USA > Alabama > Madison County > Huntsville > Early history of Huntsville, Alabama 1804 to 1870 > Part 6
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Strange to say, as early as 1830, Huntsville papers began the publication of matter condemnatory of slavery. True enough, editorials to this effect were rare, yet not infrequently in the news columns were to be found lengthy items anent the work of these societies. In the Southern Advocate of May 1, 1830, there appeared two ponderous articles, copied from the Washington Spectator ; one of which applauded the proposed "good work" of the American Society, stating at length its proclaimed purposes ; the other similar in its tendencies, though not so general, exclaiming praises for LaGrange, Franklin county, Ala., where a chapter of the parent society had been formed. From this day forward, articles endorsing the work of the society and lauding the movement appeared from time to time, and not infrequently in the local papers. Most of these items, however, were extracts from foreign papers.
At all events, this constant propagation of these panegyrics had its effect, locally ; for some time in 1832 an auxiliary of American Colonization Society was organized at Huntsville ; the meetings being held in the Presbyterian Church. Member- ships in this society were held by some of Huntsville's most prominent men ; a goodly number of her citizens were counted among its sympathizers and attended its meetings. The offi- cers of this branch were: M. S. Watkins, president; Thos. Fearn, W. I. Adair, A. G. Vaughan, A. F. Hopkins, vice- presidents ; C. P. Clifton, secretary ; John Martin, treasurer ; R. L. Fearn, D. M. Wharton, E. Picket, J. G. Birney and S. D. Morgan, managers.24
Regular orthodox "abolition" speeches were the order of the day when this society met. Its members were unstinted in their accusations against the institution of slavery, as one of "injustice and cruelty." The public expressions of E. R. Wal- lace and James G. Birney, were characterized by vindictive denunciation of the whole system.
A kindly spirit of indulgence, even sympathetic attention, was accorded the abolition movement and its supporters, in
24 (Huntsville) Southern Advocate, September 29, 1832.
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
Huntsville, and generally throughout the whole South. Not until it became evident that the aims of these societies were ulterior to those proclaimed for them, did this attitude change. This difference in sentiment was brought about by a realization of the fact that the paramount object of these societies was not the colonization of the slave, but his liberation by force, by aiding him to escape or inciting him to rebellion. The social, economic and political status of the South was thus menaced with the rude ignorance of a race of servitors, who had never invented any effectual weapons of defense or destruction, and then, seemed so incapable of comprehending any extensive plans of government. Probably, this altered condition of the public thought was aroused by the approach of the threatening storm at an earlier date in Huntsville than anywhere else in the South. For the reason that the usual placid condition of the South generally was being irritated to an unprecedented degree, just at this time, by the attitude at the North toward the Nullification Acts passed by South Carolina. Not that the South applauded the stand taken by Carolina, but because of the fact that the tendencies of the discussions indulged in the East and North, questioning, by innuendo, at least, the sacred doctrine of States rights, seemed to presage a conflict that would ultimately involve state as against national sovereignty, thereby, incidentally, threatening the institution of slavery. In addition to this, a more local cause was to be found at Hunts- ville, in the person of James G. Birney, the arch "agitator" and uncompromising "dictator" of the whole wretched busi- ness. Birney later became the first candidate for the presi- dency of the United States on the abolition ticket.
The caldron having begun to boil, editorials in answer to abolition speeches made in Alabama and elsewhere, were not infrequently seen in the papers. Many and heated were the discussions in the press as to South Carolina and her Nullifica- tion Acts. These, as a general thing, were condemnatory of Carolina's proposed action. At first, the almost universally outspoken sentiment in Huntsville and other North Alabama towns, as expressed by resolutions passed at mass meetings held for the purpose, was :
"Condemning the action of South Carolina and pledging themselves for the support of the Union." Later, when it became manifest that the North, as a political section of the country, had neither respect nor regard for the obligations of constitutional government, the very foundation stone of which,
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
as it then existed, was state sovereignity, and even less of a sympathetic understanding of the South's economic status, this accusing of South Carolina gave place to a feeling of sympa- thetic toleration.
In 1833, locally, at least, this manifestation of public con- cern reached the height of its intensity ; due in no small meas- ure to the pernicious activities of Mr. Birney.
