Henry Crowell
Second Senator of Crawford County
& Founder of Crowell Methodist Church
Story by Millie Stewart Henry's second ggranddaughter

Henry Crowell was born 7 March 1782 in Halifax County, North Carolina, the son of Major Samuel and Tabitha Bradford Crowell. Henry and his brother, John came to Washington County, Ga. Where they were found in 1812, John as Sheriff and Henry as his deputy. Henry married Sarah Catherine Cantey, daughter of Captain James and Martha Whitaker Cantey.

He fought in the War of 1812, where he held the rank of Captain. He was Justice of the Peace in Washington County from 1799-1812, and was commissioned to be Deputy Sheriff in 1816. He migrated to Crawford County, which at the time, was Indian Territory. He served in the House of Representatives at the State Capitol in 1834, and the Senate in 1835. He purchased a large parcel of land on the west side of Flint River, where he owned an Inn and Tavern. He entertained many celebrities, one being General Lafayette. He owned 46 slaves and owned the ferry that crossed the Flint River.

He was instrumental in founding Crowell Church, that is still active since 1827. He moved to Ft. Mitchell Alabama in 1836 because of failing health. He died 22 July 1840, and is buried in the Fort Mitchell Cemetery.

Cute note: He and Sarah Cantey eloped. The story told was that she climbed out the kitchen window on the back of Henry's horse, and galloped away and were secretly married. He was twice her age, he 32, and she 16.

Crowell Church: Family story about the founding of the church states that Sarah Crowell rode horseback miles each Sunday to church. Henry, her husband was disturbed about his wife riding alone in the untamed land. He had a tavern and inn, and during that time there was a Missionary movement by the Methodist Church to the Indians at Ft. Mitchell in Alabama. One day a Methodist Bishop road into the yard for an overnight stay. Mr.. Crowell asked him how many communicants it would take to get Mrs.Crowell a preacher. He said five or six, so when the Bishop next visited the Crowells, he was informed that they had the members. Henry named them thus: "Sarah, my wife, and I will quit swearing, and will make Nat Bradford quit swearing, Paddy Carr (an Indian) and Peter, my driver." Henry Crowell built the church, and deeded the land, Thus, Crowell Methodist Church was born.

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