Cullman County, Hanceville, Religion, Catholicism, Monastery, Mother Angelica
Construction began on the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama in 1996. The Our Lady of the Angels monastery was consecrated in 1996. Mother Angelica, who also founded the Eternal World Television Network, established the shrine and the monastery. According to its website, the shrine is modeled after the great Italian churches of the 13th century. Visitors walk across the piazza before entering the church in order to reflect upon the separation between faith and secularism. The church doors are adorned with Seven Joys and Sorrows of the Virgin Mary.
http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/m-3425 http://olamshrine.org/about/
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
Montgomery County, Religion, Baptist, Civil Rights Movement, African American, Vernon Johns, Martin Luther King Jr.
Located in Montgomery Alabama, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is most known for being at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement and being led by then pastor, Martin Luther King Jr. However the church had a long history, going back to the late-nineteenth century, of being led by politically and socially conscious religious leaders. Created in 1877, the church was originally known as the Second Baptist (Colored) Church. A few years later, in 1884, the church was renamed the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church after the street it was built on was renamed Dexter Avenue in honor of Montgomery’s original founder, Andrew Dexter. The first pastor for the church was Charles Octavius Boothe, a freedman and author. Overall the two most renowned pastors of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church were Vernon Johns and Martin Luther King Jr. Under Vernon John’s leadership, the church members became more politically active and began to challenge Montgomery’s structured segregation. The next pastor, King, followed in Johns’ footsteps and insisted that all of his flock become registered voters and join the local NAACP. King also orchestrated the Montgomery Bus Boycott from the church. In 1978, the church was officially renamed the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. Nowadays the church is under consideration to become a World Heritage Site. Visitors can also tour the church and parsonage, where king and his family lived.
Historic Places; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located on Hightower Place near Darby Drive, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "This park was donated to the people of Florence by Dr. Kirk R. and Lillian Cook Deibert who initially acquired this property in 1952. The acreage was once a part of a large ante-bellum plantation owned by Judge Sidney Cherry Posey. In 1875 his heirs sold this farm to Charles Posey who had worked these same fields as a slave. Later, Charles and his wife Amcy, began dividing the land among their heirs, and this settlement became known as Posey. According to tradition, Charles Posey built a schoolhouse here for his children and others in the neighborhood."
Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama
“Deibert Park Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Historic Markers; Rogersville, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located in front of Blue Water Polo Club next to Double Head Marker on U.S. 72, Killen, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Daniel White, native of North Carolina, purchased land here in 1818, a year before Alabama became a state. His home and stagecoach stop, “Wayside Inn,” was a large two-story log house located on the north side of the highway from this site. In 1834 he set aside the original two acres in this burial ground for a church and cemetery. Daniel White and his wife, Margaret, are believed to be buried here. Also buried here is a son, Sherwood White, who operated a grist mill on Second Creek a few miles west of Rogersville."
“Daniel White Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Historic Markers; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located at the intersection of East Ervine Avenue and North Court Street, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "George Washington Foster, planter, built this Greek Revival Mansion. An Act of the legislature was required to close Court Street, In fall of 1864 it was headquarters of Nathan B. Forrest, General, CSA. Foster's daughter, Sarah Independence McDonald and her family, lived here until 1900 when it became the home of Governor Emmet O'Neal. In 1922 it was acquired by Thomas M. Rogers Sr., and in 1948 by the University of North Alabama."
“Courtview, Rogers Hall 1855 Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
This historic marker is located at the intersection of Hermitage Drive and North Court Street, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "This "double-pile cottage" is a rare Alabama example of Tidewater architecture that originated along the Southern seaboard during the colonial period. This house was built in 1833 by Thomas J. Crowe, proprietor of the early National hotel in Florence, as a wedding gift for his bride, Elizabeth Hooks of Tennessee. It later became the home or Richard Oric Pickett, who arrived in 1843 to become one of the town's leading attorneys. Pickett was Colonel of the 10th Alabama Infantry under General Philip Roddey, called "Defender of North Alabama" during the Civil War."
