Wilcox County Chat Log - Aug 31, 2000


NOTE: The chat started about 10 minutes before I opened the log at 9:10 pm EDT - bjs

The topic is: Wilcox County

[ouidaw] I did write down the webpages.

[Clifford] Good you will have to look at them since they also contain the - agee family.

[BooMack] How old was John McArthur? Was he married to a Sarah McNeil?

[ouidaw] I will look at them.

[ouidaw] I don't remember his age off the top of my head and I will have to - think about his wife. The one you are talking about might be differant from - the one I an thinkin about. I know that he was an early resident of Canton - on the river and moved to Barboursville after 1832.

[Clifford] BJS, I have enjoyed getting to talk to people from an area that I - am having problem doing research, I am going to sent you two webpage sites - that we need to place on the webpage with the authors permission they are - http://www.end-visionit.com/family/index.html & - http://www.kithandkin.homestead.com/

>> gwin has joined channel #XC.2115614

[Clifford] gwin, who are you researching in Wilcox Co., Alabama?

[gwin] Greetings, cousins!

[ouidaw] Hello.

[Clifford] hello.

[BooMack] Ouida, I have researched as far as my great grandmother, Ella - McArthur English. She was born in 1868 in Canton and murdered in ?1905. She - was listed on the 1870 Census at the age of 2 years. Her parents were listed - as Albert and Mariah Jordan. Their ages were like 60 and 50 which I think - was sort of strange to have a young child., in addition to their surname - being Jordan. I think it is possible that they could have been her maternal - grandparents or caretakers.

[Clifford] BJS, did you get those webpages?

[ouidaw] That is interesting. Have you researched the murder?

[gwin] BJ, thanks for sending out the instructions on how to get here.

[Clifford] ouidaw, have you been to the library lately?

[ouidaw] I was there a few days ago. I am going tomorrow.

[Clifford] I am wondering if they have update the file folders, on the Civil - war Soldiers? I have not been in a while to look at the information.

[Clifford] gwin, who are you researching??

[ouidaw] I don't know if they have. I can ask tomorrow.

[BooMack] I know the murder happened in Canton, on the land owned by Judge - William Henderson. My grandfather, Albert McArthur was 15 years of age when - his mom Ella was murdered. I have checked Sheriff Records and did as much - oral history as possible. Of course there is no death certificate because it - occurred before 1908, when a death or birth certificate wasn't required in - the state of Alabama. I know that she attened the Shady Grove Baptist church - and I inquired about the church

[gwin] Is this thing always this slow? A guy can snail mail faster!

[ouidaw] Have you checked the newspaper for any information. They didn't run - a lot about such in those days, but should have some mention.

[Clifford] ouidaw, thanks. I really miss getting to find new information that - I cannot find here in pensacola, FL

[gwin] Sorry friends--I have no time for this--g'night! :-)

[ouidaw] Goodbye.

[BooMack] I did review some of microfilm from the Wilcox County Progressive - Era and I didn't find anything.

>> gwin has left channel #XC.2115614

[Clifford] bjs, have you looked at the agriculture census for Alabama?

[ouidaw] All of the criminal court records are in Montgomery at the Archives - if anybody was charged and tried.

[BooMack] I talked with Mrs. Hettie Harrington, a descendant of Judge - Henderson and she is in the process of checking some records from the Judge's - diary. I have been to the ADADD

[ouidaw] I don't know where else you might find something.

[BooMack] Error in my last message, I have to the ADAH in Montgomery several - times and found no records. I have spoken with Sheriff Arnold and awaiting - his reply.

[BooMack] Ouida what are the names of the cemetaries or burial grounds for - African Americans in the early 1900s?

[Clifford] ouidaw, do you know if anyone is doing research on the sadler, - chappell, or pharr family at the library?

[ouidaw] I really don't know for sure. I can probably look some up, but not - sure.

[ouidaw] Not that I know.

[BooMack] Are there any John McArthur descendants living in Wilcox County?

[ouidaw] Yes, I think so, but not by the McArthur name.

[BooMack] I was told that Mrs. O. Martin is a descendant, that lives in - Prairie. Do you know her?

[ouidaw] Yes, I do know her. And she is a descendant.

