The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 2 STATE CONVENTION MET IN MONTGOMERY IN 1860 TO DECIDE ABOUT SESSION (sic) The state convention met in Montgomery in 1860 to decide about session. Marion County was represented by Alex UNDERWOOD, L. C. ALLEN and STIDHAM. They went to Montgomery with Christopher SHEETS from Winston County. He was violently opposed to secession and tried to get Marion County representatives to vote with him against secession. However, they finally voted with the majority to secede. Woodruf MILES was in charge of raising an army in Fayette and Marion Counties to help defend Winston County against the Confederacy. Al GIPSON and Ham CARPENTER were in charge of raising troops for the Confederacy. Two Confederate prisons were built in the eastern part of the county. Sanford Prison was located on the upper part of Buttahatchee River and Fort Mitchell was located near by. These prisons were made of logs and had no windows and only one door. the tories raided Fort Mitchell and took Al GIPSON away and killed him. Green HOLLEY freed his slaves after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and Alex UNDERWOOD sold his before that time. Joe WEATHERFORD and Prentis TERRELL, son of Judge TERRELL, wee the first ones to be killed from this county in the defense of the Confederacy. Later Josh PHILLIPS was sent to take the body of Morse PACE to Allen's Factory (Bear Creek) for burial. Burrell HOWELL make bond for John PHILLIPS to get him out of prison. George STUART was a ruthless leader of the Tories and made many raids on Pikeville and Toll Gate. Ham CARPENTER was the leader of the secessionist in the county and people were afraid to declare their loyalty to either side for fear they would be burned out or murdered. John MITCHELL's wife was driven into the snow and died from exposure near Hamilton, and he came from the Federal Army in Memphis to help capture Ham CARPENTER. Tradition has it that Ham CARPENTER was captured tied by his feet, and hung over White Rock by a rope. His head almost touched the ground. Dr. MANGRAM, a Hamilton physician, was supposed to have informed him on the location of some Tories. he was called out to see a supposedly sick patient was waylaid and shot by the Tories. Some say this was on the road to Bexar and some say it was near Military Ford. John MITCHELL is supposed to have killed him. Since the county was raising armies for both the North and the South guerilla(sic) warfare was carried on and many killings and horrible crimes were committed in this area.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 2 EASTSIDE BEGAN IN OCTOBER 1911 The Eastside Baptist Church of Winfield is being served by James F. McCULLOUGH, as pastor at present. The church was organized October 10, 1911, as Goodwater Baptist Church. Later a pastorium as built in the early 1960s. An Educational building was added to the church building in 1969 and the named(sic) changed to Eastside Baptist Church in 1970. The Original building was struck by lightening and burned in 1955 the(sic) rebuilt on the same location the next year. The oldest living charter members are Mrs. Sue BUSSEY - age 93 years; Mrs. Lucy SPANN - age 87 years.

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 build 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 5 J. G. STALCUP CAME TO WINFIELD IN 1907 TO ORGANIZE THE WINFIELD STATE BANK J. G. STALCUP, a native of Tennessee, came to Winfield, in 1907, when he was engaged to help organize the Winfield State Bank, the first bank of the two, and became the first Cashier. Located in the old Post Office Building, the Winfield State Bank was situated on the corner of First Avenue and Tenth Street North, and remained there until it was moved to its present location about 1912. Beginning as Cashier, Mr. STALCUP entered into community life in Winfield as well as business. He was charter member of the infield Kiwanis Club and served in other organization, a list of which were not given. He was serving as President of the bank at the time of his retirement in November 1949, because of ill health, and members of his family have ably carried on the banking business since his death. Mr. J. G. STALCUP was the current President; William S. STALCUP, vice-president; Cline WEEKS, Cashier; and bookkeepers are Mrs. Johnnie JOHNSON, and Mrs. Pebble Gann BELL. When organized, the bank was composed of Marion County Stockholders mainly. Besides W. S. (Bill) BELL in Jacksonville, Florida; J. A. STALCUP, Superintendent of the Mobile Water Works in Mobile; and two daughters, Miss Clarissa STALCUP of Quinton, Alabama, who teaches in the Jefferson County School System; and Mrs. Sarah STALCUP GUIN, wife of Joe Young GUIN of Childersburg. Mr STALCUP expired shortly after his retirement, with forty-two years of service in the Winfield State Bank. Also quite active in civic and social affairs, William is a Kiwanian, a member of the Winfield Chamber of Commerce serving both officially; and he is also a member of the Alabama Bankers Association, and his wife, the former Dot SHOES of Birmingham, is a member of the Garden Club, the Modern Literary, and Wesleyan Service Guild. Mrs. J. G. STALCUP is a member of the Studiosis, Association of American Bank Christian Service, an honorary member of the Winfield Garden Club, and secretary of the Board of Stewards. All three are active in the Methodist Church of Winfield.