“Colonel Pickett Place 1833 Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Historic Markers: Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located at the intersection of Lelia Avenue and Willingham Road, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "The land on which this district rests was part of the 1818 sale by the Cypress Land Company which established the City of Florence. During The Civil War Confederate soldiers constructed breastworks here for the defense of Florence. House construction began in 1907 and thirty~three were built before 1929. This lovely neighborhood contains fine examples of Prairie Mission, and English Tudor architecture but the Bungalow style dominates. A tour of the district reveals the excellent condition of the homes, the tree-lined streets and the comfortable life available here. The neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995."
“College Place Historic District Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Historical Markers; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located at the intersection of East Mobile Street and North Court Street, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Florence was surveyed for the Cypress Land Company in 1818 by Ferdinand Sannoner and named for the famous capital of Tuscany. The county seat of Lauderdale County, it was first incorporated in 1826. Located at the foot of Muscle Shoals, it became a thriving agricultural and commercial center with light industry and significant religious, educational, and medical institutions. During the Civil War, Florence was occupied by both armies at various times. The Tennessee Valley Authority with Wilson and Wheeler Dams contributed to further economic development."
“City of Florence Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
This historic marker is located at the intersection of W. Spring Street and S. Pine Street on W. Spring Street, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "About 1849, African-Americans began holding religious services in a brick cow shed overlooking the town spring near the site. It was purchased in 1857 by the local Methodists for this congregation, with Robin Lightfoot, a slave as its pastor. In 1879, it was organized as St. Paul's African-American Methodist Episcopal Church. Children of slaves and freemen were taught here in early years. In 1866, the Freedmen's Bureau established a school for the children of African-Americans, probably at this location."
“Church Springs and School Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
This historic marker is located on North Cherry Street near Hermitage Drive, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, this district contains 52 structures, most of which were built after 1900. Cherry Street was laid out in 1818 near the east boundary of Florence. Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Sigismund Stribling portrayed Cherry Street in his novel, The Store. Angel's Corner, at Cherry and Tuscaloosa Streets was named for the James H. Angel Grocery Store which was established about 1905. This was a popular streetcar stop during the era of the streetcars."
“Cherry Street Historic District Marker”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Cherokee Chief Doublehead's Village Around 1800 Marker
Historic Marker; Rogersville, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located at the Bluewater Creek Polo Club on the south side near US Hwy 72. The text on the marker reads: "About 1800 Doublehead located his village at this site, where his brother-in-law Tahonteeskee had previously lived. Doublehead's log house was built along the same style of those of the white settlers. Chief Doublehead had previously led raids against Tennessee settlers from Moneetown, located southwest of here. In 1806 a reserve was set aside for Doublehead between Elk River and Cypress Creek. He leased large tracts of land to white settlers who were later evicted by the U.S. Army. His own people assassinated Doublehead on the Hiwassee River in 1807." The Florence Historical Board and Edward Stanley Robbins erected this marker.
“Cherokee Chief Doublehead's Village around 1800 Marker”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Historic Markers; Killen, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historical marker is located at 6620 US 72, Killen, AL. The text on the side one reads: "Center Star was spelled Centre Star into the 1900s. The name evolved from the US Postal Service, which served remote areas by "star routes." The Post Office here, which existed from 1850 to 1914 (except between 1902 and 1913), was the center of a star route for this section of the county, thus Centre Star. This area is one of the oldest settlements in Lauderdale County. Settlers arriving in the early 1800s found both Chickasaw and Cherokee Indians. At one time, their dividing line overlapped here. Remains of Indian villages were found southwest of this location. The land south of Center Star was fertile and was sought by cotton planters desiring the "old fields" cleared by the Indians. Plantations established throughout the area included: Phillips/Taylor, Cunningham, Douglas, and Williams. Communities near here were Bellview, Big Oak and Houstontown. The Bellview Road ran from the mouth of the Bluewater Creek to Center Star. Center Star has the oldest active Methodist congregation in Lauderdale County: it was organized near the mouth of Bluewater Creek in June 1818. It later move near Center Star and was named Driskill's Chapel about 1893. In later years, it was renamed Center Star Methodist Church. The text on side two reads: "The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized at the Goodsprings Campground in 1839; it divided in April 1861, and a church was organized at Center Star. Center Star was a rallying point where Captain Edward A. O'Neal, on May 26, 1861, organized his "Calhoun Guard," later designated Company 1, 9th Alabama Infantry Regiment. O'Neal was promoted to Brigadier General and became Governor of Alabama after the War. On May 9, 1864, this was the scene of a two-hour skirmish between Colonel William A. Johnson's Confederate Fourth Alabama Cavalry and a combined Union force from the 7th Illinois Cavalry and the 9th Ohio Regiment under Colonel Richard Rowett. The Center Star Voting Beat was created in 1870. Masonic Lodge 25 was activated here in 1888. Community schools were in the area prior to 1916 when land was purchased by the County Board of Education for the Center Star Elementary School about ¼ mile north of the Old Huntsville Road. The school was relocated to near the intersection of CR 33 and Highway 72 in 1949 and closed in 1965. The Allen Thornton Trade School opened in that building in August 1967. Early commercial activities at Center Star included: general merchandise stores, sorghum mill, blacksmith shop, gristmill, cotton gin, and doctors' offices." East Lauderdale Historical Society erected this marker in 2015.
