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Alexander Franklin Dix | Married | Helen "Nellie" (Beach) Dix |
Born: 07/27/1831, Wilson NY | 01/02/1861 | Born: 12/15/1838 Amherst, New York |
Died: 10/26/1921, Decatur AL | Cheektowaga, New York | Died: 04/14/1909 Montgomery AL |
Buried: Montgomery AL | Buried: Montgomery AL |
Alexander Franklin Dix and Helen "Nellie" Beach Dix
Photo submitted by Frances Dix Chapman
Photo submitted by Mike and Caroline Lyon
The couple had ten children; two boys and three girls in Midway, Alabama,
and five boys in Winchester, Tennessee.
Five of their children preceeded them in death. Albert Sidney Dix
* [Named after (but not to be confused with) her aunt of same name & nickname]
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ALEXANDER FRANKLIN DIX, the fourth child of DANIEL
DIX and DYANTHIA BUTTERFIELD, was born in Wilson, New York,
located on the shores of Lake Ontario, on July 27, 1831. Our line
of Dixes has been traced back to just a decade after the Pilgrims landed
at Plymouth Rock. Annie Dix Meiers' book Scenes
from My Life, Chapter 2, Ancestors (with her gracious permission)
and traces our lineage back to when they came to the New World and
includes her unusual dual Dix lineage.
Alexander Franklin Dix's older sisters and their spouses were: ANGELINE DIX, b. 26 Nov 1823, Niagara Co, NY;
d. 25 May 1898; m.JAMES H. REYNOLDS, 20 Oct 1842
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Wilson NY, birthplace of AFD, and Newfane NY, where he was licensed to the ministry by the church, in 1856.1 |
AFD's future wife, Helen (Nellie) Beach was born in Williamsville New York, on December 15, 1838 |
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* fane: (fayn) noun: A place of worship. From Latin fanum (temple). That seems right -- new church & Latin.
(retyped copy Jan 2003 of typewitten copy presumably from original.
Typewitten copy from family papers in possession of Mary Vernon Dix Sproles.
Retyped by Edward Sproles, 2003)
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[Copied from a fragile, typewritten carbon copy
in the possession of my mother, Mary Vernon Dix Sproles. Copied January
3, 2003, by Edward Sproles. Angeline is AFD’s older sister.]
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This is from a letter from Jean (Dix) Allaway to Mary Vernon (Dix) Sproles: [Originals] are copies of [following] three letters written by Grandfather
Dix. in the 1850's to his brother-in-law, James Reynolds, and sent to my
father [Philo] in 1931 by his cousin, Carrie Reynolds, who lived in Buffalo.
I came upon them yesterday while looking for something else, and am just
delighted. I hoped you would enjoy reading them, too, so I had some copies
made today and will send a set to you, one to Frank, and one to Ellen.
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Image of hand written letter [To James H. Reynolds] Words in red, are my best guess at deciphering Alex's longhand. Transcribed Feb. 15, 2003 by Russell D. Whigham
This is from a letter from Jean (Dix) Alaway to Mary Vernon (Dix) Sproles: [Originals] are copies of three letters written by Grandfather Dix.
in the 1850's to his brother-in-law, James Reynolds, and sent to my father
[Philo] in 1931 by his cousin, Carrie Reynolds, who lived in Buffalo. I
came upon them yesterday while looking for something else, and am just
delighted. I hoped you would enjoy reading them, too, so I had some copies
made today and will send a set to you, one to Frank, and one to Ellen.
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To James H. Reynolds
Transcribed Feb. 15, 2003 by Russell D. Whigham
This is from a letter from Jean (Dix) Alaway to Mary Vernon (Dix) Sproles: [Originals] are copies of three letters written by Grandfather Dix.
in the 1850's to his brother-in-law, James Reynolds, and sent to my father
[Philo] in 1931 by his cousin, Carrie Reynolds, who lived in Buffalo. I
came upon them yesterday while looking for something else, and am just
delighted. I hoped you would enjoy reading them, too, so I had some copies
made today and will send a set to you, one to Frank, and one to Ellen.
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Transcribed Feb. 15, 2003 by Russell D. Whigham
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"Alexander Franklin Dix, had come to Alabama from the Buffalo-Niagara,
New York area at the request of Alexander's first cousin (on his mother's
side), Milton Butterfield, to join him in teaching school there in 1859."
"Alexander Franklin Dix's cousin, Milton Butterfield urged him to remove
to Union Springs, Ala. to teach. The school was successful and continued
in operation until the outbreak of the War Between the States."
"Abednego McGinty was a prominent citizen and Postmaster of Union Springs from 1857-1861". Boarding in the McGinty home is Alex F. Dix, Teacher! 1860 Census for Union Springs The Montgomery Advertiser
Union Springs, Bullock's Thriving Capital
Transcription of the
article above
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In 1849, AFD studied
at nearby University of Rochester, NY1
and in 1853, AFD graduated from NewYork
State Normal College 1Sometime
around 1859-1860, AFD moved from New York to Union Springs to teach
with first cousin (on his mother's side), Milton Butterfield.
2,6
In the link below, you'll find a detailed account of this along with the
story of how cousin Milton, did not fare as well as AFD in the war. http://www.usgennet.org/family/butterfield/families/franke5.htm
The following passage is from Annie Dix Meiers' book Scenes from My Life, Chapter 2, Ancestors: ...So through the generations of Dixes succeeding John Jr., through Moses and Ozias and Daniel, Alexander Franklin Dix was born in 1831, marking the two hundredth year that the Dixes had lived in America. By this time, the Dix family had moved even farther west into the state of New York. The family of Daniel and Dyanthia Dix consisted of three daughters and one son, Alexander Franklin, born in Wilson, N. Y. The boy grew to be a scholar, a student and teacher of |
The following is an excerpt from the journal of Hattie Lillis "Dimple" (Dix) Hall, writiing of the family's time in Winchester Tennessee. Note that Dimple was writing in third person. |
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The Rev. Dr. [A.F.] Dix, October 18,1876
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Notes for ALEXANDER FRANKLIN DIX: Excerpt
from letter written by his son, L.D. [Daniel] Dix, Mobile, AL to Lucy Farris
Heidenreich 29 Apr 1953:
"I do know that when father [Alexander F. Dix] was living in New York prior to the Civil War, he had a letter from his cousin Milton Butterfield, who was at Union Springs [AL], asking him to come to Union Springs and teach with him - which he did. Later, when I was ten years old, or in 1883, we moved back to Union Springs, and Cousin Ed [Edward Milton Butterfield], his wife and three girls were living there - Emmett, Estelle and Sunshine. There were the only kinfolk we had in the South, and so we very jealously claimed kin." "...but I am glad that you wrote me. Where is Emmett? I have a recollection of three very sweet, pretty girls, and Emmett visited our home at Pine Grove just prior to her marriage to Mr. Terrell. I would love to know something of those three girls." |
He then returned to New York to January 2,1861, to marry
Helen "Nellie" Beach in Buffalo, then returned to Midway Alabama with his
new bride, as pastor of Midway (Alabama) Baptist Church.
