Armistead Albert Aldrich

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker says about Armistead Albert Aldrich, right here in Houston County. Now, some men leave a mark on a place, and some men write one down for keeps. Armistead Albert Aldrich did both.

He came into this world on April 10, 1858, born right there in Crockett, son of Oliver Cromwell and Eliza Aldrich, she being a Masters before she married. The boy grew up with deep Texas roots and somehow ended up getting his education way out at the University of Virginia. He came back a lawyer, admitted to the bar in 1883, and that's when Houston County started to feel the weight of the man.

He wasn't the kind to sit still. In 1890 the people of Crockett elected him City Alderman. Two years later, County Judge.

Then in 1900, State Representative. Each step up, each new seat, and you get the picture of a man the community just kept reaching for when they needed somebody steady. Then there's this one that stands a little apart from the rest.

In 1936, Armistead Albert Aldrich served as a Presidential Elector. Think about that for a moment. A boy born in Crockett, casting one of the most formal votes a citizen can cast in this republic.

And alongside all of that, he gave thirty years to the Board of Trustees of Austin College. Thirty years. That's not a contribution, that's a commitment.

He married Miss Willie Arledge, and together they brought up six children. A full house, a full life. He kept at his historical work, too, right up until the end.

He wrote the History of Houston County, Texas, making sure this place and its people wouldn't just fade into the quiet. Armistead Albert Aldrich died on August 22, 1945, and by then he had written the county's story in ink, served it in courtrooms and chambers, and shaped young minds through Austin College for three decades. Some men leave a place.

This one made sure the place would never forget itself.

What the marker says

Author - " History of Houston County, Texas" Armistead Albert Aldrich (April 10, 1858 -- Aug. 22, 1945) Born in Crockett, son of Oliver Cromwell and Eliza (Masters) Aldrich. Educated at University of Virginia, he was admitted to the bar in 1883. Elected City Alderman, 1890; County Judge, 1892; State Representative, 1900. Served as Presidential Elector, 1936. He was on the Board of Trustees of Austin College for 30 years. Married Miss Willie Arledge; They brought up six children. He was active in historical preservation until his death. Recorded - 1972