Dear Maillist, A concerned genealogist (I also forwarded her comments) sent this. I think it might be noteworthy to our list. Nanc -------- Original Message -------- Subject: BRIGHTON, AL: Descendants sought to join in cemetery destruction lawsuit Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2000 11:28:39 -0500 From: "Lois Mauk" <LoisMauk@home.com> Reply-To: "Lois Mauk" <LoisMauk@home.com> To: "Nancy DeVore Williams" <william3@hiwaay.net> Dear Nancy: Hello. I understand that you are the Listowner of the Jefferson Co., Alabama e-mail group on Rootsweb. I'm not a regular member of your group, but I thought that, if your group was NOT aware of the situation described below, you might want to make them aware of it. I hesitate to do it myself because I consider myself an "outsider" and could answer any questions other than what I've read on the Birmingham News website. I've already posted the following message to the CEMETERY list on Rootsweb as well as the GRAVES list. I hope that we are able to help these folks find enough descendants to participate in this litigation as a class action. If what I've read on the Birmingham News website is true, family historians everywhere should be outraged. Lois Mauk ================= "Possum Valley plight -- Descendants in lawsuit say old cemetery destroyed" 03/08/2000 Birmingham News Written by ANNE RUISI, Birmingham News staff writer (Phone: 205-325-2222) Possum Valley Cemetery on Jaybird Road. The Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Verin has given plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the destruction of Possum Valley Cemetery on Jaybird Road in Brighton, Alabam until early April 2000 to find a minimum of 30 people to join them as plaintiffs. The 10 current plaintiffs want to pursue the case as a class action. The judge also has to decide whether the plaintiffs, as class-action representatives, can represent those persons interred in the cemetery who have no known next of kin. To have a class-action suit, the plaintiffs need at least 40 people in the suit. The plaintiffs say the mostly wooded cemetery was destroyed when a bulldozer cleared the land more than a year ago. Possum Valley Cemetery, also known as Key's Hill or Joley Cemetery, was originally a burial ground for slaves. It was established about 1843 and was mostly used by poor black families in the area. Jefferson County, AL records indicate the presence of a cemetery on the property. Records in the county tax assessor's office say the property contains a TEN-ACRE CEMETERY. One of the defendants says that the property was checked for graves before a contractor cleared the site. The only graves found were a few near the road, which were roped off and left untouched. It is listed in a 1941 survey of cemeteries taken by the county Health Department. Funeral home records indicate Bedeingo Curry, who died in January 1915 at age 105 was buried at Possum Valley Cemetery at the expense of Woodward Iron Co. The Alabama Department of Vital Statistics also holds death certificates for several people buried at Possum Valley, like 19-year-old Sallie Thomas, who died from tuberculosis on Sept. 2, 1913. Mandy Hardy was buried there after dying in the 1919 Spanish flu pandemic. Anyone who is descended from those buried at Possum Valley Cemetery, or who has information on their families, may call Lucy Carlisle at 205-428-9406. Full story at: http://www.al.com:80/news/birmingham/Mar2000/8-xcemeter.html

