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 12
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Adams. But before the offer was responded to, General Adams was killed. He was also tendered a position on the staff of Gen. Thomas C. Hindman, but de- clined. Subsequently he accepted the Adjutancy of the Twenty-third Regiment of Alabama, then under the command of Maj. Nick Stallworth. Leaving at once for Virginia, he reached Petersburg; but the commu- nication being cut between that place and Richmond, he was forced to turn his face homewards after several vain attempts to reach his command. The death of his brother-in-law, Captain Broughton, left him the oldest male member of the family, and he was forced to remain at home by the sad dependency of the family, combined with the shattered condition of his health. The war closing soon after this, he found himself ladened with unusual responsibilities for one so young. With no resources at command, he ad- dressed himself with heroic spirit to whatever his hands found to do. After varied struggles with ad- verse circumstances, and hard labor with his own hands, for some time, he determined to address him- self to the study of law. This he did with P. D. Page, Esq., and was soon admitted to practice.
In 1872, and again in 1874, he was chosen Repre- sentative from Conecuh to the Legislature. At the session of 1875-'76 he was elected Solicitor of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. In this circuit he had to cope with many of the ablest legal spirits of the. State, and yet his course was attended with remark- able success from the beginning. By the respect-
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fulness of his deportment, and the urbanity of his disposition, he won the esteem of his legal brethren in all parts of the circuit; and by his efficiency and impartiality as a judicial officer, he secured almost universal popular esteem. He is justly regarded one of the most promising young men in the State.
COL. P. D. BOWLES.
Pinckney Downie Bowles is a native of South Carolina. His place of birth was Edgefield District. He received his educational training at the Citadel of Charleston, South Carolina, and at the University of Virginia. His collegiate course completed, he returned to his native State, and engaged in the study of law under Gen. Samuel McGowan .* He came to Alabama in April, 1859, and went into the office of Hon. James A. Stallworth, where he remained until the beginning of the war. In 1860 he was elected Colonel of the Twenty-eighth Regiment of Alabama Militia; and also 2nd lieutenant in the "Conecuh Guards," in the summer of 1860. In January, 1861, he went in that capacity with the company to Pensacola. When the company returned home, and upon its reorganization, he was chosen captain, and went with his gallant company to Virginia. Henceforth the war record of Colonel Bowles is inseparably connected with the illustrious career of the Fourth Alabama Infantry- "of which he was the brave and faithful commander" almost throughout the entire war. He led his regi-
*Now on the Supreme Bench of South Carolina.
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ment into the majority of the fiercest battles fought on the soil of Virginia. The regiment belonged to the famous brigade commanded by General Bee, who was so conspicuous at the first battle of Manassas. It was in the battle of Seven Pines, Cold Harbor, Mal- vern Hill, Second Manassas, Boonsboro', Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, and Suffolk. It joined in the inva- sion of Pennsylvania, and was engaged in the fierce conflict at Gettysburg. It went with Longstreet when he was sent to reinforce Bragg in North Georgia; it returned with him when he marched through East Tennessee, via Knoxville. Rejoining the Army of Northern Virginia, it was engaged in the battle of the Wilderness, and at Spottsylvania. In the opera- tions of the Second Cold Harbor it was again engaged ; and then lay for ten months behind the defences of Petersburg, sharing in the various movements and assaults connected with that eventful period. And finally, with ranks depleted by death and disability, it surrendered with the rest of the army at Appomattox Court House, with two hundred and two men.
During this long and bloody period, Colonel Bowles was ever found at the head of his regiment. I believe only one brief respite from service was given him- and that was on the occasion of an amorous mission to his adopted county in February, 1863, when he was married to Miss Stearns, daughter of the late Judge Stearns.
Though Colonel Bowles did not receive his com- mission as brigadier, he was placed in the command
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of five regiments, near the close of the war, and a full brigade staff ordered to report to him. When he returned to Conecuh, in 1865, he had but fifty cents in his pocket. Without delay, he opened an office at Sparta, and resumed the practice of law. The follow- ing year he was elected county solicitor for Conecuh, in which position he served for a long period, with efficiency.
