Doctor Thomas Quincy Ray came to Andalusia circa 1900

By Curtis Thomasson
The Andalusia Star-News

Just as the coming of the railroads to Andalusia brought tremendous growth to the little town, this achievement also attracted many new settlers. One of those was very welcome as he was a reputable medical doctor from the neighboring town of Searight. Dr. Thomas Quincy (T.Q.) Ray moved his family in shortly before the year of 1900.

The children of Stephen B. and Myra included the following: Robert Manning, who lived in Center, Texas; William, d. 1921, farmer in Pike County; James, farmer in Conecuh County; Martha Frances, m. David R. Hollis, lived in Houston, Texas; and Thomas Quincy, b. 1865, d. 1937, m. Nettie Mahoney, the daughter of Dr. Marion M. and Melissa (Colquett) Mahoney. Dr. T.Q. is the ancestor who moved this family line into Covington County.

Dr. Ray worked on a farm while growing up and during the first years of his marriage. However, it did not take him long to begin pursuing his personal dream of becoming a physician and surgeon. In 1892, he entered Atlanta Medical College, a part of Emory University at that time. He and Nettie already had two children by this date, but they delayed having additional ones for a few years and until he had established a successful medical practice.

In 1895, Dr. Ray completed his studies and was licensed as a physician. He entered practice in the thriving community of Rose Hill and later moved to Dozier. After a few years there, he decided to open an office in Searight. He also owned and operated a drug store at that time.

Once he moved his family to Andalusia around the turn of the century, Dr. Ray became a leading physician in the area. A major achievement for him was the organization and operation of the early Andalusia City Hospital. (This hospital later became the former Covington Memorial Hospital.) He served as chief of staff and operated an office upstairs over the Riley’s Drug Store in the Prestwood Building on the southwest corner of Court Square. Is no surprise that many infants born in Covington County were named Ray in honor of this popular gentleman.

In addition to his medical services, Dr. Ray was an involved citizen of the community. He served eight years on the Andalusia City Council where he was chairman of the street committee. During his tenure, significant improvements were made in the downtown area including new curbing, sidewalks, and gutters. He served as a deacon in the Missionary Baptist Church for more than 40 years, and he was moderator of the old Zion Baptist Association meetings for a number of years. In addition, he further supported his family’s livelihood with a large farm near the Brooklyn community in Conecuh County.

Dr. Ray and his wife, Nettie, were married in 1885 in Brundidge and reared the following children: Evelyn “Evie” Christina, b. 1887, d. 1935, m. Harman Lowman; Dr. Emment Colquett, b. 1892, d. 1972, m. Minnie Jones; Mary C., b. 1901, d. 1964, m. Guy Bentley Wilder, Sr.; Richard Frost, b. 1903, d. 1980, m. (1) Mary Payne (2) Frances (Garrison) Harvey; and Quinnie Elizabeth, b. 1906, d. 1970, m. Marlin Coale.

The oldest daughter, Evie, and her husband, Harman Abner Lowman, had the following three children: Collier Betha, b. 1906, d. 1909; John Ray, b. 1909, d. 1935; and James Byron, b. 1912, d. 1935. This family lived in Miami and experienced a tragic accident in 1935. While flying to Andalusia to visit relatives, their small plane crashed in route, and Evie and both sons were killed. Harman who had not made the trip lived until 1949.

Emment and his wife, Minnie, reared the following four children: Mary, m. Kermit Gilbert; Ben, m. Martha Hargrove; William “Billy,” m. Nita Jean Austin; and Jean, m. Dr. John T. McCarley. This family lived in Birmingham.

Ped, the second son, died in 1924 during the flu epidemic. His wife’s name is believed to have been Elizabeth.

Mary C. was graduated from Judson College in 1923. She was married to Guy Bentley Wilder, Sr., son of Abijah Chapman Wilder. They reared the following three children: Polly Lou, b. 1925, m. George Sidney Waits, Sr.; Guy Bentley Jr., b. 1927, m. Rebecca Merrill; and Mary Evelyn, b. 1936, m. John Wayne Anderson Sr.

Richard “Dick” Frost and his first wife, Mary Payne, lived in Birmingham. They had one daughter named Madge who was married to Dr. Hill Wombles. Unfortunately, she died at a young age without children.

