The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section D, Page 3 COUNTY ROADS ALWAYS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE During the early history of the county road(sic) were of the utmost importance. Supplies had to be hauled from distant points. Roads were built by clearing away trees, and stumps and the use of logs for swampy places. They mostly followed Indian trails on ridges between streams. The Cotton Gin Road ran from Hamilton to a railroad point and boat landing known as Cotton Gin Port. At this time the Tombigbee was navigable to Fulton and river boats came to Cotton Gin Port regularly, bringing supplies, loading cotton, hides, and other products from the inland country. The Eastport road ran from Hamilton to the Tennessee River, with one branch to Corinth to connect with the Natchez Trace. Another important one was the Moulton Road. It ran from Columbus through Guin, Hamilton, Hackleburg, Russellville, Moulton, Courtland to the Tennessee River. The Military Road, so called because it was used by Gen. Andrew Jackson on his return from the Battle of New Orleans. It ran from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee and crossed Buttahatchee river at Military Ford. Jackson later was commissioned to make improvements on this road and visited this section again. The Byler Road ran through the eastern part of the county from the Tennessee River to Tuscaloosa. It was one of the oldest roads in the state and was used a great deal when Tuscaloosa was the state capital. Gains Trace ran through the western part of the county. MODERN ROADS The Bankhead Highway, No. 78, runs through the county from the Walker County line through Winfield, Guin and Hamilton. Since it is a direct route from Memphis to Birmingham it is one of the most traveled roads in the state. Road 43 runs through the county from Hackleburg, Hamilton, Guin, and Winfield, from Florence to Mobile. Paved roads also run from Hamilton to Detroit, Vina and Haleyville. Most of the farm market roads have been paved and the county now has about 300 miles of paved roads. Many other roads are being paved and planned. Other paved highways are 5, 17, 19, 74, 129, 167, 172, 187, and 278.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section D, Page 3 "THE COTTON GIN PORT" DESIGNATED AS TEMPORARY SITE OF SEAT OF JUSTICE The Act of Creation for Marion County by an Act of the Alabama Territorial Legislature designated "The Cotton Gin Port" as the site of the temporary seat of Justice. By act approved December 16, 1819, the temporary seat of justice was placed at the house of Henry GRIER, in the Buttahatchee Community. The permanent site selected in 1820 was Pikeville which was incorporated by act January 12, 1827. During the 62 years while Pikeville was the County seat, there were two or more courthouses built. Pikeville was long a place of some importance, but after the removal of the courthouse to Toll Gate (now Hamilton) abut 1883, it declined and died and is now one of the historic "ghost towns" of Alabama. In 1818 William RAGSDALE became the first Probate Judge. According to available records, the following have served Marion County as Probated Judges: John D. TERRELL, Jr. -- Elected 1829 served 45 years. John POPE -- Completed Judge TERRELL's term, 3 years. Walter H. MATTHEWS -- Elected in 1886, Jason P. FORD -- Elected in 1892, Willian(sic) R. WHITE -- Elected in 1898, Mack PEARCE -- Elected in 1904, H. B. BOSTIC -- Elected in 1916, William H. CANTRELL -- Elected in 1922 (Grandson of John D. TERRELL, Jr.), Roy SANDERSON -- Elected 1934 (Resigned November 15, 1945), Angus BERRYHILL -- Appointed to complete term of SANDERSON, George W. PEARCE -- Elected in 1946. Died March 1947, R. R. WRIGHT -- Appointed to serve until election, Frank PEARCE -- Elected in 1948. The Marion County Court house burned on March 30, 1887, destroying many records of historic value. Among the duties of the Justice of the Peace was that of issuing Land Grants, which later became the duty of the Probate Judge. Marion County is now governed by a Board of Revenue. This Board is composed of five members, one of whom is elected as chairman. The term of office of each is four years. Delegates of Constitutional Convention [article ends]

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 2 MARION COUNTY RICH IN IT'S UNDERGROUND Marion County has been well blessed with underground wealth. The mineral of greatest value has been coal. Almost one half of the county is underlain with it. These deposits are in the Warrior Coal Feld(sic) or the Plateau Coal Field. Coal has been mined in the Brilliant area since 1890 and has been one of the main sources of revenue for the county. The Brilliant Coal Company and others have long turned out the best grade of coal in the state. At one time there were over 300 mines in the southeastern part of the county. Most of them were what its called push mines. Recently top working has taken the place of some of the mines. The county also had several natural gas wells that are producing commercially. At present these are located in the Hamilton area but a new field has been found in the White House section of the county. It is reported to have great possibilities as a commercial field. Marion County had the only commercial gas fields in the state. The county has another monopoly in the Koalin(sic) Mines near Hackleburg. Extensive deposits of this fine clay have ben found and it is shipped to the various states for the production of chalk, face powder and other ceramic products. The county has possibly the greatest deposits of gravel of any county in the state. These deposits have been extensively used in building fine network of paved roads. The forests of the county have been a great source of wealth. Most of the homes have been made of natural growth pine and oak and great quantities of pine and hardwood lumber have been shipped to other markets. Most of the virgin forest has been cut but the county is covered with a growth of young pines that promise great potential wealth in the future if properly cared for. Marion County is made up of ten different types of soils. The following are the types and percentage found in the county: Guin fine sandy loam 38.5; glenn sandy loam 15.6; Ocklocknee fine sandy loan 6.00; Guin Stoney sandy loam 5.9; DeKalb clay 5.0; Norfolk silt loam 3.6; Rough stoney land 3.00; Ocklocknee sand .2.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 2 FIRST COUNTY SITE IN GREER'S HOME The first county site was at the home of Henry GREER in the Buttahatchee Community. It was moved to Pikeville where it remained for 62 years. Pikeville was picked as the county site by a commission act of the legislature in 1820. This group was composed of Lemuel BEAN, Josly FITGERALD, Barnes HOLLOWAY, George WHITE, William METCALF and William DAVIS. When Lamar County was created in 1866, Pikeville was placed in the new county so the next legislature had to change the boundary and give one square mile back to Marion County. That accounts for the little nick in the northeastern part of Lamar County. Very few records are available about the county site but one tells of a hat factory that made Willard Hats. Another, that a bakery was established there. It consisted of large ovens being cut in a clay bank with shelves on each side. They burned hickory and oak wood to make the coals for baking the bread. Often they cooked 400 loaves of bread at one firing. This was done to accommodate General Andrew Jackson while he was constructing the Military Highway and camped at Military Ford. There were several stores and saloons and one early authority said that over 300 people lived there and that it was larger than Chicago at the time and that Birmingham had not been born. Only one house remains and it is the home of Mrs. Rose MELTON. There is also a rather large cemetery about which many legends are told of the mode of burial. Also there are several graves of some of Jackson's Army buried near Pikeville. Tradition says there was a number of court houses built at Pikeville, believed to be around three. In 1882, an election was held for a new location of the County Site. This was between Center and Toll Gate. Toll Gate won. The court moved there in 1882 and the name was changed to Hamilton in honor of Captain Albert HAMILTON, who gave 40 acres of land for the new county site. Toll Gate had been a post office since about 1818 and the site for the place was said to have been selected by General JACKSON. The first wooden court house was burned in 1887. It was rebuilt but was moved in 1901 to give way to the present sandstone structure. The town was called Toll Gate for 56 years. William RAGSDALE was an early judge of the county and opened the land where the town now stands. He sold it to Captain A. J. HAMILTON.