History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume I, Part 88

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 756

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The school opened on October 1, 1907. It has carried on its work continuously, follow- ing the regulations and ideals projected by the State board of trustees, appointed under act of April 18, 1911. A summer school is now maintained, in order to afford teachers and students an opportunity for restful study, in a wholesome and healthy environment, and to provide, by means of lectures, inspiration and healthful stimulus. Academic, business and music departments are maintained. A training school is conducted, consisting of the seven grades of the public school of the town of Daphne. They afford opportunity for ob- servation work by the senior normal students. A lyceum course is offered annually to afford diversion and instruction. The "Washing- ton" and the "Lee" literary societies are con- ducted by the students, and through them is given an opportunity to develop ease and grace in public speech, power in debate, and exercise in parliamentary procedure.

The legislature, April 13, 1911, made an additional supplementary appropriation of $2,500 annually for four years to be used for the purchase of necessary lands, for the erec- tion of new buildings, and for their furnish- ing and equipment. At the same session an amendment was adopted to the general pro- vision for the maintenance of the State nor- mal schools, directing an annual appropria- tion of $5,000 to be set aside for the school at Daphne. Following this additional aid, a department of manual training was added. A dormitory was also provided in 1911.

A small but well selected library has been built up. The college annual, the first num- ber which appeared in 1912, is called "The Nymph."

On September 30, 1917, its reports to the State Superintendent of Education showed buildings and site valued at $35,000; equip- ment, $5,000; 7 teachers; 125 pupils, of which 75 were in the model school, and 50 in the normal work; 2,500 volumes in library, valued at $2,500; 9 Alabama counties and 5

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states represented among pupils; and State appropriation of $5,000.

Presidents .- Dr. J. A. B. Lovett, 1907-08; Prof. B. B. Baker, 1908-15; and Prof. Hilary Herbert Holmes, 1915 -.

REFERENCES .- Constitution, 1901, sec. 73; Code, 1907, sec. 1761; General Acts, 1907, p. 327; Local Acts. 1907, p. 414; 1911, pp. 404, 416, 494; 1915, p. 846; Catalogues, 1907-1917; Sum- mer school announcements, 1912-1917; The Nymph, 1912 and 1913.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REV- OLUTION, SOCIETY OF. An hereditary, patriotic society, organized in Washington, D. C., October 11, 1890, and incorporated by Act of Congress in 1896. The objects are to perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to promote institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge; to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of Amer- ican freedom; to foster true patriotism and love of country; and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty. Mem- bership is restricted to those women whose ancestors (at least one) aided in establish- ing American Independence."

In 1902 the Society purchased a lot in Washington, D. C., and later erected upon it "Memorial Continental Hall," a handsome building of classic architecture which is the national headquarters, and where the annual conference of chapter delegates is held.

Publications .- A series of lineage books containing the record of the ancestry of each member of the organization; and "The Amer- ican Monthly Magazine."

Chapters were formed in Alabama soon after the Society was incorporated and later a State Society was formed. First State Re- gent, Mrs. J. Morgan Smith, Birmingham; second State Regent, Mrs. Aurora Pryor Mc- Clellan.

Objects .- To bring into closer relations the chapters of the State, that interest in the National Society may be increased, its in- fluence extended, and its patriotic work pro- moted and enlarged throughout Alabama."

Committees .- There are four standing com- mittees: (1) on graves of Revolutionary sol- diers in Alabama (2) on Real daughters of the Society of D. A. R. in Alabama; (3) on Continental Hall; (4) Revolutionary Relics. In addition to the foregoing there are work- ing committees: (1) American Monthly Mag- azine; (2) legislative and patriotic incentives to education; (3) proper observance of Na- tional anniversaries and Alabama Day; (4) State society genealogy and badges; (5) monumental memorial committee; (6) Jack- son roads in Alabama; (7) preservation of the "Natchez Trace" in Alabama; (8) historic spots and graves of Revolutionary heroes and heroines; (9) child labor legislation; (10) cultivation of fraternal relations with the Sons of the Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution; (11) to secure pensions for Real Daughters; (12) Jones Valley me- morial road.

Alabama Chapters .- Andrew Jackson Chapter, Talladega. Organized January 25, 1898. First regent, Mrs. J. Melville Thorn- ton.

Bienville Chapter, Anniston. Organized June, 1906. First regent, Mrs. A. L. Tyler.

Cherokee Chapter, Selma. Regent in 1908, Miss Nellie Baker.

