To all Austin descendants of John Calhoun "Jack" AUSTIN b 1831-d 1907 LC,AL From: Helen Austin, of Decatur, AL, wife of Vernon, last grandson of Jack [email protected] I finally found the document to prove that, just as Arthur Austin, Vernon's dad, said, Granpa Jack's widow, Marg (Margaret J. HENDERSON AUSTIN) lost his 140 acre homestead in Bankhead Forest because of failure to pay taxes. When grandpa died in 1907, his widow was destitute. Their only survival was by hunting, gathering, trading, and planting the small plot on the mountain top, heavily shaded by the towering hardwood trees. Margaret had tuberculosis, but lived on. She removed to Tishomingo Co, MS with her daughter Eunice Austin Nichols and her sons George and Arthur went with her to bring in a crop for the Nichols. In 1920 they returned to Lawrence Co, and share-cropped a place on Morris Chapel-Caddo Road. Arthur married in June of that year and went to the coal mines in Jefferson County. George went to Texas to work for Eunice and Dave Nichols in Corsicana. George took Margaret there and she was cared for by Eunice and children until she died in Corsicana, TX. The Sheriff Sold the land and here were the people who paid the taxes until it became part of the National Forest in 1912. I found the first plat book of Lawrence Co, AL in the basement of the LC Archives last week. The map of Township 8S, Range 8 W, Section 22, shows clearly who paid the taxes on the property. for NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 & NW 1/4 of NE 1/4,J. C. Austin 1902-1905 C.C. Glenn 1905-1906 Mrs. Mattie Masterson 1907-1910 Jno. Elsworth 1906-1910 R. H. Wolcot 1911 and SW & SE 1/4 of NE 1/4 J. C. Austin from 4-29-1899 to 1902-1905 C.W.? 1906 C.C. Glen 1905 Jno. Elsworth 1907-1910 80 ac. R. H. Wolcot 80 ac. 1911 The plat book also shows that some of Margaret brothers had land on the other side of Flannigan Creek, John Allen Henderson (Jr.) paid tax from 1902-1911 on Sec 22, Twp 8, R8W, SW 1/4 of SW1/4, land that was previously J.C. Parker His mother, Rhoda E. (Richards) HENDERSON had all west of the Creek in Sec 21, Twp 8, R 8 W. and paid from 1902-1911. This land was previously owned by Tabitha Castleberry Henderson from 1896-1900. I will next get the deeds copied for the land. But isn't it wonderful that the homeplace is now in the National Forest and we can all enjoy seeing the beautiful place. At least, if the forestry people don't clearcut the property. We could have a family reunion next Nov. at the MacDougal Hunter's camp. If you wish we can take a hike back into the woods for the 3 mile off-road trek to the foundations of the cabin like we did two years ago. If you have further questions send email to Helen. [email protected]