.
jocular propoal that he run for Congress decided
envened by his humorous stories and the rdicule Of
ms TWO opponents he was elected.
He served in the 10th and 2lst Congress Q827-31).
was defeated for the 3d. elected to the 23rd
(1833-35
In April 1884 he commenced his celebrated tour
OF the north visiting Baltimore Phiadelphia New
YORK and Boston, and, after returning to Washington
lett Tor nome to prepare for campaign
From the time he entered public life he had general
opposed jackson, having voted in the legislature
against MN Tor united States Senator and later having
Voea against many OF the Jackson measures in Congress
an effective rally OF the Jackson sentiment in his
strct caused his defeat DSheartened by this reverse
he resolved to leave Tennessee
The movement for Texan independence attracted
him. and he started for the war front by the way of
Little Rock He arrived at the Alamo in February 1886
TOOK part in its heroic defense and fell bullet riddled in
the final assault.
Crockett was brave soldier, an able scout, and an
expert riAeman.
He was generous and openhanded frank and up-
rlgh OF sterling independence of spirit and blessed
with oubblng good nature and an exceptional degrec
OF self-conhdence
his knowledge of public questions, meager at the
start OF his career probably not greatly enhanced
by ms service in Washington
lie was not student He rather prided himself on
ms lacK OF education correct spelling appearing to
nun III Inc man as something contrary to nature" and
glanlnar notnmg at all" despite "the fuss that is
To what degree the autobioora nhical writings nuh