THE ANDERSON SHERIFFS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA With additional materials for all Jefferson County Sheriffs from 1819 forward.
Two of the early Jefferson County Sheriffs were
Anderson, Peter August 7, 1835 - - August 25, 1838 August 25, 1841 - - August 23, 1844 August 12, 1847 - - August 17, 1850 and his son Anderson, Thomas A. September 2, 1880 - January, 1885 [?] Peter Anderson was the great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas, and Thomas A. Anderson was her great-grandfather. Direct family links to those two early Sheriffs of Jefferson County stimulated this project.
These materials were prepared January-May, 2004 by Carl O. Thomas & Martha S. Thomas Knoxville, Tennessee
To the best of our knowledge, materials included here are generally in the public domain. Others should feel free to make use of these materials. In such cases, please provide reference to the original sources that are cited throughout the following text. 1 Appreciation
A number of sources were used in preparing these materials. One important source was “A List Compiled in The Department of Southern History and Literature,” of the Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham, Alabama, September 16, 1943. A copy of that list was provided by the kindness of Jack and Judi Parker, Birmingham, Alabama. They also provided the photographs of old grave markers from the Pinson, Alabama area. Judi Parker also provided help with genealogical searches, and with historical information about the Pinson, Alabama area. Another important source was material found at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department web site, identified in the text. This includes an historical listing, and a large - though not complete - gallery of photographs of past sheriffs. We appreciate the work done by Sheriff Mike Hale and his staff to build that web site. Ms. Delilah Evans of Warner-Robbins, Georgia provided important help with finding information on line and in her personal files about Alabama. Ms. Melba Clark of Decatur, Alabama provided a copy of the old photograph of Henderson and Zuda Belle Reese. Ms. Linda Mardis of Cullman, Alabama provided important genealogical search assistance. Wanda Taylor of Hattiesburg, MIssissippi, daughter of Flossie {Reese} Glenn and grand daughter of Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese provided notes from her personal files. Much of the material was prepared originally by Robert McCombs. Mr. Don Veasey, Curator of Photographs, Department of Archives & Manuscripts, Birmingham Public Library located the old 5x7 photograph of Thomas A. Anderson, and also provided other archival references found in the following text. Important family oral history was provided by Tommie Audel {Reese} Bird of Knoxville, Tennessee. She is the grand-daughter of Thomas A. Anderson, and the youngest of the children of Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese. Information also was obtained from old family Bible pages and from hand written materials prepared by Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese and Bertha {Reese} Skinner. Page copies are included at the end of the text. Other information sources are identified as they appear in the text. We are grateful for all of the generous help that has made this project possible.
ERRORS Errors often creep into genealolgical materials. Information may be unavailable ... diffferent sources may not agree .... errors may arise from incorrect transcriptions ... etc. Whenever possible in these materials, we have indicated corrections and/or undertainties about accuracy, leaving the original materials unchanged. Nevertheless, users of these materials should be alert to the possibility of other undiscovered errors. 2
The Following Section is From A List Compiled in the Department of Southern History and Literature Birmingham Public Library Birmingham, Alabama September 16, 1943
The material provided here was transcribed by Carl O. Thomas [December, 2003] from a copy of Birmingham Library materials provided by the kindness of Jack and Judi Parker, of Birmingham, Alabama.
PREFACE Names and dates of commissions for all sheriffs from 1819 through Sept. 1, 1896, except Smith and Morrow, were obtained from a copy of a copy of “A Register of County Officials, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1819-1900” made by the WPA for the library in 1937. Smith and Morrow and all names since 1900 were obtained from Birmingham City Directories and Alabama Official and Statistical Registers, 1903-1939 and newspaper clippings. Contemporary publications and historical works thought likely to contain information were consulted. A WPA typewritten copy of “Minutes of the Board of Revenue of Jefferson County from February 1856 to February 1871” was of some assistance in determining dates. Dates for terms in general were supplied by checking constitutional and statutory provisions under “sheriff” and “elections” in all Constitutions 1819- 1901 and State Codes from 1823-1840. The list is complete except for the term 1832-1835. Cruikshank lists Stephen Reader as an “early” sheriff. We do not find him so listed on the copy of the Register in the library. {The name does not appear in the subsequent list from the office of the current Sheriff Mike Hale.} One Stephen Reader is listed as a Justice of the Peace in 1822. He may turn out to be the missing name for 1832- 1835. There is, of course, the possibility that a coroner or an appointee may have served out an unexpired brief term which the various sources consulted would not reveal - as Coroner Russum served two months between the death of Hartsfield and the appointment of Downs. All names were checked against the State Biographical Index to published works in the Southern Collection of the library. Only 13 of the 34 men are in the Index - - Kelly, Grace, Hagood, Truss, Morrow, O’Brien, Higdon, McAdory, Hartsfield, Russum, Downs, McDuff, and Harry E. Smith. Owen in his sketch of 3
Hagood states that he was sheriff from 1874-77 and acting sheriff from 1880- 1884. Another writer mentions Truss as having served two terms. Neither is indicated on the official register in the library as serving two terms. In view of the above facts and also because the “Official Register” in the library is a “copy of a copy”, we believe for accuracy that the list should be checked against the official list in the office of the Secretary of State or possibly in the Jefferson County Probate Office. In the absence of an original official register, certain records in the court house known to have been regularly signed by the sheriff might be used as a check. Since 1887 bound newspapers on file in the public library might reveal the desired information. Search through bound newspapers would however be a much more laborious task than checking the official list or the county records. September 16, 1943
NOTE BY COT: This PREFACE contains a number of caveats about the accuracy and the completeness of the information, and suggests steps by which these might be improved.
SHERIFFS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA 1819-- 1963 Some brief “historical benchmarks” have been added by COT to help put everything into historical perspective.