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 5 SHILOH CITIZENS FROM GEORGIA AND CAROLINAS The group of pioneer citizens of Shiloh Community were from George and South Carolina. They brought their church letters from Reed Creek in Hart County, Georgia and Andersonville in Anderson, South Carolina. R. V DYAR was the leader in the organization of Shiloh Baptist Church. This group of men and women met in the Godsey log schoolhouse September 3, 1901 to organize Shiloh Baptist Church. Shiloh is located nine miles from north of Hamilton in Marion County. The following charter members were enrolled: G. W. PALMER, Susie PALMER, J. S. EVANS, Lou EVANS, Roxie HARPER, and C. C. TERRY from Reed Creek Baptist Church in Hart County, Georgia. Nettie DYAR, Janie DYAR, and Lucie FELTMAN from Anderson Baptist Church in South Carolina. At their first meeting R. V. DYAR was received by letter and as a deacon. Rev. A. A. GAY was called as pastor and R. V. DYAR was elected clerk. The name chosen was Shiloh. Delegates elected clerk. Delegates elected for the Association were R. V. DYAR, G. W. PALMER, and J. S. EVANS. They met with the Yellow Creek Association. The Church Covenant and Articles of Faith were written. rules of Decorum were established. These Articles and Rules were read to the church in conference at least once a year. Services were held regularly, each month, in the little log school-house. Members met on Saturdays for conference, to attend to all business, and for the reception of new members. All members were to live up to Christian standards or be excluded. One requirement was to attend services and conference or have a legal excuse. In the summer revival services were held in a brush arbor. G. W. PALMER and John T. HARPER gave the land to build the first church building. The one room church was built in 1903 and 1904. This building was used for thirty years. In 1934 and 1935 a better and larger wood building was built with six class rooms. People in the church and community donated material and labor. People were contacted to give money needed. The Church adopted a budget system financing under the leadership of Rev. A. M. NIX. In 1945 five hundred dollars was set aside as a building fund. During the years of 1946-1950 several people planted an acre of cotton and gave to this building fund. The church land was planted and worked by free labor. On December 17, 1950, the ground breaking service for the present brick building was conducted. Two charter members were living and one was present at this meeting. Dedication services were conducted May 13, 1951. Laying the corner stone was March 2, 1952. This brick building, with gas heat, has nine class rooms for the teaching services. Sunday School was part of the services in the log school-house in 1901. In 1934 the Cradle Roll and Home Department were added to the Sunday School. Training Union for the Young People was as early as 1924. In 1934 the Woman's Missionary Union was organized. In 1945 Shiloh held its first Vacation Bible School by the help of a state worker. Each year since then a Vacation Bible School has been held. The cemetery at Shiloh has a history of its own. W. S. GODSEY gave the land where the log school house stood for the cemetery. Later Elbert HARPER gave more land to straighten the lines. The first recorded grave was 1901. Two graves were there before the church was organized. The Church grounds and cemetery have a good sod and is mowed regularly as a part of the church duties.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 8 TOWN OF WIGINTON WAS ONCE THROWN(sic) AS THE SMALLEST "BEAT" IN THE STATE The town of Wiginton, a small 14 square mile beat located between Hackleburg and Hodges, was at one time a booming town. Beat 19, as it is shown on maps, is the smallest beat in Alabama. Wiginton used to be a resting place for weary travelers who were headed west s it was located on the Moulton to Iuka road. In early days, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. FORD built a log cabin on the road, the last residence for ten miles. Travelers soon heard of this tiresome ten mile stretch, as it is still known today, and began stopping over at the FORD cabin if it was near nightfall, and continuing on the next day. Gradually travelers began to settle near the FORD cabin, thus the community of Wiginton was born. Sometime during the 1880's the first industry was started, this being a sawmill. Later gins for ginning cotton were started. The first steam gin was put in my Wash ALDEN. Prior to this gin, the gins were water powered, by flowing water. Since schooling was needed in the fast growing little community, the people decided to put out an effort to establish a school. their efforts paid off when a school was set up in a little one room cabin near Arland WIGINTON's home. The first teacher, Elijah FORD, was paid an enormous salary of about $15 per month. Later on, the school was moved to the New Prospect Church, and then in 1904 moved to Mars Hill. After the later move, Miss Mattie FITE and Miss Ida FITE held the teaching positions. Other small towns in the area, Goddard, Lumbull and Hackleburg also had students in the Mars Hill School. In 1921 the school became a vocational school. This change came about when Joel FORD, a college-educated teacher, decided to teach and farm at the same time. At that time Wiginton and Hamilton were the only towns in the entire county to have such schools. The school at Wiginton went only to the 11th grade. Students could then travel to Hamilton and attend school there for one more year to complete their high school education. After this was completed, they could attend two more years and get a college degree. Mr. Ned WIGINTON, a store owner in the community, helped to set up a post office, which was governmentally named Wiginton. After the post office was established, Wiginton was incorporated, thus a mayor and alderman were chose. Wiginton, in the beginning, had no trained medical doctors. A few of the local people used home remedies to aid sick resident. A Dr. GOGGANS was the first man in the little town to have any medical training. Now, the town of Wiginton has one store in operation. It is located beside an old store building that is said to probably have been that of Ned WIGINTON. The school that once was a lively building, how is gone, after its last occupants have left. An old well, still covered with a wooden canopy, stands out a short distance from the early store building. It was once a bustling spot in the community where friends met and fellowshipped, but now it too stands silently. Now, Wiginton is just Beat 19, the smallest beat in Alabama.