Category: History of Alabama with Melvin Cane

Melvin Cane
Melvin Cane

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 Man-Slayer Dies At Murder Creek

About 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.

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Front (west) and north side of Bethel Methodist Church on Old Line Road, northeast of Whatley, Alabama

Clarke County and Its Surroundings From 1540 To 1877 – Chapter III

THE 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.

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Students, faculty, and staff at the South Alabama Institute in Thomasville, Alabama. Circa 1890 - 1909

Clarke County Alabama and Its Surroundings from 1540 to 1877 – Introduction

It 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 ?

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History of Clarke County Alabama by John Simpson Graham, Editied by Terry W. Platt

HISTORY OF CLARKE COUNTY ALABAMA by John Simpson Graham

Clarke 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.

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History of Clarke County Alabama by John Simpson Graham, Editied by Terry W. Platt

HISTORY OF CLARKE COUNTY: WHITE SETTLERS IN CLARKE

In 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:

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