05/12/1862 AFD enlisted as a Private in Confederate
Army. Served in the infantry. Promoted to Sergeant Major (6)
10/??/1871 AFD & family moved to
Winchester TN as pastor of the First Baptist Church (Oct.1871-Sept.1877)
07/??/1880 AFD and family moved
to Stephenson AL (5)
07/??/1883 AFD moved from Stevenson
AL back to Union Springs AL, Principal of the Union Springs Institute
(1), (2), (5)
??/??/1898 Address given as 514
Jefferson Sy, Montgomery AL (8)
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Alexander Franklin Dix On the back is written “Great Grandpa Dix” Photo Submitted by Lyn Smith Simonton
L-R Paul Finch Dix, Thomas Murrell "Murrie"
Dix, Nellie (Beach) Dix, Philo Castle Dix, and Alexander "Allie" Franklin
Dix Jr.
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Back row: Philo Castle Dix, Thomas Murrell Dix
Photo submitted by Ed Sproles Jr.
L. Daniel Dix, James Hall (?), Philo Dix, Thomas Murrell Dix. Photo Submitted by Alice Newman Shannon |
Front row, L-R: Helen), Lillis, Nelle, Ruth, James Hall Jr., Francis, Elhannon Winchester "Chester" Hall. 2nd row (Children in laps of adults), L-R: Nina Hall, William Hall [standing], Dorothy , Winifred, and Issalee. 2nd row (Seated adults), L-R: James Hall, Dimple (Dix) Hall, Alexander Franklin Dix Sr., Nellie Beach Dix, Albert Sidney Dix, Isadora Nicoles Dix. Back row: Mary Vernon (Nix) Dix, Paul Finch Dix [holding
Oliver Dix] Annie (Stakely) Dix & Lell Daniel Dix [holding daughter
Annie Goulding Dix](1), Philo Dix, Unknown young woman -- NOT Elizabeth
(Hayes) Dix, Thomas Murrell Dix & Frances (Gray) Dix.
Mary Vernon (Dix) Sproles identified the infant in Paul's arms as her oldest brother Oliver Paul Dix, born on May 22, 1903. We thought that this infant was a girl until Mary Vernon pointed this out, and we remembered the little boys of this era were dressed in ornate gowns. Martha and I recognize Ruth Dix. She seem to remember her Grandmother telling her that she was the one with the fan. She looked to be about eleven years old. Her date of birth was 06-03-1892. So this photo was probably made in 1903. We recognize Alexander Franklin Dix, and Nellie
(Beach) Dix, in the center of the photo and Albert Sidney & Isadora
Nicoles Dix from other photos [to the right of AFD & NBD in the
middle row of adults].
* These are their ages when they married
In 1903 Albert Sidney had 5 living siblings.
There six younger couples in the photo, so the number fits. So which
grandchildren were alive in 1903?
Thomas Murrell Dix & Frances (Gray) Dix and Paul Finch Dix & Mary Vernon (Nix) Dix were newly weds in 1903 Martha thinks Dimple looks pregnant. * The newspaper
article cites 15 grandchildren in attendance. I count 14 in the photograph.
I guess Will Allie "Billy" must be just out of the frame.
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Some of the Dix family after Christmas dinner at Mother's 1906 (Montgomery,
Alabama.)
1. Dollie - B. 12-23-04; 2. Annie Goulding - B. 10-22-02; 3. Madeline - B. 02-04-04; 4. L.Daniel Dix - 5. Annie Stakely Dix; 6. Nellie (Beach) Dix (Mother); 7. Frances; 8. Murrie; 9. Paul; 10. Oliver P. - B. 02-22-03; 11. Alexander Franklin Dix (Father) 12. Vernon; 13. Susie - B. 02-09-06; 14. Philo Castle Dix |
Here is an image of the obituary that my mother's father [Paul F. Dix]
wrote on their typewriter when AFD died. The original is about to
fall apart. I don't know if this copy difffers from what may have
been published, but I thought that I would share it as it represents the
history of his life as Paul F. Dix understood it.