1813-14 Creek Indian Wars March 3, 1817 Became the Alabama Territory 1. Reed, Levi October 28, 1819 - - October 5, 1822 Copy of official Register from which taken is not clear what dates “Term Ended” are in the column headed “Remarks.” In the column headed date “Commissioned” are the dates Oct. 28, 1819.
December 13, 1819 Jefferson County formed December 14, 1819 Alabama became the 22nd State of the Union 2. McWhorter, John October 5, 1822 - - March 20, 1824, Resigned Spelled “McWhorter” in the copy made by WPA from the official Register. In all other places it is spelled “McWorter.” 3. Ayers, John B. March 20 - - August, 1824 ..To complete the McWhorter term.. 4. Murray, James August, 1824 - - August 22, 1826 4
5. Ayers, John B. August 22, 1826 - - August 8, 1829 6. Scott, William A. August 8, 1829 - - August, 1832 7. Reader, Stephen [?] Undoubtedly there is a name missing from the Register as copied by WPA. The law provides for a term of three years, and there are three years unaccounted for here. Cruikshank lists one Stephen Reader as among the early sheriffs, but there is none on the copy in the library, therefore three years are unaccounted for. A Stephen Reader is on the Register as a Justice of the Peace in 1822. {Handwritten notes include possibly Moses Kelley, Jr. 1833-1834, and part of 1835. There also are some illegible handwritten notes at this point in the original typescript.} 8. Anderson, Peter August 7, 1835 - - August 25, 1838 ...Great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas.. Spelled “Sanderson” on one copy of the Register in the library. Because of similarity with the name “Peter Anderson” writer wonders if that might be a typographical error. Peter Anderson is listed in the sheriff’s office three times.
1836-37 Second Creek War 9. Kelly, Moses August 25, 1838 - - August 25, 1841
1838-39 Trail of Tears forced removal of Cherokee and other Indian tribes to the west 10. Anderson, Peter August 25, 1841 - - August 23, 1844 ...Great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas... 11. Grace,Bayliss E. August 23, 1844 - - August 12, 1847 12. Anderson, Peter August 12, 1847 - - August 17, 1850 ...Great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas... 13. Killough, Abner August 17, 1850 - - August 17, 1853 14. Hudson, Richard August 17, 1853 - - August 16, 1856 15. Eubank, Wm. C. August 16, 1856 - - August 9 [?], 1859 Spelled Eubanks in a copy of the official Register from which the information is taken. In the same list James Eubank is spelled without the final “s”. Cruikshank says that Wm. C. Eubank and Jas. T. Eubank were father and son. 16. Hudson, Richard August 9 [?], 1859 - - August 13, 1862 17. Killough, Abner August 13, 1862 - - July 25, 1865
1861-65 CIVIL WAR 5
18. Hanby, Wm. F. July 25, 1865 - - August 8, 1868 Spelled Hamby in a copy of the official Register from which this information is taken. Cruikshank and other refererences give the name as Hanby , undoubtedly a case of handwriting interpretation [“m” and “n”].
19. May, Marion A. August 8, 1868 - - November 22, 1871
1871 Birmingham incorporated 20. Eubank, Jas. T. November 22, 1871 - - November 18, 1874 ..Elected November 7, 1871.. 21. Hagood, R. H. November 18, 1874 - - September 20, 1877 22. Reid, John T. September 20, 1877 - - September 2, 1880 23. Anderson, Thos. A. September 2, 1880 - 1885 [?] .... Appointed ...Great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas, and the son of Peter Anderson... Irregular. The Register records that Anderson was appointed rather than elected. One wonders why. An election should have taken place in August, 1880 with the sheriff so elected serving for four years for the first time in Alabama history. The same Register lists Truss as commissioned January 15, 1885, yet states he was elected August 4, 1884. Ordinarily he would have assumed office in September, 1884. Why not ? Was there an interregnum, or perhaps a mistake in copying, or some special law situation ? 24. Truss, Samuel, R. January 15, 1885 - - September ?, 1888 ..Elected August 4, 1884..
25. Smith, Joseph S. September 1, 1888 - - September 1, 1892 26. Morrow,George M. September 1, 1892 - - September 1, 1896 27. O’Brien, Frank P. September 1, 1896 - - September 1, 1900
1898 Spanish-American War 28. Burgin, Andrew W. September 1, 1900 - - January 15, 1907 The Constitution of 1901 specifically extended the terms of officers whose terms would have expired in 1904 [four years] until 1907. 29. Higdon, E. L. January 15, 1907 - - January 16, 1911 30 McAdory, Walter K. January 16, 1911 - - January 18, 1915 31. Batson, Thomas J. January 18, 1915 - - January 20, 1919 6 1917 US enters World War I 32. Hartsfield, J. Chris. January 20, 1919 - - January 15, 1923 33. Shirley, J.C. January 15, 1923 - - January 17, 1927 34. Hartsfield, J. Chris. January 17, 1927 - - October 11, 1928 ...Died in office.. 35. Russum, J. D. October 11 - - December 10, 1928 ..As coroner he served as interim sheriff.. 36. Downs, W. O. December 10, 1928 - - January 19, 1931 ..Appointed by governor to fill unexpired term..
