USA > Alabama > Conecuh County > History of Conecuh County, Alabama. Embracing a detailed record of events from the earliest period to the present; biographical sketches of those who have been most conspicuous in the annals of the county; a complete list of the officials of Conecuh, besides much valuable information relative to the internal resources of the county > Part 1
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Darbard College Library
HARVAR
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ACADEMIA
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ECCLESIAE
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FROM THE GIFT OF
JAMES FREEMAN CURTIS (Class of 1899)
OF BOSTON
FOR BOOKS ON THE SOUTH
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HISTORY
OF
CONECUH COUNTY,
ALABAMA.
EMBRACING A DETAILED RECORD OF EVENTS FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT; BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN MOST CONSPICUOUS IN THE ANNALS OF THE COUNTY; A COM- PLETE LIST OF THE OFFICIALS OF CONECUH, BESIDES MUCH VALUABLE INFOR- MATION RELATIVE TO THE INTERNAL RESOURCES OF THE COUNTY.
-BY-
REV. B. F. RILEY,
Pastor of the Opelika Baptist Church.
COLUMBUS, GA .; Thos. Gilbert, Steam Printer and Book-Binder, 1881.
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HARVARD COLLEGE MAY 15 1914 LIBRARY.
Sarnico Je Gratis
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TO MY MOTHER, .
WHOSE ARDENT DESIRE TO TRAIN HER CHILDREN FOR USEFULNESS FOUND EXPRESSION IN THE MOST UNTIRING DEVOTION TO THEIR INTEREST, AND TO WHOSE MATERNAL PIETY AND SACRIFICE THEY ARE MORE INDEBTED THAN TO ANY THING ELSE,
THIS HUMBLE VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED -BY-
THE AUTHOR.
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PREFACE.
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ABOUT two years ago, it was suggested that the people of Cone- cuh take immediate steps toward the preparation of a history of their county. A society was formed bearing the title of "The Conecuh Historical Society;" some interest was manifested, and after several meetings the author was requested to undertake the preparation of the present work. The disadvantages under which he was placed, however, were very great. He lived in a portion of the State remote from Conecuh,-and had the pastoral care of a church, which entailed onerous duties upon him. To secure an accurate record, it became necessary for him to visit the county quite often, and to be in constant correspondence with parties in different portions of Conecuh. But after two years of labor, amid the weighty duties of the pastorate, the work is finished and sent forth upon its mission. The author has striven to present facts in their clearest and simplest form, so that the work would be accept- able to all classes of readers.
If, in some portions, the history be thought too minute in detail, I have to say that this is inseparable from the fact that it is a local history. The work is not as complete in its scope as I would desire to have it. It will be observed that marked details exist with respect to some portions of the county, while they are meagre with regard to others. This is entirely due to the fact that a greater amount of data was furnished me from some quarters than from others.
Special attention has been given to the biographical portion of
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PREFACE.
the work. The author regrets the absence of several biographies, which would have appeared, could the biographical matter have been obtained.
The author begs leave to acknowledge his indebtedness to "Brewer's Outline History of Alabama," "Pickett's History of Alabama," and "Garrett's Reminiscences of Public Men." For aid rendered in the collection of material he expresses his obligations to the following gentlemen : John Greene, Sr., J. R. Hawthorne, Y. M. Rabb, Andrew Jay, Willis Darby, H. Page, Dr. Feagan, J. M. Davison, Dr. Shaw and others. For financial aid, thanks are due Messrs. Ransom Simpson, Dabney Palmer, John B. Robbins, Dr. Shaw, Pinkney Straughn, Dr. Robinson, N. Stallworth, P. D. Bowles, G. R. Farnham, J. D. Burnett, P. C. Walker, and S. F. Forbes.
With the hope that it may not prove uninteresting to the resident of the county, the little book is sent forth upon its mission.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I .- PAGE 13.
Introduction-Conecuh in the Earliest Times-Derivation of Its Name-Original Appearance -- Abounding Game-Ferocious Beasts-Early Battle Scene, &o.
CHAPTER II .- PAGE 19.
Early Settlement of Conecuh by the Whites-Conflict at Battle Branch-First Settlement at Bellville-Founding of Hampden Ridge -- Alexander Autrey-Other Settlers -- Land Claims --- Emigration, &c.
