Nathaniel Macon Crawford

Nathaniel Macon Crawford (March 22, 1811 – October 27, 1871) was an American educator who served two non-consecutive terms as the fifth President of Mercer University and then as eighth President of Georgetown College.

Early life and education Crawford was born on March 22, 1811 in the Crawford's homestead called Woodlawn, near Lexington, Georgia, to politician William H. Crawford and Susanna Gerardine. He was named after his father's friend, Nathaniel Macon. When he was fourteen years old, he and his family returned to Woodlawn.

When he was 15 years old, he entered sophomore in Franklin College (now the University of Georgia) and graduated with highest honors in 1829. He studied law under his father was admitted to the Georgia bar but never practiced law.

Although Crawford was raised a Presbyterian, he converted into the Baptist Church on the birth of their firstborn because his wife was a Baptist.

Crawford published a work titled Christian Paradoxes in 1857, which was said to have been favorably received. Crawford then returned to Mercer and became President again from 1858 to 1866, serving in the institution during the American Civil War.

Upon the death of Duncan R. Campbell in 1865, Crawford filled the role of President of Georgetown College in Kentucky of which he served until 1871, where he resigned to live in his farm in Tunnel Hill, Georgia due to failing health.

Crawford died in October 27, 1871, in Tunnel Hill, Georgia.

Personal life Crawford was born a Presbyterian, as was his mother, but converted to the Baptist Church when his wife, Annie Lozeer, a Baptist, gave birth to their firstborn child. They married in 1841, and had 4 children together.