Clarke County Alabama And Its Surroundings From 1540 to 1877 – Table of Contents
The transcription and enhancement of this book is dedicated to the citizens of Clarke County Alabama.
Continue readingEXPLORE ALABAMA – For Adventure-Spirited Souls Looking for Something A Little Bit Different.
Alabama History with Melvin Cane (alias) has been a popular topic of discussion among his relatives for over a hundred years. Melvin was born in north Alabama in 1890 and the family discussions started when Melvin first walked off the family farm around the turn of the century. Melvin was seldom seen after he walked away but he would show up often enough to let others know he was still alive. His random reappearances added further to the mystery of this man. He did not emerge from his enigmatic existance until he was 42 years of age at which time he started his family.
Melvin is not a fictional character. Melvin is an alias for a real person. History of Alabama are the tales of his travels and adventures made for empassioned stories from both town folks and kinfolk. Over the years the family has taken every opportunity to investigate the tales in order to separate those that may be true from those proven to be nothing more than homemade folklore. As would be expected, the stories, regardless of their origin or validity found their way to Melvin’s descendents.
Frankly, Melvin was an embarrasement to some of the family. Other family members bragged that the stories, if true, would show that Melvin embodied all the characteristics of an American hero.
One young male family member that grew up listening almost daily to these stories about Melvin became Melvin’s biggest fan. The boy was often scolded by family members that spoke of Melvin with disdain. Other family members, in particular the boy’s mother, a full blooded Cherokee, would encourage the boy to remember his grandfather with pride and wonderment.
This boy eventually grew up to become one of our country’s best spys – in fact, the team leader for a 300 strong group working for one of our U.S. three letter federal agencies. Having the experience and training required for taking responsibility of a group of 300 spys teaches one some pretty useful investigative skills. Our young farm boy, now grown, can now do some serious separation of fact from fiction concerning the tales of Melvin.
All you have been told is true. After three intensive years of historical research the family now has a pretty good understanding of their ancestor, Melvin Cane. In order to share this research with all Alabamians, the grandson, the spy leader, has enlisted the aid of a master storyteller to create Melvins Alabama History and place Melvin into the events of our Alabama history. Melvin may or may not have personally witnessed these events but we will let you decide that for yourself. In any event, you can stand where Melvin stood, hear what Melvin hears and see what Melvin sees.
The research has been done and the records have been proven authentic. Now, it’s time to let Melvin tell you about some events in Alabama history.
We hope you enjoy the stories. Welcome to Melvin’s Alabama History.
The transcription and enhancement of this book is dedicated to the citizens of Clarke County Alabama.
Continue readingAbout this time, a bloody transaction occurred in the territory of the present county of Conecuh. During the revolutionary war, Colonel McGillivray formed an acquaintance with many conspicuous royalists, and, among others, with Colonel Kirkland, of South Carolina. That person was at McGillivray’s house, upon the Coosa, in 1788, with his son, his nephew, and several other gentlemen. They were on their way to Pensacola, where they intended to procure passports, and settle in the Spanish province of Louisiana. When they determined to leave his hospitable abode, McGillivray sent his servant [slave] to guide them to Pensacola.
Continue readingThe White Sulphur Well lies just outside the corporate limits of the town,
situated on the Southern Railway. This water is known far and wide for its
medicinal qualities.
Early Settlement of Conecuh by the Whites – Conflict at Battle Branch – First Settlement at Bellville – Founding of Hampden Ridge- Alexander Autrey – Other Settlers – Land Claims – Emigration, & etc.
Continue readingEarly Privations and Struggles – Unparalleled Difficulties – Scarcity of Shoes – Undaunted Heroism – Meagreness of Blacksmith Facilities – Joshua Betts – A Barefooted Population – Scarcity of Grist Mills – Georgia Currency, & etc.
Continue readingMy journey from first glance to completion of this project has reaffirmed my belief in the value of historical texts and reminded me that I have a self-imposed responsibility to preserve and pass on for future generations.
Continue readingTHE MISSISSIPPI TERRITORY— 1798-1812
The American was beginning to place himself not only abreast of all the world, but in the lead, for all useful inventions and for daring enterprise and indomitable will. And over the belt of long-leaved pines a new era also dawns.
DEDICATED TO THE CITIZENS OF CLARKE COUNTY ALABAMA
Continue readingEarly Travels and Conflicts in the Great South-East
Continue readingAbout Clarke County, Alabama and Its Surroundings, 1540-1877
SPANISH, FRENCH AND ENGLISH RESIDENTS
Bullock County Alabama, established in 1866, the county took its name from Colonel E. C. Bullock, of Eufaula. It is located in a region which enables it to command all the conditions favorable to prosperity.
Its area comprises 660 square miles.
Continue readingIt may be asked, Why do I especially undertake this work ? And my first answer is, Because it is a variety of literary work which I peculiarly love. Persons should do, if possible and right, what they like to do. Seeing a fine opportunity for pleasant employment, why, in this land of freedom, should I not improve it ?
Continue readingClarke County is situated between the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers, extending from the cut-off on the south, north to the north boundary line of the south third of Township 12, a distance of about 65 miles. The county has an area of about 1,200 square miles, or 768,000 square acres, and has a population of between 31,000 and 32,000.
Continue readingThey are miners and shippers of
yellow ochre and china clays, also manufacturers of all clay commodities, such
as clap turpentine cups, hollow building blocks, brick, drain tile, flower pots,
jugs, churns and all other clay novelties.
In March, 1819, the United States granted to the state of Alabama in trust
for its people five sections of salt lands, two sections in Township 5 North,
Range 2 East, and three sections in Township 7 North, Range 1 East.
History of Clarke County by John Simpson Graham
It is the purpose of the author of this book to write a history devoted almost exclusively to Clarke County Alabama and its people.
Birmingham printing Company, 1923
345 pages
Established in 1866, the county took its name from Colonel E. C. Bullock, of Eufaula. It is located in a region which enables it to command all the conditions favorable to prosperity.
Continue readingIn the year 1800 the white people began to settle in this county, and by
1813 there were quite a number of settlers along the west side of the county. In
1813 the Indians became very troublesome and the whites became alarmed and began
the erection of forts at various points in the county. According to Ball’s
history of Clarke County, they were located as follows:
For instance, they
discover that in Clarke County, some time in the centuries gone by, there was an
upheaval, ripping the county open from Section 21 (where it goes into the
Tombigbee River), Township 5 North, Range 2 East, to the same river in Township
8 North, Range 1 West.
According to history, there were several settlements in the county 383 years ago. There was a considerable town, called Maubila, located at either Croctaw Bluff or French’s Landing, four miles above Gainstown.
Continue readingChief Pathkiller, was a Cherokee warrior, town chief, and Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. He also served as a colonel under Andrew Jackson in the Tennessee militia during the Creek War.
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