1929 Beginning of the GREAT DEPRESSION 37. Hawkins, James F. January 19, 1931 - - January 14, 1935 38. McDuff, Fred H. January 14, 1935 - - January 17, 1939 39. Smith, Harry E. January 17, 1939 - - November 24, 1940 ..Resigned to enter army.. 40. McDowell, Holt A. November 25, 1940 - - January 13, 1963 Appointed by the governor to finish Harry Smith’s unexpired term. He was elected in 1942 to a full four year term of his own. He went on to be come one of the longest tenured sheriffs in Jefferson County history. December 7, 1941 US enters World War II 41. Bailey, Mel January 14, 1963 ------
NOTE: These source materials from the archives of the Birmingham Public Library do not continue beyond Sheriff Mel Bailey above. The materials from the web site of the current Sheriff Mike Hale include others up to the present. 7
SHERIFFS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA 1819-- 1963 Alphabetical List - See Preceding List For More Details Anderson, Peter 1835-1838 * Anderson, Peter 1841-1844 * Anderson, Peter 1847-1850 * Anderson, Thomas A. 1880-1885 ** Ayers, John B. March-August, 1824 Ayers, John B. 1826-1829 Bailey, Mel 1963 ------Batson, Thomas J. 1915-1919 Burgin, Andrew W. 1900-1907 Downs, W. O. 1928-1931 Eubank, James T. 1874-1877 Eubank, Wm. C. 1856-1859 Grace, Bayliss E. 1844-1847 Hanby, Wm. F. 1865-1868 Hartsfield, James Christopher 1919-1923 Hartsfield, James Christopher 1927-1928 Hawkins, James Fitts 1931-1935 Higdon, E. L. 1907-1911 Hudson, Richard 1853-1856 Kelley, Moses 1838-1841 Killough, Abner 1850-1853 Killough, Abner 1862-1865 McAdory, Walter Kennon 1911-1915 McDowell, Holt A. 1940-1963 McDuff, Fred R. 1935-1939 McWhorter, John 1822-1824 May, Marion A. 1868-1871 Morrow, George M. 1892-1896 Murray, James 1824-1826 O’Brien, Frank P. 1896-1900 Reed, Levi 1819-1822 Reed, John T. 1877-1880 Russum, J. D. October-December, 1919 Scott, William Anderson 1829-1833 Shirley, J. C. 1923-1927 Smith, Harry E. 1939-1940 Smith, Joseph S. 1888-1892 Truss, Samuel R. 1885-1888 * Martha {Skinner} Thomas’ great-great-grandfather ** Martha {Skinner} Thomas’ great-grandfather 8 ADDITIONAL NOTES
TERMS OF OFFICE 1. THREE YEARS, 1819 through the term expiring August, 1880. 2. FOUR YEARS, beginning with the sheriff elected in August, 1880 and contuing through the remainder of the materials listed here. Vacancies were filled by appointment by the governor. The appointee served until the next general election, and ineligible to succeed himself 1819 to date. He might serve an unexpired term to which he had been appointed and himself be a candidate in the next general election.
COT Note: “Ineligible to succeed” may have been applicable at the time the WPA compiled the materials in 1943. But Holt A. McDowell served 1940 to 1963. Presumably the restriction must have been eliminated at about that time. TIME OF ELECTION 1. FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST, by Act of December 16, 1819 and in all Codes through that of 1896, with certain exceptions and irregularities 1861-65 and during the Reconstruction Period. 2. FIRST TUESDAY AFTER FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER 1906 and every fourth year thereafter by Act of 1903. TIME OF ASSUMING OFFICE 1. 1819-1896 as soon after election as returns are certified, bond made, oath taken and commission received ... usually within 15 days. 2. FIRST DAY IN SEPTEMBER following election in August, by Code of 1896. 3. FIRST MONDAY AFTER SECOND TUESDAY in January next succeeding election, Codes of 1907, 1923, and 1940. Irregularities in war years and reconstruction may have been due to special elections called.
This ends the materials from the Birmingham Public Library, provided by Jack and Judi Parker of Birmngham, Alabama. 9
The following list of Jefferson County sheriffs was found at the current web site of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, at
http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/past_sheriffs.htm It is a bit more complete than the 1943 information from the Birmingham Public Library presented earlier in these notes.
A “photo gallery” containing portrait photos of many of the previous Jefferson County Sheriffs also was found at the Sheriff’s web site.
Some very interesting historical notes related to the Sheriff’s Department also are included here. 1 Reid, Levi 9. Kelley, Moses 8/28/1819-8/5/1822 8/25/1838-8/25/1841 2 McWhorter, John 10. Anderson, Peter 8/5/22-3/20/1824 (resigned) 8/25/1841-8/23/1844 3 Ayers John B. 11. Grace, Bayliss E. 3/20/1824-8/20/1824 (appointed to finish 8/23/1844-8/12/1847 remaining term of McWhorter) 4 Murray, James 12. Anderson, Peter 8/20/1824-8/22/1826 8/25/1847-8/17/1850 5 Ayers, John B. 13. Killough, Abner 8/22/1826-8/8/1829 8/17/1850-8/17/1853 6 Scott, William A. 14. Hudson, Richard 8/8/1829-8/8/1832 8/17/1853-8/17/1856 7 Kelley, Moses Jr. 15. Eubank, Wm. E. 8/8/32-8/7/1835 8/17/1856-8/9/1859 8 Anderson, Peter 16. Hudson, Richard 8/7/1835-8/25/1838 8/9/1859-8/13/1862 10 17 Killough, Abner 33. Shirley, T. J. 8/13/1862-7/25/1865 1/15/1923-1/17/1927 18 Hanby, Wm. F. 34 Hartsfield, J. Chris. 7/25/1865-8/8/1868 1/17/1927-8/11/1928 {died in office} 19 May, Marion A. 35. Russum, J. D. 8/8/1868-11/22/1871 8/11/1928-12/10/1928 {Coroner} 20 Eubank, Jas. T. 36. Downs, W. O. 11/22/1871-11/18/1874 12/10/1928-1/19/1931 21 Hagood, R.H. 37. Hawkins, James. F. 11/18/1874-9/20/1877 1/19/1931-1/14/1935 22 Reed, John T. 38. McDuff, Fred H. 9/20/1877-9/2/1880 1/14/1935-1/17/1939 23 Anderson, Thos. A. 39. Smith, Harry E. 9/2/1880-1/15/1885 1/17/1939-11/24/1940 {Resigned while in office. Joined U.S. Army} 24 Truss, Samuel R. 1/15/1885-9/1/1888 40. McDowell, Holt A. 11/24/1940-1/19/1963 {Appointed by 25 Smith, Joseph S. Gov.. to finish Sheriff Smith’s term, and 9/1/1888-9/1/1892 elected to 5 terms of office - - 22 years of service} 26 Morrow, George 41. Bailey, “Mel” Melvin 9/1/1892-9/1/1896 1/19/1963-4/5/1996 {Elected to 9 terms of office. Retired during last term of office 27 O'Brine, Frank P. due to illness. 33 years of service} 9/1/1896-9/1/1900 42. Dr. Brissie, Robert 4/5/1996-4/9/1996 {Medical Examiner and interim Sheriff} 28 Burgin, Andrew W. 9/1/1900-1//15/1907 43. Woodward, JIm 4/9/1996-1/19/1999 {Appointed by 29 Higdon, E.L. Gov.; James} 1/15/1907-1/16/1911 44. Hale, “Mike” Michael 1/19/1999-11/5/1999 {Elected} 30 McAdory, Walter K. 1/16/1911-1/18/1915 45. Woodward, Jim 11/5/1999-1/21/2003 {Reinstated to vote 31 Batson, Thomas J. re-countr by Ala. Supreme Court} 1/18/1915-1/20/1919 46. Hale, “Mike” Michael 32 Hartsfield, J. Chris 1/21/2003 - Present {Elected} 1/20/1919-1/15/1923 11