Though having so eventful a record, Colonel Bowles is still comparatively a young man. He is now a resident of Evergreen, and is a successful practitioner of law.
GEORGE ROBERT FARNHAM.
This prominent young attorney was born near Bellville, on January 23rd, 1845. He was reared by his great-grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Savage, whose piety and usefulness were proverbially known for many years, throughout Conecuh. His course of instruction was cut short at the Bellville Academy, by enfeebled health, when he had reached the age of fifteen, and was recuperated by active work on the farm. When a youth of only sixteen, he enlisted in the Confederate army, having joined the "Monroe Guards," under Capt. Giles Goode. He went with his command to Pensacola, whence, after a brief service of three weeks, it was ordered to Virginia. Near the close of 1861 he was prostrated by a protracted attack of measles; he was discharged and returned to his home. The following year he resumed his studies at the
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Bellville Academy, and in the fall of 1862 was entered as a cadet upon the matriculation roll of the Univer- sity of Alabama. In the early part of 1865 he graduated in the regular course of that institution, with the exception of mathematics, and was pursuing the last studies in that branch when he retired. His course at the University was marked with distinction. He was appointed first a sergeant in the corps, then promoted to a second lieutenancy, afterwards to the adjutancy, and when he left the University he was senior 1st lieutenant. While at the University the corps of cadets did service, as soldiers, for three weeks in Mobile, and again at Jacksonville. - In 1864, while going home upon a tour of vacation, about fifty or sixty of the cadets reached Montgomery, where they found the city in the midst of the most intense excite- ment, growing out of the threatening demonstrations of General Rousseau. Governor Watts ordered the cadets to remain in Montgomery and assist in its defence against Rousseau, who was then at Chehaw. Arms having been furnished them, a soldier of the regular army was appointed to the command, and they were permitted to elect their other officers. Mr. Farnham was at once chosen 1st lieutenant, and the buoyant cadets leaped upon the train and started at once for Chehaw. They were accompanied by some regulars, who happened to have been in Mont- gomery at the time, and also by some raw reserves. But for the military training and thorough efficiency of the cadets, the entire command would have been
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captured, and the city of Montgomery would have fallen. Subsequent to this, Mr. Farnham served as adjutant in the corps of cadets, near Spanish Fort. In the early part of 1865 he raised a cavalry company among the students of the University, which was designed to serve as the body-guard to General Buford, and the company left the University, to return to their homes to secure horses and equipments; but just at this juncture the State was overrun by the Federal troops, and before a thorough organization could be effected, the war closed. In 1866, Captain Farnham commenced the study of law in the office of General Martin, at Sparta, and in September, of the same year, was admitted to practice. The first year of his legal career was spent as a partner of General Martin, after which he practiced alone, until his late connec- tion with M. S. Rabb, Esq. In 1868 he was elected a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Conecuh, and in this capacity served with- out intermission, for ten years-the last four of which he was the chairman of the committee. In 1870 he was unanimously nominated for the county solicitor- ship, by the Democratic Party, but was defeated by the Radicals. In August, 1876, Captain Farnham, underwent the greatest of all changes-the renovation of his spiritual character. He became at once an active member of the Baptist Church at Evergreen, and finds peculiar delight in the work pertaining to the office of Sunday School Superintendent. In 1880 he was elected the President of the State Sunday School
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Convention. During the same year he was nominated for the Senatorship of his district, and was over- whelmingly elected-having received the largest vote ever cast in the district, 5,435. He was sustained by both the Democratic and Republican Parties. During the approaching session he signalized his usefulness as a legislator, by securing the passage of a bill pro- viding for the humane treatment of prisoners-the proper ventilation, heating of cells, and the proper supply of pure water for drinking purposes. He also secured an amendment to the section of the code re- lating to the regulation of the hire of convict laborers, so limiting the time as not to remand persons to slavery under the color of law. He earnestly strove to secure the passage of bills relative to reformation in the voting system of Alabama. In this he encountered strong opposition in the State Senate. His object was to secure an amendment to sections 274-276 of the code, relative to numbering and the size of ballots. By dilatory motions and parliamentary manœuvring, the action upon the bills was delayed. By resolute effort he forced a vote upon them toward the close of the session, and lacked only a few votes of securing the passage of the bill providing for the numbering of ballots. His speech upon the election law was pub- lished in the Montgomery Advertiser, and won alike the approbation of the press and the people. For one so gifted, so young, and energetic, and withal so vir- tuous in his life, there is a future of the most radiant · promise.