CHAPTER III .- PAGE 22.
Early Privations and Struggles-Unparalleled Difficulties-Scarcity of Shoes-Undaunted Heroism-Meagreness of Blacksmith Facilities-Joshua Betts-A Barefooted Population-Scarcity of Grist Mills-Georgia Currency, &c.
CHAPTER IV .- PAGE 26.
Indian Hostilities-Troublesome Red Men-Their Depredations- Early Forts -- Primitive Means of Defence-Unceasing Vigilance-Retirement of the Indians to the West.
CHAPTER V .- PAGE 28.
Signs of Advancement-Influx of Population-Industrious Signs Prevailing-The First Store-House in Conecuh-The Court House at Hampden Ridge-Churches-The First Sermon-First School-Conecuh Organized into a County-Public Roads- Anecdote of Hayes and Austill.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI .- PAGE 33.
A Chapter of Biography-Rev. Alexander Travis-Alexander Autrey-Samuel W. Oliver-Dr. John Watkins-Chesley Crosby- Fielding Straughn.
CHAPTER VII .- PAGE 43.
Centres of Population-Bellville -- Hampden Ridge-Sparta- Brooklyn-Fort Crawford.
CHAPTER VIII .- PAGE 55.
Centres of Population Continued-Old Town-Fork Sepulga- Burnt Corn-Evergreen.
CBAPTER IX .- PAGE 66.
An Early Home and Its Surroundings-Now and Then-Mode of Transportation Adopted by the Early Fathers-The Home of the First Year-The Improvement of the Second-House Furniture- The Happiness of Former Times.
CHAPTER X .- PAGE 70.
Customs and Habits of the Early Pioneer Families-Rude State of Society-Early Amusements-Styles of the Former Times- Horseback Riding-Scenes at Public Gatherings.
CHAPTER XI .- PAGE 73.
Continued Development-Rapid Advancement-Tides of Popula- tion-Gathered Fruits of Toil-Improved Homes-Social Changes-Reverses, &c.
CHAPTER XII .- PAGE 76.
Transportation and the Inauguration of Postal Routes-Navigation of the Conecuh River-Brooklyn Again-The First Post-Office- Different Mail Lines.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII .- PAGE 79.
A Chapter of Biography-Rev. James King-Rev. Keidar Hawthorne-Joel Lee-Wilson Ashley-Nicholas Stallworth, Sr- John Sampey-William Rabb, Sr-Adam McCreary.
CHAPTER XIV .- PAGE 92.
Conecuh from 1825 to 1835-Current History Resumed-Lull of Apprehension-Fruits of Peace-Tragedy-Rude Customs Still Prevailing -- Birth of Political Agitation.
CHAPTER XV .-- PAGE 103.
Conecuh from 1835 to 1845-Interesting Epoch-Birth of Political Issues-Excitement Begins-Hot Contests-The Great Indian War-Democrats and Whigs-Hard and Soft Money Issue- Educational Improvements, &c.
CHAPTER XVI .- PAGE 112.
A Chapter of Biography-Hon. J. S. Hunter-Richard Warren- John Greene, Sr-J. R. Hawthorne-J. V. Perryman-Samuel Burnett-H. F. Stearns-John Bell.
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CHAPTER XVII .- PAGE 123.
Conecuh from 1845 to 1855-Status of the County at this Period- Acrimonious Politics-Sad Tragedy-Steam Navigation Under- taken Upon the Conecuh River-A Disaster and a Protracted · Law Suit-Caterpillars in Conecuh-Mexican War-Sickness in the County.
CHAPTER XVIIL-PAGE 130.
A Chapter of Biography-John Crosby-Rev. Hanson Lee- James M. Bolling-Thomas W. Simpson-Nicholas Stallworth, Jr-A. D. Cary-W. B. Travis.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX .- PAGE 145.
Conecuh from 1855 to 1860-Stirring Activity-Progress-Academy at Bellville-Know-Nothingism-County Paper-Railroads and Telegraph-Murder of Allen Page.
CHAPTER XX .- PAGE 155.
