Cemeteries; Lexington, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Grassy Cemetery from Florence, head east on US 72 to Elgin. Then head north on AL 101 towards Lexington. Turn east on AL 64. The cemetery will be on the left side of the road near the Grassy Memorial Chapel. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama
" Grassy Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
Cemeteries; Rogersville, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Bethel Baptist Cemetery from Rogersville, head north on AL 207 for 13 miles to AL 64. Bethel Baptist Church is on this road. Avon Hagood and Judy Mason first surveyed the cemetery in 1995. The rows in the cemetery are numbered from west to east. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"Bethel Baptist Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
Cemeteries; Anderson, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Anderson Cemetery from Rogersville, head north on AL 207 to Anderson, AL. The cemetery is near the Anderson Primitive Baptist Church north of the Town Hall. James and Muriel Barnett first surveyd the cemetery in 1995. A full list of records can be viewed within the source,
"Anderson Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
This document gives instructions on adding items to Omeka.
Omeka Add to Collections Minimal Instructions
A summary of the requirements and steps needed to set up Omeka.
Cemeteries; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
The Lindsey Chapel Cemetery is located just north of Florence on Highway 57 and one mile south of Cypress Inn, Tennessee on the west side of the road. David L Montgomery has this info on the cemetery and church, "The church was built approximately 55 years ago with donations from residents of the community. Mr. Albert Lindsey, buried here, spearheaded the move to build the church. The church was built as a community church with no particular denominational ties. The cemetery is well taken care of. There are Confederate, World War II, and Korean War veterans buried here. The oldest known grave dates from 1867. The oldest person buried here was born in 1836. There are 20 graves with no headstones or information. All names and dates were recorded from headstones and markers. They have been diligently checked for accuracy. This survey was completed Aug 02, 2003." There are 147 recorded burials within this cemetery. A full list of names and records can be viewed in the source below.
To reach Johsnon Crossroads Cemetery, go east on County Road 8 for .5 mile. Turn left onto County Road 139 and continue for a few miles to the church on the right side of the road. The cemetery is located at 1470 County Road 139, in the Johnson Crossroads Community. A full list of records can be viewed in the source.
"Johnson Crossroads Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/cody/index.htm. Accessed September 2, 2015.
To reach Evergreen Cemetery, travel Highway 20 to County Road 2, take a left, and continue for 3 miles. The cemetery will be located on the left side of the road and on the west side of the church. A full list of records can be viewed in the source.
"Evergreen Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/cody/index.htm. Accessed September 2, 2015.
Community Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery
The Community Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery can be reached from Florence, Alabama. Travel north on Highway 17 towards Tennessee. Turn left onto County Road 24. The cemetery will be located on the right side of the church. A full list of cemetery records is located in the source.
"Community Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/cody/index.htm. Accessed September 2, 2015.
To reach Cody Cemetery from Florence take to Highway 20 County Road 8, take a right. The cemetery is located on the left side of the road a mile after the turn. The cemetery is located in a wooded area 50 feet off the road and is fenced. The cemetery has a total of seven recorded burials.
"Cody Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/cody/index.htm. Accessed August 24, 2015.
From Cloverdale, Alabama, travel east on County Road 8 for 3/4 mile. Turn left onto County Road 139 and continue for three miles. Bethel Berry Cemetery is located on the right side of the road. The Bethel Berry Cemetery is located close to the Bethel Berry Church of Christ. The cemetery has a large number of unmarked graves. 100 graves have been recorded. For a full listing of records see the source below.
"Bethel Berry Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/bethel_berry/index.htm. Accessed August 24, 2015.
To reach Austin Cemetery from Florence, Alabama, travel Highway 20 west, turn right onto County Road 5 and continue for 4 miles. The cemetery is located on the right side of the road. David Leon Montgomery states, "The Austin Cemetery originally was located in another location on land that the Indians had cleared. Due to it being in a low wet area, it was moved to it's present location. There are several markers in this cemetery that are very difficult to read due to deterioration of the surface. The cemetery appears to have been targeted by vandals in the past, as many stones are broken or missing. The cemetery is well maintained well otherwise. The Liberty Baptist Church, which sits about 2 miles south, started the cemetery, but as time passed, deceased members were buried in other cemeteries. Mr. Robert Austin, who is buried here, gave the land for the cemetery. A large amount of land along the Natchez Trace Parkway & Big Cypress Creek is still owned by members of the Austin family. This cemetery has approximately twenty-five graves marked only with stones. It is said that there are more that are not identifiable at all, even by way of depressions on the ground." The survey for the cemetery was completed on November 8th, 2003. David Leon Montgomery has checked the graves and foot stones for complete accuracy. A complete list of records can be viewed by using the source.