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 8 MARION COUNTY SHERIFFS LISTED SINCE YEAR OF 1820 Below is a list of Sheriffs of Marion County from 1820. Those before March 30, 1887 are by person reports. No records were saved when the courthouse burned on that date. William C. H. ALLMAN, Bartlett SIMS, Ezekiel MARCHBANKS, Enoch BRYANT, Garrett FITZGERALD, James B. BANKHEAD, Charles REGAN, William DENNIS, William T. DENNY, Edwin THOMAS, James McKAY, Allen HUNDLEY, John F. MATHEWS, George CANNON, M. F. ATKERS, Albert J. HAMILTON, Lewis F. MAY, Meredith T. ACKERS, James R. HUGHES. W. R. U. LODEN, Pompie RIGGINS, Walker W. HALL, Robert CASHION, Rufus A. BAIRD, Luther LOYD, John W. HANEY, Luther LOYD, Houston M. COUCH, Luther LOYD, Dewey LOYD, Jim FORD, Golden HOWELL, Angus BERRYHILL, Max CANTRELL, Dewey LOYD, Fray TYRE, Hubert McCARLEY, Thelton HOLLIMAN, Billy MILES, Hubert COCHRAN, and the present Sheriff, Floyd LONG.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 5 SECOND OLDEST CHURCH IN COUNTY The First Baptist Church of Guin is the second oldest church in Marion County. It was organized as Old Union Baptist Church in 1860. The name changed to Guin Baptist Church after moving from an old log building located by Beaver Creek, which was destroyed by fire about 1890. About 1920-25 the first pastorium as built. Weekly prayer services were started in 1923. This church and the pastorium burned in June, 1933. A new tabernacle was built in 3 to 4 weeks. This tabernacle was later town down to make space for the permanent building. The new church and pastorium were then built. The church as had more than 35 pastors. At least 8 men have been licensed and, or ordained to the ministry. On April 3, 1974 the church auditorium, pastorium, church bus and most of the educational building were destroyed by the tornado. Since then a new auditorium and pastorium have been built and the educational building restored. Dedication service was held in the new auditorium in February 29, 1976. Don Graham, pastor of the church, came in 1974 after the storm. Under his leadership the church continues to grow spiritually and numerically.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 6 W. J. HINZ AND FAMILY FOSTERED BRILLIANT THROUGH COAL INDUSTRY W. J. HINZ was associated with the Brilliant Coal Company for thirty-seven years, serving as Superintendent of the company for thirty years, up to the time of his death. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mr. HINZ spent his early life in and near Milwaukee and Port Washington. Mr. HINZ and his family moved to Brilliant in 1919, for the second time, having lived there previous to going to Walker County for a period of time. During his years as Superintendent of the Brilliant Coal Company, Mr. HINZ also served as Chairman of the Brilliant School Board, and through his effort and the aid of others the small Brilliant Elementary School with six teachers was changed to a Junior High School, and a few years later to an accredited High School. The Journal Staff had written Mrs. O. D. BYNUM (Maude GIBBS) of St. Louis, Brilliant's First Music Teacher, for information about her years of teaching music. She graciously replied, "Just leave out my music and devote the time and space instead to some of those who worked so hard for the schools of Brilliant. some of those, like Messers Franklin HOWELL, Jesse Anderson UNDERWOOD, William MORTON, Walter HOWELL, Howard THOMAS and oh so many more who along with Mr. HINZ [and] John Jesse GIBBS, sat up nights(sic) after nights(sic) until the midnight hours devising ways and means to start and improve the schools. When I see the words, Civic Pride' in connection with any phrase(sic) of life, the words, 'hard work' instantly flash through my mind because I remember how all these great citizens worked for the progress of a better Brilliant School System." Mr. HINZ took an active part in everything pertaining to the betterment of the county and all communities surrounding the Brilliant town. He served on many town and county committees, a list of all these were not available. It was through his untiring effort and the cooperation of the Methodist Board of Stewards that the present Brilliant Methodist Church and Parsonage were built. He was a strong believer in the church and its influence on people of the community. It was during this period that the first full-time minister was obtained. Following his death, his years of service in many clubs were commerated (sic) by organizations such as the Brilliant Lions club, and the Kiwanis Club of Winfield published a resolution in The Winfield Journal from the club to observe his passing. Mrs. HINZ was a member of the Marion County United Daughters of the confederacy, active in the school's Parent-Teachers Association for a period of time, a member of the Women's Missionary Society of the Methodist Church of Brilliant and quite active in the studiosis Club of Winfield. There were seven children in the HINZ family and eight grandchildren. The children include Miss Evelyn HINZ, who served as a teacher in Brilliant for sixteen years, as well as teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, part time in the summers. She also served for three years as chairman of the Curriculum Committee and she and her sister (then Katharyn HINZ, now Mrs. Carr McCARMACK, Jr. of Mobile) spent many night (sic) coaching students in oratory, and coaching school plays and other programs. Miss HINZ later served as instructor of journalism and English, and as sponsor of Murphy Hi-Times in the Murphy High School in the Murphy High School in Mobile, where she and her mother reside in nearby Fairhope. The former Katharyn HINZ taught seven years in the Brilliant Schools and at Brookside. She also served in many activities such as Girl Scout work and educational activities. Ralph HINZ, worked as foreman for the Brilliant Coal Company before going into business for himself. He taught in the Mining School in both Brilliant and Brookside, for several years, and late served as Mining Inspector of the industries of this section. William, who was associated with the Mobile Paint Company worked in Brilliant, for two years, before going to Birmingham, where he alter had his own business. Louis worked for the Brilliant Coal Company for a period of around twelve years. Walter, the youngest of the HINZ children, was employed in New Orleans, Louisiana. Herbert was a member of the Phillips High School Faculty in Birmingham, where he instructed vocational education.