By this time, he had become an out-and-out advocate of the total and immediate abolition of slavery, and his public expres- sions would indicate a desire on his part to "out-Herod Herod." Having already responded with alacrity, to the Macedonian call, by accepting a commission from the American Coloniza- tion Society as its "General Agent for the States of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas Territory." He dallied, however, sufficiently long to reweld the shackles upon his numerous slaves, by selling them into continued servitude.
On May 21, 1833, he commenced the publication of a series of fifteen letters to the public, through the columns of the Southern Advocate, for the avowed purpose of "explaining the aims and intentions of the American Colonization Society."
The "African Repository," the official journal of the society, records and makes mention of only seven of these letters. This same mistake is made by the narrator of "The Life and Times of James G. Birney." However, it has been the author's good fortune to unearth the remaining eight, from among the files of the (Huntsville) Southern Advocate of 1833. It is to these latter letters, that the future student of history must and will turn with an acute interest, in order that the "Life and Times of James G. Birney" may be understood and interpreted amid the proper lights and shadows. The known existence of these other letters is of more than ordinary concern to Huntsville ; for thereby she is furnished unimpeachable evidence with which to combat the maligning statements made about her and her people in that colossal misrepresentation of fact, "The Life and Times of James G. Birney." To one who has searched the files of all of Huntsville's newspapers of those times, and found account of only one "drinking and shooting brawl," or chronicle of murderous or disorderly conduct, (not to mention having read all and particularly the fifteenth of Birney's let- ters, which latter one is unmistakable in its admissions), it comes as a great surprise that the son of this man, in writing of his "Life and Times," should seek to create the belief that his father left Huntsville because moral conditions were so
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
depraved, and shooting and drinking brawls so frequent that one's life was not safe there.
Just why the American Colonization Society, recorded in its circulating medium the "African Repository," but the first seven of these letters of its general agent, for whom the highest regard was held at the North, is unexplained ; unless it be that the latter eight, hurling venom-coated invectives, with unabashed spleen at the entire South and her institutions, revealed all too clearly and with embarrassing and damning frankness, the true senti- ments it vouched for, and the doubtful sincerity of its avowed purposes. At all events, these letters were evidently suppressed by the society itself in advance of the suppression of their continued publication at Huntsville, of which, more later.
The first of these letters appearing, as we have observed, on the 21st day of May, 1833, was mild and gentle in its ap- proach to the subject discussed, and was little more than an introduction of those to follow. The second informed the public that the "Society seeks support by the exhibition of facts through the press, auxiliary societies, and authorized agents," that unanimity was not to be expected, suggesting the temper with which the investigation should be conducted. "Objection in the South that the colonization plan originated in the free states," "Sentiment of distinguished gentlemen at the North," "Objects of the abolitionists examined," were the subjects considered in the third, fourth and fifth installments, respec- tively ; while the sixth and seventh were continuations of the fifth; the remaining eight, by degrees contained more of bile and less of balm. Their author finally dealt rudely and not impersonally with the South and its institutions, until the fif- teenth was reached on August 20, 1833. In this he reveals that he had many more such to publish, but at the request of Huntsville's citizens he would discontinue the discussion ; clos- ing with the expressions of regret that this course had become necessary.
Mr. Birney was one of Madison's representatives in the first State Legislature, which met here; and from time to time had been honored with positions of trust and confidence by her people, who had both respect and regard for him.
But this prophet Birney, for he was "not without honor save in his own country ;" this Joshua, who, thought to "teach the planets in what orbs to run, reform old time, and regulate the sun," by his letters, conduct and public utterances, produced a revulsion of sentiment among his former friends and adherents.
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
Now, they no longer gave heed to him. This "abolitionist" and "dictator," who, under the pretense of "Colonizing the free people of color of our country upon the continent of Africa; ("the plan to embrace those who are now free, their descendants and such slaves as may hereafter be manumitted voluntarily by their owners, or, in accordance with the laws of any of the states"),25 had gained the sympathetic assistance of Huntsville's citizens. Birney, having become generally ob- noxious, hied himself to more congenial climes-by invita- tion. "Wisely he sought some other shore, where those who knew him less might praise him more." Accordingly, in the early part of 1834 Mr. Birney took his departure for the North, where he became a leader of thought and action concerning the abolition of slavery. While a resident of Huntsville, Mr. Bir- ney occupied the brick house, now the home of Hon. Ben. P. Hunt, situated on the north side of East Holmes street, oppo- site its intersection with North Lincoln street.