"Austin Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/austin/index.htm. Accessed August 24, 2015.
Shelby County; Museum; Archives; Courthouse; Shelby County Historical Society Inc.; Genealogy; Maps; Deeds; Marriage Records;
Our extensive and growing collection of research materials includes books, periodicals, microfilm, microfiche, family folders and much more. We have the index and records from 1957 through 1994 of the Bolton Funeral Home located in Columbiana, Alabama. We maintain the original old Shelby County Alabama courthouse records, including such records as (1) Probate Estate Files through 1915, (2) Probate Minute Books and Will Books, (3) Marriage Records through 1982, (4) Divorce Case Files through 1950, (5) Chancery Court Records, (6) Circuit Court Records, and much more! We have all up-to-date published counties of the Heritage of Alabama Book Series. For easy research, we have on microfilm and/or CD such items as (1) Shelby County Newspapers dating back to 1866, (2) Shelby County Deed Books through 1899, (3) 1908 through 1959 Alabama Death Certificate Index, (4) 1950-1979 Alabama Obituary Clippings, (5) 1907-1908 Alabama Confederate Soldiers Census, (6) Alabama Confederate Pension Applications, (7) Shelby County Alabama World War I Draft Registrations, (8) Shelby County Alabama World War I Service Records, (9) 1936 through 1969 Alabama Marriage Record Index, (10) 1950 through 1959 Alabama Divorce Record Index, and (8) 1820 through 1940 Shelby County Alabama Census Records, with index for each. We have equipment for you to view and copy these microfilm/microfiche and CD items. For your convenience, we also have on microfilm Alabama County Marriage Certificates for (1) Bibb, 1818-1929, (2) Chilton, 1870-1935, (3) Clarke, 1890-1930, (4) Coosa, 1834-1925, (5) Madison, 1809-1820, (6) Perry, 1820-1929, (7) St. Clair, 1819-1933, (8) Talladega, 1833-1929, (9) Tallapoosa, 1830-1911, and the Jefferson County 1818-1940 Marriage Index, including the Bessemer Annex. In addition, we have Death Index for the following states (1) Arkansas, 1914-1950, (2) Mississippi, 1912-1943, (3) Tennessee, 1908-1954, (4) Texas, 1903-1963, and Pre 1900 Georgia Death Certificates. Our library also offers additional researching FREE through "Ancestry.com", "Fold3.com" and "GenealogyBank.com". The Alabama Historical Commission Oral History Project in 1978, and through a grant received in 2011 from Alabama Historical Records Advisory Board and matching public contributions to digitalize this collection, are now available for your private listening pleasure. To see the index Click Here. The Shelby County Historical Society, Inc. accepts and collects materials which provide information on the history of Shelby County Alabama. It is possible that some of these same materials are also available at the Alabama Department of Archives & History and/or public libraries throughout the state. These materials are acquired for researchers' convenience and not with the expectation that they will be kept forever. We also acquire duplicate copies of many items which tend to be heavily used by researchers. The archive's collection consists of books, dissertations, theses, journals, and newsletters, and also contains materials in a variety of formats, such as microfilm, microfiche, and vertical files of unpublished materials. Because the history of Shelby County is closely tied to the history of Alabama, we also collect some Alabama history reference materials. If you would like to offer reference material to the Shelby County Historical Society, Inc. please contact Bobby Joe Seales. We are located in the Old Shelby County Courthouse, built in 1854 in Columbiana, Alabama. This building has been designated a historic landmark by the National Register of Historic Places and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks & Heritage. The Museum displays many old Shelby County photographs and artifacts from the Indian era through WWII; including such items as the bell from the Alabama, a well-known railroad engine during its time, Creek Indian artifacts, the 1906 Shelby County Courthouse cornerstone contents removed 24th June 2006, and three chestnut wood cars and several feet of wood track that were found on the 4th May 1974 in the forgotten Confederate Gurnee Coal Mine in West Shelby County. They proudly display a serving for 12 of the (1) Alabama College Wedgwood 50th Anniversary Reynolds Hall dinner plates, 1896-1946, and (2) serving for 12 tea cups and saucers, introduced in 1949, with the Library (Wills Hall). Effective August 1, 2015 (until further notice) the hours of operation of our Museum and Archives are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. We are temporarily closed, until further notice, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and Holidays. Please come and visit us. Information above from Shelby County Museum & Archives Website 2013 AL.com article about updates to 1854 Shelby County Courthouse which houses Museum and Archive. Historical Marker Database record of 1854 Shelby County Courthouse.