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 6 THE HISTORY OF MT. OLIVE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH The history of the Mount Olive Free Will Baptist Church dates back to the year 1882, thus giving her almost a century of spiritual ministry in this community. It is determined that at least eight people made u the charter membership of the church. they were Rev. and Mrs. W. A. NELSON, Mr. and Mrs. James BURLESON, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. WESTBROOKS, and Mr. and Mrs. A. J. WESTBROOKS. Rev. W. A. NELSON served as the first pastor of the new organization. Four buildings have housed the congregation through the ninety-two years of history. The first building was erected of wood in 1882, on land donated by A. J. WESTBROOKS. This building was later replaced by another frame building. In 1952, a brick structure, with a fell basement was erected. (This building is presently used as the educational building.) In the late sixties, the present sanctuary was erected under the pastoral leadership of Rev. James PITTMAN. In the early sixities(sic), under the leadership of Rev. Billy Ray SMITH, a three bedroom parsonage was added to the church property. The entire church is free of indebtedness, with the exception of a small amount owed on recent inprovements(sic). Ministers have gone forth from the Mount Olive Church, to serve in their respective fields. Rev. Dave FRANKS is presently serving as Missionary to Brazil. (His wife and children are with him on the mission field.) A number of pastors have served during the long history of this church, whose service and influence is highly esteemed. The present pastor, Reverend Woodrow MATTHEWS, assumed the pastorate in February, 1973. This church is affiliated with the National Association of Free Will Baptist - supports the denomination work, and endeavors to be evangelistic in the total church programs.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 BYRD COMMUNITY WAS NAMED AFTER MAN WHO DONATED LANDS FOR FIRST SCHOOL BYRD Community was named after Mr. W. A. BYRD who gave the land for the first BYRD School grounds. Early settlers in the community were the CANTRELLS, REALS, RIGGSES, WATSONS, NORTHINGTONS, RUDICELLS, WHITEHEADS and SCOGGINS. Some of these early settlers came from Georgia and South Carolina. Many descendants of these early settlers live in the present-day BYRD Community. The roads throughout the Community have been grealty(sic) improved in the last few years. Highway 17, a modern paved road, runs through the center of the community. Other farm to market roads are also paved. Transportation is by privately owned cars and trucks. An early wool carding factory, operated by water power, was in operation for ten or fifteen years. Two hands handled the factory work. For the carding, the operators received wool or money toll. The wool was put in bales and later sold. Today as formerly, agriculture is the principal occupation of the citizens of BYRD Community. Cotton and corn are the two main crops. Many farmers are supplementing their farm incomes by raising beef cattle and hogs. Some are engaged in dairying. Two mil routes run through the Community each day picking up the milk and carrying it to market. Some farmers are raising broilers for the market. Some men and many women are employed in the garment factories located in Detroit and Hamilton. There are four Churches in the Community, Rudicell, Ballard, Cooper, and Mount Joy. Other churches are located just outside of the community boundary lines. All of these serve to meet the religious needs of the people. The BYRD Community today is one of the most progresssive(sic) rural Communities in the state. In 1948, a Community Improvement Club was organized, and it has done much to improve living conditions and appearanc.e(sic) The club sponsored such projects as: 1. Keeping Cemeteries Clean 2. Painting Church houses and putting out shrubbery 3. Erecting signs for churches and boundary lines 4. Improving and lettering mailboxes 5. Build a Club House 6. Established roadside parks and picnic areas. 7. Contributed to the Red Cross. 8. Distributed baskets to underprivileged children.

Monya: Though I haven't found any connection in any of the wonderful articles you've recently posted to the list, I think they are very interesting and was wondering if it is possible to have them added to the Fayette Co., AL GenWeb page???? I think that they would be a wonderful addition for other folks interested in Fayette Co., AL history who perhaps aren't members of the list. Thanks so much for taking the time to type and share them with the rest of us! Allison M. Saxman ----- Original Message ----- From: "Monya Havekost" <MonyaH@conterra.com> To: <ALFAYETT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 6:40 PM Subject: [ALFAYETT] BYRD Community article > The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition > Thursday, July 1, 1976 > Section A, Page 4 > > BYRD COMMUNITY WAS NAMED AFTER MAN WHO DONATED LANDS FOR FIRST SCHOOL > > BYRD Community was named after Mr. W. A. BYRD who gave the land for the > first BYRD School grounds. > > Early settlers in the community were the CANTRELLS, REALS, RIGGSES, > WATSONS, NORTHINGTONS, RUDICELLS, WHITEHEADS and SCOGGINS. Some of these > early settlers came from Georgia and South Carolina. Many descendants of > these early settlers live in the present-day BYRD Community. > > The roads throughout the Community have been grealty(sic) improved in the > last few years. Highway 17, a modern paved road, runs through the center of > the community. Other farm to market roads are also paved. Transportation is > by privately owned cars and trucks. > > An early wool carding factory, operated by water power, was in operation > for ten or fifteen years. Two hands handled the factory work. For the > carding, the operators received wool or money toll. The wool was put in > bales and later sold. > > Today