Ed Sproles
Below is the text transcription of the above image
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Alexander Franklin Dix was born at Wilson, New York July 27th 1831 spending his boyhood on his father's farm , and received his education in the common schools of his county, later attending the University of Rochester, and the State Normal College at Albany, N. Y. He came south in 1859 locating at Union Springs, Ala. where he taught for a year at Woodlawn Seminary, going from there to Midway Ala. He returned to Cheektowaga, New York and was married on Jan. 2nd 1861 to Miss Helen Beach, coming back to Midway, Ala., where he was engaged in teaching until the war began, when he enlisted as a private in Co. E., 1st. Battalion of Hilliard’s Legion, which later became the 59th and 60th Alabama Regiment and the 23rd Ala. Battalion of Sharpshooters. He served in the latter command until the close of the war, under Gen. Bragg in Kentucky, and later in the Army of Northern Virginia where he surrendered with Gen. Lee He returned to Midway in 1865 and resumed teaching. He was ordained to the Baptist Ministry April 18th,1869, and continued his work of teaching and preaching at Winchester, Tenn. 1871 to 1880, at Stevenson, Ala., 1880 to 1883 at Union Springs Ala. 1883 to l887, then discontinuing teaching and removing to Pine Grove, Ala. where he devoted his entire time to preaching until his removal to Montgomery, Ala. in 1897 where he lived until 1918 when he went back to Pine Grove Ala. to make his home with his daughter Mrs. J. M. Hall, moving from there to Decatur, Ala. where he spent his last days at the home of his son, celebrating his ninetieth birthday on July 27th. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. J. M. Hall, of Pine Grove, Ala., four sons, L. D. Dix of Mobile, Ala., Philo C. Dix of Louisville, Ky., Paul F. Dix and T. M. Dix of Decatur, Ala. and quite a number of grandchildren and great-grand children. |
From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 16:46:45 EST Subject: Dix-Beach Bible Records To: [email protected] X-Mailer: 8.0 for Windows sub 6021 Dear Sir: I recently came across your site in the course of searching for data on various Beach/Beech families. As you may know, I edit and publish the BEACH FAMILY JOURNAL; a genealogical newsletter. For more about me and my publication, feel free to visit my own site at http://www.beachfamilyjournal.com/gedcom/html/fam01802.htm I wonder if I might have permission to publish some of the entries from the Dix-Beach Bible as posted to your site by Ed Sproles. It seems to me I may have corresponded with Ed some time ago, but with the number of emails I send/receive I can't now recall. I would, of course, give both you and Ed appropriate credit as the source and include you site's URL in case any of my readers wished further information. In all events, I pass along the ancestry of the William Beach who was the father of Nellie L. (Beach) Dix. Note that I have the name of her mother as Susannah "Reep," but am quite certain this is the same couple, based on their names, ages, locales, etc. Feel free to include this info. on your site if you wish. Regards, Eugene H. Beach, Jr. [Ancestry of William Beach follows] 1. William Beach born 1804, married Susannah Reep. Parents 2. Joseph Beach born 1771, married 1801, Mercy Lyon, born 1771, died 1848, Erie County, New York, buried: Williamsville Cem., Amherst, N.Y. Joseph died 1847, Erie County, New York, buried: Williamsville Cem., Amherst, N.Y. The BEACH FAMILY MAGAZINE, Vol. II, No. 1, p. 119, says only that he had five sons. Descendant Dale S. Beach of Latham, New York, notes that this Joseph Beach moved to Cheektowaga, Erie County, New York (just east of Buffalo) in 1818, giving its name to Beach Road in that town. 3. Mercy Lyon born 1771, died 1848, Erie County, New York, buried: Williamsville Cem., Amherst, N.Y. Grand Parents 4. Ebenezer Beach married Tabitha Bennett, died 6-Jun-1824, Round Top, Greene County, New York, buried: Round Top Cemetery, Greene Co., New York. Ebenezer died 17-Nov-1829, Round Top, Greene County, New York, buried: Round Top Cemetery, Greene Co., New York. He settled in Round Top, Greene County, New York, c. 1787, and is the one on the 1790 Census for Catskill (then in Albany County), New York. He is likewise the Ebenezer "Beaach" on the 1800 Census for Greene County, New York. 5. Tabitha Bennett died 6-Jun-1824, Round Top, Greene County, New York, buried: Round Top Cemetery, Greene Co., New York. She died at age 77. Great Grand Parents 8. Joseph Beach born 1717, married (1) Esther Mansfield, married (2) 6-Mar-1756, Deborah Jackson. The children of this Joseph Beach by his first wife are sometimes credited to Joseph Beach(3) Joseph(2) John(1), but it is generally believed the line of Joseph(3) Joseph(2) died out before 1800. Moreover, the "Mansfield" name appears among various descendants of his children; a clear reference to their mother's maiden name and, thus, the identity of this Joseph as their father. 9. Esther Mansfield. Great Great Grand Parents 16. Ephriam Beach born 25-May-1687, Stratford, Connecticut, married 3-Jul-1712, Sarah Patterson. Ephriam died 15-Mar-1717. He reportedly died at age 30. 17. Sarah Patterson. 3rd Great Grand Parents 32. Nathaniel Beach born ---Mar-1662, married 29-Apr-1686, Sarah Porter, born SEP 1667, died 25-Mar-1738, Stratford, Connecticut. Nathaniel died 24-Jul-1747. He died at age 84. 33. Sarah Porter born SEP 1667, died 25-Mar-1738, Stratford, Connecticut. 4th Great Grand Parents 64. John Beach born 16--, married Mary _____. John died 16-Jun-1677, Stratford, Connecticut. He first appears in the records of New Haven, Connecticut, on 7-Jun-1643. It is universally believed, based on a variety of circumstantial evidence, that John Beach was the brother of Richard and Thomas Beach, both of whom also settled in New Haven between 1639 and 1646. John later moved to Stratford, Connecticut, c. 1660. He owned land in Wallingford, but does not seem to have lived there himself. Although many theories have been put forward, his ancestry has NOT yet been established by competent evidence. 65. Mary _____. She was NOT, as some claim, Mary Staples, daughter of
Thomas Staples. The early New England genealogists confused John
Beach(1) with his son, John Beach, Jr.(2). It was the latter who
married Hannah, the daughter of Thomas Staples. Mary, the wife of
John Beach(1), is mentioned only once - at the birth of the youngest son
Benjamin(2) - such that it is possible she was a second wife. She
is not named in the administration of her husband's estate, and so probably
died before him.
