Background
Crawfurd was born in Ayr, and was left an orphan at the age of eight.
Crawfurd was born in Ayr, and was left an orphan at the age of eight.
After eight years" he returned to Ayr, and at age 22 attended writing classes of Ayr academy for three months.
He was for some time employed in the Edinburgh house of Charles Hay, after which he obtained an engagement in the family of General Alexander Leith Hay of Rannes. Returning to Ayr in 1811, Crawfurd went into business as a grocer. He then became an auctioneer, and also took a small shop for the sale of furniture.
Around 1825 he with friends launched a weekly periodical in Ayr, The Correspondent.
The founders fell out, and Crawfurd then edited The Gaberlunzie, which lasted for sixteen numbers. Crawfurd died at Ayr 6 January 1843.