John W. Cranford

[1] A Democrat, he was most notable for his service as president pro tem of the Texas Senate and a member of the United States House of Representatives.

[2][3] He received his initial education in Alabama, and after the end of the American Civil War in 1865, Cranford's parents moved to Hopkins County, Texas.

[2][4] After moving to Texas, Cranford attended the schools of Hopkins County and studied under a private tutor, and worked a variety of jobs to earn room and board and tuition.

[2] He studied law under a local attorney, attained admission to the bar, and established a practice in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

[2] In 1888, Cranford won election to the Texas Senate representing the 5th district (Hunt, Hopkins, Delta, Franklin, and Camp Counties).