Liz Clayton, Shelby County Historical Society
Shelby County Musuem & Archives Website
Shelby; Education; Montevallo, University of; Alabama Girls' Industrial School; Alabama State College for Women
In October of 1896, the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School opened its doors to some 150 young women from all parts of the state. They had come to participate in a great experiment, in an innovation in education for Alabama. They had come to be trained as teachers, bookkeepers, artists, musicians, dressmakers, telegraphers and milliners. In other words, at last, there was a school in Alabama whose purpose was to educate women to be self-supporting; at last, here was an opportunity to escape from the drudgery of field work, mill work, or from the ignominy of depending on a father or brother for lifelong support if there was no husband. At last, here was an opportunity for young women to expand their minds and dreams in a state, poverty-stricken by economic circumstances, that could provide little public education for its citizens. In 1911 AGIS became Alabama Girls’ Technical Institute. The phrase “and College for Women” was added in 1919. In 1923, the school became Alabama College, State College for Women, a degree-granting institution. Two men enrolled in January of 1956, and with 33 more arriving by September, a new era had begun for the school. In 1969, in order to reflect this changing atmosphere, the school changed its name to University of Montevallo, and its four distinct colleges (Arts and Sciences, Education, Business, and Fine Arts) were established. Today, UM holds fast to the principles that we were founded upon and the mission that we’ve always upheld. As Alabama’s only public liberal arts university, we take pride in knowing that our curriculum is both challenging and affordable. And while we offer degree programs in more than 70 academic disciplines, our student-to-faculty ratio is a mere 16-to-1, so you’ll know that you’re getting a tailor-made education. It’s no surprise that we’re continuing to ascend the ranks of U.S. News & World Report’s list of America’s Best Colleges when it comes to overall education and lack of student loan debt. Information above from History of Montevallo University
Notes from the Teague Memoirs of Shelby County tell of a man who lived on this side of the river at McGowan’s Ferry (just south of the site of the SEGCO Steam Plant). He had an understanding with an Indian friend on the Talladega County side. The Indian has promised to warn his friend when his people were on a rampage. One day, the white man saw the smoke signal and spread the alarm thet the Indians were coming. It was related that ribbons, corsets, and many bits of paraphernalia were strewn along the road from Wilsonville to Montevallo as the residents left in great haste. On 10 November 1840 a James McGowen of Shelby County filed on a parcel of land in the area one mile from Wilsonville on the Coosa River, that would later be known as “McGowan’s Ferry.” Both James W. and George W. McGowan enlisted and served in the American War between the States. George purchased the site of McGowan's Ferry in 1874 from B. Averitt. It is unclear if he and James W. were related to the James McGowin who purchased the land in 1840. James and Julia Johnson McGowan had been living in Columbiana but moved to Wilsonville between 1870 and 1878 and may have made the move when G.W. purchased the land from Averitt. The town of Wilsonville was first incorporated in 1897. G.W. McGowan was the first mayor. He married Mary Jane Blockton and after her death in 1888 remarried Sarah E. Privett of Calhoun Co, Alabama in 1889. He died in 1903 and is buried in Wilsonville Cemetery. The McGowan Ferry ceased operation in 1939. It was an important linked across the Coosa between Shelby and Talledega Counties. ~ from History of Wilsonville, Alabama AL.com 2013 article about potential bridge sites near locations of old ferry sights.