as formerly, agriculture is the principal occupation of the citizens > of BYRD Community. Cotton and corn are the two main crops. Many farmers are > supplementing their farm incomes by raising beef cattle and hogs. Some are > engaged in dairying. > > Two mil routes run through the Community each day picking up the milk and > carrying it to market. Some farmers are raising broilers for the market. > Some men and many women are employed in the garment factories located in > Detroit and Hamilton. > > There are four Churches in the Community, Rudicell, Ballard, Cooper, and > Mount Joy. Other churches are located just outside of the community > boundary lines. All of these serve to meet the religious needs of the > people. > > The BYRD Community today is one of the most progresssive(sic) rural > Communities in the state. In 1948, a Community Improvement Club was > organized, and it has done much to improve living conditions and > appearanc.e(sic) The club sponsored such projects as: > 1. Keeping Cemeteries Clean > 2. Painting Church houses and putting out shrubbery > 3. Erecting signs for churches and boundary lines > 4. Improving and lettering mailboxes > 5. Build a Club House > 6. Established roadside parks and picnic areas. > 7. Contributed to the Red Cross. > 8. Distributed baskets to underprivileged children. > > >

THE LAMAR COUNTY GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY invites you to attend the meeting of november 13,2000 at 6:30 pm at the library located in the vernon cityhall building,use east door.there will be NO DECEMBER MEETING. to place membership send $16 to PO BOX 357,VERNON,AL 35592 you may place queries in the newsletter LINKS to LAMAR COUNTY free of charge.address above. the LAMAR DEMOCRAT carries a column on LINKS to lamar county written by jean carr <jsmit-car@webtv.net> you may place free queries.they do not have to be lamar county related. Jean Carr jsmit-car@webtv.net

Mr WHITEHEAD, who helped build the railroad tracks in 1886, when only a boy of eighteen, and Mrs. WHITEHEAD whose parents were Henry and Martha MOSS RAINES said that the first building in the downtown area was a little two-room log cabin, owned in the early 1800's by Lige MOSS. They told the story about how Uncle Lige's wife wanted to move to Fayette County to be near her people and that the land including the little log cabin was sold to the MUSGROVES. Mrs. Clara ASTON, whose parents were Nath and Aunt Harriett MUSGROVE said that she never heard her grandparents [John Tilden and Susannah MUSGROVE] speak of the transaction but that she knew her grandfather gave Aunt Harriett the two lots between Sherman's store and the Depot that reached to the little branch. It was on these lots that Aunt Harriett ran the first boarding house for the workers of the Railroad, then known as the Kansas City, Memphis and Birmingham Railroad and now the Frisco Railroad. Mrs. ASTON also said that Henry F. MUSGROVE gave every other lot to the town of Winfield, and kept the others for himself and his family. It was on one of these donated lots that the Winfield Depot was built in the year of 1887, and where the South-side Freewill Baptist and First Baptist Churches(sic) of Winfield, stand today. This first boarding hose grew into a career of Hotel ownership and management for Aunt Harriett and Uncle Nath. They established the first Hotel in Winfield, and operated a Hotel for forty-three years and according to Paul WHITEHEAD's article on "When Winfield Was Mud Street," Aunt Harriett's dining room with its circular "Lazy Susan" table became famous over several states as Railroad and other traveling men passed on the compliments to fellow-travelers. They also had the first screen door in town. Mrs. Clara MUSGROVE ASTON, daughter o Mr. and Mrs. Nath MUSGROVE, was thirteen years of age when the MUSGROVEs moved to Winfield in 1885, and to her it was quite different with all the hustle and bustle of building the railroad. She told Oscar RODEN, that she remembers writing to a friend saying "You, honestly, can't tell Sunday from any other day here," because there were so many people around and so many exciting things happening. TOWN FIRSTS First Mayor of Winfield was W. Jasper TRULL. First Postmasters were Marting C. BOWLING and then J. L. McGAHA; first mail carriers were White McDONALD and T. C. McCLESKY; first bank in Winfield was The Winfield State Bank, 1907, and Mr. J. G. STALCUP was first Cashier of bank; first hotel and first screen doors were both to the credit of Aunt Harriet and Uncle Nath MUSGROVE; the fist brick building was the same building that houses ALEXANDER Drug Company today, then owned by CARROLL Brothers of Tupelo; first funeral home was KILGROW (sic), located where Alabama Power was formerly located. Then later Joe KILGORE opened the LUQUIRE Funeral Home and later bought it under the Name, KILGORE Funeral Home which is now MILES Funeral Home, first shoe factory was operated by Col. WEATHERLY out near the OWENS residence on the way to the Sub-Station; first industry (see story); first grist mill was owned by Tucker MOSS, who also had a sawmill; Bill HANEY and sons has the fist sawmill; a Mr. ALLEN had the first Gin powered by mules; WHITEHEAD has first the Water Mill and Gin; first car (see story); first painted home, Dr. J. M. WHITLEY, who lived next to Winfield Church of Christ; first cafe, George WHITE (Dees Cafe was first Big cafe); first inside bath was owned by Raymond W. HARRIS, Sr.; White McDONALD had the first electrical system (Delco); first carbide lighting systems bought by R. W. HARRIS and M. L. LUCAS; M. L. LUCAS installed the first Butane Gas heating system; the first gasoline pumps were installed the Butane Heating system [as written]; the first gasoline pumps were installed at both HILL and Oden SHIREY Drug Stores; R. E. MOORE, Sr. had the first Automobile agency; first skating rink was owned and operated by N. V. MAYS and brothers; first poolhall by R. G. DEES; first Dentist (see story); first drugstore, Harry McCLENAHAN (later ODEN-SHIREY); first newspaper was edited by Lige WADSWORTH in 1893. 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.

