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 10
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JOHN DUDLEY CARY.
Conspicuous among the worthies of Conecuh county is he whose name is placed at the head of this sketch. He was brought to Conecuh, by his parents, when quite an infant, having been born in Sumter District, South Carolina, on the 20th of January, 1820. Having been reared by a father whose uprightness was pro- verbial in the county, Mr. Cary became an elegant gentleman, and one eminently fitted to the positions
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which he was summoned to occupy during his life. His first attainment to distinction was in 1841, when he had barely reached maturity. During this year he was elected county clerk, and in 1845 was re- elected to the same position. But for his personal popularity, he would have sustained defeat in the second contest, as he had to encounter the serious difficulties of leading a party whose voting power was in the minority, and of confronting a candidate who himself enjoyed the confidence of the people-William M. Bradley. The second victory of Mr. Cary was exceedingly creditable to him, as he led his opponent, in the face of the barriers already alluded to, with a majority of sixty-eight. In 1857 he was sent by the popular voice of the county to the Legislature. Having been renominated two years later, for the same office, he was again elected, defeating Hon. F. M. Walker. Like his father, he enjoyed the confi- dence of the masses, which was manifest whenever he presented himself before them for their suffrage. He removed to Florida in January, 1872, and died just a month later, leaving a wife and five children.
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CHAPTER XXI.
The War Record of Conecuh-Intense Excitement-Conecuh Patri- otism-Conecuh Guards, &c.
The election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States in 1860, was the signal for the clash of conflict. For successive decades the storm had been gathering, and the delay only rendered more terrific its fury when at length it did burst upon the country. Petty sectional issues had grown into giant proportions, and by their strength had drawn the North and South face to face, with demonstrations the most hostile. A review of these issues need not here be attempted, as they are familiar to all. We have only to do with the part borne in that period of car- nage by the brave sons of Conecuh. Her people felt as deeply as did any, the force of the great questions which were moving the masses throughout the broad land of States. The withdrawal of Alabama from the Union, sent a tremor of patriotic thrill throughout the hosts of her brave men, and under the impulse of this power, they formed themselves into military organizations, and repaired at once to the scene of conflict.
Among the companies earliest enlisted for this ap- proaching struggle, was that of the Conecuh Guards. They were organized at Sparta, April 1st, 1861, and on the 24th of the same month they left their homes
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for the seat of war in Virginia. Through the zealous efforts of some noble women, among whom were the Misses Stearns and Mathews, Mrs. Jay and Mrs. Dubose, a magnificent banner had been ordered for the gallant company, and reached Sparta just the day before their departure for Virginia. A large con- course had gathered at the Sparta depot to witness the formal presentation of the flag and to take affec- tionate leave of friends and loved ones. Master Henry Stearns held the banner during its presenta- tion, and on either side of him stood three young ladies, dressed so as to represent the States that had withdrawn from the Union. Miss Irene Stearns represented South Carolina; Miss Kate Autrey, Geor- gia; Miss L. Henderson, Florida; Miss Mathews, Alabama; Miss C. Cary, Mississippi ; Miss S. Crosby, Louisiana. This group, having been confronted by the company, drawn up in order, Miss Mathews pro- ceeded to deliver the following
ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the Guards :- The clouds which have so long impended over us, have burst at last in the fury of war, the tocsin has sounded, your country has summoned you to arms, and nobly answering to her call, you have assembled here to bid adieu to old familiar scenes and faces, and to receive in return our parting words of encouragement and cheer. We admire your valor, we love your patriotism, we par- take of your enthusiasm, and as a token of these feel-
