Crapo, Henry Howland, 1804-1869

Flint, Michigan industrialist; governor of Michigan, 1865-1868.

From the description of Henry Howland Crapo papers, 1830-1920. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34418574

From the description of Henry Howland Crapo papers [microform], 1830-1920. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34419702

Henry Howland Crapo, a native New Englander, served as mayor of the city of Flint, state senator for the 24th District, and governor of Michigan. His activities in the private sector, however, were perhaps as crucial to Michigan as his years spent in public service. Contemporaneously with his action in state politics, Crapo was one of the entrepreneurial businessmen who helped make Michigan the leading lumbewr producer of the nation for nearly three decades.

Henry Crapo was born at Dartmouth, Massachusetts on May 27, 1804 to a poor farming family. Henry, however, quickly exhibited the ambition and ability which would later mark his endeavors in Michigan. As a young man, he took control of the local schoolhouse and when it became a high school he became its principal.

In 1832, Crapo moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he taught himself the trade of surveying. In New Bedford he held many public offices and helped found the state's first free public library. He displayed a keen interest in horticulture and began investing in Michigan's pine lands in 1837. In 1856, after further investing in Michigan's timber resources, Crapo moved to Flint to better care for his business endeavors.

Once in Flint, Crapo devoted himself to developing one of the state's largest and most successful lumber businesses. He opened lumber manufactories in Flint, Fentonville, Holly, and Detroit, and was instrumental in building the Flint & Holly Railroad. Once established in the community, Crapo served terms as Flint's mayor and represented his district in the state senate.

Crapo earned the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens and business associates alike, and in 1865 he was elected governor of Michigan. In 1868, riding a wave of popularity, he was elected to a second term.

Crapo's time at the state's helm was marked by his personal integrity and faithful service to the public. He earned admiration when he vetoed bills granting railroad aid legislation. His action in the railroad matter, though struck down by the state senate, was upheld by the Supreme Court. He was an active Republican from the time of the party's organization.

Crapo and his wife, Mary Ann (Slocum), had ten children. Their only son, William Wallace Crapo, would become a U.S. Congressman from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Henry Crapo died on July 27, 1869, after a long and debilitating illness.

From the guide to the Henry Howland Crapo Papers, 1830-1920, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)