Colbert Chapter, Tuscumbia. Organized November, 1907. Regent 1908-9, Mrs. John E. Deloney.

Francis Marion Chapter, Montgomery. Or- ganized February 15, 1904.

Frederick William Gray Chapter, Anniston. Organized June 28, 1898. First regent, Mrs. Margaret Love Mooring.

General Sumter Chapter, Birmingham. Organized February 4, 1895. First regent, Mrs. George C. Ball.

John Wade Keys Chapter, Athens. "Or- ganized May 2, 1900. First regent, Mrs. Aurora Pryor Mcclellan.

Katharine Steel Chapter, Oxford. Organ- ized April 23, 1906. First regent, Mrs. James R. Draper.

Lewis Chapter, Eufaula. Organized April 18, 1901. First regent, Mrs. Carolyn Simp- son Dean.

Light Horse Harry Lee Chapter, Auburn. Organized April 8, 1896. First regent, Mrs. P. H. Mell.

Martha Wayles Jefferson Chapter, Opelika. Organized July 4, 1898. First regent, Mrs. Fanny L. W. Harrison.

Mobile Chapter, Mobile. Organized Jan- uary 10, 1901. First regent, Mrs. Richard H. Clarke.

Peter Forney Chapter, Montgomery. Or- ganized January 19, 1898. First regent, Mrs. John M. Wyly.

Tuscaloosa Chapter, Tuscaloosa. Organ- ized February 20, 1901. First regent, Mrs. Ellen Peter Bryce.

Twickenham Town Chapter, Huntsville. Organized May, 1908.

REFERENCES .- Year books, and official litera- ture.

DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY. See United Daughters of the Confederacy.

DAUPHIN ISLAND. A long, narrow island in the Gulf of Mexico directly south of Point Le Barron and Cedar Point on the extreme southern line of Mobile County. It is the eastern island of the group, including in order Petitbois, Horn and Ship Island. It is west of the entrance into or the main channel of Mobile Bay. Between the island and the main land are Little Dauphin Island, and to the west are Cat and Grass Islands, and Isle aux Herbes. Its surface is flat, and only a few feet above high tide. The soil is coastal beach, with the exception of a narrow strip on the north shore. This type of soil consists of a medium to coarse white beach sand, con- taining a number of small shell fragments.

On the eastern point Fort Gaines is located, in which a small garrison of troops is main- tained. Fort Morgan is just opposite on Mo-

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bile Point. Less than 100 people live on the island exclusive of the Fort. These are en- gaged in fishing. The Mobile County "Soil Survey," issued in 1912, contains the follow- ing reference:

"At present there is but little development on the islands. Dauphin Island has been re- cently purchased with the idea of connecting it with the mainland by a railroad and estab- lishing a deep-water coaling station. A fine hotel is also planned to convert the island into a winter and summer resort. Surf bath- ing on the Gulf side and fine fishing and sail- ing on the Mississippi Sound are features which will make the place attractive."

Dauphin Island was first visited by Iber- ville in 1699. It was called Massacre Island from a number of skulls and bones found at its southwestern extremity. Early in 1702 it was the scene of some activity in connection with the colonization of French Louisiana. There Iberville landed goods and provisions, erected magazines, and built barracks for the soldiers, while 16 leagues distant up the Bay and River he was busy erecting Fort Louis de la Mobile. In this year Iberville changed the name to Dauphin Island, that is, l'isle Dauphine. However, in the old Mobile Catho- lic church records the first name persisted until February 1715, when the new name first appears.

In 1707 several families then residing at Fort Louis secured permission from Bienville to settle on the island. They carried with them their cattle and poultry, and began the cultivation of small gardens. This appears to be the beginning of farming or agriculture by white people in the bounds of what is now Alabama. It is reported that the increase of the cattle and poultry of these settlers found a ready sale with vessels from France. As an evidence of growing prosperity, in 1708 D'Artaguette built a small vessel of 70 tons, for the purpose of trade between the island and Fort Louis. In 1709 Capt. Lavigne Vol- sin, by permission of Bienville and D'Arta- guette, built a fort and a beautiful little church on the island. By reason of the latter several settlers were attracted from Fort Louis to the island. In 1710 there was a large accession to its population, consisting of free persons from France, the newcomers set- tling so as to form a separate settlement. In 1711 the locality suffered severely from the destructive raid of an English pirate ship from Jamaica, the loss of property being es- timated at 50,000 livres. The year 1712 saw such a rapid increase of population that Cad- illac found it necessary to build houses for their accommodation.