The following is a compilation of information on filing systems received from many persons interested in the subject and is not necessarily a recommendation but is for information only. Many persons contributed to this compilation and they all receive our sincere thanks. We have had many requests, since this pertains to genealogy, to post to the lists so here goes. 1. Genealogy is not safe in only a computer. Person should trust the written word using notebooks, home made books, and other written files. Disasters occur so give your genealogy work away to whoever wants it. Print and handout to other members of the family what you have accumulated. Be sure to backup all your genealogy stored on your computer to floppy disks or other storage means. 2. Many suggested to use Family Tree Maker 6.0 or 7.0 for Windows 95 or 98. Comments suggest that this is an excellent filing system for all your genealogy, but back it up on disks or CDs for protection should your system fail. 3. There were many suggestions to use file folders either under the "My Documents" in Windows using a surname for each folder. If not sure of name as being part of the family, file that name under a "Maybe" folder for further use if necessary. 4. It was suggested by many to use large manila folders for each surname. In each folder are stored other folders filed by first names. Those that you are not sure of are labeled "Maybe". Birth Certificates and other legal papers are filed in each surname folder to which the papers refer. 5. Several suggestions were to use three-ring binders with tab dividers noting the name of the ancestor. Each ancestor represents a generation. Any information on their siblings goes into the generation's tabbed section. Notes and other information goes in a top-loading pocket page and is stored directly behind the person referred to in the binder. A three-ring binder is used for those persons you are not sure belong to the your line. This binder is named the "Unknown" and is tabbed with State names such as, Alabama, Georgia, etc. The binders are easy to take along to research facilities, choosing the family name you are researching. 6. Others suggested purchasing an inexpensive filing cabinet and using hanging file folders in the drawers. A surname section is created in alphabetical order using folder tabs for each family member. Transparent pages are used for small items and stored under the surname. On the outside front of each folder is pasted a form listing the contents of the Surname Folder such as: census research, legal papers, family group sheets, correspondence, e-mail, floppy disks, and other computer information on that surname, etc. A Misc. folder is kept for each surname with names of persons not yet proven to be part of the family. This folder is usually a red folder for easy identification. A section in the cabinet is kelp for forms, books, instructions, catalogs, pictures, computer passwords, CDs, and floppy disk as backups. This is called a Resource drawer. Most persons recommended file folders with pockets on each side, red folders for "Maybes" and three-ring binders stored in bookcases and properly marked with the surname readable. Also, many recommended identifying each male by generation such as 2nd generation, 3rd generation, etc. We hope this information is helpful and that all persons requesting a copy have by now received one. Many, many thanks to all participants. Dorothy Durden

I would like to know if anyone in Jefferson County is related to a Nathan B. Langley, Jr. We called him Uncle Bea and he is the only one of my grandfathers siblings that I have not found any information on. I know that his wife was named Alice. I do not know her maiden name, but would like to. His brothers and sisters in order of birth were: Nancy Jane Langley she married a Wiley Russell and they lived and died in Shelby County, AL., James W. "Jimmy" Langley married an Annah Daniel and lived and died in the Union Chapel community of Walker County, AL., Martha Matilda "Tildie" Langley married a General Jackson Blevins and they lived and died in Cullman County, AL., then Nathan "Bea" B. Langley Jr., Wiley Jacson Langley ( my grandfather ) married first a Ninnie Callahan and second a Cora Luker ( my grandmother ), Edward " Ed " Langley married a Isola Belle Hamner and lived and died in the Arley community of Winston County, AL. and last was Leeler Langley who died during the childbirth of her first child at the age of 21. She married a Walter A. Gibson and lived and died in the Melville community of Winston County, AL. Bea's parents were Nathan B. Langley, Sr. and Eliza Elizabeth Meeks Langley. I have further information on the Langley family and Meeks family that I will gladly share. I have also been told that Bea and his wife are buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham. I will gladly share what I have with anyone. I have even written a book on my Langley family. I would appreciate any information....... Please contact me............. Karen Langley Powell

Does anyone have access to Jefferson County cemetery listings? I am looking for a James N. McCarter, died sometime between 1837 and 1847. Also, Alexander McCarter, no DOD. Thanks, Sharon Hamlett

Will someone who has a copy of the Jefferson Co. AL. 1910 census please look to see if Thomas Hardiman is listed with children and the name of wife. His first wife was Maggie and I think he may have remarried. Thank you for any help. Shirley. sfbedwell@dmci.net

Looking for information on the following: Alta Leola Bullard (bn 7-30-1908) place unknown d: 1-26-1958 Jefferson Cnty Married (date and place unknown) William Taylor Chapman (bn 7-26-1897 Aucilla FL) d: 11-27-1969 Jefferson Cnty Both are buried Mt. Zion Cemetery in Jefferson County. Can someone tell me where this cemetery is located? Also interested in Mary Ann Chapman m James Card (Cord) - they could have also been in Jefferson County. Am researching the Chapman line and any help would be appreciated. Joyce