Lindsay Historical Site: David Lindsay, A Revolutionary War Soldier
Shelby; American Revolution; Cemetery; DAR
David Lindsay was born 1750 in Washington County, Pennsylvania and died 1835 in Shelby County, Alabama. He was a private in the American Revolutionary War and a pioneer settler of Shelby County. He married Mary Casey and they had twelve children. On April 2, 1784, in reward for his service to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Lindsay was granted 100 acres of land in Green County, North Carolina. They settled in Shelby County before the 1820 census. He died about 1835 and Mary died about 1847. Both are buried with other family members on a son's former homestead in the Maylene community. The family graveyard has been preserved as the Lindsay Historical Site near Shelby County Highway 17. The David Lindsay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was first chartered in Montevallo in 1927 with some members having descended from Lindsay through his daughters. In 2006 the group erected a memorial plaque on a native rock at American Village. In April 2008 they won official recognition of Lindsay's service and genealogy from the National Society of the DAR. David Lindsay Chapter, Alabama Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Lindsay Historical Site David Lindsay by Bobbie Joe Seales David Lindsay B'ham Wiki Clan Lindsay Site David Lindsay on Findagrave.com
What remains of the Shelby Hotel, adjacent to Shelby Iron Works, is closed to public and on private property. It is believed to be the first in Alabama to have running water and electric lights. Originally built in 1863, it was totally destroyed by fire in 1898, and rebuilt in 1900. Shelby Hotel by Bobby Joe Seales on Rootsweb Article about Shelby Hotel by Strange Alabama (Beverly Crider) on AL.com
Shelby Springs Hotel & Confederate Cemetery
Shelby Springs; Mineral Springs; Hotel; Resort; Hospital; Cemetery; Civil War
Shelby Springs Resort Hotel is believed to have been built sometime around 1839 providing accomodations to tourists coming to avail themselves of the mineral waters. In about 1856 Mr. Jasper J. Norris of Selma leased the property consisting of 2,700 acres of wooded land, including the springs, hotel and cottages. During the Civil War, the facilities were used as a training center for the young Confederate soldiers. In 1862 Shelby Springs was known as Camp Winn. Several students in the University of Alabama Cadet Corps were sent there to drill troops for the Army. In 1863, the Confederate Army as a hospital and a soldier's home used the hotel and cottages. Father Leray and the Sisters of Mercy staffed the hospital after fleeing Civil War destruction in Vicksburg, Mississippi. They brought with them by train many wounded and sick Confederate soldiers. The Shelby Springs Confederate Cemetery became an extension of an existing cemetery located on a ridge overlooking the springs. Copied from the Shelby County Historical Society Quarterly magazine, dated March 2002: Shelby County Reporter, Thursday, June 10, 1976 Letter to the Editor: With very much interest I read the letter in the "Reporter" about the old cemetery located near, at that time, the old Summer Resort at Shelby Springs. Fifty years ago the Nelson Realty Co. purchased the Shelby Springs and their plans were to build a big Hotel and Club House to be named the "Yamakita Club" but somehow it never materialized. Then a man named Irby procured it and from that the present owner acquired the property, Howard Hall. Since the last two owners acquired it, there were no more good times, such as picnics et cetera at Shelby Springs. People for miles around would come there especially on the 4th of July ball games et cetera, plenty of water of which there were five kinds, three artesian springs of sulphur water. It was meeting place for all the neighbors. Gone is all that now, an iron fence surrounds the old springs "lot" as it was called, but let us get back to the cemetery, it was known as the Old Soldiers Grave Yard. I personally knew of two old civil war veterans buried there, I.C. Miller and his brother William "Bill" then their sisters Miss Nancy Miller and Mrs. Marian [Mary Ann, second wife of Felix James] Seale ... John Roche Gould, 3329 Oakhill Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35216. More about Shelby Springs Hotel More about Shelby Springs Confederate Cemetery Findagrave.com listings for Shelby Springs Confederate Cemetery
Shelby County; Civil War; Iron Industry; Iron; Ware, Horace; blast furnace; Historic Shelby Association; industialization
Shelby Iron Works began when Horace Ware purchased land south of Columbiana, Alabama from Green B and Sarah Seale on December 29, 1842. Ware acquired other properties in the area with available timberland and hematite ore. The Shelby Iron Works Company was started with the building of a cold blast iron furnace. The lone furnace stack was built out of brick and stone and only stood 30 feet high. During The American War between the States the iron works was useful in outfitting the CSS Tennessee, CSS Huntsville and the CSS Tuscaloosa. A detachment of Union General Emory Upton's division of Wilson's Raiders attempted to destroy the ironworks on March 31, 1865. The ironworks was rebuilt and continued to operate until 1923 when production stopped. The majority of the Ironworks was dismantled for scrap in 1929. Shelby Ironworks Website