In 1717 L'Epinay reached Dauphin Island as the successor of Cadillac. On the news of his arrival reaching the Indians, the chiefs of 24 nations, representing nearly all of the Southern tribes, came to welcome him. The smoking of the calumet, with accompanying songs and dances, lasted more than two months. All were well received by Gov. L'Epinay, who sent them away with presents. This was the first great assembly or confer-

ence of Indians in the South. During the Pensacola War a hostile Spanish force, 1719, made an attempt to capture the place, but was repulsed by the soldiers and Indians of St. Denis, who was in command of the de- fenses.

The history and further growth of the Is- land was changed by the bar, which in 1717 closed its port on the southern side. Nothing further of large interest in its history took place until the great storm of September 11, 1740, in which half its area was washed away, and 300 head of cattle destroyed. The last French record pertaining to Dauphin Is- land is dated December 20, 1762, in which the Mobile Catholic church register notes the baptism of Jeanne, infant daughter of Nicolas Bouvier, a soldier of the local garrison.

The island remained a British possession from the evacuation in 1763, until its capture by the Spaniards in 1781. In the latter year the island was granted by Gov. Grimarest to Joseph Moro, and on its capture by Gen. James Wilkinson in 1813, his title to the island was confirmed to Augustin Le Conte. In 1822 Fort Gaines was erected on the east- ern point. The Fort was occupied by State troops January 5, 1861, in anticipation of secession. A Confederate garrison there on August 8, 1864, surrendered to the Federal forces.

DAVIS, JEFFERSON, BIRTHDAY. See Special Days.

DAVIS, JEFFERSON. President of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865, and a distinguished resident of the city of Montgomery, temporary seat of government of the Confederacy from February 17 to May 21, 1865.

Mr. Davis was born June 3, 1808 in Chris- tian County, Kentucky, and was the tenth child of Samuel and Jane (Cook) Davis, the former from Georgia, and the latter of South Carolina stock. In 1811 the entire family removed to Wilkinson County, Miss. During the whole of his life, Mr. Davis was a citizen of that State. He was well educated, grad- uated at West Point in 1824, served in the U. S. Army, and 1853 resigned his commis- sion to become a planter in the State of his adoption. He entered politics and until the close of his public career in 1865, he was one of the notable leaders of the South. He served in the United States House of Repre- sentatives, was a colonel in the Mexican War, served as United States Secretary of War, 1853-1857, and on January 21, 1861, re- signed his seat in the United States Senate to follow the fortunes of Mississippi as a member of the new Confederacy.

On February 9, 1861, Mr. Davis was elected provisional president of the provisional gov- ernment of the Confederate States of Amer- ica. Leaving his home, he journeyed by way of Jackson through northern Mississippi and Alabama, by way of Chattanooga and At- lanta to Montgomery. He reached Mont- gomery on the evening of February 17 at 10

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o'clock, on the railroad from West Point, Ga., accompanied by Ethelbert Barksdale, of the Jackson Mississippian, C. R. Dickson, of Jackson, Miss., and by the committee on the part of the State, of which Col. E. C. Bullock was chairman. The Alabama committee, ap- pointed by Gov. A. B. Moore, met the party at West Point, where in a formal way Col. Bullock extended greetings. Of Mr. Davis' response, a newspaper writer of the period says that he had never heard it "surpassed for comprehension, power, spirit and elo- quence." Col. Charles T. Pollard, president of the railroad, had provided a special car for the president-elect. At Opelika a stop was made for supper. Dr. Thornton spoke, to which Mr. Davis responded. At Auburn Mr. Davis appeared on the platform and spoke to the company. Leachapoka was ablaze with excitement as the train passed. At Mont- gomery Judge H. W. Watson, "in the name of the corporate authorities," welcomed the distinguished guest. Mr. Davis was then taken to his apartments at the Exchange Hotel. An immense and enthusiastic com- pany crowded about the hotel. Mr. Davis and the committee appeared on the Commerce Street portico. Hon. Wm. L. Yancey pre- sented Mr. Davis, saying, among other things-

"The country does not now look to men, but to principles. But how fortunate is our country ? She has not only the principles for the administration of government, but also the men. She has found in the distinguished gentleman she has called to preside over her public affairs, the statesman, the soldier and the patriot. She has the statesman-one eminently skilled in public affairs, thoroughly understanding the great principles on which our government is based, skilful, wise and moderate. She has the soldier, distinguished upon the field of battle, wise in council, ter- rible in the charge. She has a patriot, just, upright and incorruptible. Neither fear would deter or favor seduce him or cause him to swerve from the path of rectitude and duty. I may say again, fortunate, thrice fortunate, are the people of the south. They have found the man as well as the principles-a man in whom is combined in so eminent a degree the wisdom of the statesman, the skill of the sol- dier, and the incorruptibility of the patriot. The man and the hour have met."

