Luedders’ historical and pictorial city directory of Angola, Indiana for the year 1923, containing an historical compilation of items of local interest, a complete canvass of names in the city, which includes every member of the family, college students, families on rural lines, directory of officers of county, city, lodges, churches, societies, a directory of streets, and a classified business directory.
John Cravens, born on October 28, 1797, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, pursued a career in medicine after studying under his father. He practiced in various counties, eventually settling in Daviess County, Missouri, where he also farmed. A Confederate brigade-surgeon during the Civil War, he served until the war’s end, after which he focused on farming due to health issues. Married to Rhuama Chaplin, he had ten children and was an esteemed community member and Freemason, pivotal in the establishment of local institutions.
Col. J. C. Cravens, born February 18, 1838, in Saline County, Missouri, was a distinguished soldier and attorney in Springfield, Missouri. He pursued education in medicine before joining the Confederate Army during the Civil War, where he rose to lieutenant-colonel, actively participating in numerous significant battles. After the war, Cravens graduated from law school and became a prominent lawyer, known for his successful practice and civic involvement as a Democratic city attorney. He and his wife, Annie, had seven children and were active members of the community.
Armon Cravens, originally from Montgomery County, Maryland, moved to Kentucky in 1776 and married Abigail Hathaway, with whom he had eighteen children, nine surviving into adulthood. His son John served in the War of 1812 and married Elizabeth Burton, having multiple children, including Hudson, who moved to Missouri in 1836 and later to Texas. After a harsh experience there, he returned to Missouri. Another son, William, settled back in Montgomery County in 1843, marrying Louisa Walden.
Jeremiah C. Cravens was born on February 18, 1838, in Saline County, Missouri, to Dr. John Cravens. He graduated from Missouri State University in 1860. During the Civil War, he served as an aide-de-camp to General Slack, participating in key battles including Pea Ridge and Lone Jack. After the war, he studied law, practiced in Batesville, Arkansas, and moved to Springfield in 1868. Cravens is recognized as a prominent lawyer and has served on the University Board of Curators for a decade. He married Annie D. Smith in 1864.