Besides the homes owned by the MUSGROVES, VICKERYS, RAINES, and some other first families, some of the early "Dwellings", according to Newt WHITEHEAD, that sprang up shortly after the railroad included J. B. WHITEHEAD home built between the present street; Bill WEBSTER, who built near the Columbus COUCH home, a log cabin up near the original PERRY place) Dr. Jim Franklin EARNEST, who first built a log shack near where Dr. Rufus SHIREY lived and later built the home that later housed the BROWN Service Funeral Home and was torn down for a new Post Office site across from the last traffic light on Highway 78 heading toward Guin; the home of Jasper TRULL (still standing) near the present residence of E. G. TRULL; two homes, plank houses built on the street where Mrs. Newt WHITEHEAD lived. These two homes were built by John EARNEST and Newt WHITEHEAD. The EARNEST home burned and the property was sold to Emmitt MAYS but the WHITEHEAD house remains today. In 1892, Mr. E. G. TRULL listed the families of Winfield as follows: J. L. McGAHA, J. P. McGAHA, Jim GAMBLE, Lizzie WESTBROOKS, John William WHITE, Miss DOBINS, John SMITH, John WHITE, the MUSGROVES, the MARTINS (of the two hotes(sic) [hotels]), W. J. TRULL, Dr. J. F. EARNEST, Charley GAMBLE, Dr. James MOODY, "Aut" WHITLEY, J. B. WHITEHEAD, Joe DICKINSON, Base McCOLLUM, Lige WADSWORTH, Bill WEBSTER, Dr. CANTERBURY, W R H LODEN, Calvin WETHERLY, R. F. CARNES, Jack WHITE, Sony MARTIN, P M R SPANN, Will SHELTON, J. A. NORCHUTT (sic) [NORTHCUTT], Billy ASTON, Walter ASTON, White LOGAN, T. W. MOSS, Wood WARD, Dr. ciscero WHEELER, Lawson WHITE and the JONES. Another family who catered to travelers in those early 1880s was the Lige (Elisha) VICKERY household, which Ruby HARRIS states was more or less known as "The Wayside Inn". Miss HARRIS said that her mother known as "Aunt Jo" (Now Mrs. M. W. HARRIS) did the cooking for railroad workers of no relation to her husband. Ruby HARRIS says that she is not sure that the family tree of Mr. VICKERY can ever be quite fully mapped out because in those days when illnesses usually brought death, it was a common thing for the survivors to be remarried several times as was the case of Mr. Elisha. In talking with citizens already pased (sic) away at this time, Mr.s R. E. MOORE, Sr. knew of this list as being among the very earliest settlers of the Winfield area: the JONES, McGAHAS, MUSGROVES, WHITELYS, ASTONS, MOSSES, VICKERYS, CURLS, TRULLS, WHEELERS, SMITHS, and WHITEHEADS. Others have added the WARDS, the GREENS, the ADKINS, the HANEYS, the KIRKLANDS and others. Way back before the railroad was built, that the scattered residents of this section had to travel sixty miles to Columbus, Mississippi to buy the staple groceries such as flour, sugar, coffee etc. Old timers say that it took about a week to travel to Columbus and back. Eggs were five cents per dozen then, and hens were ten cents apiece. The Zion Baptist Church was established in 1835 according to A. W. GREENE, who remembers it because her father gave the Bible for the church then, even though he didn't become a member until later. She remembered the McGAHAS and Dr. WHITLEY's family who lived in this area, and also a Dr. WOODS. Many elderly citizens told of how the early families would pack lunches and go down to where the railroad was being built over areas requiring trestles. Mrs. A. W. GREENE remembered that they stayed all day and watched the workers drive the big logs into the ground over the Luxapallila Creek. It seems generally established that the first train, a freight, came through Winfield, in April of 1887, but Mrs. Lou ASTON TRULL stated that a work tain came to Winfield in 1886. She remembered it and other travellers who stopped over there. From Aunt Jo's beginning of cooking (mostly salt pork and peas in those days) she has become famous to acquaintances who describe her as a person "who can fix a good meal out of almost nothing." Aunt Jo was one of the ten sets of children and step children of Mr. Elisha VICKERY, as was Mr. NEWT and J. B. WHITEHEAD, former postmasters and mayors of early Winfield. In fact Mr. NEWT's wife, (who was a RAINES) was also a stepchild, but was near the time of her grandfather's (E. L. ADKINS) death and it was recorded in the Bible of the ASTON family. Mr. WHITEHEAD remembered the first store as being that of Jonathan JONES. He said that there was a saloon (quite legal in those days) near where the R. W. HARRIS Warehouse is located today. He remembered other stores abut that time being Bill WEBSTER's near where HILL Drug Store now is located; the store of Caly and Base McCOLLUM. HARKINS, SHELTON store where R. W. HARRIS and Son is now located; Elisha VICKERY's store whee the Citizens Bank formerly stood; and a general merchandise store of Bob COUCH where the ODUM Dime store is at the present time. J. L. McGAHA had about the second or third store in Winfield, and became the first postmaster of Winfield. The post office was locate din his store. Mr. M. R. McGAHA stated that J. L. McGAHA was his great-grandfather. He had told the amusing story of how "Mr. Mac," as he was known to many, not only kept the postoffice and store, but also bought opossums and fattended (sic) them (for resale to customers) in the back of his store. One night, a group of mischievous youngsters lost for him all his profit by breaking in the store and letting out the 'possums.' A fellow by the name of HAMM was sent by the Railroad Company to map out the town in 1892, according to M. L. LUCAS. Before Winfield came into being, Jonathan R. JONES had corn fields on the area where the city of Winfield is located today, and the MUSGROVES owned a great part of the town.