The following historical photos are found at the sheriff’s web site at...... http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/sheriff_photos.htm 12
A better photograph of Thomas A. Anderson is found later in these notes. 13 14
All of the preceding photographs of previous sheriffs of Jefferson County, Alabama are found at the present Sheriff’s Department web site. 15
Thomas A. Anderson Sheriff of Jefferson County, Alabama September 2, 1880-January 15, 1885 This larger photograph is from the Portrait Collection in the archives of the Birmingham Public Library. It was located and made available with the kind assistance of Mr. Don Veasey of the Archives Department, Birmingham Public Library, February, 2004. Thomas Alvin Anderson, 2nd son of Peter and Manila Anderson, was born in Jefferson County, near Mt. Pinson, Alabama, May 15, 1847 {his grave marker at Marvin’s Chapel says May 8, 1847}, and died April 12, 1922 He is buried in the Marvin’s Chapel Cemetery, Pinson, Alabama. 16
The following “History” is from the current 2004 Jefferson County Sheriff’s web site, found at http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/history.htm History
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was formed in 1819. Thirty-seven men have held the office of sheriff, the first being Levi Reid in 1819. sheriff Mel Bailey, who served from 1962 until 1996, held the office longer than any other Sheriff in the history of the Jefferson County Sheriff's office. The word, "Sheriff" comes from England, and originates from "scyre," a Saxon word meaning "shire," defined now as county, and the word "reeve" which means keeper. In 1819 the state of Alabama and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office were created. THe county spread out over a land of hills and forests called Jones Valley. The mode of transportation was by horseback or mule and wagon, and services rendered by the Sheriff were often days or weeks in coming. In the early days the jail was a crude building of wood or brick called the kalaboose. A prisoner in the kalaboose did not wish to return after once sampling its unpleasant and primitive conditions. Small fams and a few larger plantations soon dotted the countryside. As Jefferson County grew people clustered together in small communities or towns. A Town Marshall or Constable, was deputized to assist the Sheriff in the enforcement of the laws within the county. In 1871, the City of Birmingham was incorporated. Prior to that time, the County Seat had been located at Elyton. Birmingham quickly became the largest city in Jefferson County. It was also called the "Magic City." The courthouse was built and an office was provided for the Sheriff to conduct his business. Years later, a second courthouse was built in the Bessemer Cut-Off. The sheriff maintains an office in both Bessemer and Birmingham. The Sheriff's Office has grown tremendously from its modes beginnings in 1819. Sheriff Levi Reid would be amazed to know that today there are 120 civilian employees and 505 sworn personnel, making the JeffCo SO one of the largest and most modern departments in the state. Under the leadership of Sheriff Mike Hale, the department prevents drug dealers, thieves and other crimnals, from gaining a foothold in Jefferson County. Each citizen can be proud to share in that success. Now as in the past, success is due to dedication and hard work. 17 The following historical material is from the current web site of the Sheriff of Jefferson County, Alabama.
History - The Ultimatum 1888
http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/ultimatum.htm
A Historical Account by E. Dan Jordan, Capt. Retired
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is the largest and one of the most modern in Alabama. Sheriff Mike Hale is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the County. The deputies are trained to serve and protect the public. A civilized society respects law and order, but respect was lacking in 1888 as a huge mob, some said over a thousand people, gathered to storm the County Jail to lynch a murderer. Sheriff Joseph Smith weighed the pros and cons and made his decision. He would do what was necessary to protect his prisoner and maintain law and order On Saturday evening December 1888, Sheriff Smith had in his jail a prisoner named Richard R. Hawes. He was suspected of murdering his wife Emma, and their two little daughters, May and Irene Hawes. A riotous crowd gathered in the streets of Birmingham and planned to lynch Hawes. They had diverted back to the days when Alabama was a wild Alabama frontier. Sheriff Smith issued shotguns and rifles to his Deputies and placed them in positions where they could protect the jail.He told them to fire into the mob if they came across the alley towards the jail door. Suddenly, the huge mob appeared near the alley.The sheriff ordered them to stop. Smith counted to five. When the leaders ignored his warning and pressed across the alley he gave the order to fire. Bodies fell onto the street and sidewalk. Some were dead; the wounded cried out in pain. Postmaster Maurice Throckmorton was one of those killed. He had pleaded with the mob to disperse. Birmingham Police Chief O.A. Pickard, one of many who testified later about the shooting, testified that he heard Sheriff Smith give the order to fire. He ended his remarks by describing the mob as "madmen numbering about a thousand." On December 9, warrants were issued for Sheriff Smith, Chief Pickard and Lt. Joe Nix for the murder of Postmaster Throckmorton. Smith was arrested repeatedly, but he was never convicted. He stayed on the job and completed his four-year term of office. Richard Hawes was convicted of the murder of his wife and children and sentenced to death by hanging. On February 28, 1890, a large audience was present when Sheriff Smith placed a black hood over Hawes' head and the trap was sprung. It is said that this terrible episode changed Birmingham from a wild frontier town to a burgeoning law abiding city of the New South. Hanging is no longer acceptable justice and no lynch mob has ever again stormed the Jefferson County Jail. 18 The following material appears in “The Heritage of Jefferson County,” published 2002 by Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc. P.O. Box 67, Clanton, Alabama 35046. It also appears in several other Anderson family records. Anderson Family Facts and Legends