“Center (Centre) Star Maker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Walk of Honor Historic Markers; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This marker is located on South Cox Creek Parkway (Alabama Route 133), Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Educator and author Caroline Hentz was among the first female novelists in America. Her 13 volumes were some of the most popular in the U.S. during the mid-1800s, and her three dramas were produced in major cities." Hentz was inducted to the Florence Walk of Honor in 2007.
“Caroline Lee Hentz”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
This marker is located on Waterloo Road 0.1 miles east of Cypress Bend Dr., Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "John A. Murrell, known as the "Great Western Land Pirate," was captured near this site in the winter of 1834. He was said to have killed over 400 people, including many kidnapped slaves. His arrest was brought about thought the clever maneuvering of Tom Brannon, a local African-American slave. An attempt had been made by the outlaw to recruit Brannon as a contact man for his far-reaching empire of crime. Brannon was awarded $100 for his bravery and his name was publicized across the country." The marker was erected by the Florence Historical Board.
“Capture of John A. Murrell”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Burrell Normal School / Burrell High School Marker
Historic Markers; Florence, AL: Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located at the intersection of W College St. and Burrell St. on W College St., Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "This school named Burrell Academy, formerly in Selma, Alabama, was given to Florence by the American Missionary Association. In 1903, Burrell Normal School opened and served African American students in grades 1-12. In 1937, the Florence City Board of Education assumed its operation and changed the name to Burrell High School. In 1951, it was moved to the Slater Elementary School Building on South Court Street and its name was changed to Burrell Slater High School. That building burned in 1958. In 1960, the present building opened on this site and served students until it closed because of integration 1969." The marker was erected by the Florence Historical Board
“Burrell Normal School/Burrell High School”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
This marker is located on Cox Creek Parkway (Alabama Route 133), Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith, as president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, expanded the organization internationally. Active in Civil Rights in America and South Africa, he counseled President Bill Clinton on racial equality. " Inducted in 2010 by the City of Florence at the Walk of Honor.
“Bennett Walker Smith”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
This marker is located on Appleby Blvd. east of Cypress Mill Road, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "About one mile west of here is the site of the Globe Cotton Factory which was erected on Cypress Creek in 1840, By 1857 its operations included three cotton mills, a flour mill, and two corn mills, all powered by the use of three dams. By 1860 the factory employed 310 people,, including a large number of women and children, at average salaries of $2.50 per week. These mills were burned by the Union Army in May 1863. One factory called Cypress Mill, was re-built after the war, but its operation was never successful." The marker was erected by the Florence Historical Board.
“Ante-Bellum Cotton Mills 1840”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
This historic marker is located at the intersection of County Route 47 and Cox Creek Parkway on County Route 47, Florence Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Construction of this road, as ordered by General Andrew Jackson, began in May 1817 by troops of the U.S. Army for national defense purposes. Beginning near Nashville, Tennessee and continuing to Madison, Louisiana, it shortened the distance from Nashville to New Orleans by 200 miles. This road followed early Native American trails that were uses by Jackson's Army during the War of 1812. The military road served as a major transportation route for early settlers of North Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Old Southwest Territory."