The Columbiana City Cemetery represents over 200 years of history in the Shelby County area. Many recognized names are interred in this old cemetery and deserve to be remembered. In 2006 Eagle Scout Robert Justice took on the major task of logging all of the names in the cemetery and then publishing that list on the Shelby County Historical Society website. In 2011 The Columbiana Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints undertook an extensive refurbishment of the cemetery. Thereafter, using Robert Justice’s compilation of names, they created a grid system map to locate all names interred here. They also went completely through the grounds looking for and finding additional graves that had either been lost in the landscaping or added since Robert’s work. Located in Columbiana, Alabama on both sides of Shelby County Highway 47 South. Rootsweb Census of Columbiana Cemetery Columbiana Cemetery listings on Findagrave.com
Shelby County Tax Records 2015 Parcel #21 7 26 4 001 001.000
People; Russellville, AL; Franklin County, AL
Mr. Leavitt came to Franklin County in the early 1900s and lived on Spruce Pine mountain. After life as a sea captain, Mr. Leavitt desired a new life of peace and quiet. He always boasted that he brought "enough money to last the rest of his life". He lived on the mountain for five years, telling his stories and teaching music and art to the citizens in the area. Rumors spread through Franklin County about the mysterious gold that Mr. Leavitt supposedly had hidden within his mountain retreat. On a morning in 1904, Mr. Leavitt was found murdered with a fractured skull in a location known as Bent Hickory. His body gave indication that the attack came from behind. Police never found Mr. Leavitt's killer.
Franklin County Data, Franklin County Archives
Civil War; People; Moulton, AL; Lawrence County, AL
General Philip Dale Roddey was born in Moulton, Alabama, in 1820. Because Roddey's parents were poor, he did not receive any formal schooling. Roddey first worked as a tailor. Later, Roddey served as a sheriff of Lawrence County. He resigned from this position to join a steamboat business in Colbert County. In 1861, Roddey recruited a company of mounted men and entered the Confederate military as a captain. Roddey repelled the first attack from Union troops who tried to invade Alabama, which earned him the title of "Defender of the North Alabama." His service led him to rise to the rank of brigadier general. Roddey served with General Joseph Wheeler during the Tennessee campaign. Roddey also served with General Harris at Harrisburg, Athens, Tishomingo, and Sulphur Trestle. Following the end of the war, Roddey abandoned his family and moved to New York to become a commission merchant. Roddey died in London in 1897 after negotiating the sale of a patent on a new water pump. His body was returned to the United States and was buried in Tuscaloosa.
Altadena Valley Community; Rocky Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Acton Memorial Church; Acton, Zephaniah William Henry; Presbyterian Church of America; PCA;
Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church began in 1854 under the name Rocky Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church, near the current facilities of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. AVPC moved to its current facilities in 1912 as the result of a church split over whether or not the church should maintain its affiliation with the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination or establish a new affiliation with the northern Presbyterian Church. The group that moved to the church’s current location chose to be members of the northern Presbyterian Church. The name of the church was changed to Acton Memorial Church, in honor of Zephaniah William Henry Acton, a charter member and founder of the church. The rolls of the church were dominated by the Acton name in those days. Until the late 1960’s, the church struggled in different ways, with any limited prosperity always being followed by some crisis that caused significant numbers of the congregation to leave. With the community beginning to grow around it, and with the blessing of God through some excellent pastoral leadership, the church began to grow in the late 1960’s. The name was changed in 1968 (by a congregational vote of 17-7) to its current name, reflecting the determination of the church to reach its community. Several building programs were initiated and completed during the 1970’s and early 80’s, including the 1983 razing of the old sanctuary and the construction of our current sanctuary as a replica of that old building. On June 4, 1978, the congregation voted unanimously to change its denominational affiliation to the PCA.
Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church Website
Killian Cemetery Records at Findagrave.com Killian Cemetery Records USgenweb Archives
Shelby County Historical Society; Cemeteries; Moses Johnson
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 33.21580, Longitude: -86.55420 Johnson Cemetery Listing on Findagrave.com Johnson Cemetery Listing on Rootsweb
Johnson Cemetery Listing on Findagrave.com Johnson Cemetery Listing on Rootsweb
Flat Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemtery
Cemeteries; Hillsboro, AL; Lawrence County, AL
The Flat Creek Cemetery is a church cemetery maintained by the Flat Creek Missionary Baptist Church. The cemetery is accessible by car. From Decatur, travel 2.4 miles on Highway 24. Turn right on to County Road 354. The cemetery is behind the church. A fence encloses the graves around the site. The first marked burial in the cemetery belongs to Nola Kirby. She died February 12, 1922.