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Union Springs Institute Union Springs Herald The people of Union Springs and vicinity are cordially invited to attend the opening exercises of their school at 9 a. m., Monday, Sept. 3d. Our patrons are earnestly solicited to have then' children and words present on that day. COURSE OF STUDY AND RATES Primary Department. Rate per month $1.50. Learning to read, write, and spell. Oral lessons in arithmetic, geography, and languages, object lessons, kindergarten. calisthenics, and singing. Preparatory Department. Rate per month, 1150. Second and third readers, elementary arithmetic, geography, and history, languages, lessons, penmanship, and drawing. Exercises of preceding grade continued. Grammar School Department. Rate per month, $3.00. Fourth reader, geography, practical arithmetic, V. S. history, grammar, spelling, and composition; penmanship general exercises. High School Department. Kate per month. $4.00. Higher arithmetic, elementary algebra, plane geometry, English analysis, and rhetoric, French, Latin, (including Virgil) Greek begun, history, and elocution. Business and Collegiate School Rate per month, $3.00 English literature, higher mathematics and classics, special training in book-keeping and penmanship. The Department of Music Will be duly organized with a teacher of high qualifications. Suitable rooms and instruments. An incidental fee of $1.00 per half session (five months) will be charged and expended for the benefit of the pupils. Bills payable at the beginning of each month, unless special arrangements have been made. Deduction will be made in case of sickness protracted two weeks. Parents sending more than two children at the same time will be allowed a discount of 10 per cent on the third, counting from the eldest, and an additional 10 per cent on each succeeding one. Additional information will be cheer fully given on personal application. A. F. Dix, President. july25-ly 33. |
1933 Apr. Through the Years. Down Enon Way The Montgomery Advertiser Through The Years
Down Enon Way, When you drive over the small wooden bridge in the southeastern corner of Union Springs, you have crossed the Conecuh River, though it little resembles that stream south of Brewton into which Murder and Burn Corn Creek empty their water. Six miles south of your starting point is Aberfoil, where the Presbyterian who established Bethel Church, named their settlement to honor the old Scotch highland castle made famous by Sir Walter Scott in his "Lady of the Lake." Most of the early settlers were Carolinians but some Georgia Methodists soon came in and in 1844 it boasted two preachers of that denomination. The Rev. James Peeler, whose name was perpetuated by "Uncle Peeler Dowling" of Ozark, was the preacher in charge." Perote Perote is southeast after you cross the Old Three Notch Road which led north and east to Fort Bainbridge from Monticello, once the county seat of Pike. Here the Crossleys, the Peaches, the Hixons, the Blues, the Rumphs, the Lockes, the Culvers, the Johnsons and many other names well known in East Alabama, settled is the late thirties. William M. Johnson took the suggestion of the returning soldier from the Mexican War and called the little settlement on the ridge, "Perote," in memory of that citadel silhouetted In the setting sun before Gen. Worth's American Army In 1847. Mr. Johnson was the first postmaster and 3 years ago his first annual salary was $11.91. The Perot Guards, CSA. The "Perote Guards" of the First Alabama Infantry
Regiment, Confederate States Army, gave to the then village, a glorious
tradition which time will never erase. They were with Albert Sidney Johnston that Sunday at Shiloh and they were too at Port
Hudson. Captured both times, exchanged from prison twice, they went again
into the ranks and lost heavily at Franklin,
Tenn., and at Atlanta, but when
the end came in April, 1S6S, the few who were' left, were the last of Joseph E. Johnston's men at Greensboro to sign their paroles. Some
of those boys who were mustered into the service of the Confederacy on the step
of the same little Methodist Church which stands there, today, are sleeping in
a corner of Forest Hill Cemetery to yonder Madison, Wis. for they died in the Federal
prison there. On the hill above this same church In which
that venerable old man, John Wesley
Soloman, preached 48 years ago. Is too sleeping James Cadenhead whose modest
gravestone reads, "Soldier
of "76". Three years ago, one of those original North
Carolinians, Miss Kate Blue, born
near Rockingham, Richmond County, 94 years earlier, reminisced to me of her
girlhood in Perote. Peter
Blue brought his baby daughter to Alabama In the very early days of the
village and she had vivid memories, of the incidents when- had transpired
there. Clayton in Barbour Traveling southeast you will reach the county seat of Barbour. It was named for. Judge Augustine Clayton, of Georgia. They chose it for the seat-of-Justice In 1833. Just a soon as a county could be organized after the Indian treaty of Cusseta on March 24, -1832, the Legislature by act of Dec. 18, 1832, created this one and called it to honor Gov, James. Barbour, of Virginia. Capt Sam Porter, of Georgia, whose daughter, married Chilly Mcintosh, the son of Chief William Mcintosh, of Coweta Indian town, was one of the early settlers. Gen. Henry D. Clayton, Capt. Alto V. Lee, Judge A. H.. Alston and Judge Jere Williams have been among it distinguished citizens. Here is one of the "Courthouse on the Square" customs so common In our early days. The old road from Monticello across Pea River at Hobdy's Bridge and by Louisville (Itself once the county seat) to the Chattahoochee River, passed this way. Mount Andrew Now turn north and 15 minutes out of town you will reach Mount Andrew village whose name perpetuates the old Methodist Church which when established long years ago was called to honor Bishop J. O. Andrew who had preached at Perote even years before that. Midway Midway of today, ten miles further up the highway was sometime "Feagln's Store P. O." and "Five Point" and once, not very long ago, they called that section of the town down at the Central of Georgia Railroad Station. "James.". The Act of Congress of July 7, 1838, provided that a mall route be established from Clayton by "Fagan's Store" and Crockettsvllle to Salem in Russell County. In traveling the road today from Clayton by Mount Andrew to Enon and Guerrytown, you pass the same way as did the post boy of 95 years ago. Alas! that one time much traveled road is now almost a faded memory for Crockettsvllle, which In 1839 became "Crawford" to honor William H. Crawford the Georgian succeeded In Congress by Dr. William Wyatt Bibb has practically gone from the face of the earth and Salem is but a shadow of what it one time was. The "3 Notch Road" of 1826, the Indian trail which Captain Daniel K. Burch followed when be cut the way from Pensacola to Fort Mitchell, crossed the railroad of today at "Three Notch" station goes by old Enon and the post route to Salem in 1838 was over it in some places. James Madison Feagin, born In Jones County, Georgia, in 1814 of North Carolina parent and the Pruitt, Crymer, Hall and Pearson families were early settlers in the neighborhood. The old wooden school house In which labored the Rev. A. F. DIx in the years gone, still stands but they use more modern ones, in 1933. Old Enon Along a winding way on that ridge which in the Creek Indian language is "Chan-ana-gi," meaning "line of hills." or "hill ridge." you will reach Enon where once there was seated a community second to none in culture. In the early thirties when "Uncle Jimmy Glenn," the old, Circuit Rider held his camp meetings at the settlement on the ridge, he could find many waters but none large enough to form those pools where John the Baptist's followers could "go down into the water," so he stamped his Methodist belief by calling It "Enon" for the springs in Judea of Biblical lands. Dr. Banks' old school building still stands. . It was built for a Masonic lodge and shows yet its small marble corner-stone, but has long since been abandoned. Half century ago there flourished a school therein which ranked high in the estimation of