With the going of Birney, the last of the disturbing influ- ences was removed, for by this time the Nullification Acts of South Carolina had ceased to occupy the public mind. Undi- vided attention was again turned to internal and commercial improvement and development.
During the remainder of this period, advertisements for escapes and sales of slaves were conspicuous by their absence ; though from time to time discussions of slavery appeared in the local press.
This tranquillity of the public mind remained undisturbed until about 1851, when we again find the South's attention immersed in a more pressing consideration of the subject. In the columns of the press frequent editorials were to be found, condemning "abolitionists" and "disunionists," advising the one to "keep their head," and the other to "keep their eye."26 Many editorials discussed and attempted to define the causes tending to promote "disunion." The outspoken sentiment of the times was of the deepest and bitterest reproach for both.
About August 6, 1851,27 under authority of law, an election was held, to ascertain the sentiment of the county toward "Secessionists, agitators and dictators," which resulted in an overwhelming denunciation of all. At this same election the
25 African Repository, Vol. 9, page 171.
26 (Huntsville) Southern Advocate, year of 1851, and other local papers.
27 Ib. August 6, 1851.
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
proposition of increasing the public subscription to the further development of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, was submitted, as aforesaid.
The attitude of the North toward South Carolina revitalized and became again an acute irritant. The people throughout this section pitied but did not approve South Carolina's stand. Pointed editorials were written censuring the North for its treatment of her.
The scope of this work is far too limited to attempt any further or more detailed analysis of this subject generally, upon which many volumes have been written and many more might well be written, but suffice it to say, from this time for- ward history, locally, is largely the same as that of the South generally.
TRANSPORTATION
As did the ancients, so have all races throughout every age, depended upon their waterways for transportation.
Being settled before the day of railroads, Huntsville and Madison county, likewise had recourse to the rivers and larger streams, with which this territory is so abundantly supplied, for commercial intercourse with the outside world. Almost contemporaneously with the production of cotton in the county, Flint and Paint Rock rivers were used to transport this com- modity to the New Orleans market.
Flat boats or barges were loaded with cotton and floated down these streams to the Tennessee river, and there reloaded on to larger boats, which proceeded to New Orleans. Often times these river barges, when discharged of their cargoes, were reloaded with provisions and supplies for the settlement, and then poled or pushed back up Flint and Paint Rock rivers to the starting point.
Those sections of the county not contiguous to either of these streams, hauled cotton by wagon to Ditto's Landing and Triana, upon the banks of the Tennessee, where it was stored on large flat boats to await the coming of the freshets, usually in the spring. It was necessary to hold the cargoes till the river rose, in order that the boats might be floated over Muscle Shoals. Pilots were taken on at Ditto's Landing or Decatur, and remained with the crew till the rough waters at the shoals had been passed. For which services they usually received from $175.00 to $200.00. After crossing the shoals, these
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
river navigators would leave the boat to proceed on its trip to New Orleans, and walk back to the shipping point, from whence they had embarked. Usually two trips a year were made by each pilot. The expense to the freighter of trans- porting to market a cargo of cotton, consisting usually of four hundred bales, was approximately $600.00. The carriage charge to the shipper was from $4.00 to $5.00 per bale, and he as- sumed all risks of loss by water. This river navigation fur- nished the only means of transportation until the coming of the railroads to this section many years later. These were the boom days for Triana. Many cotton freighters maintained offices there. Judging from the many firms engaged in this business, competition was very keen. Nor was the local mar- ket alone, relied on to supply the freight, as appears from some of the advertisements in the local papers of that day, for instance :
"Lyn, Parker, Real & Hardie will ship cotton from any point on the Tennessee river, provided the cotton is there for the first rise in water."28
"Linsay & Toney will ship cotton from any point on Tennes- see river above shoals."29
All such notices were published in connection with the cut of a somewhat pretentious steamboat loaded with cotton. How- ever, cotton was not represented by bales of the present type, but by great oblong bags such as are now used for uncarded wool.