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ings we have assembled to-day, to present to you this banner, consecrated by a thousand loving wishes-a thousand earnest prayers. The light of spring is on the Southern hills, a thousand flowers lend fragrance to the breeze, a thousand birds are warbling songs of love-the friends of your youth, the companions of your boyhood, are around you-all is peace, and beauty, and tranquility. But the gleam of sunlight upon gay uniforms and flashing steel, reminds me (of what I would fain forget) that from all these you must turn away-that you must exchange the quiet of these green old woods, in all their spring-tide beauty, for the turmoil of the camp; sweet bird songs and loving tones, for the musket's rattle and the cannon's roar; kindly smiles and familiar faces, for the whizzing ball and deadly bayonet. In these perils we may not participate-we may not share with you the battle's rage, nor partake of the hardships and privations of a military career-but we, too, have our mission. It is ours to give you words of sympathy and cheer, to animate you by our enthusiasm, to encourage you to deeds of noble daring. Our prayers shall attend you our smiles shall welcome your return, and should it be the fate of any here to fill a warrior's grave, his name shall be embalmed with our heartfelt tears and cherished forever in our inmost memories. As the Spartan women in the olden times sent forth their loved ones to the battle, bidding them never to return unless graced with the laurel wreaths of victory, so do we now bid you go forth, to return to us only when
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our native land is free. I profess to be endowed with no gift of prophecy, but I feel, I KNOW, that the South will be victorious in the approaching conflict. Already has the telegraph brought to us "great news from the Carolinas," and our ears welcomed the salutes which ushered in the victory. Already has one important stronghold yielded to our arms, and the Black Repub- lican flag gone down dishonored, before the proud banner of the Confederate States. Naturally gallant and chivalrous, the sons of the South have plucked Fame's proudest laurels
"On many a field of strife made red By bloody victory."
In the thickest of the fight has ever rang the Southern war-cry; going as gayly to the battle as to a fete cham- petre. No foe has ever yet withstood the rush of Southern steel, and in such a cause as we are now en- gaged, our armies MUST prove invincible. Battling on their own soil, in the holy cause of Freedom, in defence of their homes and loved ones, and in short, of all that is nearest and dearest to the hearts of men, they will know no such word as "fail," and Victory must be their handmaid. The war may be long, it may be bloody, but there can be but one result-the eagle of victory will finally perch upon the banner of our young Republic. Go, then, "where glory awaits you," and may this flag, which, in the name of the ladies of Conecuh county, I present to you to-day, float ever like the white plume of King Henry of Navarre, in the very front of battle. Then
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"Take thy banner, may it wave Ever o'er the free and brave ; Guard it 'till our homes are free, Guard it -- God will prosper. thee."
At the conclusion it was presented to Captain Bowles, and, in behalf of his company, he expressed his thanks for this expression of encouragement.
The company embarked on the following morning for Montgomery, receiving a number of accessions to its ranks at Evergreen .* The organization and de- parture of the Conecuh Guards, were speedily followed by the organization of other companies in the county, while others joined companies from the surrounding counties. Quite a number of the gallant boys of Conecuh entered the ranks of the Monroe Guards. The patriotism of no county was more profoundly stirred than was that of Conecuh. Not only did brave young men leave the comforts and clustering associations of palatial homes, and set their faces toward the uninviting camp and the perilous field; but brave mothers, wives and sisters, sought to inspire them with timely words and deeds of sacrifice. And great was the patriotic generosity manifested by very many of the oldest citizens, in supplying the families of absent soldiers with food. Draught after draught, was made upon the barns and smokehouses of men too old for service, by the families of those upon whose labors they had been dependent for the neces-
*A complete list, together with a succinct history of the company, will be found in the Appendix.
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purpose of reconnoitering. When they had come within three or four miles of Evergreen, they sud- denly encountered a small squad of Spurlin's com- mand, that had been sent forward upon the Bellville road to guard against any sudden demonstration on the part of the citizens, while the chief command was moving along the dirt road toward Sparta. This squad had dismounted near the Bradley Plantation, in a sudden curve of the road, to burn a wagon, which had just been captured, when the Bellville deputation rode suddenly upon them. The surprise was equally shared in by both parties, but evidences of precipitate flight having been first given by the reconnoitering Bellvillians, nothing was left the invaders but a hot pursuit. With a clattering pell-mell, the citizen sol- diery, still clinging to their shot-guns, fled back toward home. All would have reached their homes in safety, but for a diseased horse, which was ridden by Willie McCreary. Unable to keep abreast of the others in the stampede, his animal continued to slacken in speed until he was finally overtaken at Hunter's creek. Here, Willie, then a lad of sixteen, fell into the hands of the enemy, and was sent at once to Ship Island, as a prisoner of war. The extreme northern portion of Conecuh suffered somewhat from the depredations of Wilson's raid during the following month.