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CHAPTER XXVI.
Population-Principal Town -- Climate-Soil-Stock Raising- Productions-Industrial Resources-Forests-Streams-Numer- ous Advantages, Social, Educational, Agricultural-Colored Population, &c.
According to the late census* Conecuh has a popu- lation of 12,606. The population would have been much greater had the county retained its original ter- ritorial limits. By the formation of Escambia county, in 1868, Conecuh lost much of her southern territory, which included several thousand of her population. Among her numerous villages, Evergreen, the county seat, is the largest. It is one of the thriftiest towns of Southern Alabama; is situated on the Mobile and Montgomery Railway, nearly mid-way between these two cities, and has a population of nearly 800 inhabi- tants. Its location, in one of the most productive regions in this section of the State, the elevated tone of its society, its educational and religious facilities, and its mineral springs, make it quite a desirable point.
Conecuh county lies in the southern part of Ala- bama, and is within the southern portion of the tem- perate zone. Its climate is such as to exempt it alike from the rigors of a Northern region, and the disease and debility of the tropics. The mean annual tem-
* 1880.
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perature is about 65 degrees. Within the limits of the county can be found every variety of soil, from the most productive to the most barren. From the centre of the county to its northern limits are to be found lands of great fertility, while in the southern portion the lands are for the most part, thin, but by no means valueless. In the earliest periods of the settlement of the county, the lands which lay along the streams had a deep alluvial soil, that had been enriched for ages by the steady influx of productive deposits. And when the forests were felled, and the im- plements of industry had begun to stir the soil, the yield from these lowlands was immense. The basin lands of Murder creek, Conecuh river, Bottle creek and the Sepulgas, furnished the most productive soil found in the county. Adjoining these regions, though elevated to uplands, are the red lands of the county, which are regarded the most unfailing and uniform in their yield, as well as being most resistful to the power of waste. In the lower portion of the county are the pine districts, made famous, in late years, by the vast quantity of timber furnished to foreign ports. Since the earliest settlement of the county, these regions have been held in high esteem as pasturage lands. The absence of undergrowth or shrubbery, gives un- bounded freedom to the luxuriant grass that flour- ishes throughout this entire section. Though naturally thin, the soil is susceptible to a high degree of artificial cultivation, as there is usually found in this sandy region, a deep sub-soil of clay. These regions of
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sand and pine, though prevailing almost uninterrupt- edly in the lower half of Conecuh, are found in many portions of the county. These lands, almost without exception, are of level surface, thereby rendering quite easy the retention of fertilizers. And it is a subject of inquiry, if, with their subsoil of clay and their level surface, they are not destined to become the most unfailingly-productive lands in the county. It is a subject of regret that so many of the best lands of the county have been surrendered to the sway of "the tangled vine and riotous weed." Where once there waved the harvests of plenty, there are to be found, to-day, in many places, the thicket of briar and rustling sedge. Having undis- puted sway, the early farmers would betake them- selves to the invasion of uncleared forests, as soon as it became evident that their lands were being im- paired by usage, and they would thus leave behind them broad acres of soil that needed but little careful attention to preserve their wonderful productive powers. These lands are only awaiting the hand of industry to become again the most yieldable in the county.
STOCK RAISING.
Conecuh is peculiarly adapted to the raising of cattle, sheep, hogs and goats. Her extensive areas of grassy lands, which are covered with a verdant and luxuriant herbage, almost the year round, and well- watered with perpetual streams, places Conecuh in
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the front rank of stock-producing counties. In addi- tion to the growth of these tender grasses, there is that of the wild cane, which grows throughout all seasons along the streams, and is much relished by every variety of stock. Beef in considerable quanti- ties, and of superior quality, has for a long time been furnished from these, and adjoining regions, to the markets of Pensacola and Mobile. The production of wool is beginning to excite considerable attention in the county, and the time is not distant when it will become a source of vast revenue to the county.
FORESTS.
The prevailing growth in the forests of Conecuh is that of the hickory, poplar, ash, beech and pine, all the varieties of oak, and the queenly magnolia. The un- cleared districts of the county cover at least 75 per cent. of its surface. Along the streams, and upon the most fertile soil of the county, are found abounding the oak, the hickory, and beech-the annual yield of whose fruit fattens hundreds of hogs. And in the near future the hand of Art will be laid upon these useful timbers, and they will be made serviceable in the homes and trades of men. For many years past, the pine timbers of Conecuh have been a profitable commodity to dealers in lumber. Hewn into proper shapes, these timbers are floated in rafts down the principal streams to Pensacola, whence they are trans- ported to the ship-building yards of different countries.
Through the enterprise of Messrs. Bellingrath and
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Redwine, a turpentine manufactory has just been established at Castleberry. This article will no doubt become quite a commodity in the future commerce of the county.
PRODUCTIONS.
The productions of Conecuh are as varied as the soil upon which they are grown. The soil is pecu- liarly adapted to the growth of cotton, which is its all-prevailing staple. All the cereal crops, except wheat, are cultivated and yield in abundance. Im- proved systems are obtaining very generally through- out the county, and as a consequence, production is progressive.
Of staple farm products, corn, oats, rye, peas, rice, potatoes, peanuts, millet, sugar-cane, and cotton, are produced quite early.
Of fruits, the apple, pear, peach, fig, grape and melons, are the chief productions. Vast varieties of grapes are being introduced into different parts of Conecuh, and they never refuse to yield handsomely. The forests and abandoned fields abound in nuts, grapes, and berries, in large variety, which are fur- nished by Nature without cultivation. Because of the diversity of soil, the variety of productions, the favorableness of climate, and the easy accessibility to market, no field is more alluring to the immigrant than Conecuh. Vast regions of her land can be pur- chased at figures quite low. To the farmer, the hor- ticulturist, the gardener, the shepherd, and the man-
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ufacturer, facilities are afforded for easy settlement and rapid accumulation.
GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES.
Within the county is found a great variety of use- ful stone. In different sections the lime rock abounds. Mica has been discovered within the last year in such quantities as to encourage the hope of future profit.
STREAMS.
Conecuh is penetrated in different directions by some of the noblest streams of South Alabama.
Along its eastern border runs the Conecuh river into which flows Sepulga and Bottle creeks, while farther in the interior is Murder creek-a stream of great width and depth-and the southern portion is watered by Burnt Corn creek and its numerous tributaries.
SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES.
The county of Conecuh will compare favorably with any other in the State, with respect to the tone of its society and the character of its institutions. The society is, for the most part, moral and refined. Schools and churches abound. Two academies of high grade are to be found-one at Evergreen and the other at Bellville-presided over respectively. by Professors Tate and Newton.
THE COLORED POPULATION.
The colored people of the county are as intelligent, industrious and thrifty as any in the South. Since
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their emancipation many have secured comfortable homes by energy and frugality. There is a number who are well-to-do-having amassed to themselves respectable property.
CLOSING REMARKS.
