A native of England, Charles Frederick Crisp (1845-1896) came with his entertainer parents to Georgia as a toddler. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was temporarily residing in Luray, Virginia, with his parents, who were performing there in Shakespearean plays. He enlisted in the 10th Virginia Infantry, was commissioned a lieutenant, and served throughout the war, being captured at Spotsylvania Court House in 1864.
Upon his release in 1865, Crisp rejoined his parents at Ellaville, Georgia, and after obtaining a law degree, practiced there. He was a judge of the Southwestern Judicial Circuit and went on to become a prominent member of Congress. During his time in Congress he served as Speaker of the House. He was elected to the Senate a short time before his death, but did not live to take the oath of office. His son, Charles Robert Crisp (1870-1937) was appointed to fill his term and was later elected to the same seat. Speaker Crisp is the namesake of neighboring Crisp County.
Americus Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Thank you. I always wondered where the name for Crisp County came from. When in Dooly County if you had to go to the “big” city for something you would have to choose between Americus and Cordele. I would go with my uncle when his GM adjustor job took him to Americus. The last time I was there was in 1969. I was traveling from Miami (home town) to Denver. I was going to Denver courtesy of the US Air Force. Why the map people routed me through Americus is still a puzzle.
Beautiful house!