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 2 WINFIELD HAS HAD IT'S SHARE OF FIRES THROUGHOUT HISTORY Winfield has had its share of fires. One of the first and worse ones occurred before there was any fire equipment in town. This one was in April 1922 and was one(sic) the west side of the street running north and south. It burned everything from the Grayson HILL Store on south of the old Winfield State Bank. Men, women and children fought this fire with buckets of water from the nearby wells. They fought desperately to keep the fire from spreading to the east side of the street. An earlier fire in December 1916 was the burning of a store where SHERMAN's Store is located. Earlier the MUSGROVE Hotel burned; the PORTER Hotel burned while a Mr. GRIFFIN operated it; the Baptist, Church of Christ and Methodist churches each have had fires. Dr. HOLLIS' buildings east of W. H. ROBERT's Store and the old post office burned November 8, 1952. This was an awful fire; but several years previous to this the city purchased a fire truck. But even with the truck, neighboring stations from Guin, Hamilton, Sulligent, Fayette and Carbon Hill aided in the fire from midnight until almost daylight. Other fires have occurred since this time. ODEN SHIREY Drug Company burned a few years back, as did the old VICKERY Trading Post Building, which now is occupied by Hi-Lo Dollar Store. Another terrible fire, destroyed McDONALDs Big Star only a couple of years back. Probably the most recent fire was only about two months ago when the G and G Discount Store, next to Raymond SPANN's 5 and 10, burned destroying the entire contents of the store.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 6 ESTES HUDSON HONORED FOR SERVICE AT WINFIELD WINFIELD-Former Winfield coach and present Superintendent of Education in Marion County Schools, Estes HUDSON, will be honored during halftime activities Many plans have been made to stir past memories of the outstanding job Coach HUDSON did while serving as coach of the athletic department at Winfield from 1946-1964. Coming from Hackleburg, Mr. HUDSON graduated from Jacksonville State Teachers' College, then came back to Marion County to coach at Brilliant. His football record at Winfield ranks in the outstanding column with 110 wins, 41 losses and 15 ties. He coached four undefeated teams, and his best team came in 1951 when his team had a perfect seasons with a 10-0 record. He has never coached but one losing team, in 1955, when his team won only three games. Winfield baseball teams under HUDSON did equally as well as did his basketball teams. He had four baseball players to go on to play professional baseball. Many Winfieldians recall baseball days of "Hurlin'-No-Hit Earl HUNSINGER" who played with the Philadelphia Phillies. Estes HUDSON established a fabulous basketball record at Winfield. His record shows 438 wins against 159 losses. this record no doubt stands as one of the all-time outstanding records posted by a prep coach in the State of Alabama. Seven times he carried basketball teams to the State Basketball Tournament at Tuscaloosa. In 1949-50, his Winfield team won third place in the State Play-offs. The 1951-52 State Tournament saw his Winfield Pirates winning over a great Coffee team for the State Coach HUDSON said the 1951-52 team made up of the Jim CUNNINGHAM, Earl HUNSINGER, Fred FRANKS, Dabbs EARNEST and John BOSTICK was his finest team and as great as he has ever seen in high school basketball. Out of 17 years of coaching, Coach HUDSON's teams won 13 County championships and six District Tournaments. Estes HUDSON coached the first All-Star basketball team for the North in the first All-Star game played in the State. His team beat a strong South team that was loaded with outstanding achievements during this school year. It takes great leadership to accomplish these things you have done in football, basketball and baseball. It is quite an honor for your school, your town and District VII to excell(sic) in sports as you have done. I'm sure you realize the building of men in the leadership you have given these fine boys and you re to be commended for your efforts and hard work that you must have devoted in building so fine a team..." He is married to the former Lora BAKER of Hodges, who has been his most ardent supporter throughout these years. She has previously taught school and has been very active in all school and educational activities as well as in church and club programs. She won the top State Award for Community Service for her participation in library service in this area. Coach Estes HUDSON has been referred to as a real hero in the State coaching field and was praised by many "on your fine team and the stars. Dabbs EARNEST, Winfield's present head basketball coach, was the outstanding player in this big win. The highlight of his basketball coaching years was in 1952 when his Pirate team took the AA Championship title.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 6 BOOKLOVERS ORGANIZE IN WINFIELD MANY YEARS AGO On April 28, 1953, Mrs. Paul HARDEMAN, mrs. M. G. LEHMAN, and mrs. Laudie SUMNER, as representatives of the Booklovers Club, called a meeting of young women who would be interested in organizing a study club, according to Mrs. E. E. IVIE, and thus the Modern Literary Club was formed. The group present was so enthusiastic of the new organization and what it would mean to the members and to the town of Winfield, that the club was organized and the election of initial officials was held that very night. Mrs. E. E. IVIE headed the first cabinet of the Modern Literary Club as president. Mrs. W. S. STALCUP was vice-president; Mrs. M. V. WHITE, Jr., recording secretary; Miss Ramona BRASWELL (now Mrs. Ralph KIVETTE), corresponding secretary; Mrs. R. E. FIKES, treasurer; and Mrs. Rex HARRIS, Parliamentarian. Left open for membership, the charter soon had eighteen members: Mrs. Edwin BLACK, Mrs. Ralph KIVETTE, Mrs. J. C. BURGESS, Miss Maxine CUNNINGHAM, Mrs. R. E. FIKES, Miss Prebble GANN, Mrs. Rex HARRIS, Mrs. James HILL, Mrs. James HOOPER, Mrs. Elbert E. IVIE, Mrs. Wallace McDONALD, Mrs. William S. STALCUP, Mrs. Chester TUGGLE, Mrs. Cline WEEKS, Mrs. Howard WEATHERS, Miss Grace Helen WHITE, Mrs. M. V. WHITE, Jr., and Miss Carol Sue BOSTICK. The Modern Literary was admitted to the State Federation in February of 1954. Its members actively participate in civic and community affairs and many worthwhile projects, also many interesting programs have been presented on varied subjects including extensive study of the State of Alabama. Since it's (sic) organization many new faces have been added to the host of others, and the club is still very active today.