On the following day, February 18, Mr. Davis was inaugurated as president, standing on the west or front portico of the Alabama State Capitol. Under the direction of a com- mittee of Congress, an imposing procession, led by the President in a carriage drawn by six white horses up Dexter Avenue, the street sides lined with thousands, and more than 7,000 people overflowing the Capitol grounds. In the carriage with Mr. Davis were the Grand Marshal Col. Hugh P. Watson, Pro- visional Vice President Alexander H. Stepnens and Hon. Howell Cobb, president of the pro- visional congress. The company arrived at the Capitol steps and proceeded to the senate chamber, which was used as the hall of the

Provisional Congress, where he was formally received. A processon was then formed and descended the stairs to the front or west por- tico, where the oath of office was adminis- tered to him by Mr. Cobb. After the delivery of a well-tempered and patriotic inaugural address, the historic State Bible, used by all Alabama executives since 1853 was presented, and quoting the language of the Weekly Issue, published in Selma February 27, 1861, "President Davs kissed the Bible, and then turning to the vast assemblage said, with deep and solemn emphasis, So help me God." A brass star, placed by the Sophie Bibb Chap- ter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, marks the spot where he stood.

Mr. Davis, on arriving at Montgomery, took up his residence at the Exchange Hotel, where he remained until about April 1, 1861. He was joined at that time by Mrs. Davis. Col. Edmund Harrison turned over to the President his town house, located on the cor- ner of Bihb and Lee Streets. This was occu- pied by Mr. Davis and family until their re- moval to Richmond in May. It is now known as the First White House of the Confederacy, and an association of that name chartered in 1898-99, has for its purpose the purchase of the house for preservation as a museum for Confederate relics and historical objects.

Of his life at this period, T. C. De Leon says:

"It is certain that Mr. Davis was the heart and brains of the government; and his pop- ularity with the people was, at this time, un- bounded. They were perfectly content to think that the government was in the hollow of his hand; and pronounced any of his measures good before they were tried. His energy, too, was untiring; and it was wonder- ful to look on the frail body and believe that it endured the terrible physical and mental strain he imposed upon it.

"At this time the President and his family, having left their temporary quarters at the hotel, were living at a plain mansion pro- vided for them, but a few steps from the Government House. In the latter building were the executive office and the Cabinet room, connected by an always open door; and in one or the other of these Mr. Davis spent some fifteen hours out of every twenty- four. Here he received the thousands of visitors whom curiosity, or business, brought; consulted with his secretaries, revised bills. or framed new projects for strengthening the defenses of the open and wide frontier. It was said that he managed the War Depart- ment, in all its various details, in addition to other manifold labors; finding time not only to give it a general supervision, but to go into all the minutiae of the working of its bureaux, the choice of all its officers, or agents, and the very disbursement of its ap- propriations.

"His hahits were as simple as laborious. He rose early, worked at home until breakfast, then to a long and wearing day at the Gov- ernment House. Often, long after midnight, the red glow from his office lamp, shining

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over the mock-orange hedge in front of his dwelling, told of unremitting strain."

Mr. Davis accompanied the Confederate provisional Congress to Richmond. His for- tunes as the great head of the Confederacy, however, still claimed the interest of all pa- triotic Alabamians. When the end came, with the surrender of the armies of Lee and Johnston and Taylor and Kirby-Smith, the State of Alabama, together with the whole South, was deeply concerned for the welfare of the President. His capture and confine- ment at Fortress Monroe, May, 1865-May, 1867, in violation of all the principles of humanity and law, are matters of history. The people of Alabama deeply resented the outrageous treatment accorded Mr. Davis as a prisoner of war. As indicating their feel- ings, resolutions were adopted by the legis- lature of 1865-66. In the preamble it was recited that, Whereas, Mr. Davis had by the fortunes of war become a prisoner in the hands of Federal authorities, and, whereas, the army and navy which he commanded had been surrendered or destroyed, and the Con- federate government had been utterly over- thrown; and, whereas, the people themselves had "with the most remarkable unanimity and quietness, submitted to the great changes which have taken place, and with hut few exceptions, accepted the Executive clemency and renewed their allegiance to the old gov- ernment; and whereas, all armed opposition to the Federal Government by the Southern people has ceased," after which it was re- solved :