scholars. Dr. "Dunny" Banks, born in Elbert County, Georgia, was an early graduate of his native state's university and A local Methodist preacher In the Brood River Settlements. Adjoining this old landmark is the cemetery and resting there under the shade of those trees is General Peter Guerry, long an honored figure In East Alabama's affairs. Born in Lincoln County,, Georgia, an early resident of eastern Russell County, he spent his evening of life and his sun set there on his plantation near the present Guerryton Station on the Central of Georgia Railroad. To those who knew him best, he was a gentleman of the old school and withal one of nature's noblemen. There in that old graveyard they placed the Tarvers the Seales, the Persons and many whose descendants have moved away, but to those interested in Alabama's other days, old Enon will long be a shrine which will attract. The visitor will be impressed with nature's determination to keep alive the beauty of these old memories. Here amidst these old home sites, in the Spring time, the purple flox blankets the earth, the golden jasmine still trails "to woo the treasure-laden bee" and in these old and all but forgotten flower beds, the Jonquils and Narcissus yet poke their radiant faces toward that Creator who Is responsible for their being. In the fall the autumn colored gum and poplars along that sandy ridge, contrast vividly with the rich green cedar marking the lines of the estates of the early settlers. Those Tarvers were born in Hancock and Elbert Counties, Georgia, and Arnold Seale brought the original ones of his family to Chambers County shortly after 1839. When I was at Enon not long ago, It gave me joy to pluck a flower and lay it reverently on the grave of my old friend "Captain Persons," who all East Alabamians remember as the accommodating and affable conductor who served so long on the old Mobile and Girard Railroad. Chunnenuggee A passable, but not Improved road will carry you to Chunuenuggee Ridge community. One time there was much wealth and culture here. Today but few of It old associations are left. The original agricultural fair held In Alabama was here. Captain Richard Powell's old home still stands. The building was made famous by Mrs. Augusta Evans Wilson in her story. "At the Mercy of Tiberius," as the site of the lightning's flash which engraved Captain Powell's likeness on the pane of glass as he stood by the window watching a thunder shower. For many years "Chunnenuggee Camp Meetings" were memorable gatherings. Today only the negroes flock there for them. While there are but few of the old plantation home left. While the white citizens go elsewhere to school and church, it is still well known to the scientific world. The embankments and the "cuts" of the Central of Georgia Railroad have yielded and still do yield fossils sought by collectors throughout the civilized world. Not many months since, I saw in far away Canada an attractive collection of fossil bugs, beetles, worms, snails, fish and the like numbering more than ten thousand specimens and they were labeled "Chunnenuggee Cut, Alabama U.S." |
Transcription of the article above 1867 July - A Visit to Midway Union Springs Herald A Visit to Midway. Tired of confinement and close application to stern, everyday duties, which have kept us hard at work for several months, we gladly embraced the opportunity to take a little relaxation, by paying a short visit last week to our stirring neighbor in the eastern part of the county. Midway is nearly equally distant between this place and Clayton, and has an increasing population already numbering several hundred It is a place of considerable commercial importance, and does n large business with the surrounding country, Its citizens are intelligent and refined, and extend their courteous hospitalities with a generous liberality. The Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians each have a large and commodious church building, and are cooperating harmoniously in the great work of saving souls. So far as we could observe, during our short hut pleasant visit, they furnish beautiful examples of Christian intercourse, and demonstrate how "sweet and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwelt together in unity. Midway is fortunate In having two first class academies. "Unlike another town of which we wot, her citizens, appreciating the advantages to be derived from the proper training of their children, have secured the Services of men of marked ability and success in teaching, and I sustain them by a liberal patronage. These academies are under the management of Rev. Mr. Dix and Prof. Cravens respectively, each of whom has about eighty pupils. All the, branches usually taught in first class academies are successfully taught here. Few towns offer stronger inducements to those in search of educational facilities, than this. The evening before our arrival Mr. Dix had concluded the exercises of his examination with a brilliant concert. This week the examination of Prof, Cravens' school is underway, to be concluded this evening with exercises constituting a most interesting programme. The immediate occasion of our visit was to attend a Masonic celebration on the- 20th till , I consisting of a public installation of the officers of die Blue Lodge and Chapter, and an address by Capt. I. A. Wilson of Union Springs and H. C. Hooten "Esq., of Ridgely. The day was favorable and the attendance of the fraternity quite respectable as to numbers, representatives being present from Enon, Clayton, Union Springs and perhaps other Lodges and Chapters. The large and Commodious Baptist Church was comfortably filled by a highly intelligent and appreciative audience. The ladies of the town and vicinity manifested their interest in the occasion by gracing it with their charming presence. All the exercises were, admirably conducted under the supervision of Ma j. J.W.L. Daniel, W. M. and H. P. aided by the courteous and efficient Marshal of the day, Major Pruitt. The addresses of Messrs, "Wilson and Hooten were chaste and appropriate to the Interesting occasion. We will not do the speakers or the grand old fraternity they ably represented, the injustice to attempt a synopsis of their eloquent orations. Suffice it to say they traced the history of the order through centuries hoary with age, and presented, in forcible language, its high claims to the respect and veneration of all. Taken altogether, the visit was a most agreeable one to us. We met many old friends- some of whom we have not seen since the war began and formed many pleasant acquaintances. We have stored away many pleasing recollections of it, and will not be slow to re peat the visitation whenever favorable opportunity offers in the meantime, those friends Who so kindly ministered to our enjoyment will please accept the thanks of our delegation for their neighborly courtesies, with the assurance that it will give us unalloyed -pleasure to reciprocate at any time . We found the plantations by the way in fine order and though rain was greatly needed the crops generally looked well. Cotton is small but growing. and corn is unusually promising. A very large breadth of land is set apart to this crop, and we are gratified to know there will be no scarcity of bread next year as is now. |
1882 Jun Stevenson Items
Public examination of the pupils of Wm. and Emma Austin College
1882 Jun Stevenson Items. Public examination of the pupils of Wm. and Emma Austin College The Scottsboro Citizen (The grayed-out sections are unrelated to our DIX history) The farmers are the tax payers, and, the revenue is the state." And, as
Mr. Updegaff truly says, "when our great financial fabrics went down,
burying fortunes and enterprises in their ruins; when commerce was stagnant,
when our factories were overwhelmed and
pulseless, then the great agricultural productive forces of the country
displayed its full measureless affluence to bring back prosperity and to
fortify, the nation's credit with the bounty of the nations surest
wealth." There is every reason why we should have an Agricultural Department
worthy of the nation; there is not one why we should not. Platform of Principle of the Democratic and Conservative party of Alabama Col. R. H.