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 6 BOSTON HISTORY FROM FIRST OF HOUSTON'S The HOUSTON family were the first known settlers of the little community from which grew the town of Boston, according to Mr. and Mrs. Curt BOSTICK, the grandson and grand-daughter-in-law of Jimmie L. BOSTICK who was born in Lee County, Georgia in 1847 and came to the Rock City area at an early age and a little later to Boston. Andrew HOUSTON and his wife Serena came from Georgia after several of their children were born. It is not known exactly what year they came to this area but the year has been estimated to be around 1850-1860. The HOUSTONS settled near what is known as the BOSTICK Spring. the family also buried its first dead in the cemetery on the sloping hillside just below the BOSTICK home place, known as the HOUSTON Cemetery, and where most the descendants in the HOUSTON, BOSTICK, and BEAUCHAMP families have been interred. Andrew J. HOUSTON and Serena had six children, one son, Green HOUSTON, who left and was never heard from; and five daughters, Elizabeth, who was married to Leroy Daniel (Lee) BEAUCHAMP, Frances, who was married to Steve GREEN, Dora, who married Dittle TERRELL, Sleetie, who married Jimmie L. BOSTICK, and Owe, who was unmarried. The HOUSTONS and their children and their families were the earliest settlers. Sometime near the last part of the 1800's, Alfred WATES came to Boston, and opened a store in the building where Jim WIDEMAN resided. In fact the residence was the same structure as the store but had been remodeled and additional rooms added. Before that time, Mr. WATES had served as postmaster at Mont Brook on Jasper Hill, according to Mrs. Willie WILSON. After the Civil War, the community began to increase in population, and as Lee BEAUCHAMP and Mr. WATES talked one morning, Mr. BEAUCHAMP remarked that the community was surely growing, and asked Mr. WATES what he was going to call the town. Mr. WATES replied, "What would you call it?" and Mr. BEAUCHAMP said, "Well, you could call it Boston for the BOSTICK family at the foot of the hill," as he remembered the Boston in Massachusetts and thought the name would tie in with one of the early families. Mrs. Ellie BEAUCHAMP said that Mr. Lee BEAUCHAMP went home to lunch and when he came back to the store in the afternoon, Mr. WATES had put up a shingle, outside his store, and had written the words, "Boston, Alabama, on the shingle. Mr. WATES' general store was the only store until Jim DICKINSON opened his general store in 1905. Before that time, he and his brother, Wiley, had operated a store up toward the Brilliant Elementary School. Wilson KELLY opened the third store in 1907, near the residence of Dee SELF. Mrs. Annie Belle WATES was one of the clerks in the KELLY Store, according to the history given by Jim DICKINSON. GIBBS Brothers, J. T. and J. J. GIBBS, opened the fourth store. Besides the BOSTICKS, HOUSTONS, BEAUCHAMPS, GREENS, WATES, DICKINSONS and GIBBSES, Grant COOK and his family, Love MAYS, who lived near where Boston Heights stands today, and just a little later, the William MORTON family, the John GRANADE family, the Wash BURLESON family, and many of the many ancestors of the Boston families of today began to migrate to the town of Boston. At the same time that Mr. WATES had the first store, Lee BEAUCHAMP place, now known as the Young GREEN as the Lum and Young GREEN bought the property and put in a steam gin after "Uncle Lee" BEAUCHAMP retired from the ginning business and moved beyond the Goldmine Community where he operated a waterpowered grist mill until the time of his retirement from work. Kay SELF also operated a stone(sic) and mill near Goldmine. Most of the residents of Boston, took their corn to his later mill in Boston, after Mr. BEAUCHAMP left, until Lee PALMER put in one where the original GIBBS Brothers Store was, and ran the mill in connection with a grocery store. Mr. DICKINSON also bought cotton besides running his store. The next store after GIBBS Brothers was the general merchandise store of Tal COCHRAN, who first operated in the old building now used as a Union Hall, and later he built the first brick building in Boston (formerly the COLBURN Store) where the last traffic light going out of Boston was toward Goldmine. Mr. DICKINSON's store was the store that remains today and has been remodeled and still stands today. Since Mr. DICKINSON's retirement because of ill health, his son Ellis DICKINSON returned from Chicago and he now owns and operates the same store that his father started. The GIBBS brothers went into the Lumber business, having had the first sawmill in that section, and still operated by J. T. GIBBS, and Tal COCHRAN moved to Winfield, where he operated the first pool hall. The first doctor of Boston was Dr. Will COCHRAN, according to Mrs. Dr. COCHRAN. Many citizens agree that Dr. COCHRAN had the first automobile and also operated the first Drug Store in Boston. Dr. M. C. HOLLIS of in Winfield, remembered selling Dr. COCHRAN his first car and he said that as far as he knew, it was the first in Boston. Jimmie BOSTICK had one somewhere around the same time, a 1915 Model, and later Wash BURLESON bought one and many others bought cars around that same time. Dr. COCHRAN was followed by his sons, Dr. James E. COCHRAN who practiced for a while in Boston, and then Dr. Bill COCHRAN, who practiced in Boston until ill health forced him to retire a few years before his death. Will GILBERT had the first planer mill near the residence of Albert BOSTICK, and dressed the lumber that built Mr. Jim DICKINSON's store in 1905. The GILBERT Mill was later purchased by GIBBS Brothers Lumber Co. DRIVER later operated another mill and planer, a really big lumber concern, near Pull Tight. Alfred WATES served as Justice for ten or twelve years maybe longer, before the town of Boston, was ever incorporated. Many people refer to Mr. WATES as the first Mayor as he served in the same capacity as the mayor does today. Mr. DICKINSON did not remember the list of the first board of Aldermen that served with Mr. WATES but the second board, who served for many, many years with Mr. WATES included John Jesse GIBBS, Young GREEN, Charlie BEAUCHAMP and Jim DICKINSON. After the town was incorporated Lester HAWKINS served as the first Mayor. Then Mr. Alfred WATES the long-time Justice of the Peace, served as Mayor, according to Morgan HAWKINS, brother to Lester HAWKINS. A. J. WOOD followed mr. WATES. Then in line were George DICKINSON, Willard COLBURN, and then Max A. WOOD, son of A. J. WOOD. Max A. WOOD, on the Council at the time Willard COLBURN was Mayor, was appointed to finish the unexpired term of Mr. COLBURN, who moved to Louisiana because of employment there, and in the next election Mr. WOOD was elected to the office of Mayor. Jesse UNDERWOOD, who lived to be eighty, served as the first Cobbler in boston, according to Mrs. Howard THOMAS. She remembers that he made the first shoes that her uncles wore. Alfred WATES had the first millinery shop in connection with his store. Mrs. J. T. GIBBS said that Mr. WATES had a lady from Birmingham, employed to do the millinery work and she made Mrs. GIBBS' first hat when she was still a girl. Many people in Boston, employed the services of Mrs. BOLIN and Mrs. WADE in Winfield, after the millinery department was discontinued in the WATES Store. According to J. T. GIBBS, Grover FOWLER built a small house near the present Elementary School, and opened the first barber shop in Boston. He remembers sitting in a cane-bottom chair for his first hair cut there at the FOWLER shop. Later, Marion WHITMAN was known as the town barber of Boston, for many, many years, up until the time of his death. He first operated in a very small place, then in the 1930's he built a modern brick barber shop on main street in Boston. BOSTON HAD OWN PHONE CO. The first Switch Board of Boston, serving Boston and the surrounding communities as far north as Piney Grove (or farther) and in corresponding directions from Boston, was started in 1910. Gela BOSTICK was married to John Vann GERTSON, who still lives near the old BOSTICK home, and Gela and her sister Gena who later married John JACKSON of Memphis, operated the first switchboard. It was known as the Boston Phone Company. it continued until the 1920's when (not definitely established) the switchboard was destroyed by fire. Since the time, the rural areas have gotten a telephone system, and all of the Boston and Brilliant residences and business houses have telephones being served by the Continental Telephone Company of Alabama. The Alabama Telephone Company expanded to a new modern system in Boston, Brilliant, and the rural areas once covered by the Boston Phone Company. The first organization in Boston was the Masons or the Brilliant-Boston Masonic Lodge in the early 1900's. J. T. GIBBS, a member back in the early years, said