Waldrep, Phil. "Cemeteries of Lawrence County, Alabama Volume I." 1993.
Cemeteries; Trinity, AL; Lawrence County, AL
The Fuller Cemetery can be accessed by car. Travel west from Decatur on Lawrence County Road 460. After crossing the Lawrence County line, the cemetery lies .3 miles on the left. The Fuller Cemetery is a community cemetery that began as a family cemetery. The cemetery contains modern granite stones and false crypts.
The Thrasher Cemetery primarily served as a family cemetery. Most of the records in the cemetery are members of the Thrasher family that lived close to the cemetery. The cemetery is accessible by car. From Decatur, travel west on Lawrence County road 460. Travel two miles from the Lawrence County line, head north onto County Road 327. After the road dead ends 1/2 mile later on, turn right onto County Road 214. The cemetery sits on the left side of the road past the Caddo Congregational Christian Church. The cemetery sits on a hillside. There are some unusual features in the cemetery such as tiers that mark each level of graves. There is one major tombstone that stands in the center with no inscription.
Historic Buildings; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
The Old Main Post Office in Athens, Alabama was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Also known as Washington Street Courthouse Annex, the Neoclassical building was constructed in 1933 by the Works Progress Administration. The lobby of the post office features marble floors and door trim. In 1979 the post office was converted to a courthouse annex.
Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama.
National Register Information System. Accessed August 5, 2015.
Historic Districts; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
The George S. Houston Historic District encompasses 2nd Ave., Jefferson St., McClellan St., and Houston St. in Athens, Alabama. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Development in this district began soon after the town was founded in 1818. There are several homes that remain from the antebellum period. With the exception of First Methodist, the district is entirely residential. The historic district is named after Alabama's 24th Governor. His home is located within the historic district and serves as a memorial library and museum.
The Athens State College Historic District is located on 202 N. Beaty St., and the central campus area by Hobbs St. The area was listed to the National Register of Historic Places on February 14, 1985. The district includes Founders Hall, which was constructed in 1842.
Athens Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District
The Athens Courthouse Square Commercial District is located in Athens, Alabama, near the Limestone County Courthouse. Due to the destruction of buildings during the Civil War and major fires that occurred in the late-1800s, this district largely dates from the early twentieth century. Between the 1910s and 1920s, Athens saw a rise in development due to increase in manufacturing, and in 1930s the electricity provided by the TVA. There are notable buildings located within the district such as the current post office building.
Thomas, Phil. "Athens Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District." National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. Accessed August 5, 2015.
Historic Homes; Somerville, AL; Morgan County, AL
One of the oldest brick structures in the state of Alabama, the Rather-Rice-Gilchrist House is notable for the unusually fine Flemish bond brickwork and a molded brick cornice. In 1820, John T. Rather, a lawyer and the original owner of the home, planned out the foundation of the house. The home sits on an ashlar foundation with granite sills and lintels. The rectangular five bay home is one-and-a-half stories tall with a gable roof, with dormers, and a two-room ell. The home was extensively renovated in 1927. However, by the time of the HABS survey in 1978 the house stood in ruins.
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/ Accessed August 5, 2015.
Buildings; Courtland, AL; Lawrence County, AL
In the late 1820s James Edmonds Saunders established Rocky Hill plantation in Courtland, Alabama. Between 1858 and 1861, the plantation owner had the Rocky Hill Castle constructed. The two-story stuccoed brick eclectic home contained elements of Greek Revival architecture, including porticos on the front and rear and Italianate bracketing. The home also contained a turreted Gothic tower on the west side of the home. The tower may have been used to house slaves and then servants. Like many plantation homes, Rocky Hill had a raised basement. In 1961, the home had to be demolished after years of neglect had led it to deteriorate.
"The Heritage of Lawrence County, Alabama." Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc. 1998.
Business; Moulton, AL; Lawrence County, AL
The Pencil Slat Mill, located south of Moulton, operated during the early twentieth century. Northern transplants to the south made up the bulk of the workforce. After factory workers made the pencil slats in Moulton, they shipped the slats to another location to add the lead. The mill closed after the owner killed an African-American worker during an argument. The owner fled Moulton and never returned.
