My Genealogy Hound

JUDGE ROBERT CRENSHAW was born in Trigg County, Roaring Springs Precinct, June 4, 1847; he is the fourth of a family of six sons born to Robertson and Mary (Walden) Crenshaw. The father was born in Halifax County, Va., in September, 1816, and was a son of Cornelius and Nancy (Kent) Crenshaw; he came here in 1819 with his parents (see sketch of Thomas Crenshaw), grew to manhood, and married here in 1889; he resided here until his death, which occurred February 12, 1858; he was a member of the Christian Church and of the Masonic fraternity; the mother was born in Halifax County, Va., in 1819, and died in this county December 31, 1851. Our subject was reared by his uncle, Thomas Crenshaw; he was educated by Prof. Wyatt and Prof. G. P. Street; at the age of twenty he took up the study of law under the preceptorship of Judge Thomas C. Dabney; he was licensed to practice in 1868; soon afterward he was elected County Attorney for four years, and during this time also held the office of School Commissioner; while serving in the latter office he made the tour of the country, delivering addresses in the interest of education; he was a candidate in 1878 and also in 1882 for County Judge, but was defeated both times by Judge Dyer by a small majority. At these elections Judge Crenshaw received more votes than had ever been polled for any other defeated candidate prior to that time. In the summer of 1888 he was a candidate for the third time, and at the primary election he defeated Judge Kelley, Squire W. G. Blaine and Prof. H. B. Wayland. At the following general election in August he was elected over S. I. Spiceland, who was the nominee on the Republican ticket. This position he is still satisfactorily and creditably filling. Judge Crenshaw was married, in 1877, to Miss Minnie, daughter of Judge Thomas C. Dabney. Three children—two sons and a daughter—have blessed this union. He is a member of the Christian Church, and of the Odd Fellows and Chosen Friends.