that the Lodge had around twenty to thirty members. Their first Lodge was built in the upstairs of the old school building, having two classrooms downstairs and a classroom and lodge upstairs. The latest Lodge, built in the 1930's was in Boston, above the Tom SELF Grocery and Service Station. Most of the residents of Boston attended church at Goldmine, Poplar Springs and other surrounding churches before the first church was built in Boston in 1910 or 11, Mr. DICKINSON said. He stated that out of the forty acres he bought when he came to Boston in 1905, he donated one acre to the citizens to build a Methodist Church that all denominations could use as well as the Methodists. The Rev. Clyde H. BOBO, who is currently serving as pastor of the Springville Methodist Church, was the first pastor of the Methodist Church. In a letter from the Rev. BOBO, he stated that he served as pastor in 1911, then returned in 1935 as pastor of the present Methodist of Brilliant, and remained in that capacity until 1938. The Church of Christ was built next, soon after the Methodist, and the first pastor of that church was Riley WILLCUTT, according to Mr. DICKINSON, a member of the church. John T. UNDERWOOD held the first Church of Christ Revival. It was sometime before the Free Will Baptist, the next, was built. This church was organized by the Rev. M. L. HOLLIS of Tupelo, and the first pastor was not learned by this writer, however, it is known that the late Marion WHITMAN served many years as Superintendent of the Sunday School. The Missionary Baptist, whose history was not given, was the last church to be organized. The first school was held in the Boston-Brilliant Methodist Church but since the schools have always been connected with the Brilliant Schools since that time, the full school history is listed under the Brilliant History. Since the two towns were so completely connected in so many ways, it is hard for this writer to draw a line between the history of the town. Lee PALMER had the first waterworks in the town of Boston, and continued to supply the town until his death. Now the town owns and operates its own system that has been enlarged from the original PALMER lines, and much work has been done in recent years to add to the progress and improvement of the system. Alabama Power installed the first electrical power system in Boston, the year is not known exactly, and has continued to serve the town to the present time. According to reports given Christine HOLCOMB, a Florence College student, by Mayor WOOD, the present town of Boston has two hundred and seventeen buildings, one hundred and eighty-eight of which are residences, and twenty-nine Commercial buildings including business houses, churches, etc. Although many of the citizens have moved to other cities and states in the interest of employment, Boston has continued to progress despite its drop in population, in certain phases. A new City Hall was completed with a modern jail and fire department added also. Boston expresses its desire of the citizens to continue to plan for a bigger and better town through the cooperation of citizens with town officials, and the cooperative spirit in which all the civic and social clubs work together in the interest of the town and for special drives.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 5 WINFIELD'S PAST FACTS AND FIGURES As late as 1910 the business section of Winfield extended from railroad to Highway 78; the population in 1900 was 316; in 1910 it was 419; in 1920 it was 753; in 1930 it was 1,254; in 1940 it was 1,681; in 1950 it was 2,200; and the last Federal Census was taken at 3,638. The streets are all paved now and 78 highway (four-lane) goes through the town. The George C. WALLACE "White Way" lights the Streets within the City limits. In 1965, one of Winfield's most prominate teachers and citizens was selected by the Aabama(sic) Education Association as Alabama's Favorite Teacher. She was Miss Edith EGAN.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 HAMILTON HELD BIG 200TH CELEBRATION The Hamilton Bicentennial Celebration sponsored by the Hamilton Jaycees was climaxed with the final day of special activities May 8th. On that date a "local pokey" was erected on the court square in downtown Hamilton and citizens not wearing beards were locked up and held until they paid a $1.00 fine. Beardless permits had been sold earlier in the day and between the revenue on "fines" and the permits, a total of $305.00 was raised and donated to the Cerebral Palsy Day Care Center. At 10:00 a.m. a parade was held featuring floats, band twirlers, wagons, buggies, antique cars, a Masonic unit, a color-guard from the Haleyville National Guard and led by a fife and drum trio. During that afternoon, a "Best Beard" contest was held which was won by Jack SMITH of Hamilton, with Burlon BALLARD winning second place, and Gregg BRUMLEY winning third. The Buck dancing contest was won by Bravell JACKSON who donated his $5 prize to the Cerebral Palsy school. An antique care(sic) show was held at the Hamilton Square Shopping Center featuring Hitler's 1941 Mercedes-Benz which is now owed by Don TIDWELL of Haleyville. At 4 p.m. a drawing was held for cash prizes with Gloria DOSS winning $300.00, Mrs. Stella YOUNG winning $150.00 and Mrs. Jane TESNEY winning $100.00. The celebration concluded with a Bicentennial Ball held at the National Guard Armory that night. The drill hall was completely decorated with red, white and blue material donated by Toll Gate Garment Co. and sewn together by the employees. Music was from the Nite Liters out of Tupelo, Mississippi. During the Ball a "Best Costume" contest was held and Jolene and Jimmy CLEMENT were winners.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 DEVELOPMENT OF MARION COUNTY EDUCATION SYSTEM In the early development of Marion County education took its place with industry. The early schools of the county usually had one or two teachers, and began in the early 1800's. Many of the school houses were built of logs with a large fireplace in one end of the building. There were few if any windows. The seats for the pupils were benches or split logs with no backs. If a blackboard was used it was made by painting one end or side of the building with black wagon paint. Some had no floor except the hard packed soil. Many of the schools were taught in churches. These early schools usually ran for two months in the summer, when crops were laid by, and three months in the winter. The teachers were paid from fifteen to thirty dollars considered a high salary for a teacher. Teachers taught from 50 to 80 students in one room and the grades ranged from beginners through the seventh grade. One teacher reported that he had 32 recitation each day with 95 students. The older students sometimes helped in teaching the lower grades. The school day ran from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon. Most of the pupils enjoyed going to school and were eager to learn. Some of the early schools were: Thornhill, Smyrna, Shottsville, Bexar, Mt. Joy and Melville. Probably one of the first teachers institutes was held, Mr. John ARNOLD was superintendent in 1887. The Marion County News of that date gives an account of the licensing of teachers. Applicants appeared personally to the superintendent and he gave them an oral examination. Their grade of certificate was based upon their aptness in answering his questions. The practice of certification of teachers continued until, about 1900, when the legislature passed a uniform written examination law. The main texts used were the Blue Back Speller and Davies Arithmetic. Later McGuffy's Readers were used. Usually several institutes were held each year and teachers discussed current educational problems. Often at the close of the institute a debate was held. Some of the subjects of debate were: "How many angels could stand on the point of a needle," 'Which comes first the hen or the egg," "If a cannonball that could not be stopped hit a wall that could not be penetrated, what would happen," or "if a tree fell in an unaudible(sic) place, would it make a sound."