"All roads lead to Rome." This was equally true as to the Tennessee river. So, also, many roads tapped Flint river. These were the days when transportation by rail was not dreamed of; when navigable streams in proximity to a town gave it supremacy, and lasting supremacy, as then thought, over all other towns not so situated.
The feverish speculation in land having subsided, there fol- lowed naturally in its wake development of the county's re- sources, and internal improvements. Great was this activity. By 1828 the county had become a perfect network of roads, connecting on all sides with those from other sections of this and the adjoining State of Tennessee. This would seem to indicate that its citizens fully appreciated the commercial su- premacy Huntsville was surely destined to exercise, by virtue
28 (Huntsville) Alabama Republican, September 15, 1820.
29 Ib.
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
of its nearness to the river; not to mention the certainty of transportation on the Big Spring Canal; and to this end had made ready. Nor were all these highways unimproved. Many of them were "toll or turn-pike," built by stock companies, chartered by the Legislature. Notices similar to the one here set out, were published in the papers not infrequently :
"I shall petition the next Legislature for leave to make a turn-pike road from Huntsville to Beaver-dam Fork of Flint on the Meridian road, and to receive a toll that shall be a fair compensation for my expense and labor. J. Renn."30
Though the author has been unable to locate a plat of the town as originally laid out, there is of record in the office of the probate judge of Madison county, in deed book "K," page 129, a sketch of the "prison limits" of Huntsville, prepared in 1826. This drawing furnishes a reasonably good map of the road system leading into the town, and is inserted for that rea- son. See following page.
Leading thoroughfares were from time to time designated by the Federal Postoffice Department, as post roads or mail routes, and by virtue of such selection became the main high- ways between the "great centers of population."
The earliest establishment of any comprehensive system of these post roads leading to and from Huntsville as a center, was on July 16, 1822, when R. J. Meigs, Jr., Postmaster Gen- eral, issued an order creating the following routes :
304. From Huntsville to Triana, Mooresville, Cottonport, Melton's Bluff, or Marethon and Courtland to Russellville, three times a week, seventy-seven miles. Leaves Huntsville every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at one P. M., and arrives at Russellville on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at eleven A. M .; and vice versa from Russellville to Hunts- ville.31
305. Leaves Columbus Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at one P. M., and arrives at Huntsville, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 A. M.32
308. From Huntsville by Hillsboro and Hickory Flat to Winchester, Tennessee, once a week (a distance of fifty-two miles ).33
30 (Huntsville) Alabama Republican, September 22, 1820.
31 (Huntsville) Alabama Republican, August 16, 1822.
32 Ib.
33 (Huntsville) Alabama Republican, August 16, 1822.
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
309. From Huntsville to Jackson Court House, once in two weeks, forty-six miles.34
PRISON BOUNDS OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
Hunter Peel CS September 26-1825. Deed Record K' Page129
nena Stake. 17 Weys
upper end of Causeway
stakeun East margin of swartp. .6123chs.
M.4.195 .
SUPEZIOSIZLOU
field
Sec Cor.
Meridian
Mountain Road -
0 Judge. Smu 7 221/2 TV 6123 Chs-
Stakein 6123 Chs
Grave Yard
field
7
Road
Huntsvillegurt
House
spring
post.
540 22192.3.225
Indian Creek
Ditto's Landing Road
Pope's Gun
Stakein
Gran Brana! Ifield.
Brahan
S/6/1266123 Chs
7767/208
Field
Dr. Moore's
Stake in Mend
310. From Huntsville to Gaines Meads, Blount Court House, Jonesboro, etc., to Centerville, one hundred and three miles.35
64 (Huntsville) Alabama Republican, August 16, 1822.
35 Ib. Jonesboro is now a part of Bessemer.
Treanna Road.
Gum tree SE Side of Pope's field
61.23 chs
nek3 € 6123 chs
Pope's Ridge
Prison
Stake East Side of
m& Bref
athens
Road
Stake un Vincent's
DVI Branch of Indian Creek Pulaski Road
Clemens Still
65
Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
311. From Huntsville to Bennett's Store, once a week, fifty miles. 36
By the end of 1825 Blount Springs-famous as a resort until a few years ago-had become very popular with the lead- ers in the social life of Huntsville. To meet the increasing demands, a weekly stage was run between the two places by L. Morgan & Sons.37
Travel in these early days was either by horseback or stage. Hotels or inns generally were provided with stage coaches or hacks, for the convenience of their guests and the public at large. Much publicity was given through the press, of the possession of such coaches, for instance :
"A FOUR HORSE HACK."