Abercrombie, from the committee appointed to pre pare and report a platform of
principles, etc., made the following report, which was received and adopted. PLATFORM OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICY. Resolved, by the
Democratic and Conservative party of Alabama, in convention assembled: 1. That we reaffirm our devotion to the time-honored
principles of the democratic party; a strict construction of the Federal
Constitution, obedience to the laws of the General Government within its
constitutional limits, and maintain the right of the State to regulate its
local affairs by its own authority. 2. We are unalterably opposed to the continued acts of the
Federal authorities-tending to centralization of all power in the General government
to the destruction of local self-government 3. We present the record of the administration of the
State's affairs while in the control of the Democratic party as an earnest of
the fidelity of the party to the principles of economy and good government. We
invite immigration and capital to our State, and pledge full and perfect
protection to all such as may come among us. 4. That public education must be fostered and encouraged by
the State as far as the means of the State will allow, having at the same time
due regard to the preservation of the public credit. 5. He recognize the necessity of protecting and preserving
the purity of the ballot box as the safeguard of free institutions, and condemn
any attempt to interfere with the free and full exercises of elective franchise
6. That the executive committee be requested to prepare and
issue an address to the people of the State. We have read abler documents than the foregoing, and this
we say without laying claim to being extensively. However, it's good enough if we'll only see
that the principles it enunciates are faithfully carried out... Call for
Republican Convention. A mass meeting of the Republicans of Jackson county,
Ala,, is hereby called to convene at Scottsboro, Ala., on Saturday, 1st day of
July, 1882, at 12 o'clock M., to select four delegates to attend the Republican
State Convention, which meets in Montgomery, Ala., July 6th, 1882, and for the
trans action of other important business connected with county canvass, &c.
I do hope that the friends of a frte ballot and fair count, will come to this
meeting, and let us do something that will throw new life into the friends of
liberty and honest election. L. C. Coulson, Chm'n Rep. Ex. Com. Jackson Co. P.
S. -It is very probable that Hon. Wm. M. Lowe will be here on that day, as he
will be in Scottsboro several days next week, and it will be a good opportunity
for the people to see him. L. C. Colson. Stevenson Items. The public examination of the pupils of the Wm. and Emma Austin College, commenced June 5th. and closed Friday with a very entertaining programe. The large hall was filled to over-flowing with the elite of Stevenson, Scottsboro and Jasper, Tenn. All were highly entertained throughout the day, by the variety of exercises which precluded all signs of monotony. Essays were read by the following young ladies and gentlemen: Misses Emma Russell, Cissa Cotnam. Dimple Dix, Ada Longacre,. Lizzie Hopkins, May Rosser. Messrs. Jim Willis and Charlie Hall. It would be difficult for one to decide which ' deserved the most praise, as all were well written. and Well read. The compliments lavished upon each were merited. The readings were interspersed with charming music from the fairy fingers of Miss Loula Kelly, accompanied by the violin in the master-hand of Prof. Sherrill. (both of Jasper, Tenn.) Could Orpheus have heard those sweet strains, he would have retired with blushes at finding himself so far excelled by mortals. Numerous exquisite solos, duets, and quartettes were executed in such a manner as the proved care, and paint-taking of Mrs. Lizzie Alston, the gifted music teacher. She may well be proud of the rapid advancement of her pupils. The callisthenic exercises, by the entire school, were performed with grace and precision that was very attractive. Prof. A. F. Dix, the popular president, deserves unstinted praise for his success in placing this school on a footing with the first institutions of learning in the State. - The Library, although of but one year's growth, contains many valuable books, and we hope, erelong, many more may be added to this store-room of Knowledge, Several hundred dollars were subscribed for the purpose of erecting a commodious boarding house to be conveniently situated near the college. Mr. I. P. Russell, the energetic president of the board of trustees, has determined that the project shall not prove a myth, but, a pleasant reality that will supply a long-felt want. May the future career of the College be ever as bright as its past. CURRENTE CALAMO. Franklin, Texas, June 16, 1882. Editor Citizen: As I have
never seen anything in the Citizen from this part of the world, probably a few
lines would be read with interest by some of your subscribers, especially those
contemplating coming west, and as the waste basket offers a ready welcome to
such. I will be brief. Although only four years in the Lone Star State, I have
become thoroughly naturalized, but have not .travcledover a grealdeal of
Septate, nor do I regret it, for I think that causes more dissatisfaction among
emigrants than anything else. -When a man comes to Texas lie may expect to find
men, not angels ; the country not a paradise, but earth. Life has its trials
here as elsewhere. Industry, however, has reared its monuments and located many
a happy home. I know but little of Texas other than this county. this,
Robertson county, is one of the richest and most thrifty coun ties in the
State. It has an area of 1,840 square miles, a population of 24,500, nine
flourishing towns; our uplands aro a light loamy texture on a basis of red
clay. In the valleys it is of a deep vegetable mould or alluvium, exceedingly
rich and productive, yielding easily 500 pounds of cot ton and 25 to 40 bushels
of com per acre ; the uplands- are less fertile, but easier to cultivate, and
yield remunerative crops. Nature has been extremely lavish in making Texas one
of the most varied in her products of all the States in the Union ; such is the
adaptation of her soil and cli mate to the production of her cot ton, ranking
in staple the finest in the world's market that one-third of her territory
could produce an annual crop a quarter more than is now gathered from all the
cot ton fields on the globe. There was gathered from the fields of Texas last
year 1,260,247 bales of cotton, equal to one-fourth the crop of the United
States. The mild winter generally admits of corn planting in February, cotton
in march. Wheat is sown in the fall and harvested in May ; bo that flour from
new wheat can be delivered to any of the northern and eastern cities fully six
weeks in advance of flour from any 'of the older wljeat-growing states.