A Chapter of Biography-E. W. Martin-Rev. George Lee- Hezekiah Donald-Churchill Jones-J. W. Ethridge-Sherman G. Forbes-Solomon S. Forbes-M. B. Travis-J. D. Cary.
CHAPTER XXI .- PAGE 167.
War Record of Conecuh-Intense Excitement-Conecuh Patri- otism-Conecuh Guards-Flag Presentation at Sparta Depot- Address by Miss Mathews-Other Companies -- Scenes in the Camps at Home-Invasion of the County -- Disasters.
CHAPTER XXII .-- PAGE 177.
A Chapter of Biography-James A. Stallworth -- William A. Ashley -- Rev. W. C. Morrow-J. M. Henderson-Dr. Milton Amos-Dr. William Cunningham.
CHAPTER XXIII. - PAGE 189.
Dark Sway of Reconstructionism -- Social Chaos-Demoralization -- Local Troubles-Sovereignty of the Bayonet -- The Negro as a Politician-How the New Order of Things Affected Southern Society-Heroism Displayed, &c.
CHAPTER XXIV .-- PAGE 194.
"Peep o' Day"-Darkness Clearing Away-Advancement of Order- Returning Signs of Prosperity-The People Becoming Them- selves Again-Glance at Current Events up to the Present.
CHAPTER XXV .- PAGE 198.
Present Representative Men of Conecuh-Rev. Andrew Jay-Dr. J. L. Shaw-Y. M. . Rabb-A. J. Robinson-N. Stallworth-P. D. Bowles-G. R. Farnham.
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CHAPTER XXVI .- PAGE 214.
Population-Principal Town-Climate-Soil- Stock Raising- Productions-Industrial Resources-Forests-Streams-Numer- ous Advantages, Social, Educational, Agricultural-Colored Population, &c-Closing Remarks.
APPENDIX.
I. - Constitution of Conecuh Historical Society Page 223 IL-Roll of Conecuh Guards. 225
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HISTORY OF CONECUH.
INTRODUCTION.
CHAPTER I.
Conecuh in the Earliest Times-Derivation of Its Name-Original Appearance-Abounding Game-Ferocious Beasts-Early Battle Scene, etc.
CONECUH is an Indian name, to which have been given a variety of meanings. But the best transla- tors of the Indian dialect believe its meaning to be "Cane Land," derived from the vast canebrakes which lined its numerous streams, and which covered its extensive tracts of lowlands.
The original word from which the present name is supposed to have been corrupted was "Econneka," which, in the Creek tongue, means "Land of Cane." This is the rendering given by Col. M. H. Cruikshank, of Talladega, to whom the author was referred by Prof. W. S. Wyman, of the University of Alabama. After venturing several conjectures himself, as to the
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meaning of the word, Prof. Wyman, with genuine good humor, says: "The name Conecuh means Pole- cat's Head; being a compound of kono, the Creek word for polecat, and ekuh, head." "Then," continues the Professor, "this is my best conjecture, and if it should turn out that I have hit the right meaning, it is to be hoped that the good people of Conecuh will not be unduly distressed at the unsavory name of their county. As the rose by any other name would smell as sweet, so it stands to good reason that the goodly land of Conecuh, swept, as it is, by the resinous airs of its own healthful pine forests, visited by the fragrant breezes of the peninsula of orange flowers, and wooed by a touch of the sultry breath of old Ocean himself, smells sweet in spite of its ugly name." After several conjectures, against all of which he raised some objection, Prof. Wyman urged that the whole matter be submitted to Col. Cruikshank, whose practical knowledge of the Indian dialect enabled him to give the meaning presented on the first page. The county took its name from the stream of the same name which penetrates its eastern portion.