In the early 1800s Margaret {called Dolly} Anderson came to Hagood’s Crossroads {now Pinson} Alabama with her five sons. Their names in order of birth were Elijah, Thomas Alvin, Peter, Daniel, and Marcus Milton. She bought and entered land, reared her family, and prospered. Prior to settling at Hagood’s Crossroads, Margaret and her husband James Anderson, moved from Anderson, South Carolina into the territory of Mississippi. The 1809 Census of Madison County, Alabama {Alabama became a state late in 1819. Before that it was part of the Mississippi Territory. Madison County is in north Alabama, between the Tennessee River and the Tennessee state line. See the map on the following page 19. Huntsville is now the largest city in Madison County.} shows James Anderson as head of this family. After his “mysterious disappearance” in Madison County, Margaret and her family entered and subsequently sold land in Tuscaloosa County before they settled in Pinson. In 1835, at the early age of 29 years {Age 31 - he was born in 1804}, Peter Anderson was elected seventh Sheriff of Jefferson County. He was consecutively re-elected for two additional terms. He was known as “the sheriff without a gun,” but he always got his man. He was born in 1806 {actually in 1804} in South Carolina. { Not consecutive. See earlier listings} In 1881, Thomas Alvin Anderson, second son of Peter Anderson and Manila Hale, was elected Sheriff of Jefferson County, serving from 1881-84. Rufus Hagood, descendant of another pioneer family was his Chief Deputy. William {Bill} Bagley, Nathaniel {Nat} Hawkins, and Dixon Curtis Rogers were his horseback deputies. These men were paid sixty dollars a month each, for services “of themselves and a horse,” plus witness fees. A freed slave, formerly owned by Peter Anderson, named Wesley Anderson, attended the County prisoners during Thomas Alvin Anderson’s administration. Thomas A. married Nancy Elizabeth Rogerrs, granddaughter of Samuel Fields, one of the first settlers of what is now Jefferson County, but before Alabama became a state in 1819. According to Mrs. Margaret Dean, daughter of Daniel William Anderson, Margaret Anderson was instrumental in organizing pioneer churches. The Andersons were “Blue Stocking” Presbyterians, staunch in their religious beliefs. Anderson, South Carolina is named for this family. “Dolly”, Peter, Daniel W. and Marcus M. are buried at the Red Hill Cemetery near Pinson {Peter is buried at Marvin’s Chapel near Pinson}. Tomb inscriptions are still legible. Elijah is buried in an unmarked stone-mounded grave in an open field in what was once known as Dean’s Cemetery, Blount County, near Trafford and near the banks of the Warrior River. Thomas is buried at Elvester Cemetery near Coledale. Peter is buried at Marvin’s Chapel Cemetery very near Red Hill. The civic-minded willingness of these courageous pioneers, to serve in public offices is still manifest in their present day descendants. Earl T. Rogers, our present Tax Assessor, is a great-grandson of Peter Anderson.
As written by Daniel Gruden Rogers [Great-nephew of Peter Anderson}. Submitted by Dorothy M. H. Crowder, PO Box 14408, San Francisco, California 94114-0408. Daniel Gruden Rogers was the father of Carol Jeanette [Rogers] Odenkirchen who is mentioned elsewhere in these materials. 19 20
Mr. Don Veasey, Curator of Photographs, Birmingham Public Library, also provided the following notes, from the Hill Ferguson Historical Collection at the Birmingham Public Library. The notes from Mr. Veasey are included here with his permission.
From: Don Veasey
There is a little bit of information on Sheriffs of Jefferson County, Alabama, in our Hill Ferguson Historical Collection. Other than what you have already told me, I find [and hopefully there are no typographical errors]: File # 56.6.11.22 Thomas Anderson was the son of Peter Anderson (which you likely already know). He was appointed. File # 56.6.11.25 Contains a note by the librarian dated October 28, 1958, that states: "The following persons called The Library to say they can furnish information and possibly pictures of sheriffs: "Mrs. Gussie Keith, 1233 Princeton Avenue, ST6-1694 granddaughter of Thomas Anderson and great-granddaughter of Peter Anderson. A cousin of Mrs. Keith also called, unaware Mrs. Keith had called. Will get more information from a Grandmother in Tennessee. Has Bible going back to 1715. The cousin is Mrs. Roy C. King. {COT Note: Bible pages are copied at the end of these notes. They do go back into the late 1700s, but not as far as 1715. The grandmother in Tennessee is Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese} "Mrs. Harry Massey, daughter of Thomas J. Batson, can also furnish information. Dartmouth Ave., Bessemer HA5-4284." File # 56.6.11.34 "DATA ON PETER ANDERSON "Peter Anderson, 7th son of James and Margarett Anderson [noted in pencil: buried in Red Hill Cemetery Pinson, Ala.], was born in South Carolina, June 5, 1804, and died November 23, 1950 {Should be 1850}. On January 23, 1840, he married Manila Hale. She was born in Kentucky, January 23, 1820, and died July 1, 1870. They had four children: James (Jim), Thomas Alvin, Margarett Jane, and Mary Elizabeth, called Mary Bett. "They made their home at Elyton, Alabama, later moved to Mt. Pinson, Alabama. [Note in pencil: "Andersons are said to have been Blue Stocking Presbyterians."] 