The events just recorded, were but the prelude of a scene of chaotic confusion throughout the county. Unfortunately for its inhabitants, this disaster was
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introduced just at a season when every thing turned upon activity on the farm, and when entire cessation of labor would have been well nigh calamitous. \Following in the wake of these local troubles, was the surrender of the armies of the Confederacy, and the sudden close of the war. With the crops just springing into luxuriant promise, the slaves were liber- ated, and in their exhilaration, they left their old homes in vast crowds, and thronged the Federal camps. Utter lawlessness every where prevailed. Demoraliza- tion was wide-spread and rampant. Gloom was depicted in every countenance as men gazed upon a scene of uni- versal disaster. The Southern soldier, returning to his home, after years of privation, either maimed or poverty-stricken, if not both, was confronted by the wreck and ruin of war. , But with a heroism, just as marked as that which they had evinced on the weary march, or upon the field of carnage, they addressed themselves to the work of repairing their shattered fortunes, and of providing for loved ones. Their heroism was not more conspicuous under the leader- ship of Lee, Jackson and Johnston, than it was in peacefully following their vocations after the tattered banner had been folded, and the cannon hushed in silence.
The following is a list of the county officers who served during this period :
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JUDGES OF PROBATE. 1862-A. D. Cary .* 1864-John M. Henderson. + SHERIFFS. 1863-William M. Strange.
CIRCUIT CLERKS. 1864-William A. Duke. SENATORS. 1861-D. C. Davis. 1865-William A. Ashley.
REPRESENTATIVES.
1861-William A. Ashley. 1863-William Greene. 1865-F. M. Walker.
*Disqualified by age in 1863.
t Appointed by Governor Watts to fill the unexpired term.
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CHAPTER XXII.
A Chapter of Biography-James A. Stallworth-William A. Ashley- Rev. W. C. Morrow-J. M. Henderson, etc.
JAMES A. STALLWORTH
was the most distinguished of the sons of Conecuh. Highly gifted with brilliant parts, of pleasing address and commanding person, he combined all the elements requisite to success in the realm of politics. He was born near the village of Evergreen, on April 7th, 1822. He became an orphan quite early, his mother having died when he was but three years of age. When he was but fourteen, he was left entirely parentless by the death of his father. His scholastic training was merely academical. His career as a student was spent in the academy at Evergreen. But such was the readiness with which he could always command his resources, that every one was impressed with the idea that his mental training was of the highest order. So deeply impressed was the Hon. Frank Beck, of Wilcox, with his social ease and graceful mien, and his ability as an orator, that he asked him, while both were representatives together in the Leg- islature, "Stallworth, from what college did you graduate ?" He expressed great surprise when he was told, "I never attended college." At quite an early age Mr. Stallworth gave promise of future ability.