To each of these streams the native tribes gave a sig- nificant name, derived from some prevailing character- istic, or from some notable event connected therewith. The statement already made as to the meaning of Conecuh, is further corroborated by the glowing description given by the earliest settlers of the appear- ance of the face of the country. The virgin forests of Conecuh, as described by the pioneer fathers, must
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have rivalled in appearance the fairest spots of earth. Before one occupying a prominence there was spread out a scene of panoramic beauty. Vast stretches of land, dipping into occasional basins, ranged visibly in all directions, unbroken by the small undergrowth of shrubbery, which is now a prevailing feature in our forests. The land was radiant with long, waving grass, interspersed with the wild oat and the native pea-vine, and relieved by the monarch pine trees, which stood like so many columns in the great cathedral of nature. Across these smiling landscapes, and through these verdant vales, there roved vast herds of deer and flocks of wild turkeys, together with other game-the evident tokens of a beneficent Providence. Here and there these lands of wild beauty were streaked with clear, flowing streams, the track of whose shining currents could be followed for miles'by reason of the native cane, which grew in rank luxuriance along their banks. There was not then, as now, a mixture of tangled shrubbery with the cane along the banks of these streams. The streams themselves abounded in the finest fish, while the lakes and ponds swarmed with countless flocks of wild ducks. From out the thicket jungles there would issue, at night, the hideous growls of wild beasts, the ferocious pro- tests of the native denizen to the encroaching civiliza- tion of the white man. Such is the description given of Conecuh when the enterprising settlers first occu- pied its soil.
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HISTORY OF CONECUH.
EARLY SKIRMISH.
The first item of historic interest is connected with a skirmish on Burnt Corn creek, thirteen miles south of Bellville, which was the commencement of the great Indian War. The settlers along the Tombigbee, having learned that Peter McQueen, with a body of warriors, numbering about 350, had gone to Pensa- cola for the purpose of obtaining supplies from the British, preparatory to an attack upon the whites, sent Col. James Caller, with a small body of cavalry, to intercept them. Returning from Pensacola, ladened with supplies, the Indians had stopped near the banks of Burnt Corn creek, to rest and cook dinner. Having driven their ponies across the stream to a basin of land, thickly overgrown with tender cane, the dusky warriors lay down in the shade to rest, while the squaws prepared dinner. Coming from the opposite direction the advance guards of Caller's forces found the Indian ponies grazing in the tall cane, and imme- diately reported the discovery to their commander. With great caution the whites advanced, crossed the stream in single file, and commenced to fire upon the reclining warriors. Snatching up their guns, the Indians ran down under a bluff that overhung the creek. Confident of easy victory, Caller and his men began to plunder the Indian camp and to reap the spoils of success. Meanwhile the brave warriors ral- lied and returned the fire with vigor, advancing all the while upon the over-confident whites. At the first fire from the savages, the unhitched horses of
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Caller's men scampered off in all directions. In much confusion the whites retreated to the top of the hill, and the results would have been disastrous, it is said, had not Capt. Sam Dale covered the retreat with a small body of men. Filled with a new fire of revenge, the Indians, a month later, fell upon Fort Mimms, the horrors of which event were appalling beyond description. When the earliest inhabitants came to Bellville they found the spot where the tribes held their war dance in honor of McQueen's victory over Caller. Thus was spilt upon Conecuh's soil the first blood of that terrible series of sanguinary conflicts, which culminated in the removal of the native tribes to the far West. What a melancholy history is that of the Red Man! The narrative of their unchecked dominion, contrasted with that of their rapid disper- sion, is sad beyond measure. The history of their undisputed sway is written upon the rills and rivers of our fair land to-day. As Alabama's once gifted poet, Judge A. B. Meek, has sung:
"Yes! tho' they all have passed away,- That noble race and brave, Though their light canoes have vanished From off the crested wave ; Though 'mid the forests where they roved, There rings no hunter's shout,- Yet their names are on our waters, And we may not wash them out !
Their memory liveth on our hills, Their baptism on our shore, - Our everlasting rivers speak Their dialect of yore!
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"Tis heard where Chattahoochee pours His yellow tide along ; It sounds on Tallapoosa's shores, And Coosa swells the song ; Where lordly Alabama sweeps, The symphony remains ; And young Cahawba proudly keeps The echo of its strains ; Where Tuscaloosa's waters glide, From stream and town 'tis heard, And dark Tombeckbee's winding tide Repeats the olden word; Afar, where nature brightly wreathed Fit Edens for the Free, Along Tuscumbia's bank 'tis breathed, By stately Tennessee ; And south, where from Conecuh's springs, Escambia's waters steal, The ancient melody still rings, -- From Tensaw and Mobile."
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HISTORY OF CONECUH.
CHAPTER II.