“Andrew Jackson's Military Road”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
A County Older Than the State-Lauderdale County Marker (Rogersville)
This historic marker is located on County Road 5 at County Road 568 in Rogersville, AL. The text on the marker reads: "The home-place of Bettie Anne Springer-Thornton lies 1.6 miles north on the east side of Lauderdale County Road 51. This home was originally a one-room log cabin, built between 1892 and 1894 by Levi Patrick Thornton. Two rooms and a dog-trot were added prior to 1905. The home was razed and rebuilt in 1945, excluding the south room which remained intact. Bettie Anne Springer, daughter of William Marion Springer (1833-1884) and Rutha Jane Oldham (1826-1896), was born November 17, 1859, in Brooksville, Mississippi, and died May 6, 1932. Bettie Anne was affectionately called “Aunt Bett” by family and friends alike. She donated a portion of property for the construction of the highway, and her son, Samuel Beaver Thornton, donated land for the Old Mt. Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Levi Patrick Thornton, son of William Henry Thornton (1817-1855) and Sarah Rowsey-Burt (1814-1893), was born August 3, 1850, in Lauderdale County, Alabama, and died May 14, 1915. Levi and Bettie Anne were married on February 8, 1876, and had twelve children. They are buried in the Ingram-Thornton Cemetery in Good Springs (old Thorntontown)." The marker was erected by the Alabama Historical Commission.
“A County Older Than the State-Lauderdale County". Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
A County Older Than the State-Lauderdale County Marker
This historic marker is located in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse in Florence, AL. The text on the marker reads: "Created Feb. 6, 1818 by Alabama Territorial Legislature. (Alabama became a state in 1819) Named for Col. James Lauderdale, cavalryman under Gen. John Coffee and Andrew Jackson, War of 1812; killed in battle of New Orleans. Coffee planned Florence, the county seat. Jackson, President Madison owned lots." It should be noted that President Madison did not own lots in Florence. Another James Madison did own lots and there has been long-standing confusion about his identity.
“A County Older Than the State-Lauderdale County”. Accessed 09/21/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Historic Markers; Memorials; Monuments; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This marker is located in front of the Memorial Amphitheater on the University of North Alabama's Campus. The text on the marker reads: "Lt. Chadwick McFall Barber proudly served his country with distinction and paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action January 8, 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam. This bronze statue captures his likeness. Ola McFall Barber, David McFall, Rosemarie McFall, and Frances McFall donated this statue and the limestone markers in Lt. Barber's memory." The marker was donated by the McFall family.
"1st Lt. Chadwick McFall Barber Marker." Accessed 09/17/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
115th Signal Battalion Organized 1940 Marker
This historic marker is located near Memorial Grove in Florence, AL. The text on the marker reads: "At this site where once stood Fort Willingham (Armory) the 115th Signal Battalion was organized December 1, 1940. Originally the 2nd Battalion, 151st Engineers, it was organized a number of times from 1940 to 1959 as its mission was changed to meet the Nation's military requirements. In World War II it was designated as an Engineer Combat Requirement (later Battalion). During the Korean War it was on active duty as the 104th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. The 115th Signal Battalion served this Nation in War with Iraq during 2004-2005." The Florence Historical Board erected the marker on this site.
“115th Signal Battalion Organized 1940”. Accessed 09/17/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Cemeteries; Lexington, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Harmon Cemetery from Florence, travel east on US 72 to Elgin. Then head north on AL 101 to Lexington. Take a right on County Road 51 and then left on County Road 88. The cemetery is down a mile on the left side of the road. A full list of records can be viewed in the source.
"Harmon Cemetery." Accessed 9/17/2015. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder/
Cemeteries; Elgin, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Barnett Cemetery from Florence, travel US 72 towards Elgin. Then head north on AL 101 for five miles. Take County Road 82 and the cemetery will be on the left side. A full list of records can be viewed in the source.
"Barnet Cemetery." Accessed 9/17/2015. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder/
Cemeteries; Rogersville, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Warmack Cemetery from Rogersville, travel east on US 72 and turn on County Road 77. Continue for 1/2 mile on County Road 70. Warmack Cemetery is located on the right in a pasture. Judy Mason and Faye Page first surveyed this cemetery in 1995. The rows are numbered from west to east. A full list of records can be viewed in the source.