Newspaper; Moulton, AL; Lawrence County, AL
In 1841 Levi Gallaway established the Moulton Advertiser. Still published today, the Moulton Advertiser is the oldest, continually operated paper in the state of Alabama. Originally, Gallaway printed the paper on a Ramage wooden press. The bed of the press was made of stone. Only one sheet of the paper could be printed at a time. Gallaway initially printed the paper on Saturday evenings.
Schools; Education; Moulton, AL; Lawrence County, AL
Col. Richard Jones and his wife moved to the Moulton area for Mrs. Jones’ health. When they arrived, Col. Jones saw that there were few opportunities for children to get an education. In 1841, he constructed the first schoolhouse. The school became known as Mountain Home Female Institute. The school grew to include a large boarding house for the students. The students ate in a dining room in the basement of the home though the kitchen, like many kitchens in the south, was located in a separate building behind the dormitory. The school remained in operation until the death of Principal J.M. Pickens, who died after being shot in broad daylight on February 2, 1881.
Schools; Churches; Moulton, AL, Lawrence County, AL
In 1852, the Baptist Female Institution of Moulton was incorporated under the patronage of the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association. At the time the school received its charter, the school building could accommodate 150 female students. Tuition per each five-month session varied. The preparatory department cost either $10 or $12. The freshman class paid $14, the sophomore class, $16, and the junior class, $18. The senior class paid the largest tuition per session at $20. Extracurricular activities including instrumental music, piano and guitar could be added at a cost of $15 each. Additional instruction in drawing and painting cost $10. A dollar was added on to all tuition for contingent expenses. The school rules required students to conform in all their conduct to a strict code of morality. No conversation of any kind was allowed during study hours. No pupils were permitted to receive attention from male students, or attend parties during the session of their term. Expulsion was imminent if they did not abide by the rules.
Churches; Town Creek, AL; Lawrence County, AL
The Town Creek Church of Christ is located at the intersection of Hwy 20 and Church Street in Town Creek. While the Church of Christ congregation did not formally organize until 1893, records indicate that members of the Town Creek community had gathered together for worship beginning in the 1860s. In the 1880s, Church of Christ minister T.B. Larimore of Florence traveled to Town Creek to baptize residents. The connection to Larimore, who had founded the Mars Hill Academy, may have influenced the community’s decision to follow the Church of Christ faith. J. H. Lemay donated the lot on which the congregation constructed the church. J. R. Armstrong and W. V. Prueitt ordered the lumber through their firm, Porter and Foster. Armstrong rode horseback to Landersville, Alabama to borrow enough money to pay the bill for the church. Today the Town Creek Church of Christ is located at 324 Church Street.
"The Heritage of Lawrence County, Alabama." Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc. 1998. http://www.towncreekcoc.com/
Churches; Hillsboro, AL; Lawrence County, AL
Currently, the Morris Chapel Methodist Church is located on Lawrence County Road 217 near Hillsboro, Alabama. Named after the Reverend Moses S. Morris, the church dates to 1852 making it one of oldest churches located in Lawrence County. Originally the church sat near Shoal Creek three miles east of the current site. After the church flooded several times, in 1902 the congregation made the decision to move it to the current site. Additionally, the creek divided the congregation in half. Between 1902 and 1907, builders dismantled the original church, moved the lumber and materials to the new site, and reconstructed the church. In 1937, the congregation built a new church building, which was remodeled in 1960. Each year the church holds an Annual Homecoming celebration on the 3rd Sunday in May.
"The Heritage of Lawrence County, Alabama." Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc. 1998. http://www.morrischapel.org/
St. Paul's Church and St, John's Episcopal Church
Churches; Decatur, AL; Morgan County, AL
Formed in 1867, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church served the people of Decatur until 1930. Located in Old Decatur, the church served a thriving population who prospered from the trade that the Tennessee River generated. However, in 1888 two events worked to change St. Paul’s immensely. First, a yellow fever epidemic hit Decatur and many survivors left the community. Second, St. Paul’s burned to the ground and the congregation split over where to build the new church. Many parishioners wanted to keep the congregation in Old Decatur, while others wanted to build in New Decatur. The advocates for building in New Decatur decided to withdraw from the congregation and formed St. John’s. However, the two congregations remained closely tied together. In fact, in 1892, Dr. Erasus Wooster Spalding came to Decatur to serve both churches. By 1893, the congregation of St. John’s raised enough money to build a church, which still serves the congregation today. St. Paul’s continued to serve Old Decatur until 1930.
