Charles Frederick Crisp was born in Sheffield, England, January 29, 1845, of actor parents, who were touring the British Isles. His parents were Americans and returned to America the same year that Charles Frederick was born.

He spent his boyhod in Georgia between Macon and Savannah, but also attended school in Virginia. The outbreak of the war between the States ended his school life as he entered as a private in Company K of the 10th Virginia regiment. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. At the close of the war he joined his parents at Ellaville, Ga., where he began the study of law. Later he moved to Americus to practice his profession, and here he established his permanent home.

In 1882 he entered the race for Congress. Six times in succession he was re-elected without serious opposition. He wrested the gavel from Speaker Reed and his tilts with Mr. Reed have become historic.

His address on taking the gavel was a model of brevity and touching in simplicity: Viz., "Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: For the great honor you have conferred upon me I return you heartfelt thanks.

"I shall endeavor to discharge the duties of the office of speaker with courtesy, with firmness and with absolute impartiality. Let us unite in the hope that our labors here may result in the advancement of the prosperity, the honor, and the glory of our beloved country."

The words "our beloved country" flowed into the speech with as sweet a cadence as ever sprang from human heart and fell from human lips. By unanimous vote the House after-wards signified that he had fulfilled his highest promise. So said Mr. Cummings in his memorial address before the House.

Gen. J. B. Gordon, whom he was to succeed in the Senate, made the following remarks concerning him in his memorial address before the Senate: "Mr. President; a character so symmetrical and complete as Mr. Crisp's deserves to be studied and emulated. Called to an unusual number of positions, he was efficient in all, and in many he excelled.

Great and lasting as are the honors he won in public service, sincere and just as are the eulogiums pronounced by his associates in Congress, earnest and universal as are the benedictions of the people, and precious as will be this heritage to unspeakably bereaved wife and children, yet his daily acts of unselfish devotion as husband and father are to them the richest and most cherished legacy.

"The life of such a man, Mr. President, is a sermon, a psalm, an inspiration. From its opening to its close his career was one of unbroken success. Though ambitious to represent Georgia in the Senate, he turned his back on a tender to the position by the governor, at the call of duty to remain at his accepted post of duty."

He died October 23,1896, with the echoes of his last political victory still ringing in his ears; and the much desired seat in the Senate was soon to be obtained.

A county is fortunate in bearing the name of a man with such a glorious record. Let us hope that it too will achieve great things.