Quinnie Elizabeth and her husband, Marlin Coale, lived in Brewton and reared the following three children: Betty, b. 1929, m. Herbert Mc ?; Patsy, b. 1931, m. Jimmy Ramano; and a male infant who died soon after birth.

Appreciation is expressed to Sidney and Polly (Wilder) Waits for the use of their genealogical records on the Ray family. Sidney, a noted local historian, has done extensive research on their ancestors as well as the history of the surrounding area. One publication of his containing information on the Ray family is the book titled “From the Halls of Montezuma, Sketches of Early Covington County and Andalusia, Alabama History.”

Anyone who might have corrections to the above or additional information is requested to contact Curtis Thomasson at Route 9, Box 97, Andalusia, AL 36420 or e-mail: chthom@alaweb.com

Although the official deadline has passed, the local committee compiling the Heritage History of Covington County is still able to accept articles for the publication. This will be possible until the middle of January. Stories needed include family histories, memories, church histories, cemeteries, individual’s military service, communities, schools, and unique features or tourist attractions in Covington County. Please send these to the committee at P.O. Box 973, Andalusia, AL 36420 or contact Curtis Thomasson at the above address.

The Wilder family came to Andalusia in 1905

By Curtis Thomasson
The Andalusia Star-News

Some of the families who moved to Andalusia did so around the turn of the century because of the growing economy. Actually, the coming of the railroads in 1899 resulted in rapid growth of the little town and it becoming an attraction to new settlers.

The A.C. Wilder family was one of those to arrive in 1905. In addition to the prospects of a new life, they came to help Mrs. Wilder’s sister’s family after her death. Anna (Bartlett) Haygood had recently died leaving her husband, J.J. Haygood, pastor of First Baptist Church, with their small children. The Wilders moved into the pastorium with the Haygoods to help with the children.

Abijah Chapman “A.C.” Wilder was born in 1873 as the youngest child of William Carroll and Cassandra (Holcombe) Wilder while the family lived in Shelby County. Other children born to the couple include the following: Berthena Rodcena, b. 1857, d. 1931, m. John Marshall Ray; John Tarlton Judson “Jud,” b. 1858, d. 1931, m. (1) Roberta Dunlap (2) Augusta Gilbert; Wilburn Franklin, b. ca 1860, d. 1946, m. Susan Brashier; James Henry Garrett “Jim,” b. ca 1862, d. 1939, m. (1) Emma Haynes (2) Vesta ?; Daniel Hosea, b. ca 1864, m. Martha Douglas; William Alonzo “Lonny,” b. 1867, d. 1908, m. Mary “Molly” Jackson; Martha Ann, b. ca 1870, d. age 16, single; Susan Elizabeth “Lizzy,” b. 1872, m. Learner Brooks Foust; and Abijah Chapman Wilder, Sr., b. 1873, d. 1956, m. Lula Cora Beatrice Bartlett.

A.C. and Lula were married in 1898 in Clay County. Six years later, in 1905, they moved to Andalusia with their three young children. Here they had three additional children born into the family and made it their final home.

A.C.’s first business was a grocery and dry goods or general store located on the northeast corner of Court Square. The business was later moved to the southwest corner in a section of the Prestwood Building. He also farmed some by growing cotton and tobacco in a field at the site where the Magnolia Cemetery was later located. He then tilled some land in the Red Level area. His latest business was the A.C. Wilder Land Company, a real estate business. A.C. served several years as a Councilman for the City of Andalusia.

In 1906, A.C. constructed the house at 209 Sixth Avenue, which is the current residence of the Roger Powell family. The Wilder family lived there until 1914 when it was sold. At that time the family moved into a small house located on the site of the current office for the Superintendent of Andalusia City Schools and facing College Street. In 1918, the family moved into the Kirkpatrick house, located at the site of Bill’s Dollar Store on Church Street, and lived there until 1944.

Lula died in 1943, and during the next year, A.C. was married to Willie “Camie” Campbell. They moved into the “farm house” on Sanford Road, which is now the home of the Carl Shaws. During the next year, 1946, A.C. build a brick house next door, and the family lived there until A.C.’s death in 1956. Later, this house became the residence of the Thomas Carroll family.