Great article with lots of good names <big grin>. Seriously, I can help researchers with with many, but not all, of these names (see my tag line). Monya The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition Thursday, July 1, 1976 Section B, Page 6 WINFIELD'S HISTORY FROM FIRST BEGINNINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS There are several different versions as to how the Depot (located since the beginning on the same spot) was located here. Mrs. R. E. MOORE, Sr. said that Dr. J. M. WHITLEY offered land for the depot near his residence, and members of the Elisha VICKERY family stated that the also offered land for the depot but it seems that the railroad officials considered both spots too hilly, and in the end the land offered by Henry F. MUSGROVE (according to Newt WHITEHEAD and Mrs. Clara ASTON) was decided the best. The depot was built on the MUSGROVE property in 1887. WINFIELD WAS NEEDMORE Many citizens agree that Winfield was first called Needmore, but in the year that the citizens established the first postoffice and the name Needmore was presented to the United States Post Office Department, thee was already a Needmore, Alabama so the officials submitted three names to William A. MUSGROVE for the final decision, Mrs. R. E. MOORE, Sr. stated, and Mr. MUSGROVE decided upon Winfield, Alabama because he admired General Winfield SCOTT so much. Willard DODSON stated that his mother remembered Mrs. Maggie HARRIS REESE, sister-in-law of Mr. MUSGROVE, helping Mr. MUSGROVE and his wife to decide of the name of Winfield. SUMP(sic) [SLUMP] IN 1891 WINFIELD E. G. TRULL, a citizen of Winfield since November 1891 and son of Winfield's first mayor, said that it seemed in 1891 and 92 that Winfield had a "set-back" as there were some three of the business houses unoccupied. As Mr. TRULL remembered Winfield in that year, the following places were doing business: WEBSTER and JONESES, Base McCOLLUM, Lige WADSWORTH, J. L. McGAHA, HARKINS and SHELTON (managed by J. A. NORTHCUTT) and later bought by R. W. HARRIS; one jeweler shop, DICKENSON and GAMBLE; one doctor's office, with two doctors, Dr. EARNEST and Dr. WHEELER; two hotels MUSGROVE and MARTIN; two gins, WEBSTER and JONES, and Farmer's Alliance; Farmers Alliance Cotton Yard, Camp House and Stock yards; one Tan Yard, Wilson WHITE (his son Abe made and repaired shoes); and two churches, the Baptist and Methodist, neither of which had seats. At this date there were thirty-seven families living in Winfield, Mr. TRULL stated and mapped out the dwellings as to location. He explained that one of the most colorful of the people in Winfield at that time was "Whistling Arthur Flunky" who worked at the MUSGROVE Hotel. CEMETERY STARTED 1889 E. G. TRULL also said that the Winfield Cemetery was started in either 1889 or 1890, when two or three of the children of John SMITH died of typhoid fever (John SMITH was distinguished from other John SMITHS as he was known as "Sage Grass." When other persons needed burial, Mr. TRULL said that his father W. Jasper TRULL, W. R. H. LODEN and Bill WEBSTER got together and bought space from the SMITHS for the cemetery. In the City Hall Records for 1935, under the Mayorship of James McDONALD, an addition to the Cemetery was obtained from Mrs. Gwenn McDONALD, an addition to The notes stated that Geneva, George, W. O., Felix N. and Ella McDONALD, along with Mr. MAY, granted permission to extend the cemetery boundaries and divide into forty-one burial lots to be sold by the "undersigned" but no list was given following undersigned. In recent years, the Winfield Garden Club has carried out an extensive beautifcation (sic) project, with the help of other organizations, and in 1954, the Garden Club placed a memorial marker at the Grave of Frank Smith, whom they said donated part of the land for the beginning of the cemetery. 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 A, Page 4 OLD PIKEVILLE IS A GHOST TOWN TODAY Most every section of the country has its own ghost town, and according to an article written by J. L. HOLLOWAY, prominent banker of Guin, such is the case of old Pikeville, near Hamilton, where Andrew JACKSON's Army bivouaced (sic) during the War of 1812. General JACKSON's Troops, according to Mr. HOLLOWAY, were enroute from the Battle of New Orleans, and they ate, slept, and some died and were buried in old Pikeville. Graves of many of these soldiers furnish proof of this and a monument set up a few years ago by the Guin American Legion Post, at the head of the Unknown Soldier's grave, is further proof. "Unknown to many in alabama and thousands of Marion Contains of the present generation, the Pikeville, once so familiar and imposing to older folks of this mountain regions, the county seat of Marion now remains only a rendezvous of memories. But its rictradition (sic) [rich tradition] and the part it played in shaping Alabama history have not been forgotten at all," Mr. Holloway wrote, "In this obscure spot on the Jackson Highway, midway between Guin and Hamilton, where giant oaks, yellow pines, cane and broom sage now flourish, business houses, residences, saloons, a post office, and other enterprises were flourishing long before the War Between the States." According to Mr. HOLLOWAY, J. M. HAWKINS and other settlers whose ancestors came to this section in those pioneer years, Pikeville reigned proud and mighty when Birmingham and other cities were unborn, and Mr. HOLLOWAY said that the telegraph line on which the first wire message flashed across the country between the North and South went through the heart of Pikeville. Mr. HOLLOWAY also described Pikeville as a place where spirited political fights once rages, where duels were fought, Indian battles lost and won, and a place with endless promise for the future. No sign of current thriving populace remains, but only a few dim markers such as graves of early pioneers and the portion of the stately courthouse which is now the residence of descendants of Judge TERRELL, who for forty-five years was Probate Judge. In other stories, the Journal-Record Staff told of the first road leading off the Great Natchez Trace, the Old Military Road that reached southward to Columbus, Mississippi, furnished the first route for settlers who came to this county in earlier years. This specific road was the first road leading through old Pikeville.