21 "DATA ON THOMAS ALVIN ANDERSON "Thomas Alvin Anderson, 2nd son of Peter and Manila Anderson, was born in Jefferson County, near Mt. Pinson, Alabama, May 15, 1847, and died April 12, 1922, and is buried in Red Hill Cemetery, Pinson, Alabama. {COT Note: Not buried at Red Hill, but is buried at Marvin’s Chapel Cemetery in Pinson.} "Thomas Alvin Anderson was in the Confederate Army for one year under General Joseph Wheeler. "He and Nancy Elizabeth Rogers (daughter of James Rogers and Nancy Fields Rogers), were married on February 14, 1871. Nancy was (I think) granddaughter of either Isaac of Samuel Fields, the first settlers of what is now Jefferson County. They settled near Jonesboro before Alabama became a state. This can be verified by reading history of Jefferson County. "They had one son and four daughters. "Nancy E. died August 30, 1882. "On September 11, 1883, he married Martha Catherine Early. They had one son and two daughters. "Martha died July 24, 1897. "November 19, 1905, Thomas and Dora Robertson were married. They had no children, however, she had several by a previous marriage. She survived him by several years--died about 1932. (If they need this information, can check with R.E. Smith, if he is still living.) "From: Gussie R. Keith (Mrs. W.B.) 1233 Princeton Avenue, SW. Birmingham 11, Alabama" [Another note in pencil referring to "Isaac or Samuel" above: "It was Samuel Fields (Mrs. E.J. Odenkirchen, 834 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh 28, Pa.). I typed this as closely as possible to the way it was in the files. I hope it is of some interest. Sincerely, Don Veasey Curator of Photographs Department of Archives and Manuscripts Birmingham Public Library 2100 Park Place Birmingham, AL 35203-2794 Phone: (205) 226-3632 Fax: (205) 226-3633 E-Mail: [email protected] 22
NOTE BY COT: Several source names, underlined in Mr. Veasey’spreceding e-mail, are identified more clearly below.
Mrs. Roy C. King Estelle Stubbs, daughter of Charles and Manila Stubbs, and the niece of Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese.
“grandmother in Tennessee’ This was Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese, daughter of Sheriff Thomas A. Anderson. At that time, she was living in Nashville with her youngest daughter, Tommie [Reese] Bird. Note that the family Bible does go back to the late 1700s, but not as far back as 1715. Copies of the Bible family history pages are provided at the end of these materials.
Mrs. Harry Massey Mrs. Harry Massey had not been identified at the time these materials were assembled.
R. E. Smith Husband of Lucille Robinson. Her mother was Dora Robinson, the third wife of Sheriff Thomas A. Anderson. She was his step daughter and the step sister of Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese.
Mrs. E. J. Odenkirchen, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania She was Carol Jeanette Rogers, from northern Jefferson County, Alabama. Her father was Daniel Gruden {Graden ?} Rogers, who wrote the short article about the Andersons that appears in the Heritage Book of Jefferson County, in other family history materials, and also is found earlier in these notes.
A separate set of genealogical notes has been prepared for Carol Jeanette {Rogers} Odenkirchen. 23 ANDERSON FAMILY HISTORY INFORMATION The name “Anderson” appears four times in the list of Jefferson County sheriffs. Sheriff Peter Anderson was the grandfather of Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese, and Sheriff Thomas A. Anderson was her father. She was the youngest of five children by his first marriage, to Nancy Elizabeth Rogers. A brief outline of the Anderson line, down thru Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese, follows.
James Anderson b. ca. 1760-65 {exact date not known} d. July 17, 1812 on July 10, 1782 he married
Margaret [Cadwell, Calvert ?] Anderson b. June 22, 1766 d. June 29, 1842 {It’s given as “Cadwell” in the family Bible}
Their many children are listed below. Three who died as infants are underlined. The family Bible lists the eleven children shown below. The Robert McCombs notes of 1991 {provided by Wanda Taylor} list only ten children, omitting No. 10 from the list below. Otherwise the two sources agree.
1. John Anderson b. Sept. 25, 1783 d. Dec. 4, 1784 2. Jane Anderson b. Oct. 22, 1786 3. Thomas A. Anderson b. May 16, 1789 4. James Anderson b. January 31, 1792 d. May 9, 1811 5. Margaret Anderson b. Dec. 23, 1794 d. July 14, 1795 6. William Anderson b. Oct. 6, 1796 d. Oct. 2, 1822 7. Asahel Anderson b. April 22, 1800 d. Oct. 6, 1800 8. Elijah Anderson b. Dec. 4, 1801 9. Peter Anderson b. June 5, 1804 d. Nov. 23, 1850 10. Mark [Marcus ?] Anderson b. Apr. 15, 1807 11. Daniel W. Anderson b. Feb. 27, 1810 James and Margaret moved from the area of Anderson, South Carolina into what then was the Mississippi Territory, before Alabama became a state. A copy of the January, 1809 Census of Madison County [then part of the Mississippi Territory] can be found at: http://www.oldhuntsville.com/p591.htm Information is organized at shown in the following figure, cut from the web site. It is not clear whether the “head count” also includes the named head of household. 24
The Anderson name appears three times in that census. At this point we have no information to help identify the Peter Anderson and Erikus Anderson below. It’s almost certain that the Peter Anderson is not the same as the Sheriff Peter Anderson being discussed here. He was born in 1804 and thus would have been too young to be a head of household. Perhaps these two were other relatives of James Anderson.
Peter Anderson -- 2 -- 1 -- 2 -- 1 -- 0 Erikus Anderson -- 0 -- 1 -- 0 -- 1 -- 0
It seems likely that the James Anderson listed below is the James Anderson who was married to Margaret Anderson and the father of eleven children, including Peter Anderson who later became sheriff of Jefferson County. The “head count” is a reasonable match with the list on the previous page, although the age brackets do not agree exactly.