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His powers of oratory were quite marked when he was but a boy. At the early age of eighteen he was married to Miss Harriet E. Crosby, eldest daughter of John Crosby. His marriage was quite fortunate for his future success in life. Inheriting, to a large degree, the energy and executive ability of her father, Mrs. Stallworth contributed largely to the growing success of her husband. Soon after his marriage he began planting, which he pursued for several years, when he was called into public life by having been nominated upon the Democratic ticket for Representa- tive to the Legislature. In Mr. Mortimer Boulware, young Stallworth found a strong opponent. He was a gentleman of great personal popularity and wealth, and was connected with one of the wealthiest families in the county. Mr. Stallworth, who had scarcely passed his twenty-second year, awoke a sensation wherever he went in the county, so brilliant was his oratory, and so cordial was his address. Large acces- sions were drawn from the ranks of the Whig Party, and he was elected, first, to the Legislature in 1845. He was renominated by the Democrats in 1847, and was again elected by a largely increased majority over his Whig competitor, Judge H. F. Stearns. During his last term of service in the Legislature he entered upon the study of law, and after adequate preparation, was admitted to practice. By force of talent he rose rapidly as a lawyer, having entered at once upon a most lucrative practice. So distinguished had his ability at the bar become, that in 1850 he was elected
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to the solicitorship of the Second Judicial Circuit. In this new position he had to encounter the ripe expe- rience of one of the ablest bars in the State; and yet so nobly did he acquit himself that he came to be recognized as one of the best prosecuting attorneys the State ever had. In 1855 he resigned his position as solicitor and accepted the nomination for Congress of the Democratic Party, against Col. Percy Walker, of Mobile-the candidate of the Know-Nothing Party. Though defeated in this contest, Colonel Stallworth added new lustre to his rapidly-rising star, as an able debater and eloquent exponent of the political issues of the period. In 1857 he was again honored with the nomination of his party, for Congress. The result of this contest was the election of Colonel Stallworth, by quite a handsome majority, over Col. John McKas- kill, of Wilcox. Two years later still, he was renomi- nated for Congress, and this time defeated Col. Fred Sheppard, of Mobile. Colonel Stallworth remained in Congress until the passage of the ordinance of secession by the Alabama Convention, when he, together with the remainder of the Alabama delega- tion, withdrew. Returning to his home, he contribu - ted largely of his means to the cause of the young Confederacy. His declining health forbade his en- trance into the army, but his sons were among the first to enlist, though quite young. Colonel Stall- worth died at his home, in Evergreen, on the 31st of August, 1861. During the brief period of sixteen years, he had occupied several of the most prominent positions in life.
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Harper's Weekly, of February 9th, 1861, has this to say with regard to the subject of our sketch : "James A. Stallworth, who represents the First, or Mobile District, in the House of Representatives, was born in Conecuh county, Alabama, on the 7th of April, 1822. After having received an academical education, he studied law, passed a high examination, and has since enjoyed a lucrative practice. He was twice elected District Attorney for the circuit in which he practices, and was a member of the Legislature from 1845 to 1848. After having been defeated by the Know- Nothings, he was in 1857 elected to Congress, where he is a universal favorite, ever ready with an anecdote or repartee, yet none the less determined in maintain- ing the rights of his native State." Colonel Stall- worth was a man of the noblest natural impulses. Most princely in hospitality, he frequently drew around his family board many of his truest friends. It is a matter of deep regret that one of such vast usefulness, and possessed with so many elements of greatness, should have been swept into a premature grave. He passed away at the early age of thirty- nine years.
WILLIAM A. ASHLEY.
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The reputation enjoyed by this prominent Conecuhian was far from being local. His sterling ability was recognized throughout the Commonwealth of Alabama. William Adam Ashley was a native of Conecuh coun- ty, having been born in 1822. After an academical
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training in the schools near his father's home, he entered the East Tennessee University, at Knoxville, from which institution he was graduated. After his return to his home he married Miss Amanda Thomas, a daughter of Major Thomas. His attention was first devoted to planting,-but one with such distinguished qualifications for public service could not be suffered to address himself solely to his private interests. He was summoned into public life first in 1849, when the Whig Party of Conecuh named him as the champion of its principles, and nominated him for the Legisla- ture. His success was easily attained. So conspic- uous was his usefulness in his new role, that he was returned during the following canvass in 1851. Two years later he was elected to the State Senate, in which capacity he served for four years. In 1861 he was again elected to the lower house from Conecuh. During this year, too, he was Presidential elector for Messrs. Davis and Stephens. In 1865 he was returned to the Senate for four years-which terminated his publie career.
Mr. Ashley was a man of solid, rather than shining qualities. Cool, deliberate, of unerring judgment, and withal, highly scrupulous, no one was better fitted than himself to serve his people during the trying ordeals through which they were called to pass during much of his public career. He was emphatically a patriot. Although he supported the Bell and Everett ticket in the memorable canvass of 1860, and though he opposed secession in 1861, Mr. Ashley did not 9
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falter a moment in sustaining the cause of the South throughout the hard struggle. "His wealth and his personal services"-says Mr. Garrett, in his "Public Men of Alabama"-"were devoted to the public defence." During the war many a Confederate soldier, weary and footsore oftentimes, found a cordial welcome beneath the hospitable roof of Mr. Ashley. After the close of the war, and when the work of the infamous Reconstruction measures was commenced in the South, Mr. Ashley denounced it in unmeasured terms as being the essence of tyranny.
