When Briscoe County was organized in 1892, Miner Crawford won election as its first sheriff. He later served single terms in 1913-1914 and 1921-1922. His first official act was the arrest of two horse thieves from New Mexico, and in his last term he and two deputies fought a gun battle and captured a moonshine still. He brought law and order to the area and was recognized as bearing the stamp of a gentleman.