[BooMack] Some of the records that I did discover at the ADAH, was that John - McArthur's Will Book and Inventory #6 was on file . Also, because my - ancestors were McArthurs, I checked as far as the first McArthur residing in - Wilcox which was John McArthur in 1820.. Peter and Allen joined him by 1830. - Do you know if the three men were related? They all was from North Carolina.

[ouidaw] I believe there was a connection, but have never checked to see - what.

[BooMack] Is Mrs. Martin contributing a story in the heritage book? Is it - anyway that I can contact her?

[ouidaw] I am not sure that she has contributed a story for the book. Either - by mail or phone you could contact her.

[BooMack] Was John McArthur's plantation in Camden or Canton?

[ouidaw] His property was at Canton.

[BooMack] Did his plantation have an official name or was it just referrred - to as the McArthur Plantation?

[ouidaw] If it had a specific name, I do not know what it was.

[BooMack] Is there a listing of the plantation homes in Wilcox County?

[ouidaw] If you mean an old listing, the oldest that I am aware of is the - HABS survey from the 1930s. If I am not mistaken the McArthur house that was - at Canton was torn down in the early 1980s.

>> caroljcoop has joined channel #XC.2115614

[BooMack] What is the HABS survey?

[ouidaw] The HABS survey was of buildings, not just homes.

[ouidaw] Hello caroljcoop

[caroljcoop] hello all - my first visit

[BooMack] What does the acronym HABS stands for?

[ouidaw] welcome, glad to have you join us.

[BooMack] Hi Caoljcoop

[ouidaw] Historic American Buildings Survey--it was a government sponsored - program during the depression.

[caroljcoop] ouida, do remember me? I had you do some research for me and - then we met when i made a trip to Wilcox Co. from KS. You got permission for - me to go into the attic over the old jail

>> Clifford has left channel #XC.2115614

Disconnected:
Network connection closed

>> BJS has joined channel #XC.2115614

The topic is: Wilcox County

[ouidaw] Yes, we have a good many of the old homes and buildings left.

[caroljcoop] In a newspaper article from the 1860s there is a story regarding - the home of Nancy Weatherford at Red Hill being burned. I haven't been able - to find out anything about Red Hill.

>> Clifford has joined channel #XC.2115614

[BooMack] Is this book still in circulation? Also, I saw a book in the - Clayton Library in Houston, TX titled, From Cabins to Mansions by Mary E. - Brantley, that had a lot of interesting information, where I can I find such - a book?

[caroljcoop] Oh, Ouida - it was great - divorce papers regarding a great - something uncle and aunt

[Clifford] caroljcoop, who are you researching?

[caroljcoop] Austin, Cone, Weatherford, Stearns and others

[ouidaw] You can probably find Gambles book. Miss Brantley;s book is out of - print and she is deceased now.

[BooMack] Is there a store in Wilcox County or in Alabama that sells heritage - books or books that's out of print?

[ouidaw] Yes, the papers from the attic are great. They have been brought to - the Library just recently and eventually will be microfilmed. I am very glad - about this. It is something I have wanted to see for a longtime.

[caroljcoop] Ouida, a cousin went to Camden a couple of years ago and said - all the papers are gone from the second floor of the old jail. Do you know - what happened to them?

[Clifford] bjs, did you get the webpages that I sent to you?

[caroljcoop] Oh, wonderful! I was up there for hours and hours just reading - all these wonderful things. They didn't pertain to my families, but what a - treasure they are.

[ouidaw] No book store in Camden, You might try the website bibliofind.com - for the out of print books.

[ouidaw] They are great-so full of interesting things. Apparently your - cousin did not get into the locked room with the old cabinet and circuit - court papers.

[caroljcoop] Maybe not. I really should put the transcript of these divorce - papers on the Wilcox website, but I only have one side of the story

[BooMack] Ouidaw did you know a former resident of Camden, by the name of Mr. - Wade Jackson?

[ouidaw] No, I don't know Mr. Jackson.

[Clifford] ouidaw, I hope that my cousin Ruby Griffin is doing fine, at 93 - she has been a big help to me.

[ouidaw] The divorce papers are interesting. I have thought of writing a - story for one of my books on the divorces of the 1800s.

BJS> Hello Clifford. I'm sorta here, sorta not :-) Which pages did you send?