Note: I wouldn't call this an article (much less the history of Marion County) but more like a collection of notes. However, it is one of the articles included in this newspaper. Monya The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY 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 Dec. 16, 1819. The temporary seat of justice as placed at the house of Henry GRIER in the Buttahatchee Community. The permanent site selected in 1820 was Pikeville which was incorporated by Act Jan. 12, 1827. During the 62 years while Pikeville was the County seat, there were two or more courthouses build. Pikeville was long a place of some importance, but after the removal of the courthouse to Toll Gate (now Hamilton) about 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. John D. TERRELL, Jr., elected 1829 served 45 years. Henry GRIER not shown in U. S. Census of Marion County, Ala. for 1830. The 1830 Census shows on Sheet 13, line 23 RAGSDALE, William H. Age under 50 years, other males 1 under 5 years and 1 under 10 years. Females -- 2 under 5 yrs, 2 under 15 yrs., 2 under 20 yrs and 1 under 30 yrs. Line 26 RAGSDALE, Clement Age under 40 years. Females). (sic) TERRELL, John D. Jr. served in Alabama Senate 1819 to 1823. Probate Judge [Terrell] 1829 to November 1882 when Court was moved to Toll Gate now Hamilton. Son-in-law John POPE completed his term from November 1882 at Hamilton. Records in County papers show Jason P. FORD signing as Probate Judge Jan. 1893. Court House at Hamilton was destroyed by fire March 30, 1887 while Walter H. MATTHEWS was Probate Judge. Terms of other Probate Judges can be secured from the County Paper. 1830 U. S. Census Marion County Sheet 21 Line 1 shows TERRELL John D. age 60 Two other males under 30 years of age. Females 2 under 20 yrs. and 1 under 60 yrs. 1850 U. S. Census TERRELL, John D., age 49, County Judge, born in Ga. Wife Elizabeth age 37, born in Ga. Step-son MEADORS John age,(sic) born in Ala. Children: Rosa age 14, Wm. H. age 9; Isabell age 7; Sarah age 5: Henry age 4, Mary age 2, all born in Ala.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 CHARLIE SNYDER, ONE OF FIRST RAILROAD ENGINEERS In other stories, numerous people have been mentioned in connection with the building of the Frisco Railroad and in regard to early workers in Frisco (sic) employ, but Mr. E. G. TRULL told of Charlie SYNDER (sic), one of the first engineers on the railroad then known as the KCM&B, whom had not been mentioned in these articles. While working on a bridge near Selma in 1901, Mr. TRULL heard a negro remark that he'd "Like to hear Mr. SYNDER (sic) blow the train whistle just once more before he passed on." Mr. TRULL said that beginning about a mile from town and continuing to below the railroad crossing, SNYDER would pay a tune on the Quill Blowers of the train whistle, to the sheer delight of all the families who lived along the track who listened daily for his run. Other engineers that followed were Bob PERSONS, Charlie BERNARD, and Al ZINAMON, who was killed in the train wreck near Winfield in the 1920s.

The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 THE STRANGE LEGEND OF JOHN DABNEY TERRELL The legend of the burial of John Dabney TERRELL, Sr. has been told so often that most residents of Marion County believe it is true. He died in 1850 and was buried at Military Ford in an unmarked grave. It is said that he was buried sitting up in his coffin or box, like his illustration Indian friends. In the casket above the door a gun was placed, in the left side a water bucket, dipper, wash pan, and hand towels, in the right side was placed food, and on the floor a pallet for his dog. Six of the TERRELS (sic) were buried in the same manner on the south side of the Indian Mound at Military Ford, and their slaves on the flat land below. There are no markers to the graves. CREWS ACADEMY (for some reason, part of the same article) The first college located in Northwest Alabama was located in what was Marion County at that time. It was twenty steps northeast of the deport at Crews, Alabama. The building was built in somewhat the shape of a letter T. The top of the T faced the road and was used for class rooms, one room solely for the girls and taught by a lady. The other front room was for boys and taught by a man. The back was a music room where the boys had classes in the morning taught by a young lady but posed as a boy. In the evening, she wore a wig and dressed as a lady. Since it was not a proper thing to do to have the girls and boys mixing, there was a tall fence made out of hewed logs that divided the front of the house in halves and extended to the road on the back. That house had a tall fence extending several feet back. This fence was to make sure no girl saw a boy or a boy saw a girl while at school. The story goes that the three teacher were of one family. The husband, the wife and the daughter who was thought to be a very handsome young gentleman. Also in the evening, she was a very beautiful young woman.