Joseph B Crockett: biography and historical significance

Joseph B. Crockett

BIOGRAPHY of JOSEPH B. CROCKETT: CALIFORNIA STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

The best biographical record is one that was penned by the Honorable James F. Buckner of Louisville, Kentucky. Bucker was a student of Crockett's and as well joined him as a partner in his law practice. According to Bucker Joseph B. Crockett, was born in 1808 to Colonel Robert Crockett at Union Hills located in Jessamine County, Kentucky where the elder Crockett had settled in the area on a farm located near Russellville.

EDUCATION

Joseph B. Crockett's father, Colonel Robert Crockett had taken up farming and during this time his son Joseph is stated by Buckner to have "son enjoyed the advantages of the tuition of Daniel Comfort, a gentleman who for many years taught a classical school in that vicinity, and to whom many of the most distinguished men of that section were indebted for instruction." (nd) Buckner writes that Joseph entered the University of Tennessee at Nashville in the spring of 1827 however; he wasn't to benefit long from the University education as it is stated that due to the "straightened pecuniary condition of his father he was compelled to leave Nashville..." (nd) after having been there only a year. At the age of nineteen Joseph arrived in Hopkinsville and studied law under the Honorable Charles S. Morehold, at that "one of the most promising young attorney of the State, and who was rapidly rising to distinction in his profession." (Buckner, nd)

Bucker writes of Joseph B. Crockett that he was "...a close student, and displayed great energy and spared no labor to make himself useful to his preceptor, who was enjoying a large practice. His deportment was such as secured the esteem of the older members of the profession, and soon the good opinion of the business community generally. In due time he was licensed and admitted to the bar." (Buckner, nd)

II. CAREER

Around 1830 Gustavus a. Henry and Joseph B. Crockett formed a partnership which is described as a "brilliant association which continued for about two years, until Mr. Henry removed to Tennessee, where he became very distinguished as an advocate and lawyer." (Buckner, nd) Following Mr. Henry's move to Tennessee, Joseph B. Crockett took over the business firm of Henry & Crockett which steadily grew and Crockett married the daughter of a citizen with great influence in Hopkinsville, specifically John Bryan.

Joseph B. Crockett was named as a candidate for the Legislature in 1833 and was elected the County of Christian Representative in August of that same year. Buckner states that it was Crockett's "...general intelligence and business habits established him in the estimation of his fellow members as one of the leading members of the body." (nd) Crockett was highly popular in the House of Representatives and had much support of his constituents at home however; Crockett did not seek to be reelected due to the increasing demands of his business as a professional. Bucker writes that it was around this time that Buckner "entered his office as a student, and continued in that capacity until August, 1836, when they formed a partnership in the practice, which continued until 1S40, when Mr. Crockett removed to the city of St. Louis. While the partnership existed the writer confined himself principally to the office, and to business in Christian County. Mr. Crockett's labors extended to all the counties of the district. The firm was successful in securing a fair share of business. " (Buckner, nd)

Buckner writes that in September 1836 "at a special election, Crockett was chosen as a Representative for Christian County to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Hon. George Morris, who died a few days after the regular election in August." (nd) Because Crockett had fulfilled his duties so well as a Representative he had impressed the state legislators. After the session had terminated and Crockett had determined he would not seek re-election and Crockett as well declined a nomination for Congress, Governor Clark appointed him the attorney for the Commonwealth's district. This position is described by Buckner as one that was "...laborious and brought him in contact with a bar distinguished for ability. But the interest of the Commonwealth lost nothing by being entrusted to his hands. His career as a prosecutor was brilliant and able. But the duties of a prosecutor were uncongenial to his tastes. He preferred being enlisted for the defense. Besides, the emoluments of the position were far short of what could be realized in the defense." (Buckner, nd)

Crockett resigned from this position after only two years and he was immediately "thrown...into a larger and more profitable business giving him more leisure to enjoy the comforts of home with his family. He immediately embarked in a lucrative practice, and was employed for the defense in the most important commercial cases arising in Southern and Western Kentucky." (Buckner, nd) Buckner describes Crockett as "A man of high personal integrity, of engaging manners, well versed in the laws and discipline of the courts, and with a rich, chaste flow of language..." And states that he had always viewed Crockett as one of the "...very ablest criminal lawyers I have ever known." (nd)

After Crockett left and went St. Louis, Buckner writes that "his reputation had preceded him and his practice in the courts at St. Louis became large. Although his friends advise him against it, Crockett was offered the position of editor of the political department of a prominent newspaper, specifically the Intelligencer in St. Louis and he took that position and remained there for several years and greatly provided in the establishment and success of that newspaper. Buckner writes that Crockett's "...labors of an editor in addition to the duties of his profession were too much for him, and very seriously affected his health. He was compelled to sever his connection with the newspaper." (Buckner, nd)

III. HOPKINSVILLE

It was at this time that his attention was attracted to the Pacific Coast and in 1852 he took his family back to Hopkinsville where relatives were living. Crockett placed his children in school and at this time Buckner writes that he "...set out on a tour of exploration for business and recreation to the golden coast by way of Vera Cruz and the city of Mexico, San Diego to San Francisco. The effect of the trip was very beneficial to him. He was re-invigorated and his health was fully reestablished." (Buckner, nd) Crockett opened his office in San Francisco and brought his family with him. He was in the top ranks of his profession in California. The following picture labeled Figure 1 in this study is a picture of the home of Joseph B. Crockett in Hopkinsville.

Lone Oak - Home of Joseph B. Crockett

Source: Prairie Bluestem (2008)

The author of the website Prairie Bluestem writes that Lone Oak, pictured above was constructed in the 1830s for Judge Joseph B. Crockett and is the oldest home in Hopkinsville. Lone Oak is said to stand on the SW corner of East 16th and Clay.

According to the writing of Buckner, "No one ever made the acquaintance of Mr. Crockett, either professionally or in private life, who did not become deeply attached to him. His kindness of heart and generous courtesy compelled all to love him. These traits of character made him universally popular, and his learning and talent gave him high standing with his professional brethren." (nd)

Crockett and Gwin Page, of Louisville, formed a partnership in California and this partnership continued for a good time in a practice that was "pleasant and lucrative" however Mr. Page became sick and the partnership was dissolved. About the same time Judge Shapter, of the Supreme Court passed away and Joseph B. Crockett was appointed by the Governor to fill the unexpired terms of Judge Shapter. After this term was ended Crockett was elected to this position and he filled this office for a period of twelve years and after having reached the position of Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Crockett retired in 1880 due to an overall problem with his health. The following labeled Figure 2 pictures Joseph B. Crockett in a picture that has been adapted from the Supreme Court of California.