James Anderson -- 4 -- 1 -- 2 -- 1 -- 0
In the summer of 1812 James Anderson “disappeared mysteriously.” His disappearance was never clearly explained. In the Anderson family oral history, he was thought to have been killed by Indians. That was in the midst of the First Creek Indian War. Some time after the Madison County census of 1809, the Anderson family moved from Madison County. They eventually settled in the northern part of Jefferson County near Hagoods Crossroads. That now is known as Pinson. Margaret Anderson is buried at the Red Hill Cemetery, Pinson, Alabama
The following photographs from the Red Hill Cemetery and from the Marvin’s Chapel Cemetery near Pinson, Alabama were provided by the kindness of Jack and Judi Parker. 25
Printing and archival note: All black & white pages of this material are printed on acid free paper, using a laser jet printer. This was done to improve longevity and archival quality of the materials. A few duplicate pages containing color photos also may be printed with an ink jet printer. These are included for reader interest, but one must recognize that they probably will not have the archival quality of the other B&W pages.
Marker for the old Red Hill Cemetery near Pinson, Alabama
The “line” of Anderson grave markers in the old Red Hill Cemetery, Pinson, Alabama. Margaret Anderson’s marker is the flat slab in the background that is slightly off of its foundation stones. 26
The grave marker slab for Margaret Anderson, the wife of James Anderson, and the mother of ten or eleven children including Peter Anderson, who later served three non-consecutive terms as Jefferson County Sheriff.. The marker reads: EPETAPH OF THE BEARTH AND DEATH OF MARGARET ANDERSON SHE WAS BORN 22 JUNE 1766 FELL A SLEEP IN THE ARMS OF JESUS 27 JUNE 1842 AGED 76 YEARS The 1991 genealogical notes of Robert McCombs {provided by Wanda Taylor} contain the following. “The noncupative [sic] will of Margaret Anderson was given in the presence of D. M. Anderson 20 June 1845 {1842 ?}, in the presence of Robert Baird 21 June 1842, and ‘on 22 June in her own house and on her dying bed in our presence said: Half of my daughter June McCune’s part to her son William McCune; my 3 youngest sons - - Peter Anderson, Mark M. Anderson, and Daniel W. Anderson. Son Elijah Anderson 1 bed and furniture.’ On 2 July 1842 the estate was divided among all heirs except Daniel W. Anderson. One bedstead was bought by Jane McCune [Alabama Records for Jefferson County, Vol. 107]”
NOTE that the reference to Mark M. Anderson as one of her sons confirms the listing of eleven children as shown on a previous page. 27 Anderson, Peter No Picture Available Peter Anderson was the seventh son of James and Margaret Anderson. A complete list of the children was provided earlier on page-23 and also is found in the page copies from the old family Bible at the end of this study. Born:June 5, 1804 Died: November 23, 1850
[Family oral history indicates that Anderson, SC is named for the Anderson famiy. Earlier generations migrated into Alabama from South Carolina.]
He married Manila Hale on January 23, 1840, shortly after completion of his first term as Jefferson County Sheriff. They had four children: James Anderson b. July 25, 1841 d. August 11, 1865 Margaret Jane Anderson b. January 18, 1845 d. June 30, 1865 Thomas Alvin Anderson b. May 15, 1847 d. April 12, 1922 Mary Elizabeth Anderson b. January 20, 1850 d. ? ThomasAlvin Anderson probably was named for an uncle who died young. He later became Jefferson County Sheriff for one term.
Peter Anderson was Jefferson County Sheriff for three non-consecutive terms. August 7, 1835 - - August 25, 1838 August 25, 1841 - - August 23, 1844 August 12, 1847 - - August 17, 1850 He was known as “the sheriff without a gun,” as mentioned in the earlier materials written by Daniel Gruden Rogers.
He died in 1850, shortly after the end of his third term as Sheriff. He was a young man, only about 46 years old, at the time of his death. There are stories told that he was killed in the line of duty, or died from injuries incurred in the line of duty. That story is not confirmed by any Anderson family oral history, or by any information found in the family Bible. 28 Both Peter and Manila [Hale] Anderson are buried at the old Red Hill Cemetery near Pinson, Alabama
LEFT: RIGHT: Manila [Hale] Anderson PETER ANDERSON MANILA BORN WIFE OF JUNE 5, 1804 PETER ANDERSON DIED BORN NOV 23, 1850 JAN. 23, 1820 DIED JULY 1, 1870 The sweet remembrance of the just She was a kind Shall flourish where affectionate wife a they sleep in dust fond mother and a friend to all The following is a photograph is of his original grave marker at Red Hill Cemetery. It is is a state of disrepair, and a new one was installed, leaving the old one in place. 29
PETER ANDERSON BORN JUNE 5, 1804 MARRIED JAN 23 1840 DECD {Deceased ?} NOV 23 1850
Two of their children, James and Margaret, also are buried at the Red Hill Cemetery. Thomas Alvin Anderson is buried at Marvin’s Chapel, also at Pinson, Alabama. At this time we don’t have complete information regarding the other daughter, Mary Elizabeth.
NOTE: The preceding photos of grave markers were provided thru the kindness of Jack and Judi Parker of Birmingham. 30 Thomas Alvin Anderson
Although other information is provided in these materials, the remaining “family tree” focuses primarily on the line descending thru Thomas A. Anderson, and his youngest daughter by his first marriage, Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese. Date preference is given to those reported in the old family Bible. Some of those are difficult or impossible to read. Other supplemental information is used where available, with notes about the source.
Thomas Alvin Anderson
Born: May 15, 1847 Died: April 12, 1922 {His grave marker at Marvin’s Chapel gives date of birth as May 8, 1847}
Sheriff: September 2, 1880 - January [?], 1885
Married Nancy Elizabeth Rogers on February 14, 1871. She was born August 6, 1844 {?} and died August 26, 1883 {We don’t at present know where she is buried} 31
Nancy Elizabeth Rogers was the grand daughter of Samuel Fields. The Fields family were early settlers in the Jefferson County area. The Jefferson County Civil Register of County Officers, Vol. I, 1819-1832 lists Samuel Fields as a Justice of the Peace. His commission was dated March 8, 1829. The Rogers family line also has been prominent in the Jefferson County area for a long time. The Anderson materials on page-18 of these notes were written by Daniel Gruden Rogers.