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 3 HACKLEBURG HELD SCHOOL IN CABIN The first school was held in a little log building of the Congregational Methodist Church. When the Methodist Church was built at Cedar Tree, the school was moved there. School was held there until a building was erected on the Boyd Place, near the present site of the high school and grammar school in 1913. This building was burned in 1921, and classes were taught in the various churches until the building was erected across from J. S. WALKER's residence in 1923. This became the first high school for Hackleburg.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 3 R. K. SHIREY A WINFIELD FIRST R. K. SHIREY was born about four and one-half miles northwest of Winfield in 1875, on a three-hundred-acre farm. His parents were Reuben SHIREY and Emetine ADKINS SHIREY. Dr. SHIREY and his parents moved to Winfield in 1897, and he had attended school near the place of his birth and then in Winfield, and studied for two years at the old Agricultural School in Hamilton, and returned to teach school for a short time in the school near his birthplace. He worked for three and a half years in a General Store in Winfield, then went to Mineola, Texas and worked in two stores there for a period of approximately two years. Dr. SHIREY was married to Nannie R. OLDEN(sic), the daughter of H. P. ODEN, who was agent for the Frisco Railroad in Winfield, for a good many years, in 1902, and returned to Winfield in 1904 and entered the drug business, the business he has continued to the present time, the business now being ODEN-SHIREY Drug Company. Dr. SHIREY has been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Winfield, for more than fifty years, serving in official capacity during many of these years.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 3 ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD BUILT IN HODGES IN 1906 AND FIRST TRAIN WENT THROUGH JULY 17 The Illinois Central Railroad that runs through Hodges as built in 1906 and 1907. the first train went through on July 17, 1907. the people used mules, wagons and hand tools to build the railroads. They had a camp to live in where the pump house was formerly stationed at Hodges Lake. A water tank was built near the depot where the trains got water. All the early trains were steam engines. They used coal for fuel. The coal was hauled on steer wagons. After the railroad was built, Hodges was born. The first postoffice(sic) was one and three fourths miles south of Hodges on what is now Hwy. 187. It was later moved to one half mile east of the present City Hall. Mr. J. R. SULLIVAN had a store there and the post office was located in his store. The first stores in Hodges was that of Jim MIXON in 1907, Warren CARPENTER in 1908, J. M. OSBORN and Bill SHOTTS who came from Shottsville, U. D. STIDHAM and Will GREEN, Claude BOBO, Elmer WIGINTON, J. W. FARRIS from Bear Creek, Dock LOVELESS and Bill COFIELD was cashier and died June 24, 1934 of self inflicted wounds. The oldest house still standing in Hodges is the J. R. SULLIVAN house just of the highway across from Eva HAYNE's residence. Over the past years, Hodges has had 4 doctors. The first one was Dr. SHERMON from Bear Creek. He stayed in the town for about a year and then returned to Bear Creek. Dr. GASGOW from Belgreen stayed 2 years and moved to Russellville. Dr. MOORE was the doctor in Hodges for several years. The last doctor was Dr. FLIPPO who also stayed in Hodges for a number of years. He reared his family in Hodges and one of his sons, Wayne FLIPPO still resides in Hodges. Now during the Bicentennial year, the little town of Hodges is beginning to prosper once again. They are expecting to have a clinic in town sometime during the first of July. the town has already gotten a grant to repair and get ready the 4 room apartment that was built for the policement(sic) to reside in. It will have 3 examining rooms and one sitting room. The people of Hodges are looking forward to having this clinic there. The sleepy little town of Hodges, once had several booming businessess(sic) and industries. Some of the early industries included the Grist mill that for about 25 years (sic) grinding corn for meal for the residents. He also had a shoe shop located in the same building. V. H. and Lawton GARY owned the cotton gin for a number of years there. The SCOTT Brothers owned the gins after the LAWTONS. V. H. GARY also operated a low mill and planer(sic) and did work for the public. The first school house in Hodges was one half mil south east of the present City Hall. Somewhere around 1923 the present school house was built about one half mile north of Hodges. The school was discontinued in 1970. During this year of the nation's Bicentennial celebrations, Hodges residents can boast of the achievements of the little town. They have city water now, with a big water tank on the hill west of the Hodges Lake. The water was turned on in February of 1975. Mr. and Mrs. Jake GOBER let the town have the land to set the tank on. There are presently two grocery stores, West Grocery owned and operated by Wendall WEST and Palmer Grocery owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ira PALMER. Hodges had a beauty shop owned by Mrs. Mary BAILEY, a Standard Service Station owned by James HARDIN, a garage owned by Bob TAYLOR and a barber shop owned by Elbert KENNEDY. The PALMER Brothers Cabinet Shop is an asset to Hodges. There they make rafters and trusses for houses as well as cabinet work. Also in town is Associated Forest Products, a big lumber yard where lumber is brought in by train and delivered by trucks. It is operated by Fred TETRO and assistant Trumon SCOTT. Several men are employed there as well s tow secretaries. A cafe just recently opened in Hodges and is run by Mrs. Arthur DYER of Vina. They(sic) mayor of Hodges is K. V. WILLIFORD and counsilmen(sic) are: elbert KENNEDY, Wendel WEST, James A. BRAND, Kenneth NICHOLS, and Ronald HOLLAND. The secretary and treasurer is Mrs. Barbara WEST. Hodges also has a beautiful land mark that people come for miles to visit and that is Rock Bridge Canyon owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jasper AVERY.

I'm still updating my Alabama genealogy pages: http://huntsville.about.com/cs/genealogy1/index.htm If you have a website concerning Alabama genealogy, especially the Civil War in Alabama or Native Americans or any county in Alabama or a personal webpage that is for Alabama ancestors, and would like to be added, please let me know. Jean Brandau huntsville2@home.com

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 8 DR. WHITLEY PRACTICED BEFORE WINFIELD WAS A TOWN The first doctor, before Winfield ever became a town, was Dr. James Moody WHITLEY, according to many of the early citizens and also positive proof of this fact came from M. Reno McGAHA of Levelland, Texas, whom the Journal Staff had the fortune of meeting as he came through Winfield. Dr. WHITLEY also served as part-time Methodist preacher in those early years before he moved to Texas, where he and his wife died within a week of each other. Mrs. A. W. GREEN, eighty-four years of age, remembers Dr. WHITLEY and a Dr. WOOD as the first two doctors. Mrs. R. E. MOORE, Sr. had heard of a Dr. IVIE who practiced in Winfield, a short time, and Mr. and Mrs. Newt WHITHEAD knew a Dr. Clark MORTON of Fayette, who was in the town for a short period. Dr. Jim Franklin EARNEST was one of the very early doctors also. He took Dr. Ciscero WHEELER in with him and later Dr. EARNEST's son, Dr. Linwood EARNEST also practiced in Winfield until the time of his death. Dr. Vandiver HILL practiced for a short time in Winfield, as did his brother Dr. Marcus HILL, who was an early dentist. Dr. John RANDOLPH and Dr. W. J. McCRARY practiced a short time here, with much of Dr. RANDOLPH's practice being in Brilliant. Dr. R. L. HILL and Dr. M. C. HOLLIS came to Winfield, in 1908 and set up practice together upstairs over ODEN-SHIREY Drug Company. Dr. HILL stated that there were four doctors in the Winfield area at the time he came in 1908, including Dr. W. J. McCRARY, Dr. W. J. COCHRAN of Brilliant, Dr. J. F. and Dr. W. L. EARNEST, Dr. R. H. BARNES came in 1912, and practiced in Winfield until his health forced him to retire shortly before his death. In 1909, Dr. HILL built his home and office next door to McCONNELL's Cleaners and practiced there a short time and then in 1910, he, Dr. HOLLIS and Dr. Murray CURL (an early Dentist until 1912, when he went to Amarilla(sic), Texas) had adjacent offices upstairs over the Winfield Bank and Trust Company. Dr. HILL said that he used a horse and buggy to visit his medical patients until 1914, when he bought his first Ford car. He last buggy, a rubber-tired one cost one hundred dollars and his horse cost three hundred and fifty dollars. Dr. HOLLIS also bought a car near the same time that Dr. HILL did, either before or after. Dr. HILL, Dr. HOLLIS and Dr. BARNES all made trips to Boston, Brilliant and far beyond besides their practice in Winfield. They served on many town and civic organizations and in many other capacities besides just medical practice, the stories being given under their individual histories. A number of people thought Dr. HARKINS of Fayette, Dr. Marcus HILL of Carbon Hill and Dr. Murray CURL to be the first dentists of Winfield, but Mrs. R. E. MOORE Sr. had heard that a Dr. CHISHOLM was the very first. Dr. Murray CURL stated that he was the first dentist