Civil War; Events; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
Like many north Alabama communities, Athens changed hands many times during the Civil War. In May 1862, one particular event would scar the citizens of Athens. After Union troops celebrated their victory at Shiloh, the federal Army of Ohio pushed further into the Confederacy. The troops seized the Charleston and Memphis Railroad. Citizens in northern Alabama were shocked at the occupation of Union troops. On May 2, 1862 Union forces under the command of Col. John Basil Turchin seized Athens. Once Athens fell to the Union, Turchin told his men: “I shut my eyes for two hours. I see nothing.” Union soldiers attacked businesses, plundered private homes, and assaulted many of the citizens. Damage to the town was estimated at $55,000. This traumatic event became known as the Rape of Athens.
Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama
Karamanski, Theodore J., "Civilians, Soldiers, and the Sack of Athens, Alabama." http://www.lib.niu.edu/1997/iht429748.html. Accessed July 14, 2015
Festivals; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
During the winter months in Downtown Athens, the Athens Sippin Cider Festival takes place. Participants are able to taste different ciders,enjoy music, special activities, and door prizes. Santa also makes an appearance for the children. Admission is free.
“Athens Sippin Festival.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Festivals; Hartselle,AL; Morgan County, AL
During the warm month of May, Downtown Hartselle holds a competitive BBQ cook-off so grillmasters can compete and show off their skills for the public. Antique and specialty shops will be open for visitors to browse.
“Cotton Pickin' BBQ Cook-off.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Recreation; Sports; Hartselle, AL; Morgan County, AL
Located on 233 Quail Creek Drive in Hartselle, AL, This 18-hole course has 7,500 yards of Bermuda green, meeting facilities, pro shop, golf lessons, snack bar/grill, and a driving range. There is also a lodging inn.
“Quail Creek Golf Resort.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Decatur Jaycees Riverfest & BBQ Cook-off
Festivals; Decatur, AL; Morgan County, AL
The Decatur Jaycees Riverfest & BBQ Cook-off is an Alabama state championship competition that consists of live musical entertainment, children's activities, a 5k race, and BBQ available for purchase. The event is held annually on the 3rd weekend of September.
“Decatur Jaycees Riverfest & BBQ Cook-off.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Festivals; Hartselle, AL; Morgan County, AL
Hartselle holds a week of activities that celebrates their railroad community, est. 1870. The festival begins on the 3rd Saturday in September. The events include the Miss Depot Days pageant, 5k run, antique tractor and engine show, and an arts/crafts show. Admission is free.
“Hartselle Depot Days Festival.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention occurs in Athens during the first week of October. This festival is known as the "Granddaddy of Midsouth Fiddlers Conventions" for its role in reviving the tradition of competition in old time music. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend each year. The convention also included 150 traditional arts and crafts booths. These feature many handmade and traditional items.
“Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Festivals; Decatur, AL, Morgan County, AL
This event happens on 67 Horse Center Road in Decatur, AL. The event takes place in the second week of September. It consists of a Racking Horse show with more than 1,000 show horses competing in 180 classes for the World Grand Champion title.
“RHBAA World Celebration.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes
Festivals; Tours; Decatur, AL; Morgan County, AL
The Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes takes places in the second week of December. The Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts open their homes and sites, trimmed in traditional decorations for the public to see. The homes will be open for viewing as a part of the self-guided tour from 2-8 p.m. The tour also offers decorating tips, carriage rides, refreshments, and live holiday music. Tickets are available at the Decatur/Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Historic Decatur Christmas Tour.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
SoulStock is an annual outdoor Christian music and worship event that happens at Point Mallard. The event is free for the general public. SoulStock is sponsored by churches, businesses, and individuals mostly in the surrounding area. The festival usually occurs the second week in May annually.
“SoulStock.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Historic Homes; Birmingham, AL; Jefferson County, AL; Greek Revival Style; National Register of Historic Places; Hall, Stephen; Mudd, William S.; Mudd, Florence Earle; Wilson, Gen. James H.; Debardeleben, Henry F.; Munger, Robert S.; Montgomery, Ruby; Montgomery, Alex; Lee, Gen. Robert E.; Moore, Gov. Andrew Barry; Bibb, Gov. Thomas; Belle Mina
Image Sources: Satterfield, Carolyn Green, "Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens," Encyclopedia of Alabama, http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/m-6678 Satterfield, Carolyn Green, "Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens," Encyclopedia of Alabama, http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/m-6682 Text Sources: Satterfield, Carolyn Green, "Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens," Encyclopedia of Alabama, http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-2417 Satterfield, Carolyn Green. Historic Sites of Jefferson County, Alabama (Birmingham, Ala.: Jefferson County Historical Commission, 1976). 46-49.
