Born in Broomfield, Ohio, December 20, 1853. In 1855 his parents removed to Allamakee county, Iowa, where his childhood and youth were spent. He began his school days in the district schools of that county, and in 1873, went to the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, where he spent three months in attending that school. Subsequently he became a student at the State University at Iowa City, where he remained some time. In 1876, he attended the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, and on his return from that city, taught school one year in Allamakee county. He then went to Colorado and there engaged in mining two years, after which he returned to Iowa and located in Cass county where he has since been identified with the interests of education. In 1882 he assumed the position of principal of the Lewis schools, which owe their present highly prosperous condition to his untiring industry. Mr. Crawford is well qualified, both by nature and education, for his responsible position. Socially he is highly popular and enjoys the respect and esteem of both old and young. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the L O. O. F.