[ouidaw] Ruby seems to be doing good. I saw her from a distance in the - grocery store last week.

[BooMack] Since the records have been removed from the old jail house are - they going to make the jail a museum, historic site?

[ouidaw] The plans are underway to turn the old jail into a Civil Rights - Museum.

[BooMack] Great!

[caroljcoop] I hope when you and the others go through the files from the - jail you can find the rest of the papers. I would be happy to send you the - transcript I made.

[Clifford] bjs here they are again http://www.kithandkin.homestead.com/ & - http://www.end-visionit.com/family/index.html on the Nettles, and Sadler and - Agee from Wilcox Co., Alabama

[ouidaw] I would like to have the transcript. The Archives is involved in - the project and it will include microfilming the loose estate papers and the - others in the metal bins in the Probate Office too.

[BooMack] When I visited the old jail there were tons of records on the first - and second level. Is there a team of volunteers restoring the records?

[caroljcoop] Pretty interesting - involves adultery, child custody, spousal - abuse and a case of (excuse me) venereal disease

[Clifford] ouidaw, if you see Mrs. Ruby Griffin please let her know that - Clint Morgan from Pensacola, FL is doing fine and I am sorry that I have not - talked to her lately.

[ouidaw] There are volunteers who will work on getting the records ready for - microfilming. Then the Archives will send in someone to do that.

[ouidaw] Next time I see Ruby or talk with her I will tell her. I usually - get to see her in the grocery every so often for a visit.

[caroljcoop] I wish I could come help. Just live too far away

BJS> Thanx. Will put those on site.

[BooMack] I attempted to search all of those sheriff registers, but it was - too hot and too many strange looking insects in the building.

[caroljcoop] No mice - lol - I developed an ongoing relationship with a very - bold rodent

[ouidaw] The criminal records you want are more than likely in Montgomery.

[BooMack] I didn't stay long enought to encounter the mice, if any was - present!

>> ileman has joined channel #XC.2115614

[caroljcoop] oh, they were there

[ouidaw] That is if someone was charged in the case and a trial was held.

[caroljcoop] I was there so long that a deputy came to check on me

>> omstar99 has joined channel #XC.2115614

[ouidaw] I encountered all kinds of rodents and bugs on my excursions to the - upper floor also. I found windows open and rain pouring on old books and any - number of other things on my trips up there.

[caroljcoop] No, it wasn't criminal. These papers are more involved in a - custody fight and the accusations that were made by one side

[BooMack] I spoke with Frazine Taylor at the ADAH and requested several boxes - from the vault of criminal records, no luck. Day two, I was determined and - checked 8 boxes from the Hendersons, because of the murder occurring on their - land, no luck. The murderer was Johnny Bennett.

[caroljcoop] Yes, there was a broken window

[ouidaw] Yes, your divorce but BooMack has a murder he is interested in.

[caroljcoop] Oh - guess I missed that. Tell us about it.

[Clifford] omstarr99, who are you researching?

[ouidaw] I don't know where else to tell you to look.

[omstar99] I am researching the Cheatham and Donald surnames.

[Clifford] ileman, hi

[caroljcoop] boomack - newspapers?

[ileman] hello

[BooMack] I have been depending on more oral history. I just have that - feeling that someone knows something, I just haven't made that connection - yet.

[Clifford] One of the family friends is name Martha Cheatham from Butler Co., - Alabama that I know.

[Clifford] ileman who are you researching?

[caroljcoop] When did the murder occur?

[omstar99] I know of a Martha Cheatham. The Cheathams had land in the - eastern part of Wilcox before moving into Al.

[ileman] Dickson, Lynch, Martin, May, McCorquodale, Neville, Pittman, - Robinson, Sealy

[BooMack] yes, carol I checked the microfilm from the Progressive Era. My - grandfather's 100 year old cousin, who just recently made his transition in - June, told me that a little boy he can remember his parents talking about it. - the murder occurred about 1905, on Judge William Henderson's land in Canton.

[caroljcoop] Who was murdered? A family member?

[Clifford] omstarr99, Martha Cheatham did alot of work in Butler Co., Alabama - around the LIberty United Methodist Church and another cemetery that almost - no longer exist.

