This gentleman was born in Saline county, Missouri, February 18th, 1838. He is a son of Dr. John Cravens, who for many years was the peer of the finest physicians and surgeons of the State. They are of Virginia ancestry, Jeremiah’s grandfather, Dr. Joseph Cravens, being for many years a leading physician of Rockingham county, Virginia. Jeremiah C. graduated from the Missouri State University in the class of 1860, taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The civil war breaking out soon after leaving school, he cast his lot with the fortunes of the Confederacy, and followed its flag until its brilliant star set forever at Appomattox.
He was promoted by Gen. Slack to the position of aid-de-camp, to rank as lieutenentcolonel. He was at the battle of Pea Ridge, in March, 1862, by the side of General Slack, when that gentleman fell mortally wounded. After the battle he went with the army to Corinth, Mississippi, and shortly after the evacuation of that place, he returned to Missouri, with Col. Hughes, and participated in the battles of Independence and Lone Jack. At the last named engagement, Lieut. Colonel Cravens commanded a company of recruits who fought desperately upon that sanguinary field. After the battle he was chosen captain and served with his company in the 6th Missouri Cavalry, under Generals Marmaduke and Shelby, until the war closed. He then began the study of the law and was licensed to the practice at Batesville, Arkansas, in 1866.
In 1868, he came to Springfield, where he has since resided, and ranks with the best legal talent in the State. He is, and has been for ten years, a member of the Board of Curators of the University. He was married at Batesville, Arkansas, August 11th, 1864, to Miss Annie D., daughter of Colonel Robert Smith.