"Warmack Cemetery." Accessed 9/17/2015. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder/
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Montgomery; Montgomery County, Archives, Museum
Keith S. Hebert heberks@auburn.edu 9-11-2015
Jefferson County, Birmingham, Religion, Baptist, Civil Rights Movement, African American, National historic landmark, Ku Klux Klan
The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, located in Birmingham, became a national symbol during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. Having been built in 1873, the church was the first Colored Baptist Church. In the early twentieth century, the church would become a fixture in the African American community and would host many notable figures including W. E. B. Dubois, Mary Mcleod Bethune, Paul Robeson, and Ralph Bunche. As the church moved on in to the twentieth century, it became a center for African American activism. Rallies and demonstrations were held frequently at the church to support integration and equal rights; however these rallies would also be responsible for increasing racial tension dramatically in the neighborhood. On September 5, 1963, the tension culminated in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church right before the 11 a.m. service. The blast killed four young girls and injured twenty-three other churchgoers. This incident would shock the nation and help propel landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The FBI would investigate and find four men affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan responsible for the bombing; however, charges would not be filed until 1977 against one man, 1997 for the second, and 2002 for the third. The fourth would die in custody before charges could be filed. In 2006, the church became a national historical landmark. In 2013, the four girls who died were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States highest civilian honor.
To reach Miller Cemetery from Rogersville, travel east on US 72 and turn south onto County Road 70. Take a left and continue for 1/2 mile. The cemetery will be on the right side of the road. A full list of records can be viewed in the source.
"Miller Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach Little Zion Cemetery from Rogersville, head south on County Road 91 and take a right on County Road 605. The cemetery is 1/2 mile on the left side of the roads. A list of records can be viewed in the source.
"Little Zion Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach Weaver Cemetery from Florence, head east on US 72 until half a mile beyond the Rogersville traffic light. Turn left onto Ezell Street and Weaver Cemetery will be on the right. The Weaver Cemetery is surrounded by the Civitan Cemetery. A full list of records can be located within the source.
"Weaver Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach Wallace Cemetery from Florence, head east on US 72 through Rogersville and turn north on County Road 165. The cemetery is located one mile down the road on the right. The cemetery is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"Wallace Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach Romine Cemetery from Rogersville, head east on College Street for three miles. The cemetery is on the left near the intersection with County Road 555. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"Romine Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach the Rogersville Civitan Cemetery from Florence, head east on US 72 towards Rogersville. The cemetery is on the left side of the highway by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The cemetery is divided into five sections labeled as A, B, C, D, E and F. A map and records can be viewed within the source.
"Rogersville Civitan Cemeteryhttp." //www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach McCartney Cemetery from Rogersville, head north on AL 207 for one mile. Then turn left on County Road 55. Head straight on County Road 559 and the cemetery is at the end of the road. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"McCartney Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
Cemetery; Rogersville, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Liberty Cemetery from Florence, head east on US 72 towards Rogersville. Then turn north on Al 207. At a four-way stop (Lee Street) turn left. Liberty Cemetery is on the left side of the road. The cemetery has a walled in area with 18 graves in it. The eastern side of the cemetery is recorded as the African-American section. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"Liberty Cemetery."http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach Hurricane Cemetery from Rogersville, travel north on AL 207 for 4 miles and take a right on County Road 551. Continue traveling until you reach Hurricane Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The cemetery will be next to the church. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"Hurricane Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach Bedingfield Cemetery from Rogersville, travel east on US 72 and turn left on County Road 70. Continue for three miles and turn right on County Road 556. Bedingfield Cemetery is half a mile on the left side of the road. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"Bedingfield Cemeter." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
To reach Mitchell Cemetery from Rogersville, head north on AL 207 towards mile marker 10. The cemetery is on the left side of the road with a driveway attached to it. The cemetery is divided into four sections. Section A is to the south and Section C to the north, and Section B is in the middle. There is a Section D for graves outside of the area. A full list of records can be viewed within the source.
"Mitchell Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
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.
" Grassy Cemetery." http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder. Accessed September 9, 2015.
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.
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