Born in Selma, Alabama, Craig attended the public and high schools of Selma and was graduated from Cumberland School of Law at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee.

He was admitted to the bar in 1898 and commenced practice in Selma, Alabama.

He served an apprenticeship as a machinist in the shops of the Southern Railway at Selma from 1893 to 1897.

He served in the Alabama National Guard as a private, noncommissioned officer, and captain.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress