T. G. McGowan, born in 1832 in Ireland, became a respected planter and county commissioner in Baldwin County, Alabama. He served in the Fifteenth Alabama cavalry during the Civil War and later became a successful farmer and stock grower. He also served as a local preacher in the Methodist church.
Samuel K. Reynolds, born 1836 in Philadelphia, was a highly esteemed physician and surgeon in Baldwin County, Alabama. After initially practicing in Philadelphia and Europe, he moved to Alabama in 1859. During the Civil War, Reynolds provided medical services to Catholic institutions in Mobile, and continued his private practice post-war.
Samuel E. Stokes, born 1824, was a dedicated merchant and Civil War veteran from Clarke County, Alabama. Despite losing his wealth during the war, Stokes persevered, starting a business in Daphne, Alabama, with his remaining possessions and displaying admirable resilience and entrepreneurship.
John Hadley, born in 1820, was a notable stock grower in South Baldwin County, Alabama. He initially worked as a farm hand and United States express rider, before transitioning into the stock business with his brother. Hadley, despite an early life of hardship, successfully managed a diverse and substantial livestock farm, specializing in sheep and cattle. He also played a significant role in his community and family.
Henry J. Hunt was a respected planter and lumberman from Tensaw, Baldwin county, Alabama. Born in Georgia in 1827, Hunt relocated to Alabama, where he served in the Alabama cavalry during the Civil War. Following the war, he established a successful lumber business and farming operation. Recognized as an active community member, Hunt was part of the Tensaw lodge and the Missionary Baptist church.
Edwin Baldwin, born in 1848, was a versatile entrepreneur in Baldwin County. Following service in the Civil War and varied occupations including river pilot and cowboy, he established a thriving business empire. His endeavors spanned from mercantile pursuits to a lumber and juniper business, grist and saw mill operation, pottery and brick production, and plans for a cannery. His resourcefulness significantly contributed to the growth of Baldwin County.
Charles F. Zundel, born in Germany in 1824, emigrated to America and worked as a baker before moving to Baldwin county. In partnership with George Kapahn and later Mr. Brodbeck, he successfully engaged in merchandising. Married to Anna M. Brodbeck in 1870, they had nine children.
Dr. John E. Wilkinson, the well-known physician and druggist of Prattville and an elder brother of Judge William P. Wilkinson, was born near Autaugaville, Ala., in 1847, and was reared on the home farm and attended school at Autaugaville until sixteen years of age, when he joined company A, Eighth Alabama cavalry, of Gen. Clanton’s brigade and was engaged mostly in scouting throughout Alabama and on the coast, and surrendered about six months after the surrender of his general at Meridian, Miss. After the war had closed, he resumed his studies, and after being duly prepared, read medicine with Drs.
Judge William F. Wilkinson, of Prattville, was born in Autauga County, Ala., in October 1849. His father, Joseph B. Wilkinson, was a native of Blount County, Tenn., born in 1813, and came to Autauga when a youth. Here he married Miss Elizabeth A. Nicholson, a native of the county, born in 1820. He began life a poor man, but was a skillful farmer and merchant, and became quite well to do. He was a great reader and became one of the best-informed men in the county. He served as county commissioner a number of years and was active in politics
William W. Wadsworth, a native of Autauga County, Ala., and one of the leading businessmen of Alabama, was born near Prattville, October 17, 1841, the son of Daniel and Sallie (Matthews) Wadsworth. The father was born in Moore County, N. C., in 1810, and the mother is a native of Georgia. In 1832, Daniel Wadsworth came to Alabama and settled in Autauga County, where he was married, passing twice through the nuptial ceremony. His first wife was Miss Matthews, who died in 1846, and his second wife was Miss M. A. Norris. Mr. Wadsworth, who was one of the most
James M. Thompson, planter of Autaugaville, and ex-sheriff of Autauga county, Ala., was born in 1836 in the county named, a son of William N. and Cynthia A. (Manning) Thompson. The father was born in Wiltshire, Eng.., about 1789; was a man of great information, obtained after leaving school by constant reading, research, and observation in travel. During the war of 1812, between England and America, he was sent by his government on some public mission, and later drifted to Autauga county, where he married and engaged in farming for a number of years; he then, about 1830, moved to
This article provides a biographical sketch of Capt. R. E. Wright, a planter in Barbour County, Alabama, who was born in Taliaferro County, Georgia, in 1838. The article notes that Capt. Wright’s father, John Wright, was a planter and a Freemason who opposed secession but nonetheless contributed five sons to the Confederate army during the Civil War. Capt. Wright himself fought in the war as a second-lieutenant in the Fifteenth regiment of Alabama infantry, was promoted to captain, and was wounded at the second Battle of Manassas. After the war, he worked as a teacher and farmer before embarking on a successful career as a planter and merchant. Capt. Wright was also active in local politics, serving as a justice of the peace and as a representative in the state legislature. He was married with four children and was a devout Methodist.
This article provides a brief biography of David C. Turnipseed, a successful planter and fruit grower from Flora, Alabama who has passed away. He was born in 1846 and received his education at home and at the state university before the Civil War broke out. He married Orleania E. in 1877 and started his business with about $1,200 given by his father. Over time, he acquired over 5,000 acres and was known for his fruit-growing, experimenting with many varieties of fruits and vegetables. He was a thorough horticulturist and was well qualified for making a success of his undertaking. He was preparing to add a canning factory to his enterprise. David C. Turnipseed and his wife were members of the Methodist church and had four children.
The article provides a brief biography of James Monroe Tarver, a planter and retired merchant from Enon, Bullock County, Alabama. Tarver was born in Georgia in 1821 and was the youngest of eight children. He received a good education from private tutors and began his business career at the age of 21. In 1845, he married Rachel Banks, and they had six children. Tarver served with the state troops during the Civil War and resumed farming after the war, eventually becoming a successful merchant. Tarver has done public service as justice of the peace and major of the militia and has been a Freemason for 45 years. He is described as having a genial and social disposition, while his wife has been a faithful member of the Methodist church.
The article provides a brief biography of Dr. James D. Rumph, a prominent physician and surgeon from Perote, Bullock County, Alabama. It mentions his family background, education, and professional achievements. The article also discusses his sons, including Christian Wilber Rumph, who served in the Civil War, and his daughters. Additionally, the article briefly mentions some of the activities and accomplishments of Christian Wilber Rumph, including his involvement in the mercantile business, planting, and state politics.
This article chronicles the life and career of Dr. James H. Reynolds, a distinguished physician and surgeon born in Anson County, North Carolina, in 1833. He was part of a family with a history of medical professionals, and he graduated from Nashville Medical College in 1854. After settling in Alabama, Dr. Reynolds married Sarah Striven and had eight children, six of whom survived to adulthood. He owned a 2,700-acre plantation and practiced medicine for over 38 years, serving a wide area in the early days of his career.
The article provides a biographical account of Captain Joel H. Rainer, the president of the Merchants & Farmers’ bank of Union Springs, Bullock County, Alabama. It details his early life, marriages, and business ventures, including his time in the Confederate army during the American Civil War. The article notes his numerous business interests, including his directorship in cotton mills and insurance companies, and his public service in the legislature and national democratic convention. Captain Rainer is portrayed as a self-made man, rising from poverty through hard work, business acumen, and integrity.
The article provides a biographical sketch of Malachi Ivey, a progressive citizen and planter from Perote, Bullock county, Alabama. It describes his family background, upbringing, education, marriages, and children. It also highlights his practical farming skills, generosity, and community service during the Civil War. Additionally, it mentions his positions as a county commissioner and chaplain of the Perote alliance, as well as his membership in the Baptist church, which is shared by all his family members.
This article provides a brief biography of Robert L. Hobdy, a successful planter from Bullock County, Alabama. Born in Pike County in 1840, Hobdy’s father was Harrell Hobdy, a prominent figure in Alabama politics and a plantation owner. Robert L. Hobdy received his education at Auburn College before enlisting in the Confederate army during the Civil War. He fought in many battles and was wounded at Atlanta before returning to Alabama to continue his career as a planter. In 1867, he married Mary Buford, the daughter of Major Jefferson Buford, a well-known planter and lawyer who represented his district in the state senate. Hobdy was highly regarded in his community for his industry, perseverance, and success as a planter.
The article is a biographical sketch of Major James M. Feagin, who was one of the oldest residents of Midway, Bullock County, Alabama. He was born in Jones County, Georgia in 1814, and his father, Samuel Feagin, was a well-respected citizen who served as a sheriff, county commissioner, and justice of the peace. In 1836, James M. Feagin and his family moved to Alabama, where he became involved in the Indian hostilities that were then underway. He raised a company of men and served as a lieutenant, scout, and pilot for various companies of United States troops and volunteers during the summer and fall of 1836. He later attained the position of lieutenant of the Cowikee spies and served throughout the entire two years’ subsequent Indian hostilities. After the Indian hostilities ended, he resumed his farming and succeeded in hewing out a fine homestead from the wilderness. He married Miss Almira C., daughter of Noah B. Cole, and they had twelve children.
The article is a biographical sketch of Major Isaac F. Culver, a famous planter and livestock breeder of Bullock County, Alabama. It details his family background, early life, education, military service during the Civil War, and various positions of honor and trust in Bullock County. It also mentions his extensive and complete stock farm in Alabama, as well as his involvement in politics, public affairs, and social organizations.
The article is a biographical account of Dr. Augustin Clayton Crymes, a physician who practiced in Midway, Bullock County, Alabama. The article describes his family background, education, and professional career, including his service as a surgeon in the Confederate army during the Civil War. It also provides information on his family life, including his marriage to Mattie R. Wilson and their five children. Additionally, the article mentions his involvement in Freemasonry and his membership in state and county medical associations.
The article is a biographical account of Dr. Groves Caldwell, one of the oldest practitioners of Bullock County, Alabama, at the time. It covers his family background, education, medical practice, military service during the Civil War, and his contributions to society. The article also mentions his family life, including his marriage and children.
The article is a biography of Dr. Richard Lemuel Butt, a talented physician and surgeon from Midway, Bullock county, Alabama. It covers his family background, education, medical career, and personal life, including his marriages and children. The article also includes information on his ancestors and family history, as well as his military service during the Civil War.
This is volume 7 of The Alabama Historical Quarterly published quarterly in 1945 by the Alabama State Department of Archives and History. You can freely read this manuscript online, search the manuscript, or download a PDF copy for offline reading. The article “Colbertians”, painstakingly prepared by Mr. James gives an intimate picture of the early history of Colbert County and some of its pioneer citizens. Parts 2 and 3 of the “Colbertians” include transcriptions of obituaries and cemetery records for Colbert County, Alabama.