to ever located in Winfield permanently. Mr LUCAS and Mrs. MOORE also remembered a Dr. BUSBEE, and Mrs. MOORE said that a Dr. WOODBERRY was also in Winfield, a short time. Dr. J. L. CLINE practiced upstairs over HILL Drug company, setting up dental practice just after returning from World War I and for many years he was the only dentist in Winfield, serving also the people of Brilliant, Boston and surrounding areas. After World War II, Dr. Frank SHIREY set up dental practice in Winfield, where he remained until leaving to specialize in Orthodontistry. He sold his equipment to Dr. R. E. FIKES, who has continued to serve as Winfield Dentist to the present time. Dr. SHIREY had offices in Decatur for a period of time. After World War II, Dr. Edwin COUCH and his nurse-wife, the former Elouise GABA, opened medical offices over the Alabama Power Company in the PEARCE Building, where he served many people until he built his beautiful modern natural rock clinic just north of the City Hall and next door to the Community House as it was years back. Dr. COUCH, the son of Professor Jessee COUCH, taught for a number of years before going to medical school. He was relieved by Dr. I. W. BANKSTON of Scottsboro, for a period of one year, while he returned to Tennessee to specialize in Internal Medicine. He later had Dr. H. A. CHILDS, and Dr. Fred CREWS who were associated with him in this clinic until Dr. CHILDS built his own clinic in South Alabama and Dr. CREWS took over the practice of Dr. R. C. CHRISTOPHER who went into military service, but Dr. COUCH continued his tremendously large practice alone for a number of years. Dr. Robert SMITH, Birmingham surgeon, practiced in Winfield a short time after the old Winfield Hospital was built in 1949 but returned to Birmingham to practice. Dr. Thomas BOSTON and Dr. E. P. MOBLEY of Tennessee practiced at the Winfield Medical Center for a very few months also. Dr. Robert H. MASON of Hamilton, had offices in both Hamilton and Winfield, and practiced only surgery. Presently Dr. James R. SHAMBLIN, Dr. Aubrey SEWELL, Dr. John H. OVERTON, Dr. R. K. SEHGAL and Dr. A. H. PARGHI practice in Winfield. The only two dentists are Dr. R. E. FIKES and his son, Dr. Jerry FIKES. Dr. George H. MANN practiced in Winfield until his death earlier this year. DRUGSTORES IN WINFIELD R. K. SHIREY of the ODEN SHIREY Drug Company said that Harry McCLENANHAN had the first drugstore in the early days of Winfield, after the railroad was built in 1887, and that the drugstore kept changing hands until Henry P. ODEN purchased it in the 1900's and after his death the drugstore became the property of R. K. SHIREY and O. W. ODEN and their wives, who were already associated with Mr. ODEN in the drugstore, and it has continued in the hands of the ODENs and SHIREYs and is known as ODEN-SHIREY Drug Company. In 1919, just after World War I, Dr. R. L. HILL and the PEARCEs opened the HILL-PEARCE Drug Company, and Dr. HILL, a short time later, bought out the stockholders and incorporated it as HILL Drug Company. r. G. CARPENTER first served as manager and later Alfred NEWMAN of Fayette managed the company until R. Fulmer HILL, son of Dr. HILL, succeeded him. Mr. HILL had his college work and degree, taught for a period of time, and then did post-graduate study before returning to take over the drug business. The HILL and ODEN-SHIREY Drugstores were the only two in Winfield, until Beverley HOLLIS, son of Dr. M. C. HOLLIS, opened the HOLLIS Pharmacy after Dr. HOLLIS built the HOLLIS Building in 1950. HOLLIS later built a new modern drugstore where he presently works. Mr. HOLLIS had owned and operated a drugstore in Russellville, for a number of years before coming to Winfield.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 11 SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR AIRPORT AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS HELD NOVEMBER 8, 1938 SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR AIR PORT AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT On November 8, 1938, a special election with A. G. COOK, Otis ASTON, and W. F. WHITE as managers and C. A. CADDELL, Hobson REESE, clerks; and H. F. BEASLEY, (returning officer), was held to see if the town favored a twelve-thousand bond issue to build a new Elementary School and improve the High School. In this election, a total of 257 citizens voted, 108 for and 149 against, to defeat the proposed worthy project by 41 votes. An interesting comparison of voting for a bond issue on another project was that of February 20, 1940, when the Town of Winfield held an election to see if the citizens favored floating an eight thousand bond issue to purchase the airport property and build an airport (Election officials were C. A. CADDELL, Howard DUNN, P. W. WESTBROOKS, managers; Hobson REESE, Wyman BOWLING, clerks and J. L. MOBLEY, returning officer, 283 citizens voted, with 27(sic) votes for and only 12 against. This bond issued passed in flying colors and on April 5, 1940, the bonds, to highest bidder, were sold at Mayor's office to Brodnaz and Company, Inc. Lions and Kiwanis greatly aided in project. 1940 ELECTION ON SEPT. 16 Mayor James McDONALD succeeded himself as Mayor again in 1940, and his cabinet included Aldermen: Gaither TIDWELL, M. V. WHITE, Sr., R. W. HARRIS, Jr., Ivan HILL and Rayburn WEBSTER. Election officials were: Claud CADDELL, Geva CANTERBURY, Hobson REESE, Maurice COUCH, and Ferman COUCH. TIDWELL was made city clerk and Ivan HILL, city treasurer. THE MAYOR'S salary was raised to seventy-five dollars per month, F. H. COUCH resigned as City Marshall and was replaced by Fred BULL, and Lon MOBLEY was hired as policeman, also John WEEKS. both R. W. HARRIS, Jr. and Ivan HILL resigned, later, to enter military service of World War II. HARRIS was replaced by Claude CADDELL and Almon HOSCH replaced Ivan HILL. It was also in this period that Luther HOLCOMB was hired as policeman, then replaced by Larking STEWART. Marshall MAY had been named Fire Chief during this period but was elected to fill the vacancy of Rayburn WEBSTER on the council as WEBSTER also resigned because of military duty. NEW BOARDS CREATED With the war years, came new boards in Winfield, among them the: War Price Rationing Board begun March 1, 1943; the new Tax Equalization Board, E. C. HOLLIS, Charles T. LUNSFORD and Bud NICHOLS. The town also let the Marion County War Committee have the front office of the City Hall for the duration of the war, March 6, 1944, and paid five dollars per month for clerical hire. Election officials for the City Election of September 18, 1944 were Willis WARD, O. W. EARNEST and W. F. WHITE, Mayor McDONALD and Aldermen TIDWELL, WHITE, HOSCH, CADDELL and MAY all succeeded themselves with TIDWELL as clerk and CADDELL as treasurer. J. E. SMITH replaced HOLCOMB as policeman during this administration, and later Dan W. HUDSON was hired as night policeman. G. H. TIDWELL resigned in 1946 as Alderman and was replaced by M. C. HOLLIS, Jr., present Mayor of Winfield. A NEW JAIL BUILT IN 1936(sic) On February 26, 1946, the Town Council passed a resolution to build and maintain a modern city jail, and on June 3, Will THORNTON and George THORNTON bought property from the town and agreed to build the modern jail and on December 1, 1947, an ordinance was passed stating that W. S. and George THORNTON would be exempt from special and admission taxes at the Pastime Theatre for a period of at least four years for their part in the construction of the new jail. WATER SYSTEM PURCHASED On March 25, 1946, the Council began negotiations to purchase the Water System from Warrior Water Works, and on June 3, they entered into the actual purchase agreement, the sale to be consummated by noon on August 31, 1946, for $62,000.00. Ivan HILL, L. C. JOINER and R. W. HARRIS, Jr. were appointed to the Water Board of Winfield. SEVERAL CHANGES, ORDINANCES July 15, 1946, Town imposed a license tax on businesses selling gasoline in corporate limits, and another cigarette tax was imposed as(sic) next meeting; ordinance making pool halls illegal on December 2, 1946; January 6, 1947 Rayburn WEBSTER, Hill MOSES and A. L. HOLT appointed as committee for curb and gutter project which required the borrowing of $6300.00 for the project. Joe KILGORE, Hall IVIE, Joe and Jack GUIN, and J. M. HIGHTOWER were appointed as paving committee which required the borrowing of $3,000.00 for this project (to be repaid by cigarette and gasoline taxes). On December 15, a total of $16,000 had been borrowed for curb and guttering. There was quite a list of changes in the Police Department at this period. J. W. WESTBROOKS was hired at one hundred and twenty-five per month and J. L. MOBLEY's salary as Chief of Police was raised to one hundred and fifty, then reraised to one hundred and seventy-five. Joe PALMER was hired at WESTBROOKS salary. The(sic) Junior TYRA was hired at $155 and Clarence HARRIS raised to that same figure. In May 1947, J. L. MOBLEY resigned and on Mary 12, Fred BULL and Bud WARREN were both hired at $150. Then HOLCOMB resigned again and was replaced by V. P. SMITH at salary of $110, plus twenty dollars for use of his private automobile, and Fred BULL was paid twenty-five for use of his car. On September 1, R. M. WILBANKS of Alabama Power met with the council on the Contract for the new street lighting system which is enjoyed today. On September 16, L. C. JOINER presented a petition for a change of the town government from Mayor and Aldermen to a City