Historic Neighborhood National Register Inventory Morgan County Archives http://stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org/
The Christian Science Society of Alabany-Decatur organized the Church of Christ Scientist in 1926 and constructed a church at 6th Avenue and Johnston Street. In July 1936, the original society became an authorized branch church under the name: First Church of Christ, Scientist, Decatur, Alabama. A Christian Science Reading Room is maintained at 112 2nd Avenue NE.
Historic Neighborhood National Register Inventory http://decaturchurch.com/
Recreation; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
Located on the Tennessee River in Athens, the Cowford Campground offers well-groomed and shaded campsites that have RV hook-ups. The 48 campsites are pull-through and leveled with gravel. Cowford Landing offers visitors boating, fishing, and swimming with a sandy beach area. Cowford also has water, sewer, and a bathhouse/laundry room. The campsite is located on 8700 Cowford Road in Athens, Alabama.
"Cowford Campground." http://www.limestoneparks.com/. Accessed July 29, 2015.
Festivals; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
During mid-October Athens holds its annual Athens Storytelling Festival at the Courthouse Square. People can also visit a mix of antique and gift shops, eat gourmet foods, and purchase clothing. Food vendors will be present for quick meals. Admission is free for this festival.
"Athens Storytelling Festival. http://www.athensstorytellingfestival.com/about/. Accessed July 29, 2015.
Buildings; Churches; Decatur, AL; Morgan County, AL
St. Paul's Lutheran Church was founded on October 9, 1898. The congregation originally met in homes, and later in 1901, they built a house of worship at 4th Avenue and Sherman Street. Reverend W. G. Hussman was the first pastor for a congregation of 25. The church is now located at 1700 Carridale S. W.
Decatur Historic Neighborhood National Register Inventory
Events; Civil War; Decatur, AL; Morgan County, AL
After LeRoy Pope Walker became the first Secretary of War of the Confederacy, he immediately issued the order to confederate forces to attack Fort Sumter. As the war escalated enlistments grew. A growing number of men of the Tennessee Valley signed up to defend their homes. The following is a letter for supplies and support issued to A. B. Moore from John Rather. "Hon. A. B. Moore, Dear Sir, We had a meeting here today for the purpose of raising a volunteer company. We have 53 men, and Monday next, the 22nd inst., will complete the company at Somerville and immediately thereafter will organize by the election of officers. We lend our services to you and through you to the Confederate Government and desire to be received into immediate services in the Volunteer Corps. Write full needs as to requirements about uniforms and whether we are expected to prepare our own tents or will the government furnish them, or rather can do it now. Please respond promptly and oblige. Yours respectufully, John D, Rather"
Knox, John. "Story of Decatur, Alabama."
The Unsolved Murder of the Carnival Musician
Italian musician Vincent Farmica was killed on March 11, 1912 walking back to Decatur after one of his shows. A woman discovered Farmica's lifeless body while walking home. The scene contained a vast amount of evidence, but no clues as to who could be the culprit. After the woman notified the Decatur police, they immediately went to examine the crime scene. Farmica's body was still warm to the touch when they arrived. After the police examined the body officers revealed that Farmica expired after being struck in the head by a heavy blunt object. Officers believed that the murderer had to be a friend of Farmica, knowing that he had a large sum of money on his person after he played his show. A major suspect, Arthur Boyd. Boyd, was a resident of Cullman County. Police apprehended Boyd and brought him to Decatur to face prosecution for manslaughter and theft.. After the police discovered that the large sum of cash that Boyd had was from his crop sales further south, they released him. Farmica's murderer was never found.
Festivals; Ardmore, AL; Limestone County, AL
The Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival is held on the last Saturday in August at the John W. Barnes Park. Visitors can purchase crafts, plants, candles, and jewelry. The festival also has antique car and tractor shows, food vendors, and musical entertainment. Admission is free for the public.
"Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival." http://www.renaissancefairepictorial.com/ardmore/ardmore.html. Accessed July 29, 2015.
The Ardmore Renaissance Faire is a fun event for the family to enjoy. Step back in time with different medieval activities such as period workmanship, sword combat, Middle Eastern dancers, puppeteers, and a May Pole. Visitors can also feast on different period foods and modern day items. The event occurs in Ardmore in April.
"Ardmore Renaissance Festival." www.ardmorerenaissancefestival.com. Accessed July 29, 2015.