His maternal grandfather John Paul founded the city of Madison, Indiana.

The children were John, Robert, James, Alexander, William, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, Drusilla, Margaret (died in infancy), and Franklin.

Cravens was involved in milling with W. W. Page Sr. for several years until their investments burned to the ground.

He then served for a short time as an editor and proprietor of the "Madison Banner", a Whig newspaper.

[2] In 1861 Governor Henry S. Lane resigned from his office to accept a seat in the U.S. Senate.