I would like to correspond with any relatives of McGraws buried at Mars Hills Cemetery on Highway 150 Anderson McGraw 1836-1911 and his wife Elizabeth Campbell. His brother is also buried there, William W. McGraw and wife Betty Clakely.There are several other McGraw buried there. Andersons kids are Martha (Odey) John 1866-1934, Sallie (Scott) and James (Jim) 1890 -1969. This is the Bluff Park Area..Thanks :Russell Goodwin

Seeking information regarding the Clouts family. I am interested in a Lena(or Lera) Clouts who married a Lofton Richard Watson, prior to 1920. In 1920, soundex of Tennessee,. Lena was listed as Lofton's wife. The record says she was born in Al. She was listed as being 28, while Lofton is 35, born in Al. I understand that Lofton's parents were from the Phenix City/Columbus area. I have checked the Jefferson County marriage records and found no listing for their marriage. Any information will be greatly appreciated. JN

Seeking information regarding the Clouts family. I am interested in a Lena(or Lera) Clouts who married a Lofton Richard Watson, prior to 1920. In 1920, soundex of Tennessee,. Lena was listed as Lofton's wife. The record says she was born in Al. She was listed as being 28, while Lofton is 35, born in Al. I understand that Lofton's parents were from the Phenix City/Columbus area. I have checked the Jefferson County marriage records and found no listing for their marriage. Any information will be greatly appreciated. JN

I have a photo (and scan) of either the 1st or 2nd grade class of 1908 or 1909 of the Barnett Elementary School in East Lake. Recently, I had a first cousin to visit me and she had photos of the same school taken, maybe a year later. In all, three photos that I would love to share with any interested party. The now scanned photos have been computer enhanced and show the individual in remarkable detail. One little boy with an apparent "black eye." and another little boy with no shoes on in the dead of winter. These photos show my mother in what I believe is two of them and her brother in the other. Now, I don't mind taking the time to send these to whoever would like them, but I would hope that you have an interest in that particular school. The file transfer will take a bit of time and is quite large in that I have scanned then with high resolution. I will gather the request and send them to all at the same time. Could anyone tell me whether or no the school is still there, it would be interesting to know. Joe Clements Stuart, Florida ************************************************************* HEY - - - - while you here, check out these great gift items I have listed on eBay <http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=jcc33> *************************************************************

I live in Birmingham and looked up the school in the phone book, it is still listed as Barnett Elementary School the address is 7605 Division Ave. Birmingham, Al. 35206 Phone # is 205 838-7615 I did not know anyone who went to this school so the photos are of no use to me, I am getting started on a webpage where I am displaying pictures that I have that belonged to my grandmother. I have no idea who any of the people in the pictures are and would love to find out. Anyone wanting to display pictures of found treasures on this page may contact me at tabby43@hotmail.com Sheila www.geocities.com/taby43/ From: "Joseph C. Clements" <jcc33@bellsouth.net> To: ALJEFFER-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [ALJEFFER] Barnett Elem. School - East Lake Date: Fri, 03 Mar 2000 23:57:00 -0500 I have a photo (and scan) of either the 1st or 2nd grade class of 1908 or 1909 of the Barnett Elementary School in East Lake. Recently, I had a first cousin to visit me and she had photos of the same school taken, maybe a year later. In all, three photos that I would love to share with any interested party. The now scanned photos have been computer enhanced and show the individual in remarkable detail. One little boy with an apparent "black eye." and another little boy with no shoes on in the dead of winter. These photos show my mother in what I believe is two of them and her brother in the other. Now, I don't mind taking the time to send these to whoever would like them, but I would hope that you have an interest in that particular school. The file transfer will take a bit of time and is quite large in that I have scanned then with high resolution. I will gather the request and send them to all at the same time. Could anyone tell me whether or no the school is still there, it would be interesting to know. Joe Clements Stuart, Florida ************************************************************* HEY - - - - while you here, check out these great gift items I have listed on eBay <http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=jcc33> ************************************************************* ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

