John W. Crisfield

John Woodland Crisfield (November 8, 1806 – January 12, 1897) was a U.S. representative from Maryland, representing the sixth district from 1847 to 1849 and the first district from 1861 to 1863. The city of Crisfield, Maryland, is named after him. Crisfield was a strong supporter of the Union during American Civil War, opposing moves towards Maryland's secession. However, Crisfield also supported the institution of slavery and worked to prevent its abolition in Maryland.

Early life Crisfield was born near Galena, Maryland, in Kent County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. His father, Arthur, died when he was 16 years old. He was educated at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. He studied law, worked at the law firm of his cousin and brother-in-law Henry Page and was admitted to the bar in 1830, commencing practice in Indiana. Shortly after going to Indiana he was called back to Maryland and decided to remain. In 1832 he opened his own law office in Princess Anne.

Career in politics Crisfield entered the Maryland House of Delegates in 1836 and was an ardent Whig and supported Clay and Webster in their runs for the Presidency. In 1840, he was the editor and owner of the Somerset Herald, which supported William Henry Harrison for president. and in March 1862 Lincoln held talks with Crisfield on the subject of emancipation.

He was instrumental in building the Eastern Shore Railroad and served as its president. The railroad connected the fishing town of Somers Cove/Governors Point which was growing rapidly due to the seafood industry there to the Delaware Railroad. He founded Crisfield in this location, which was named for him in his honor.

He was married three times. He was first married to Ellen R. Johnson, then to his cousin, Julia Ethelaide Page - by whom he was father to future congressman Henry Page - and finally to Mary W. Handy

A rural road in Princess Anne, called Crisfield Lane and passing next to his homeplace, 'Edge Hill', is also named after him. He died at Edge Hill in Princess Anne in 1897, and is interred in Manokin Presbyterian Cemetery.