"That we earnestly invite and urge upon all public bodies, both religious and political in the South and at the North, in England, France and Germany, and wherever patriotism is known, and the God of the christians is worshipped, to express their sympathy, for our suffering and imprisoned President, and to implore the Federal Executive, for the sake of humanity, and the honor of the christian people over whom he rules, to strike off the chains and throw open the prison doors of Jefferson Davis, and all others who are im- prisoned for similar causes, and restore to us the constitution and laws of our fathers, and thus write everlasting gratitude upon the hearts of the Southern people."

In Mobile, Montgomery and throughout Alabama, as well as elsewhere, the news of Mr. Davis' release on May 4, 1867, was re- ceived with every expression of delight and pleasure. Mr. Dodd (1907), p. 370, says: "The whole South rejoiced likewise at the liberty of him on whom the penalty for seces- sion had been visited."

When the people of Alabama were ready to dedicate the spot on which the monumental tribute to the dead soldiers and sailors of the Confederacy should be placed, they called Mr. Davis from Beauvoir to Montgomery to join in the ceremonies. The exercise took place on the Capitol hill, April 29, 1886. Mr. Davis stopped at the Exchange Hotel, where he had stayed in 1861. A procession was formed with General Edmund W. Pettus as

grand marshal of the day. Preceded by sev- eral military companies as an escort, Mr. Davis, Ex-Gov. Thomas H. Watts, Gov. Ed- ward A. O'Neal and Mayor Warren S. Reese, in an open carriage drawn by four white horses, followed by carriages containing other distinguished visitors, moved up Dexter Ave- nue to the State Capitol. The windows, bal- conies, house tops and streets were lined with people. The cheers were deafening. Ladies and children shouted, waving handkerchiefs and flags, and clapping their hands. Mr. Davis was deeply moved, and expressed his appreciation by constantly bowing to the en- thusiastic crowds.

At the Capitol he took his place on the front portico, on which he had sworn to de- fend the Confederacy years hefore, and again spoke to the beloved people. His address, although short, aroused great enthusiasm. He expressed his profound appreciation of the honor done him, saying that he felt the more deeply grateful because it was for "a sentiment far dearer to me than myself." Speaking of the hrave men who had gone forth from Alahama, many to never return, he said:

"They live in memory, and their spirits stand out the greatest reserve of that column which is marching on with unfaltering steps to the God of constitutional liberty." He mentioned the fact that the demonstration of 1861 did not exceed that which was accorded him now. Referring to the reception given him on the evening of February, 1861, when introduced by Yancey in the Exchange Hotel, he says:

"I felt last night as I approached the Ex- change Hotel, from the galleries of which your orator, William Lowndes Yancey, intro- duced me to the citizens of Montgomery in language which only his eloquence could yield, and which far exceeded my merit, I felt, I say again, that I was coming to my home-coming to the land where liberty dies not, and heroic sentiment lives forever."

He was followed by Gen. John B. Gordon, who delivered the principal address. After the conclusion of the speech salutes were fired by the Montgomery Field Artillery. The company then dispersed. Just as Mr. Davis had gotten into his carriage preparatory to the reurn of the procession to the city hall, numbers of old Confederate veterans ap- proached him with hats in hand. With tear dimmed eyes they gave him an affectionate "God bless you."

Mr. Davis left Montgomery and went on a special train to Atlanta, Macon and other points in Georgia, after which he returned to Beauvoir. At Macon he delivered a great address, which so exhausted him that, on ad- vice, he declined all similar invitations.

On December 6, 1889, his unconquerable spirit took its flight to join the great com- pany of those whom he had led, and who fought that constitutional liberty might not perish from the earth. Again quoting Dodd:

"Members of the Grand Army of the Re- public forgot for once their great enemy and

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added their tears to the universal lament. He was borne to his temporary tomb in Metairie Cemetery by the governors of nine states, and during the winter following, the legislatures of the South held formal memorial sessions. Never was more universal homage rendered a departed chieftain. The North looked on in mute astonishment at the loyalty of the de- feated South; for did not the Southern people

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History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume I, Part 88

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869- Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 756

Author: Owen, Thomas McAdory, 1866-1920; Owen, Marie (Bankhead) Mrs. 1869-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 756