Crabb, Henry Alexander, -1857

Biographical/Historical note

Born in sometime between 1822-1824 in Nashville, TN, and became a prominent member of the Whig party. He married Filomena Ainsa. Crabb left San Francisco, CA for Caborca, Sonora, Mexico in early 1857 with an expedition party intent on filibustering. Their goal was to inspire a revolt which would establish the Republic of Sonora which would ultimately join the US. Over eight days, twenty-five Americans were killed, with even more on the Mexican side. On the last day the Americans failed to blow up the chuch and the expedition was captured. They were executed by firing squad on April 7, 1857. After being shot with more than 100 bullets, he was decapitated and his head preserved in mezcal. His men’s bodies were left to be eaten by animals. Mexican troops crossed into US territory and executed four more Americans a few days later, brining about an end to the practice of filibustering in Mexico. Of the 84 men who led the raid, two survived: Crabb’s brother-in-law Jesus Ainsa and 16 year old Charles Edward Evans.

From the guide to the Crabb Expedition Papers, 1856-1857, (Society of California Pioneers)