Together, dear reader, we have passed over the scenes enacted in the county of Conecuh from the time that the first white man faced its perilous wilds, to the present time. Through all the shifting scenes incident to human life, we have passed, in this rapid review. Together have we stood with the gray- haired sires of the long-ago, and gazed upon the sunlit hills and green valleys of Conecuh, ere the tread of civilization broke their slumbering echoes. We have seen the hardy settler leave his home in the distant States and confront the barriers and hazards of a long journey, and finally pitch his home in a region as yet unwrenched from the grasp of the wild savage. We have seen the heroism with which he addressed himself to the colossal task of subject- ing the wild forces of nature to his control. We have watched the growth of civilization along succes- sive decades, and have seen its struggles with frown- ing disadvantages. Through poverty and pinching distress, through smoke of battle and radiant pros- perity, we have come up to the Present. And look- ing back from our present eminence-height, along the stretch of past years, we see the monuments of worth erected along the track of six and a half decades-
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monuments reared by the energy and pluck of our fathers and grandfathers,-yea, we see a county reclaimed from its wilderness wilds and made to "rejoice, and blossom as the rose." The determina- tion to snatch from oblivion the records of their heroism and success, and embody it in perpetual form, was alike honorable to sire and son. These brave men and women of the past, many of whom slumber beneath the sods of Conecuh, have bequeathed to the present and succeeding generations a rich legacy-a priceless bequest-in their deeds of nobleness ; they "being dead, yet speaketh." Upon the generation of the present-the sons and grandsons of a noble ancestry-rests the duty of continuing the work of advancement commenced sixty six years ago, when Conecuh was enfolded within her own virgin forests. Let them seek to preserve intact the institutions designed to ennoble the masses, and let them be as diligent in service to the generations to follow as were their ancestors to the generation of the present. So shall Conecuh continue her onward progress, and her people shall continue to be elevated in the scale of intellectual and moral excellence, "to the last recorded syllable of time."
THE END.
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APPENDIX. I. CONSTITUTION OF THE CONECUH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
PREAMBLE :
Whereas, the citizens of Conecuh county being desirous of re- claiming from the obscurity of the past, all the elements which will serve to make a correct history of the county, have agreed to con- stitute a Society for that purpose, to be governed by the following Constitution :
ARTICLE I.
Section 1. The name of this Society shall be "The Conecuh County Historical Society."
Sec. 2. The object of this Society shall be the accumulation and compilation, in enduring form, of the events which have marked the history of the county in the past, reaching back to its earliest period, and also of the men who have flourished in its annals, and indeed of every object and item which would serve to contribute, in anywise, to the interest of the history of a people.
Sec. 3. The officers of this Society shall be a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Recording Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall perform the duties usually connected with such offices.
Sec. 4. In addition to the above officers there shall be an Execu- tive Committee of five, composed of four members to be chosen from different parts of the county, and the President of the Society, who shall be ex officio Chairman of the Committee. The duty of this committee shall be to appoint time and place of meetings, arrange programme of exercises, and do whatever else will be de- manded for the success of each occasion.
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ARTICLE II.
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Section 1. This Society shall be composed of all who are or have been citizens of this county, who may desire to unite there- with. A list for the enrollment of names shall be kept in the office of the Judge of Probate, and a Recorder shall be appointed in each Beat, whose duty it shall be to secure the names of citizens, and forward weekly to the Judge of Probate at Evergreen.
Sec. 2. The members of this Society shall secure material from every possible source that would in anywise contribute to the his- tory of the county, whether traditional, biographical, martial, agricultural, or otherwise.
Sec. 3. Material thus secured must be forwarded to the address of the Chairman of the Statistical Committee, at Evergreen.
Sec. 4. This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote at any regular meeting of the Society ; provided, that notice of such proposed amendment be given at a previous meeting.
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APPENDIX II.
CONECUH GUARDS.
COMPANY E, FOURTH ALABAMA REGIMENT.
Below is given a complete roll of this company, which was the first organized for the war in Conecuh.
It was permanently organized at Sparta, Alabama, on the 1st day of April, 1861; mustered at Sparta Depot, April 24th, 1861; re- ceived flag from the Ladies of the county ; embarked on train with the following named commissioned, non-commissioned officers and privates ; mustered into the Confederate States Army at Lynchburg, Virginia, May 7th, 1861; surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9th, 1865 :
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