Commission. TOTAL ASSETS IN 1946 The total assets of the Town of Winfield, on October 7, 1946, were listed as $32,500.00 including eighty-five acres of Airport land, two acres of city park land and the Community Building, City Hall and Jail, fire truck and hose, and Chevrolet City truck with dump. CIVIC-TOWN PROJECTS On July 20, 1942, a committee composed of Miss Edith EGAN, Mrs. Hazel CASEY, Hershell ROBERTS and A. G. WILLIAMS, was appointed to work with the town council in the Winfield Cemetery maintenance and beautification. February 1941, the Kiwanis and Lions presented a town Beautification Project and asked the cooperation of the town. COMMUNITY HOUSE AND SCOUT HOME ALSO COOPERATIVES During the years of the W.P.A., Mrs. R. E. MOORE, Sr. had hoped that in cooperation with the W.P.A., that a Community House could be built near the famous Winfield Spring, in the area back of Grayson HILL's Store, and she had former Mayor Walter CURL had even drawn tentative plans, but because of some change in W.P.A. the plans were not completed. Then in 1939, Mrs. C. M. YATES, who served on the Marion County Welfare Board with Mrs. R. E. MOORE, Sr., told Mrs. MOORE of a possible cooperative plan with W.P.A. to get the proposed building. Mrs. MOORE met with Mayor James McDONALD and the Council on September 4, 1939 and plans were discussed with P.W.A. Authorities. It was agreed that the Town of Winfield would furnish $2820.00 and the government would furnish $3,916.80. Mayor McDONALD and Alderman R. W. HARRIS, Jr. drove to Spruce Pine, Alabama, and agreed to purchase the natural stone from Griffin for $4.25 per ton, and a Mr. HECK contracted to build the building, located on the original City Park property, which now temporarily houses the Winfield Unit of Alabama National Guard until the new Armory is completed. The Lions Club, along with the aid and permission of the Town Council, sponsored the modern building, also located on the City Park property, which is the home of the Winfield Boy Scouts. Plans for this edifice were begun in 1947. On April 19, 1943, the Town governing Body also pledged support of the Winfield Hospital plans which will be related in full in another story. This was one of the really big projects involving all clubs, officials and the town which agreed on April 19, to doante(sic) $500.00 toward construction. MAYOR M. C. HOLLIS, JR. ELECTED SEPT. 20, 1948 Managers for the Town election of 1948 included P. WEBSTER, J. B. BYARS, Willis WARD, R. E. KIRKLAND, Charlie BULL and J. E. SMITH, and Attorney Bob MOORE had been previously appointed to draw up a list of qualified voters. Results of this election brought a new administration including: Mayor M. C. HOLLIS, Jr, who still serves today as Mayor of Winfield; and Councilmen: lbert(sic) HOLT, James T. PERRY, Rayburn WEBSTER, Charles WHEELER and H. H. WEST. The Oath of office was administered on October 4, and Rayburn WEBSTER was appointed clerk and James PERRY, Chairman Pro Tem. Attorney R. E. (Bob) MOORE, Jr. was retained as City Attorney. The police force included J. W. WESTBROOKS, hired at $160 per month, Herman FIELDS later replaced Dalton GARNER at $150; and Johnny STOMPS at $125. Lee GANN and Jack LEDLOW were hired for streets, parks and town duties. E. B. BOLEY was hired as Yuletide police. After meeting with the Board for several assemblies, the Council agreed to appropriate $24,000 within thirty days, and a special tax was levied on all motor vehicles, a one-cent tax on all bottled drinks and a one percent sales tax was passed on February 19, for the purpose of raising the needed funds for the new building cost. Later, an ordinance to impose additional special privilege or license taxes, and excise taxes equalling fifty percent of state sale and use tax, to be used solely for building of the Elementary School. This resolution also authorized the Mayor and Clerk to borrow $40,463 to complete the amount necessary to build the school. Then on May 19, 1952, the town purchased the property and the remaining part of the old school not destroyed by the fire for $15,000 with the understanding that the money be spent for the lunch room, and a labortory(sic) and repairs of the High School of Winfield. then on December 30, 1952, the old Elementary School boiler was sold for $800.00. Plans for the modern school that stands today were drawn out: built out and opened for the first school term in August 1952. OTHER CHANGES November 7, 1950, Earnest MOSS was appointed to the Water Board; R. E. MOORE, Jr., as City Attorney, presented plans and maps recommended to extend the City Limits of Winfield; Rayburn WEBSTER resigned from the City Council and C. W. HUBBERT replace(sic) him, and Albert HOLT was made Clerk; Dalton GARNER replaced J. W. WESTBROOKS as Chief of Police, and Cecil TIDWELL replaced KIVETTE as policeman; M. L. LUCAS replaced James PERRY on the city Council after PERRY resigned; Ivan HILL was appointed Director of the Winfield Water Works Board. 1952 ELECTION ON AUG. 18 T. A. CARNES was manager of the 1952 City Election, and other officials included: Claude CADDELL, returning officer; and Charlie BULL, Hobson REESE, Pervy WEBSTER, inspectors; Jessie WARD and James HILL, clerks. Mayor M. C. HOLLIS, Jr. and Councilmen: A. L. HOLT, Odus SULLIVAN, M. L. LUCAS, C. W. HUBBERT, and Lymon GOOLSBY, who are serving at the present time were elected. J. Frank BURLESON was hired as City Clerk but replaced by Mrs. R. C. SIZEMORE on March 2, 1953. Mrs. SIZEMORE remains as City Clerk, and Dan THOMAS, former Alabama State official, serves as City Auditor. R. E. MOORE Jr., was retained as City Attorney but resigned after he was appointed Circuit Judge of the Thirty-First District. He was replaced by Attorney Earl a. ALFORD, Representative Rankin FITE also served as Advisor to the Council. Other changes brought W. P. JORDAN as night policeman, then later Herman FIELDS and Thelton HOLLIMAN joined the police force; then later Frank WEEKS was also a member of the force. Sim TIDWELL was hired as Cemetery Guardian. In August of 1954, the Police staff included D. T. GARNER as police chief; and Vado KIVETTE and Thelton HOLLIMAN. The present Police Department officials include Chief Thelton HOLLIMAN; Assistant chief, James O. VAUGHN; Patrolmen, Arnold COATES; Hozie SIMMONS; David LEMONS; and David OWEN. City Street and Sanitation Department, Doug LYNN; Water Works Department, Dug REESE; Rescue Squad, Chairman, Beverly HOLLIS, Co-Chairman, Mike GREENE; Fire Chief, Ray WESTBROOKS; Assistant Chief, Audrey RILEY and Laben PERRY fireman. Going back to 1953, other important projects begun under the HOLLIS Administration include the negotiations for getting the Nation Guard Unit here which began February 2, 1953, and at that same time, plans were gotten underway for obtaining ten acres of the Airport Land for a new City Park. Sparked by L. C. JOINER, the Winfield Chamber of Commerce with the cooperation of the Council, all businesses(sic) houses, all civic and social clubs and the entire populace practically, the plans were carried through for the City Swimming Pool which has been enjoyed for the past two summers. On June 29, 1953, L. C. JOINER itemized the expenses of the building of the pool at $9,342.80, and the Council appointed Principals J. S. BRINDLEY and Gordon CRAWFORD, Coach Estes HUDSON and Duke WARREN as Supervisors of the pool and recreation. Other clubs, as revealed in the individual club histories have carried out plans for tennis, and other courts for pastime at the park and barbecue pits have been built at appointed places. Under the Supervision of W. D. HUNT, former Vocational Teacher in Winfield, trees have been transplanted for beautification. It was also during this period that the Town officials working with the Chamber of Commerce, then under the presidency of L. C. JOINER, and other civic groups, weer able to located the Champ Trouser Company on the spot where the old Elementary School stood. Today, Winfield Manufacturing occupies this area. Completely remodeling the part of the old school left after the fire of 1951, the Champ Industry covered almost the entire hill, with the modern wings being added to the original building by the City of Winfield. In September of 1953, Bill COTNEY, Ed Hollis Ivan HILL, R. W. HARRIS, Jr., representatives of the proposed Winfield Livestock Commission, met with the Town Board and negotiated the purchase of the land adjoining the Airport for the building of the present Livestock Sales Barn which has greatly encouraged and raised the market for livestock farmers in this entire section (separate story by Mr. Cotney). Also during this period, the City Limits extension was planned and Winfield Parent Teachers Association members conducted a City Census which was officially tabulated at 3,037 population, making Winfield currently classed as a city instead of a town, Mrs. R. SIZEMORE, City Clerk, stated. Besides the present City Governing Board and Police Department already listed, Sam COUCH, Homer HOOPER, Olen CUNNINGHAM, Parker SPANN, and Billy GILBERT, make up the Winfield School Board. To sum up the story of progress, the words used by W. W. (Bill) COTNEY and Dr. R. L. HILL may well describe best, "Winfield is a wonderful little city filled with a cooperative spirit. When Winfield needs something, the citizens and clubs get behind the project; the city council gets behind the project; everybody gets behind the appointed leaders and WE BUILD toward a bigger and better PROGRESSIVE WINFIELD."