He died at his home on Hampden Ridge, February 12th, 1870, and was buried in the Thomas burial ground. Thus there passed away that honored son of Conecuh before he had reached the meridian of life. Simple justice demands that appropriate reference be made in this connection to his most estimable wife, who honored her distinguished husband, and aided greatly in his elevation in life. The liberal and refined hospitality for which he was so noted, was enhanced by the conspicuous part borne by herself in its dis- pensation.
REV. WILLIAM C. MORROW
was a native of Pulaski county, Tennessee, where he was born on June 6th, 1815. At an early age he re- moved to Alabama, where he spent the major part of his life. When he was quite young, he was received as a member into the Presbyterian Church, and under its auspices fitted for the ministry. He continued his
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connection with this denomination until 1841 or 1842, · when his views upon certain cardinal principles un- derwent a complete change, and he at once joined a Baptist church. His first charge was the Old Flat Creek Church, at Turnbull, in Monroe county. Re- markably gifted as a speaker, and unusually skillful in debate, he at once took high rank in the Baptist ministry. On different occasions he became the cham- pion of his cherished principles in the field of polem- ics, and was justly esteemed an ardent advocate of the peculiar tenets held by his denomination. Such was the ability displayed by himself on several occasions, in the delivery of sermons, that their publication was earnestly sought, and they found enduring form in pamphlet shape. Mr. Morrow's secular interests, to- gether with his declining health in later years, with- drew him gradually from the pulpit; so that, for more than an entire decade, toward the close of his life, he had no pastoral charge. He died at his home in Evergreen, on October 16th, 1879, in the sixty-fifth year of his age.
JOHN M. HENDERSON.
Among the men of worth produced by Conecuh is John M. Henderson. His place of birth was Brook- lyn, and the time October 14th, 1824. He was edu- cated in the schools of his native county, and never enjoyed the advantages of a course of training in col- lege. Notwithstanding this, his mental attainments were by no means of a limited character. His mind
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was well stored with useful information gleaned from different fields of thought. His debut into public life was when his father, David F. Henderson, became sheriff of Conecuh. The son-then just budding into manhood-served the father as an efficient deputy. Subsequent to this he entered the mercantile business at Sparta, in which he remained until 1860. During this period he was treasurer of the county for one or two terms. In 1860 he removed to Pensacola, Florida, where, with marked success, he was engaged for some time as a commission merchant. Pensacola having become a scene of exciting hostility after the com- mencement of the war in 1861, Mr. Henderson re- turned to Conecuh and built a handsome home near Castleberry, and was instrumental in the establishment of a depot at that point. The advancing demands of the armies of the Confederacy for increased strength, made an appeal to the patriotism of Mr. Henderson, and such that he could not resist. Together with General Martin, he raised a company of volunteers, of which Martin became captain, and himself 1st lieu- tenant. The company was connected with the Thirty- eighth Alabama Regiment. Mr. Henderson remained in active service about two years, when he was ap- pointed by Governor Watts, Judge of Probate of Conecuh county, to succeed Judge Cary, who had re- signed because of a constitutional provision forbid- ding the occupancy of the office beyond a specified age. The ability which he brought to this new sta- tion enabled him to meet its demands in such way as
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to win distinction to himself and to impart unusual satisfaction to his constituency. This position he con- tinued to hold until the dawn of the Reconstruction period, when he was ejected against the popular vote of the county, and A. W. Jones was elevated to the office.
Retiring to his home at Castleberry, he remained here but a short while, when he removed to Brewton, and thence to Mill View, Florida-at both of which places he was engaged in the milling and timber busi- ness, with varied success and misfortune. He died at Mill View, of typhoid dysentery, on September 9th, 1872. His remains were transferred to Sparta, where they were interred in the old family burial ground.
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