James Walter MEDDERS

M, b. 23 December 1886, d. 23 February 1975
James Walter Medders and Nettie Burt, 1907 Wedding Photo
     James Walter MEDDERS, son of John Calhoun MEDDERS and Nancy Frances STEWART, was born on 23 December 1886 in Cedar Grove, Bibb County, Alabama.1

James married Nettie Nona BURT, daughter of Eustace Pierre BURT and Martha Jane YEAGER, on 8 October 1907 at Ada's Chapel Church in Bibb County, Alabama.2,3 Their son, Glover Medders, wrote that "before they were married, Daddy lived on the northside of Shultz Creek, and Mother lived on the southside. The land of their parents joined, and the children of both families visited each other and often played together. As they reached maturity, Dad began getting a little anxious because he had begun to notice that some other young men in the area were paying too much attention to Mother. He thought, 'I know, I will buy my freedom from my daddy, and then I will be a man of my own.' He talked to his dad and they worked out a deal. Walter agreed to work for one more year for his dad, and then he would be a free man. The deal was closed, and Walter began to court Nettie in earnest. So, in a little over a year, he not only had his freedom, but he and Mother had each other, and they were soon joined in marriage."4

James Walter was described by Glover as "...a strong and a hard worker. I never knew at any time what it was to go hungry. We needed new shoes and clothes at times, but what we had was kept clean. Dad's career was farming, but as the seasons permitted, he would pick up jobs, taking what he could find. He did his own blacksmith work and some for other people. He went for miles around to castrate bull yearlings, hogs and horses. He was used over and over in killing hogs for home use. Back in those days, almost all country people kept hogs for home meat. He was good at working with sick animals, and he was always willing to help. In short, he was a communtiy man who offered his help freely."5

In 1916 James Walter MEDDERS was registered for the draft during World War I. He was listed as a 30-year-old farmer, born 23 Dec 1886 in Blocton. He was a current resident of Blocton and claimed responsibility for a wife and four children.1

Between 1920 and 1925 James Walter and Nettie purchased 115 acres of land joining Eustace Burt's property and on the south side of Schultz Creek from Walter's father. Their eldest son, Glover, now owns the land.5

James Walter MEDDERS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1920 in Bibb County, Alabama, the household was listed as Walter Meadows, age 23; wife Nettie, age 24; daughters Elvie Lee, age 12; Eustace, age 9; Madge, age 6; sons Glover, age 4 1/2; and Burton(?), age 1 1/2.6

James Walter MEDDERS and Nettie Nona BURT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 15 April 1930 in Beat 2, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as J. Walter Medders, a farmer, age 43. He owned his home and had first married when he was 20. He was not a veteran. Both he and his parents were born in Alabama. His wife, Nettie N., was 44 years old and had married when she was 21. She and her parents were born in Alabama. Children living with them were Madge L., 17; T. Glover, 14; J. Bunton, 11; Opal L., 8; and LaMoyne, 4 5/12. There was also married daughter, Elsie Lee Caffee, age 21, a farm laborer and her son, Arlas [Arliss] A. Caffee, 5 months old..7

James married Nancy Elizabeth (?) on 11 April 1937 in Bibb County, Alabama.8

James Walter MEDDERS died on 23 February 1975 in Cedar Grove, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 88.9 He was buried in Ada Chapel Bible Methodist Church Cemetery, Cedar Grove, Bibb County, Alabama.

Grandaughter Madge H. "Patty" Terry has written the following tribute to James Walter Medders: "Known as 'Papa' to his children, 'Pa' to his grandchildren and great grandchildren and 'Cousin Walter' to his community, Grandpa Walter is sorely missed and is still much in the thoughts and memory of those who loved him so much.

Pa was a man of great strength and strong Christian convictions. He was most often seen with Bible studying the word of God and served as a lay preacher in his community. He had the respect and love of all who knew him and was often called upon to travel miles to preach in the 'colored' church some distance from where he lived. Anyone in the community who needed help with a problem-- whether it was lending a hand with some chore or offering a prayer which needed to 'get through'-- Pa was the person in the community who was called on.

His eight children all had a deep love and respect for him and lived their lives so that he would not be disappointed in their actions. When the family got together on any occasion, it is a common thing to hear his name mentioned time and time again with happy and loving memories. He was the rock of the family and gave freely of his love to each member. Grandchildren always felt loved and it was a treat to spend the summers in the country with Pa, helping him with his many chores. I imagine there were many times when he could have done very well with that 'help,' but he never showed his frustration at the children who were in the fields with him, whether it was chopping or picking cotton, gathering the farm produce, or helping with the livestock. It was a special treat and created many happy memories to carry with us for our entire lives.

There might have been times when some of the younger children resisted his strong Christian teachings; however, now when we are all together, it is with great love and respect that someone will mention his guidance during a time when it was sorely needed.

Pa had a quick and lilting laughter, and it was such a thrill to listen to him relate some humorous event and share in his enjoyment. His positve outlook on life prepared family members to face life in a manner which provided enjoyment as well as making meaningful contributions to their fellowman.

In reflecting on his life, it is with a deep appreciation to God for sharing him with us for the years of his life and a desire to live so that one day we will again share in his presence."10
Last Edited=8 Aug 2022

Children of James Walter MEDDERS and Nettie Nona BURT

Citations

  1. [S166] WWI Draft Registration, online http://www.ancestry.com, James Walter Medders, roll 1509350, card 18.
  2. [S58] Stan Medders, Medders Saga.
  3. [S271] Bibb County Marriages: Book L, pg. 448.
  4. [S58] Stan Medders, Medders Saga, pg. 404-405.
  5. [S58] Stan Medders, Medders Saga, pg. 405.
  6. [S245] 1920 U. S. Census, Bibb County, Alabama, Walter Meadows household.
  7. [S475] 1930 U. S. Census, Bibb County, Alabama, J. Walter Medders household No. 129, ED 4-3, sheet 31, pg. 8A.
  8. [S320] "SSDI," online http://ssdi.genealogy.rootsweb.com, for Nancy Medders, 420-64-5932.
  9. [S5] Howard F. McCord, Cemeteries of Bibb County, Alabama 1817-1974.
  10. [S58] Stan Medders, Medders Saga, pg. 402-403.

Information on this site has been gathered over many years from many sources. Although great care has been taken, inaccuracies may exist. Please contact [email protected] with corrections or questions..