[ileman] nite..

[omstar99] will be visiting the Wilcox and Butler county area next month. - Hope to locate more data on these families. Our line is from Peter Cheatham - and Alexander Doanld

[caroljcoop] I just learned that a descendant of Dr. Adams from Pine Apple - has the original church minutes from the old Pine Apple Christian Church. I - would love to see those.

[omstar99] do you recall the locate of the cemetery that you said 'almost no - longer exist"?

[BooMack] My great grandmother, Ella McArthur English was the one that was - murdered.

[ouidaw] Who is the descendant who has the records, Carol?

[caroljcoop] Oh my goodness, Boo! Why?

[Clifford] I do not it is located on pineapple hwy on your right if you are - going to town and one your left if you are going to pineapple.

[caroljcoop] Ouida, I don't know who it is. Apparently this person has - shared some of the minutes with a few people and others know about it.

[ouidaw] I would love to see the records also.

[omstar99] What area is this in. Is it on Hwy 10 and into town, is that - Greenville, or into Wilcox county.

[caroljcoop] If I'm not mistaken, he lives in Mobile

[BooMack] I was told that my great grandfather, Johnny Bennett, a very - jealous man, committed the crime. My grandfather was only 15 years of age - and other relatives said he didn't talk about it much. Of course, I want to - know the details, exactly what year? where are the records? where was she - buried? etc.

[caroljcoop] Well, you know there have to be records somewhere, or at least - you would think so, Boo. Montgomery?

[ouidaw] ileman is your Lynch George Lynch?

[BooMack] Out of five visits to Montgomery, no luck.

[Clifford] omstar99, hwy 10 going to wilcox Co., Alabama it has a marker on - the side of the road for the name, but if you ask at the library in the - genealogy section for her newspaper that is lamenated they can pull it out of - the cabinet for you.

[caroljcoop] I don't know where they buried people in Wilcox Co. So many of - my people have no burial place. Probably somewhere in those piney woods by - now.

[BooMack] I know that she was a member of the Shady Grove Baptist Church and - I have inquired about the church records.

[Clifford] omstar99, are you related to the star family that is connected to - the jones in Wilcox Co., Alabama?

[caroljcoop] Boo, have you tried the Monroe Journal?

[BooMack] Ouida do you know Monroe Bethea?

[ouidaw] No, I don't know Monroe Bethea.

[BooMack] No, I haven't tried the Monroe Journal? How do I obtain that info?

[Clifford] boomack, are you asking about the Bethea family?

[ouidaw] What Starr family is connected to the Jones.

[BooMack] Cliff, I am related to the Betheas.

[Clifford] booMack, so am I!! I have so much information on them.

Disconnected:
Network connection closed

>> BJS has joined channel #XC.2115614

The topic is: Wilcox County

[BooMack] Thanks I will check the Monroe Journal!

[ouidaw] You mean my Starrs.

[Clifford] boomack, email me at Clmorgan@pjc.cc.fl.us for more information.

[caroljcoop] They covered news all over the area - not just Monroe Co.

[omstar99] Can you recommend some site that might be of interest to the - researcher. Most interested in area around Pineapple

[Clifford] ouidaw, yes I did, I am sorry that I made a mistake typing.

[ouidaw] Ouida-your Donalds are those of Pine Apple--Mr. Erskine and Mrs - Frances Grimes--same family.

[BooMack] 10-4 Cliff

[caroljcoop] omstar, who are you researching in Pine Apple?

[ouidaw] No problem, Clifford

[caroljcoop] Ouida, is Mr. Johnny Mack still alive - lived in Pine Apple?

[ouidaw] Ouida, have you been to Mt. Moriah Church and cemetery? I think Mr. - Johnny Mack has passed away.

[BooMack] Cliff, Carol, Ouidaw, BJ, Ileman it's been great this first visit! - I have an early morning flight to catch! Thanks so much for the information. - And peace!

[Clifford] ouidaw, I have the history of pineapple book.

[omstar99] Yes, our Donalds were brother several generations ago. Also some - members of our line were married in Wilcox county in the 1820s. Also some - links Seale family via the Murphys.

[caroljcoop] I spent a wonderful afternoon with him and his wife. He had a - phenomenal memory and recalled that his family lived across the road from my - Austin family

[ouidaw] Your Donalds were from Abbeville South Carolina and members of the - ARP Church?