Field-work can be done at all seasons of the year, and a loss of thirty days
from out-door occupation on account of heat, cold or rainy weather in any one
year would be an over estimate. During the cold bleak winter months when nearly
all the northern and eastern farmers are trying to keep 'Queen" the
follows clian(e the 1 |
New Lee Statue
A. F. Dix, The Atlanta Constitution, 7 June, 1908 New Lee Statue Montgomery Ala. Ala June 7. -- ( Special) -- On next Friday four maimed soldiers of the southern war wet- wet will unveil in this city a statue to General Robert E. Lee. These will be Colonel Harvey Jones and John W. Tullis, men of only one leg each, and W. C. Oates and George Clisby with one arm each. Thirteen women of the confederacy In appropriate ate costume will be on the platform. General William C. Oates* will preside and the principle address will be made by Judge Thomas G. Jones. B. M. Washburne will be marshal and the parade will be made-up made up of or city officers of organizations of a patriotic nature -- police and military. military. A salute will be fired at the proper time. Rev A. F. Dix will offer the Invocation and Rev. Neander Woods the benediction. This celebration was taken up by the organizations which had [been] in charge tin celebration of the birthday of Jefferson Davis. Dr. Thomas Owen being the chairman It will be made a popular occasion In the way of bringing out the patriotic enthusiasm of the people. * My best guess. RDW, 5/23/2019 http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-1410 https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/life/2014/04/13/statue-came-from-lee-place/7620189/ |
Union Springs Institute Union Springs Herald The people of Union Springs and vicinity are cordially invited to attend the opening exercises of their school at 9 a. m., Monday, Sept. 3d. Our patrons are earnestly solicited to have then' children and words present on that day. COURSE OF STUDY AND RATES Primary Department. Rate per month $1.50. Learning to read, write, and spell. Oral lessons in arithmetic, geography, and languages, object lessons, kindergarten. calisthenics, and singing. Preparatory Department. Rate per month, 1150. Second and third readers, elementary arithmetic, geography, and history, languages, lessons, penmanship, and drawing. Exercises of preceding grade continued. Grammar School Department. Rate per month, $3.00. Fourth reader, geography, practical arithmetic, V. S. history, grammar, spelling, and composition; penmanship general exercises. High School Department. Kate per month. $4.00. Higher arithmetic, elementary algebra, plane geometry, English analysis, and rhetoric, French, Latin, (including Virgil) Greek begun, history, and elocution. Business and Collegiate School Rate per month, $3.00 English literature, higher mathematics and classics, special training in book-keeping and penmanship. The Department of Music Will be duly organized with a teacher of high qualifications. Suitable rooms and instruments. An incidental fee of $1.00 per half session (five months) will be charged and expended for the benefit of the pupils. Bills payable at the beginning of each month, unless special arrangements have been made. Deduction will be made in case of sickness protracted two weeks. Parents sending more than two children at the same time will be allowed a discount of 10 per cent on the third, counting from the eldest, and an additional 10 per cent on each succeeding one. Additional information will be cheer fully given on personal application. A. F. Dix, President. july25-ly 33. |
1885 April. Union Springs Institute, Union Springs,
Alabama Union Springs Herald Union Springs Institute. 'The work of the institute will be resumed on Monday, the first day of September, 1884, with the following: FACULTY: A. F. DIX. President ALBERT S. DIX, Department of Language W. B. DIX, Department of Mathematics [William Beach Dix] MRS. N. B. DIX, preparatory Department [Nellie Beach Dix] MISS I. O. TONEY, Primary Department MISS C. E. MABSON, Instrumental Music MRS. L. E. ALSTON, Vocal Music Without additional expense to the patrons forty per cent has dm added to the teaching force of last year. The new teachers announced are known and tried; after having employed them elsewhere three years in their -respective departments, the president has no hesitancy in fully commending them here, and resting the interests of the school on their efficiency. Mrs. Alston is a thorough musician, handling the piano, organ, and voice with equal skill. Thanks are hereby returned to the public for previous patronage, and the hope is entertained that the oiler of additional inducements may meet with additional favor. The session here announced will continue four months, and its full benefits can be secured by those only who enter at the beginning., For course of study, rates, and terms please send for circular. aug 6-1y A. F. Dix, President, |
1868 26 Aug. Meeting of Midway Citizens. Matthew Hall,
Chair and AF Dix, Secretary Union Springs Herald At a meeting of the citizens of Midway and vicinity, Matthew Hall, Esq., was called to the Chair and A. F. Dix acted as Secretary. The Chairman stated that the abject of the meeting was to organize a Seymour and Blair Club, and to adopt such measures as Will tend to secure the election of the Democratic Presidential ticket. On motion of Maj. J. W, L. Daniel, the involutions adopted by the Convention lately hold in Montgomery wore road "to the meeting; also, on motion of Colonel B.D. Thornton, the proceedings of the county convention, and the resolutions adopted by that body, were read also, on motion, a letter received from the Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the county, relative to the organization of Boat Clubs, was road by the Secretary. On motion, the meeting proceeded to the organization of a Club, by election of President, two Vice Presidents, a Secretary and Treasurer and the following officers were elected: H. Pipkin, President; M. Hall and J Lewis Christian, Vice Presidents; A. F. Dix, Secretary; J., T. Jordan, Treasurer, The Hon, President, on taking the chair, made some very appropriate remarks.