Crabb, Hillary Mercer

Georgia native Hillary Mercer Crabb, a veteran of the militia in his home state, moved his family to the Mexican state of Texas in 1830. While awaiting a land grant they settled in the Sabine District. From there Crabb joined the Texas militia and served in such action as the 1832 Battle of Nacogdoches. In 1835 he was granted property at this site. The rural community that developed around his homesite (400 yds. W) became known as Crabb's Prairie. Crabb was instrumental in the early development of Huntsville and Walker County. A leader in civic and social activities, he became the first probate judge when the county was created in 1846. He also served as a justice of the peace and chief justice (county judge). In 1852 he was elected to serve the unexpired term of State Representative F. L. Hatch. Among Crabb's accomplishments as a legislator was the introduction of a bill to create Madison County. Opposed to secession, Crabb moved to Lavaca County at the outbreak of the Civil War. He later moved to Madison County, where he served as sheriff. His influence as a prominent landowner, church leader, Mason and public servant had a dramatic impact on the early growth of this area.

Crabb, Hillary Mercer is a historical marker in Huntsville, Walker County. It is one of 69 historical markers documented in Walker County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 85 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.7509, -95.6239 near Huntsville. The nearest cataloged historic site is Cook Springs Baptist Church (historical marker), about 2.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Sam Houston Industrial and Training School, Houston, Sam, and First United Methodist Church of Huntsville.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5471008440. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.