Crittenden. A fine old name from Kent. The Crittendens of Kentucky have nobly illustrated the name. The founder of the family, John Crittenden, was an officer in the Revolutionary War. He came to Kentucky at the close of that struggle, and settled in Woodford, the heart of this State. His sons, John, Thomas, and Robert, were eminent at the bar, and Henry, who devoted his life to agriculture, was equally conspicuous for talent. John J. Crittenden received his elementary education at the local schools; afterwards attended Washington Academy (now Washington-Lee University), and completed his studies at William and Mary. The effect of his classical training is shown in the clearness, finish, and felicity of his published speeches; his peculiar power in forensic oratory must always be a matter of tradition.
The name "Crittenden" is imperishably associated with that of Kentucky. It is peculiarly a family of soldiers, lawyers, and political leaders. One soldier of the name was immortalized by his tragic fate—William Crittenden, the proto-martyr of Cuba Libre.
The history of the family is the history of the State.
Crockett.
Crook, or Crooke.
Crozier.
Cummings, or Cumming.
Cunditt.
Currier. Richard Coriarius, Normandy, 1180, from Angerville, in the Cotentin.
Curtis.