- On motion, a committee was appointed to make an arrangement for a public ratification meeting, and to Write for speakers, Committee Col, Thornton, J. M. Pruett, Dr, J. W. Bledsoe, and Joseph Maddox. On motion, a committee of five colored men was appointed to cooperate, to-wit: Alex. Jordan, Richard Feagin, Albert Jordan, Crif Pruett, Jack McMillan, Jake Christian. The meeting being thus prepared for business, a committee of three was, on motion, appointed by the chair to present resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting, The committee consisted of Colonel R. D. Thornton, Maj. J. W, L. Daniel and Hon. H. Pipkin. After a short absence, the committee returned, and through their chairman presented the following resolutions : Resolved 1st. That we heartily approve the political platform adopted by the National Democratic Convention, and ratify the nomination of Horatio Seymour and Francis P. Blair, as candidates for President and Vice Presidents of the United States. 2d. That we endorse the notion of our county mooting of the 14th of August, and approve the resolutions therein adopted, and will cooperate with the three men of the county in the proposed mass ratification meeting on the 1st September, at the Courthouse. 3d. That we hereby solemnly protest against the Reconstruction policy o the Radical party in the Congress of the United States, by which the independence of the State of Alabama, as a State in the Federal Union, has been subverted, her reserved rights, particularly in reference to the great right of suffrage, violated, and an alien government, forced upon a people entitled to freedom against their wishes, and protected by military force. Those measures are, in our opinion, unscrupulously unconstitutional : but being the laws of the land, we counsel forbearance and obedience to the powers that be, ardently praying that the day of our political redemption and salvation is at hand. 4th. That we desire to express our unfeigned and perfect abhorrence for the despotism of the sword to which Alabama and nor sister commonwealths have been subjected for the past two years, ns immoral and in the last degree tyrannical, and utterly repugnant to-the genius of our institutions of government. 5th. That we recommend to our colored friends that they at once organize a Seymour and Blair Club, and hereby pledge them our cooperative protection and guidance, assuring thorn that we will by our votes and influence secure to them protection to life, freedom, and the pursuit and enjoyment of property; and that the intimation and touching of Radicalism to the effect that the Seymour and Blair party would enslave them, is false, 6lh. That, should they prefer joining our Clubs, they be received ; and that for their approval we recommend the principles set forth in the platform recently adopted by the colored Seymour and Blair Club of the city of Montgomery. 7th. That a copy of those resolutions be forwarded by the Secretary to the Union Springs Times, our county paper, to be published. On motion, adjourned. A. F. DIX, Secretary. |
1921 Nov. In Memoriam. Rev. AF Dix by the Midway Baptist Church Union Springs
Herald In Memoriam In behalf of the Midway Baptist, Church, in which he was ordained to the ministry fifty -two years' ago,, we wish to pay tribute to that Prophet of God, Rev. A. F." Dix, who passed away in Decatur, 'Ala, Oct. 25th. -.. Born in ; the State ; of New York, July 27th, 1831, and reaching manhood's estate in the troublous times " before' the sixties; naturally he had imbibed it he ; prejudices of ' that " part of the country against Southern customs "and usages. A He came South in 1859, locating in Union Springs, where he taught for a year. Thence going to Midway to pursue his vocation. In 1861, he returned to New York, and was married to Miss Helen Beach, that noble woman . who was his loving companion through many years of wedded life.- Both of broad minds, and wide vision soon realized ( that the South had been misrepresented. When the call to arms came, Mr. Dix was amongst the first to shoulder his gun, enlist as a private in Co. E, Hilliard's Legion, bid farewell to his young bride, a stranger in a strange land, and march' forth to fight for his adopted land and her rights. "Shall a man live again ?" Yes! He is living now in the hearts of, his comrades who fought aide by side with him for four long years. He is living in the hearts of those pupils taught by him in Union Springs, Midway, Stevenson, in Old Mary Sharp College. He has no peer even - in this day of learned professors; in mathematics, Latin, Greek, in fact in any branch of learning. He is living in the hearts of those, who Sunday after Sunday heard him with the profoundest wisdom, expound the glories of the Gospel. He is living in the hearts of those who. went down into that beautiful stream, flowing near Winchester, and Were buried by him with Christian Baptism. Not only is he living in the hearts of those mentioned, but in the hearts of their children and children's children. Yes, Mr. Dix is living again, his influence has been spreading, till like the waves in ever widening circles, it has reached the furthest shore, where he has crossed over and is now happy with his Nellie and all the loved ones gone before. Therefore, be ;it Resolved: That Midway Baptist Church feels- honored, to have had such a profound thinker, teacher, Confederate soldier, a member of her church, and ordained therein. 2nd. That we congratulate the daughter,' four sons and grandchildren that their Father has left them such a rich heritage. Farewell old Comrade, Pastor, Teacher, Friend. Your like will never be again. Committee: M. W. HalL F. C. Hall, s Mrs. J. F. Comer |
CLIPPED BY tfinnhead 06 Jul 2020
24 May 1916 Union Springs HeraldNote: The above Obit is adjacent to the one below on page 3!
S. M. Cope is the father of Lawyer R. E. L. Cope. He signed
Daddy's [Alston Branscomb] high school diploma May 28, 1935, The title
on the diploma was President County Board of Education. On the back of
the diploma, Penny wrote "R.E.L. Cope became Daddy's attorney in a
lawsuit over timber men breaking lease on the family plantation."
24 May 1916 Union Springs Herald
[Mr. S. M. Cope is Seaborn M. Cope
Birth Date: 29 Feb 1852
Death Date: 20 May 1916 Cemetery: Indian Creek Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Smuteye, Bullock County, Alabama Occupation: Farmer. Industry: General Farm
Spouse: Flora Margaret Cope CLIPPED BY tfinnhead 06 Jul 2020
31 Oct 1935 The Montgomery Advertiser
CLIPPED BY ebhjibby 20 Oct 2019
31 Oct 1935
Union Springs Herald
Obituary for Lorena Bledsoe Lawrence
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