Found no listing for your MARTINs in Vol 1 or 2 CEMETERIES OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA. Patricia

Looking for information on Thomas King born 1863. Family said he started the Mason for Black in his County. Please contact me with any information. Sandra

Thank you for the e mail numbers Appreciate it. Frieda Glenn Bennett

One sugestion I have about death certificates, if your ancestor died too early, try looking for one for one of their siblings. They should have the same parents. Melba -----Original Message----- From: Nancy DeVore Williams <william3@hiwaay.net> To: ALJEFFER-L@rootsweb.com <ALJEFFER-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, March 01, 2000 10:41 PM Subject: Re: {not a subscriber} Re: [ALJEFFER] How Can I Find The Parents? >Dianne, >Occasionally you'll get lucky and you will have an ancestor (or one of >their siblings) live long enough to have an accessible death cert. >Alabama's were supposed to be started state wide from about 1907 on and >can be ordered from any Alabama health department (anyone remember the >exact year they started?) These frequently have the parents on them, and >it's sometimes surprising the people that DO have death cert. >Another good source of course is estates. The Jeff Co. courthouse has >TONS of estate records and occasionally gaurdianship records, though >searching them can be tedious, but it can also be part of the fun! >Of course it's much more fun for a surname like DeVore (my maiden) than >like Williams (my genealogy nightmare -LOL!). >Good luck. Nanc > >> >> The Early's wrote: >> > >> > The trouble with censuses before 1850, is that they only list the name of >> > the head of household. This has made it impossible (so far) for me to >> > figure out who my great-great-grandfather's parents were. If I can't find >> > a birth record, how can find his parents???? Suggestions, PLEASE! -- Dianne >

Death records for AL start with 1908 Melba -----Original Message----- From: Nancy DeVore Williams <william3@hiwaay.net> To: ALJEFFER-L@rootsweb.com <ALJEFFER-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, March 01, 2000 10:41 PM Subject: Re: {not a subscriber} Re: [ALJEFFER] How Can I Find The Parents? >Dianne, >Occasionally you'll get lucky and you will have an ancestor (or one of >their siblings) live long enough to have an accessible death cert. >Alabama's were supposed to be started state wide from about 1907 on and >can be ordered from any Alabama health department (anyone remember the >exact year they started?) These frequently have the parents on them, and >it's sometimes surprising the people that DO have death cert. >Another good source of course is estates. The Jeff Co. courthouse has >TONS of estate records and occasionally gaurdianship records, though >searching them can be tedious, but it can also be part of the fun! >Of course it's much more fun for a surname like DeVore (my maiden) than >like Williams (my genealogy nightmare -LOL!). >Good luck. Nanc > >> >> The Early's wrote: >> > >> > The trouble with censuses before 1850, is that they only list the name of >> > the head of household. This has made it impossible (so far) for me to >> > figure out who my great-great-grandfather's parents were. If I can't find >> > a birth record, how can find his parents???? Suggestions, PLEASE! -- Dianne >

Dianne, Occasionally you'll get lucky and you will have an ancestor (or one of their siblings) live long enough to have an accessible death cert. Alabama's were supposed to be started state wide from about 1907 on and can be ordered from any Alabama health department (anyone remember the exact year they started?) These frequently have the parents on them, and it's sometimes surprising the people that DO have death cert. Another good source of course is estates. The Jeff Co. courthouse has TONS of estate records and occasionally gaurdianship records, though searching them can be tedious, but it can also be part of the fun! Of course it's much more fun for a surname like DeVore (my maiden) than like Williams (my genealogy nightmare -LOL!). Good luck. Nanc > > The Early's wrote: > > > > The trouble with censuses before 1850, is that they only list the name of > > the head of household. This has made it impossible (so far) for me to > > figure out who my great-great-grandfather's parents were. If I can't find > > a birth record, how can find his parents???? Suggestions, PLEASE! -- Dianne