[caroljcoop] Boo have a safe flight

[ouidaw] Goodbye, BooMack Good luck with your search.

[BooMack] Thanks!

[ouidaw] You have the Smith and Grimes book, Clifford. Do you have the Melton - book.

[omstar99] I do not know of a Johnny Mack. I did visit the Mt Moriah church - and cemetery on our visit last year.Forgive me, but the ARP church. not - familiar with it.

[ouidaw] Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

[Clifford] ouidaw I have the section on the melton and Jones

[ouidaw] Mr John Mack Feagin a Pine Apple native and a very interesting - person to talk with.

[Clifford] ouidaw, is there a melton book all by it self?

[omstar99] Thanks. Always welcome new data.

>> ileman has left channel #XC.2115614

[caroljcoop] Mr. Johnny Mack was, I think, the oldest resident of Wilcox Co.? - He was in his 90s when I last saw him about 5 years ago.

[ouidaw] I said Melton, excuse me that was wrong--it is Stanford I believe - who did the book on Pine Apple.

[ouidaw] I have an obituary or something from the ARP(Newspaper) on one of - the Donalds. Can't remember now which, but I think he was the Dr. Donald who - came to Wilcox-Butler.

[ouidaw] He was educated at Erskine College in Due West, SC.

[Clifford] I need to say good-night to all.

[caroljcoop] I hope to get back to Wilcox Co. within the year. An Austin - cousin from the Ward family sent me

[omstar99] Thanks. enjoyed the chat

>> Clifford has left channel #XC.2115614

>> omstar99 has left channel #XC.2115614

[caroljcoop] oops didn't finish typing - the cousin sent me a brick from the - well dug on the original Ward place

[ouidaw] I hope you will be able to make the trip.

[caroljcoop] I wish I could help dig through all those loose records

[ouidaw] Wish you could help also. It is going to be quite a job to get them - ready to film.

[ouidaw] If you send me the transcript, that would be great.

[caroljcoop] I'll make a copy of the transcript and send it to you, Ouida. - If you find the other half of the story, please let me know.

[caroljcoop] Good night all. Enjoyed the visit.

[ouidaw] I have made notes from a lot of the divoreces and copied other - records. I'll keep my eyes ooen for it.

[caroljcoop] Thanks so much.

>> caroljcoop has left channel #XC.2115614

[ouidaw] Good night, I enjoyed the visit too.

BJS> Hi Ouida. I'm back. Want to close out for the evening?

[ouidaw] BJ, it looks like everyone has left but us.

BJS> As usual.

BJS> Thanks so much. I looked over the transcript and it looked like a very - interesting evening.

[ouidaw] Yes, it was interesting.

BJS> Are you still interested in every Thurs?

[ouidaw] Yes, I can do every Thursday, unless something unforeseen comes up. - Will you send a reminder every week?

BJS> Great. I wil TRY to remember to do that :-). I will also post a schedule - on the website and mention that you are the Thurs night host.

BJS> Just wish there was an easier way to do this log.

[ouidaw] That sounds good. Do you think the notice should go out on Wed or - wait for Thursday

BJS> No Wed is better because some folks get the Digest and they might not - get it in time if I post on Thurs.

BJS> Please remind me if you don't see a notice by mid-day on Wed :-)

[ouidaw] I will. Do we still want to try for a theme some times or leave it - open.

>> BooMack has left channel #XC.2115614

BJS> Well, seems to get more conversation without a theme. Guess we can do - both -- regular chats and then "special" chats.

BJS> For instance, I'd like to do one on tracking slave ancestors. I got a - lot od requests for that.

[ouidaw] That sounds fine to me--I have had many questions on that topic over - the years too,

BJS> If you want to do a special next week just let me know. Otherwise we'll - leave it open again.

[ouidaw] What ever you want to do. I will let you decide.

BJS> OK. Well let's call it a nite.

[ouidaw] Good night.

BJS> niters.

>> ouidaw has left channel #XC.2115614

Disconnected:
you logged off

[11:09 pm EDT]


[ HOME ]

© 2000. All rights reserved.
Wilcox County, Alabama Genealogy