Hi, In a letter written 8 July 1858 to my g-g-grandmother Mary Frances Amelia HARRIS MUSGROVE, her brother William Thomas Owen HARRIS writes: "I wish you would inquire if any one knows bro. James Daniel's [HARRIS] grave it is at Bethel Grave yard & I think at the head of Mr. Allmon's. I would be glad to learn & think we ought to have a tombstone erected at it. One would cost about $15 besides the hauling from Columbus & that would not be much when some the Marion folks are down there with a wagon." James Daniel Anderson HARRIS was b. 4 Dec. 1834 and died 6 Dec. 1837. He is the younger brother of Mary Frances MUSGROVE and William T. O. HARRIS. His grave probably is still unmarked. Does anyone know at which Bethel church Mr. ALLMON is buried? My family lived in northern Fayette Co. and the Winfield area of Marion Co. If I can locate the grave, I would like to have a stone installed. Best regards, Monya Havekost Fayette Co. AL list manager MUSGROVE surname list manager THOMPSON surname list manager ASTON surname list manager Researching: ANDERSON, ASTON, BISHOP, DODSON, FYLLINGSNES, GRANT, HARRIS, HOWELL, LESLIE, McDONALD, MILLIGAN, MORTON, MUSGROVE, OWEN, SMOOT, SOUTH, THOMPSON, and WEBSTER.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 1 THE HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Highway 78 West is a relatively new structure servicing the needs of Catholic people and others in the Counties of Lamar, Fayette and Marion. It also stands as a focal point in these counties for fellowship and growth in unity with all Christian Faiths, for service to the community at large, and for all people still seeking a church home. Through it's extension resdiency(sic) in Russellville, it also serves Franklin and Lawrence Counties in Alabama. In December 1960, Rev. Michael QUEALY (later killed as a chaplain in the Vietnamese War) offered Mass, that is, the Eucharistic worship service, for the first time in Winfield in a downtown building. It was later moved to the two-car garage at the home of James V. HAWKINS, and then moved to the southside half of the McDONNELL building on South Main Street. Services had previously been held for the 25 Catholics then living in the Winfield-Guin-Fayette area in private homes and a mission trailor(sic) in the city of Fayette. In the spring of 1964 construction of the present Holy Spirit church and apartment residency began on the two and two-thirds acres. It was bought by 13 Catholic families. Among these wee Brad and Betty ALEXANDER of Guin, Mrs. Nelson KEMP of Winfield, and Shirley and Helen PALMER of Hamilton. Nelson KEMP of Continental Conveyor Co., Mayor Lymon GOOLSBY of Winfield and Ivan HILL of the Citizens Bank helped expedite this land purchase. Mr. Ed ORTH, and(sic) executive of Birmingham paid for the church. He also helped plan and carry out its construction under Rev. Ed FOSTER who directed the parrish(sic) in Winfield as a mission at that time from Mobile. On April 4, 1965 Archbishop TOOLEN, Catholic Bishop of Alabama, blessed and dedicated the church. Citizens of various churches attended. Subsequently, the sisters of the Society of the Most Blessed Trinity from Birmingham held instruction classed(sic) for the children. Rev. Michael J. DYER was the priest immediately in charge of this Winfield mission church. During the years from 1968 to 1972 Holy Spirit church was a mission of St. Cecilia Parish in Jasper under the care of Rev. Patrick O'DONOHUE. In September 1972, it became a new parish center under Rev. Pat BREHENY as Pastor and there began the care of the three counties of Marion, Fayette and lamar. In December adult religious education began with assistance from the Glenmary Religious Education Department, Nashville, Tenn. The first Midnight Mass and reservation of the Blessed Sacrament was held on Christmas. In June, 1973 the first Bible school program was had at the parish, with the aid of the Birmingham Diocesan seminarians. In October of the same year a mission was established in Russellville as a part of Holy Spirit church to care for the people in Franklin and Lawrence counties. Rev. Robert CAMERON came as Assocaite(sic) Pastor to Fr. Pat BREHENY. In December Sunday service was extended temporarily into Fayette and held at the Episcopal Mission chapel, and into Hamilton at the United Methodist Church. A mobile home was added in October, 1974, in Winfield for extra residency space and parish programs. In August 1975 a home was rented in Hamilton for three Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky, who came to coordinate the religious education and social ministry of the parish in the five counties. Srs. Julie BRISCOLL and Marie SWEENEY work in religious education and Sr. Pat CHUCKERY cares for the social ministry. In September Rev. Robert VALENZA came to replace Bob CAMERON in Russellville. At the present time there are 250 Catholics being reached from Winfield, and about 70 from Russellville. The parishoners(sic) with their two priests and three Sisters are anxious to grow in their commitment to God and to each other, and in addition, to other Christian Faiths in service to the community, and to all people seeking to find a church home.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 1 FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL AT METHODIST CHURCH The first Sunday School of the Hamilton Methodist Church was originally organized on Sunday April 7, 1878 at Lebbanon(sic) Church, located about two miles west of Hamilton. W. R. WHITE was the first Sunday School Superintendent and served for over fifty years. The first class was made up of the following people: Miss Emma KEY, Miss Della KEY, Miss Annie HUGHY, Miss Nannie HUGHY, Miss Emma CASHION, Miss Sillie CARPENTER, Nora CARPENTER, Johnnie HUGHY, Johnnie CARPENTER, Tommie CARPENTER, Willie DUNN, Alice M. WHITE, and Pleas CRUMBIE. The second class consisted of: Bula CASHION, Lalie KEY, Mollie CRUMBIE, Artie CARPENTER, Rebecca SMITH and Warren CARPENTER,