The trouble with censuses before 1850, is that they only list the name of the head of household. This has made it impossible (so far) for me to figure out who my great-great-grandfather's parents were. If I can't find a birth record, how can find his parents???? Suggestions, PLEASE! -- Dianne

Hi Listers: In response to a flurry of requests immediately before and after our February 29 deadline, the committee chairs talked yesterday. All are in agreement the committee should accept additional articles for the Jefferson County Heritage Book for a very short additional time period. Apparently some people are only now learning of the project and/or, because of unforeseen circumstances, have not been able to get their material in the mail. As you all know by now, we would love to accommodate everyone who wishes to submit their family and topical histories/stories for inclusion. However, the publisher has notified us that we have to keep as close as possible to the set scheduling in order to mesh with the printers' schedule. What we have arrived at should cause very little delay in the overall book printing process. We have arranged to continue accepting new submissions while we work on the final processing of received articles and the internal organization of the book. There are so many unknowns in this process that it is impossible for us to say exactly how long this period will be. We feel fairly confident that this will give everyone at least until the middle of this month -- to about March 15. If it looks like it will extend beyond that date, I will certainly let you know. However, we urge you not to count on any time beyond that -- for all the above reasons. So, if you are one of those who want to have your family included, and/or your special topical articles, PLEASE write and send them immediately. As we requested before, if you can offer an assist to other family members, or perhaps an older person, this will benefit all of us. Each history is an important part of our shared heritage. While on that subject, several have asked about our Topical section. This is the part of the book containing personal memories, stories, and histories of our communities, churches, cemeteries, schools, clubs, businesses, landmarks -- all the components of life in Jefferson County that are not directly family oriented genealogy-type histories. Please do consider contributing to this section also. We are getting a nice variety of subject matter but, surprisingly, do not have as many schools represented as we would hope to include. Since they have touched so many of our lives, we would especially appreciate brief histories/memories of any of the elementary and high schools (past and present) -- along with photos of these school(s). A reminder, please, that articles must be typed double spaced. Also, while I am very happy to send, via email, details as to guidelines/procedures, and to answer any questions that I can, we are NOT set up to receive articles and/or photos via e-mail or attachments. ALL must be sent snail mail. Please make sure any photos are on true photographic paper. If you want these returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Because of the obvious time crunch, we will not be able to contact individuals to clarify or request additional information, better quality photos, etc. Please help us by following the procedural guidelines as closely as possible. Also, please understand that with the influx of so many articles, it is nearly impossible to check for an individual to see if/when they sent in an article. If you had intentions to send in an article several months back, but are not sure if you did, just resend it with a note to that effect and we can double-check when we fix the order of the articles. The special prepublication sale price of $50 per book will also be honored until the book contents are sent to the publisher. Once again, there is no charge to send in your articles, within the guidelines, and no obligation to purchase a book. However, for those of you desiring books for yourself and/or gifts, just include a check or money order for $59 ($50 for the book, $4 for tax, $5 for shipping and handling) for each book. It may be mailed in the same envelope with your article(s). Mail to: Jefferson County Heritage Book Committee P. O. Box 190034 Birmingham, AL 35219 Thanks once again to all of you for your support and participation in this project. We hope you will be as proud of the book as we are. Our Jefferson County book is going to be EXCELLENT! Sincerely, Patricia Crim Dietlein, Family Coordinator Jefferson County Heritage Book Committee

Looking for info on a JONES family or individual from PA who settled in the Limestone/Jefferson County area of AL @ 1818. I believe John I JONES was one of these people. He was an ardent Methodist, too. My gg gf William M. JONES said his father was b. PA and his mother b. TN. I'm at a brick wall with this man, but in Lure and Lore of Limestone County I read that there were some settlers who came into the area from PA. If you know anything about these folks, please help me out! Thanks, Jan Brown