Born on a farm near Sikeston, Missouri, Crow attended the common schools.

He moved to a farm near Bernie, Missouri, in August 1896 and engaged in agricultural pursuits.

He moved to Caruthersville, Pemiscot County, in 1901 and engaged in the real estate and insurance business.

He moved to Campbell, Missouri, in 1911 and resumed agricultural pursuits.

He died in Campbell, Missouri, March 20, 1938, at the age of 64.