"On reasonable charges rented for any length of time or for any distance. Apply Huntsville Inn. I. Jones."38
As an indicia of the subject advertised, each of these was accompanied by the cut of a stage coach, drawn by four horses, in action.
The Tennessee river having become the main artery of com- merce and travel; in recognition of the growing needs of the times, the Government established another mail route, adver- tised as follows :
"U. S. MAIL STAGE."
"From Eastwood via Huntsville to Tuscumbia and South Port, three times a week. This line is to accommodate steam- boat passengers at South Port and Florence. Fare from Hunts- ville to South Port, $6.00 or 8c per mile.
James Eddington."39
After the completion of the Decatur-Tuscumbia Railroad, operation of which was commenced about December 30, 1834, a stage line was established from Huntsville to the river at Decatur. After crossing by ferry boat the train could be taken.40
36 (Huntsville) Southern Advocate, August 16, 1822.
37 (Huntsville) Southern Advocate, June 17, 1825.
38 (Huntsville) Southern Advocate, October 14, 1825.
39 (Huntsville) Southern Advocate, December 16, 1825.
40 (Huntsville) Southern Advocate, December 30, 1834.
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
CANAL BUILDING
The enterprise of the inhabitants of the town and county was not wholly consumed with this business of establishing highways; for the citizens of Huntsville were concerned about providing the community with navigation at its very door, thereby fixing beyond all cavil, its enduring commercial supre- macy. The newspapers of that day display the monumental effort to "bring the mountain to Mohammed," to bring the Tennessee river commerce to her gates. Confidence in the success of the lock and dam project of the Indian Creek Navi- gation Company was not confined to a few but was shared by all alike. Many were the wealthy and prominent men who showed "their faith by their works," giving liberally of their time and means. Chiefest among these was Dr. Thomas Fearn, some of whose worthy descendants yet live in Madison county. To his indefatigable energies was mainly due the realization of this dream. In latter years it was known as "Fearn Canal."
The plan was to render navigable by a series of locks and dams, the Big Spring branch or creek to its confluence with Price's Fork of Indian creek, and the latter stream, from that point to where it flows into the Tennessee river at Triana. The first positive action toward the attainment of this end was taken when, on December 21, 1820, "Indian Creek Navigation Company" was chartered by act of the Legislature,41 with Leroy Pope, Thomas Fearn, Stephen S. Ewing, Henry Cook and Samuel Hazard, as commissioners to open books for sub- scription to stock in the corporation. Section seven of this act further provided : "That said corporation should have power and authority to open and improve the navigation of Indian creek, in Madison county, from the spring at Huntsville to the town of Triana, at the mouth of said creek, by removing the obstructions therein, opening canal or canals, or such other mode or way as they may deem expedient." To this end powers of eminent domain were conferred upon the company. The charges to be made were regulated by section 11, which de- clared "that whenever said creek should be rendered navigable for boats drawing ten inches of water, and so long as said creek shall be left thus navigable, it shall be lawful for said corpora- tion to demand and receive toll on all boats navigating the
41 Toulmin's Digest of Alabama Laws, page 710. Edition 1823, and (Huntsville) Alabama Republican, February 2, 1821.
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Early History of Huntsville, Ala.
same between said towns of Huntsville and Triana, at the fol- lowing rates: Two dollars for every ton of freight which said boat carries, provided that toll shall not be collected on boats running between Prout's Mill and Triana."
The company had no "authorized capital;" the only limita- tion upon its right to issue stock was that it should be "in shares of fifty dollars each." The right to increase the capital stock, existing at any time, appears to have remained with the directors, five in number ; of whom one was to be president of the Company. However, the act did provide "that as soon as the sum of $10,000.00 shall have been subscribed, notice thereof shall be given by the commissioners," named heretofore; after which the subscribers were to proceed to the details of organi- zation.
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