Early Settlement of Conecuh by the Whites-Conflict at Battle Branch-First Settlement of Bellville-Hampden Ridge-Alex- ander Autrey-Other Settlers-Land Claims-Emigration.
Subsequent to the defeat sustained by the whites at Burnt Corn creek, under Col. Caller, it seems that a small body of settlers penetrated Conecuh, under the leadership of Capt. Shomo-now of Monroe county- and chastised the Indians at Battle Branch, eight miles south of Bellville. The details of this second conflict are not given. It is said that the marks of the battle are to be seen to-day, in the impressions made in the bark by the flying bullets of the assailants. In the latter part of 1815, the first permanent settlement, by the whites, was made near Bellville. Samuel Buch- anan was the first to establish his home within the borders of the county. He located on what is now known as Hawthorne's Mill Creek, about one and a half miles west of Bellville, near the famous Indian trail known, then, as the Old Wolf Trail, which ran from the present site of Claiborne, on the Alabama river, via Bellville, to some point on the Chattahoo- chee. At this period no whites resided nearer this pioneer hero than at Claiborne on the west, or Burnt Corn on the north. But shortly after this, Alexander Autrey removed from the region of Claiborne, and settled upon a small stream west of his late residence,
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which he called Autrey's creek. Subsequent to this, be removed to the line of hills which overlook Mur- der creek from the west, where he established himself in a new home, and named it Hampden Ridge.
Shortly after Mr. Autrey's removal to Conecuh, there came from North Carolina three gentlemen whose names were Thomas Mendenhall, Eli Mendenhall, and Reuben Hart. The first of these established himself at the spot now known as the Old Savage Place, on the road running from Bellville to Evergreen. Mr. Hart located very near the present residence of Dr. J. L. Shaw. Early in 1817, the population of Bell- ville, which then boasted of the name of "The Ponds," from the lakes which existed near, was increased by the emigration of Joshua Hawthorne from Wilkinson county, Georgia, to South Alabama. He pitched his family tent in the virgin forests near the home of the late Henry Stanley, surrounded by no other elements of civilization than those already named.
As each emigrant would take up his abode in this land of teeming beauty, he would cast about him for the most favorable location, and one best suited to the interests of his future residence. In order to fix the title of what was then known as the Emigrant's Claim, the early pioneers would select the tract or district best suited to their tastes, and would proceed to indicate their title to permanent tenure by girding a few trees, with impressions cut in the bark, and by laying somewhere upon land desired, the first four logs of a building. This was a monument of posses-
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sion, and was sacredly respected by the early settlers. The man who would dare disregard this asserted claim, was branded a rascal outright, and incurred the loss of public confidence and esteem.
Near the period above referred to, another batch of emigrants came to Conecuh from Chester District, South Carolina. They settled near Hampden Ridge. These were Chesley Crosby, Robert Savage, Mabry Thomas, and Alexander Donald-then quite a young man. These were accompanied by Robert Herrin and Jesse T. Odum-the former of whom continued on to Claiborne, where he located and resided many years; while the latter removed to Buena Vista, in Monroe county, where he lived to be quite old. All of these flourished conspicuously in their adopted counties, for many years together.
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CHAPTER III.
Early Privations and Struggles-Unparalleled Difficulties-Scarcity of Tools-Undaunted Heroism-Meagreness of Blacksmith's Facilities-Joshua Betts-A Barefooted Population-Paucity of Grist Mills-Georgia Currency, &c.
Notwithstanding the luxuriant abundance of natural elements, with which the early settlers found them- selves surrounded, they were not exempt from the privations then universally incident to pioneer life. Vast forests had to be felled, and the fields to be cul- tivated, but most scanty was the supply of implements with which the formidable task had to be undertaken; and the few in hand were of the rudest character. A few axes and grubbing hoes, such as the daring em- igrants had brought with them from their distant homes, were the only utensils that could be brought into practical requisition.
But with that heroism which had prompted them to penetrate these forest wilds, they energetically ad- dressed themselves to the stupendous task. But at every step, they encountered new difficulties; one overcome, another was introduced. By dint of ardu- ous and tedious toil, the forests were partially cleared away-but where were the implements of agriculture with which the soil was to be tilled ? A few shovels, spades and grubbing hoes, of the rudest character, and an occasional scooter plow, were the only imple-
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