Rudd Crawford Spinks
Crockett, Houston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Feb. 13, 1857 -- Nov. 24, 1938) Native Texan Rudd Crawford Spinks came to Houston County in 1878. The owner of a jewelry and music store in Crockett, he became a farmer, freighter, cotton gin and sawmill operator and a prominent land owner. In addition, he built several area homes and bred registered livestock. The father of six sons, he was an outspoken observer of the events of his day and was widely known for his comments on government and political figures.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A native Texan, Rudd Crawford Spinks came to Houston County in 1878 and built a wide-ranging life there. From a jewelry and music store in Crockett he branched into farming, freighting, cotton ginning, sawmilling, and land ownership, and he built several area homes and bred registered livestock. Father of six sons, he was also known for outspoken commentary on the government and politicians of his day.
Why it matters
Spinks embodies the restless, do-everything enterprise of post-Reconstruction East Texas, where one settler's ventures could shape a county's economy and civic life.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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