Religion; Episcopal Church; Birmingham AL; Jefferson County, AL
Image Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Church_of_the_Advent_(Birmingham,_Alabama) http://archive.adventbirmingham.org/articles.asp?ID=4163 Text Source: Cathedral Church of the Advent - History, http://adventbirmingham.org/about/our-parish/history/
Bob Tiffin founded Tiffin Motorhomes in 1972, and the company has produced over 65,000 motorhomes since then. The mission for Tiffin Motorhomes is "building lifetime relationships by doing our best to exceed the sales, service and overall ownership expectations of Tiffin Motorhomes' owners and dealers." The Tiffin Motorhomes Company invites any current owners, customers, and anyone interested in the RV lifestyle to tour their factory in Red Bay, Alabama. Visitors will get the chance to meet the craftsman and see the construction of a motorhome. Tours for the factory are held Monday-Friday at 9:30 a,m. There is no need to schedule a visit, and tours usually last around one hour. Tours are not held through the week of July 4th and on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
“Tiffin Motorhomes.” Accessed July 27, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Building; Priceville, AL; Morgan County, AL
The Morgan County Celebration Arena is located in Priceville, Alabama at 67 Horse Center Road. The arena has 32 barns with a total of 672 stalls. There are 50 indoor vendor areas and a parking area that can hold 2,500 cars. The arena is 150 feet by 300 feet with a seating capacity of 4,000 with 1,000 VIP.
“Morgan County Celebration Arena.” Accessed July 27, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
In mid-September, Athens holds their Athens Grease Festival. During this event citizens of the area come together with fried foods of all types. Proceeds from the event benefit downtown restoration and revitalization projects.
“Athens Grease Festival.” Accessed July 27, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is the largest balloon race in Alabama. The event features 60 balloons from around the country . The balloons fly between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. over Memorial Day weekend. The event is free to the public and takes place at Point Mallard Park Jubilee Field.
“Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic.” Accessed July 27, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Events; Red Bay, AL; Franklin County, AL
Gypsies near Red Bay would set up camp near the edge of the town or in rural areas near farm houses. They traveled by covered wagon and could be heard for miles with the clinking of their cookware and barking dogs. When the Gypsies set up camp, they would become mobile traders. Wares were traded for food, such as chickens, eggs, milk, and other farm products. People of Red Bay had no idea where these mysterious traders originally came.
Boswell, Lurlie Wren. "Do You Recall." Outlaw Press, 1986.
A popular sport among the children of Red Bay was "snipe hunting." The hunts would always take place at night on a new moon. The "hunter" is armed with a tow-sack. This weapon is used to catch the "snipe" once it escapes the safety of its domicile. Groups always invited someone who had never been snipe hunting and the victim was left out in the woods looking for the elusive (and imaginary) snipe!
In Red Bay, amidst five magnolia trees, sits a home in ruins. Between 1917 and 1919 Dr. Oscar Copeland had a Colonial style home with wide porches on the side constructed. The interior had 15 rooms, a long, wide, central corridor on both floors, and a stairway that extended from the front parlor to the second floor. Antique furnishings completed the interior. The home was one of the finest in Red Bay.
Festivals; Ardmore, AL; Limestone County, AL
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.
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 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.
Knox, John. "Story of Decatur, Alabama."
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"
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
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.
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.
Churches; Decatur, AL; Morgan County, AL
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/
St. Paul's Church and St, John's Episcopal Church
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/
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/
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/
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.
"The Heritage of Lawrence County, Alabama." Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc. 1998.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Athens Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District
Historic Districts; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
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.
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.
National Register Information System. Accessed August 5, 2015.
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.
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.
Cemeteries; Trinity, AL; Lawrence County, AL
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.
Waldrep, Phil. "Cemeteries of Lawrence County, Alabama Volume I." 1993.
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.
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.
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
Liz Clayton, Shelby County Historical Society
Johnson Cemetery Listing on Findagrave.com Johnson Cemetery Listing on Rootsweb
Killian Cemetery Records at Findagrave.com Killian Cemetery Records USgenweb Archives
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
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.
Franklin County Data, Franklin County Archives
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.
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
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