Thomas Alvin and Nancy Elizabeth [Rogers] Anderson had five children. Mary Idora Anderson b. Dec. 19, 1873 d. Oct. 2, 1934 m. .George Coleman Feb. 5, 1891
Nancy Manila [Min] Anderson b. Sept. 25, 1876 d. March 1, 1955 m. Charles S. Stubbs Jan. 17, 1892
Moses Thomas Anderson b. June 30, 1879 d. Feb. 5, 1935 m. Emma Rhea {last name unclear in Bible} April 21, 1914
Della Massey Anderson b. Jan. 28, 1881 d. June 7, 1956 m. J. F. {initials unclear in Bible} Cole Sept. 26, 1901 Zuda Belle Anderson b. July 25, 1881 d. December 11, 1970 m. Edward Henderson Reese Jan. 27, 1901
Edward Henderson Reese died May 22, 1914 from injuries arising in a mine accident at the Bradford Mine in northern Jefferson County, Alabama. His youngest daughter, Tommie [Reese] Bird says that he was employed at the mine as a “contract worker”, using his own mule to haul coal inside the mine. Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese was born in 1881, the second year of her father’s term as Jefferson County Sheriff. Some oral history within the family relates that Zuda Belle could remember playing around the jail as a very small child. Most family members feel that this story, although interesting, probably is imaginary.
Information related to the second and the third marriages of Thomas A. Anderson follows. The remainder of the “family tree” materials, however, will focus upon the line descending from his youngest daughter, Zuda Belle Anderson 32 After the death of Nancy Elizabeth [Rogers] Anderson, he married Mattie Catherine Early. They had three children: Rossie, Sterrit, and Lucy. {At present we don’t know where Mattie Catherine [Early] Anderson is buried}. After the death of Mattie Catherine, he married Dora Hagood Robertson. They had no children, but she had children from a previous marriage } Thomas A. Anderson and his third wife Dora Hagood Anderson are buried in the Marvin’s Chapel Cemetery at the Pinson United Methodist Church. Photos of their grave markers are provided below.
SLEEPING MOTHER DORA HAGOOD THOMAS A. ANDERSON ANDERSON BORN 1858-1932 MAY 8, 1847 DIED SHE HATH DONE APR. 12, 1922 WHAT SHE COULD 33 Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese Youngest child of Thomas Alvin Anderson & Nancy Elizabeth {Rogers} Anderson Photo perhaps around 1900
Edward Henderson Reese and Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese, early 1900s. He died May 22, 1914 from injuries at the Bradford Mine. Photo provided by Melba Clark of Decatur, Alabama 34
Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese, 1881-1970 Zuda Belle was the youngest of the children of Thomas A. and Nancy Elizabeth {Rogers} Anderson Photo from mid 1960s Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese’s children were: Gussie Ellen {Reese} Keith b. Dec. 25, 1901 d. Dec. 5, 1983 Bertha Lucile {Reese} Skinner b. Jan. 22, 1905 d. Nov. 19, 1996 Forrest Junius Reese b. Feb. 28, 1907 d. Sept. 8, 1974 Flossie Belle {Reese} Glenn b. Sept. 27, 1909 d. Sept. 30, 2000 Tommie Audel {Reese} Bird b. July 6, 1912 35
Photo from ca. 1915.
Edward Henderson Reerse died in 1914, from injuries in a mining accident at the Bradford Mine in north Jefferson County. Zuda Bell [Anderson] Reese seated: The children standing L>R Flossie Reese, daughter of a school teacher who lived at the house, Forrest Reese, Bertha Reese, Gussie Reese, and Tommie Reese with the baby buggy. Their family house is in the background. Tommie Audel [Reese] Bird says that it was constructed with help from family and friends, using wood that Henderson Reese had been collecting before his death for that purpose. 36
Direct Descendents of Edward Henderson Reese and Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese
Gussie Ellen {Reese} Keith 1901-83 Married Bowers Keith
Travis Warren Keith 1929- Wyatt Bowers Keith 1923-76 37
Bertha Lucille {Reese} Skinner 1905-96 Married Philip Skinner
L>R Carolyn [1940-], Sara [1929-], Martha [1929-], Elizabeth [1930-] and John Skinner [1934-73] ca. 1952 38
Forrest Junius Reese 1907-74 Ramona Jean {Reese} Hayes 1944- Married Sadie Beatrice McCombs {Ramona’s mother} Married Mary Louise [Jackson] Hamrick
Flossie Belle {Reese} Glenn 1909-2000 Married Percy Glenn
Wanda Louise {Glenn, Torres} Taylor 1932- Barbara Ann Glenn 1937-2000 39
Tommie Audel {Reese} Bird 1912- Married Dan Bird
Tommie Audel [Reese] Bird now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been an important source of information for this booklet, and also for other family history work.
The remaining pages are [1] copies of family history information hand written by Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese and her daughter Bertha Lucille [Reese] Skinner, and [2] copies of family history pages from the old Anderson family Bible. 40
The first of two undated handwritten pages, from Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese 41
The second of two undated handwritten pages, from Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese 42
The first of two undated handwritten pages, from Bertha [Reese] Skinner. 43
The second of two undated handwritten pages, from Bertha [Reese] Skinner. 44
These are sample page copies from two older framily Bibles. The upper page is from the old Anderson family Bible, and the page size is about 9 x 12 inches. The lower page is from another old family Bible, and the page size is somewhat smaller. In both cases the old Bibles have disintegrated and the pages have come loose from their bindings. For information purposes, larger copies of all the available pages follow.