A.C. and his first wife, Lula, reared the following children: William Bartlett, b. 1899, d. 1952, m. Eva Charles Hinson; Guy Bentley Sr., b. 1901, d. 1992, m. (1) Mary C. Ray (2) Mary Wyatt Hollingsworth; Tracey Bangs, b. 1903, d. 1934, m. Inez Moye; Mary Anna, b. 1905, d. 1999, m. Walter Frank Nordan; Cassandra Elizabeth “Cassie,” b. 1907, d. 1987, m. John “Jack” William Adler, Sr.; and Abijah Chapman Jr. “A.C.,” b. 1910, d. 1989, m. Edwina Rita “Helen” Higgins. The first three children and a number of the family are buried in the Magnolia Cemetery.

The first son, Bartlett, and his wife, Charles, reared two children: Charlotte Anna, b. 1925, m. Jesse Taylor, Jr.; and Sara Elizabeth, b. 1927, d. 1984, m. (1) John D. Prestwood, Jr. (2) Hugh Caffey.

The second son, Guy, and his wife, Mary C., reared the following three children: Polly Lou, b. 1925, m. George Sidney Waits, Jr.; Guy Bentley Jr., b. 1927, m. Rebecca Merrill; and Mary Evelyn, b. 1936, m. John Wayne Anderson, Sr.

The third son, Tracey, returned in 1928 to Andalusia after his years at college. He became the owner and operator of a planer mill, which he operated until 1948. At that time he purchased the R.C. Cola Bottling Company, which he operated until his retirement in 1960. In 1948 he was elected to the office of Mayor of Andalusia. He served in that capacity until 1956.

Tracey had married Inez Moye in 1934 and their one daughter, Joyce, was born in 1935. She was married first to John Andrew Hogue and later to William Hubert “Bill” Law. She and Bill reared two daughters, Ellen Drew Law and Allison (Law) Griffin.

Daughter Mary and her husband, Walter Frank Nordan, reared two children: Frank M., b. 1930, d. 1963; and Betty Ann, b. 1934, m. William Milton Teem III

Daughter Cassie and her husband, Jack Adler, Sr., reared the following children: John William Jr., b. 1936, m. Jo Ann Smith; James Chapman, b. 1940, m. Patricia Sthrel; Cassie Elizabeth, b. 1943, m. Wayne Ator; and Patricia Wilder, b. 1949, m. Joseph Antesberger.

A.C. Jr. and his wife, Helen, reared the following four children: Margaret Bartlett, b. 1935, m. Adrian Straley; Robert Joseph, b. 1937, m. Mary Ann ?; James Chapman, b.. 1940, m. (1) Ruth ? (2) Suzanne ?; and John Flynn, 1943, m. Rosalie ?.

A.C. Sr.’s sister, Berthena Rodcena, and her husband, John M. Ray, reared the following children: Robert Franklin; Martha Anna “Annie,” d. age 21, m. Robert Walton; Ethel Lavada, d. in youth; Elvis Curry, m. Mamie Elliott; William Rufus “Will,” m. Ethel Wharton; Edward Marshall “Ed,” m. Gertrude ?; Vernon Lamar, d. in infancy; and Elgin Amos, m. Mary Alice Parker.

The oldest son, Robert Franklin, came and worked for a time in his grandfather A.C.’s store, and many will recognize Elgin Amos as Andalusia’s Dr. E.A. Ray. He is not to be confused with the older Dr. T.Q. Ray who came to Andalusia from Searight circa 1905. No specific relationship between the two Dr. Rays is known at this time. Although, Guy Bentley Wilder married Mary C. Ray, daughter of Dr. T.Q. Ray, to create another Wilder-Ray marriage.

Appreciation is expressed to Joyce (Wilder) Law for sharing her family’s genealogy. She has written and submitted an informative article on her family for the Heritage History of Covington County, which is being compiled currently.

Anyone who has corrections or additions to the above or who might have questions regarding the heritage book is requested to contact Curtis Thomasson at Route 9, Box 97, Andalusia, AL 36420 or Email: chthom@alaweb.com

Stacks family came to area from Tallapoosa County, circa 1902

By Curtis Thomasson
The Andalusia Star-News

When the War Between the States commenced, Berry and Tabitha had five young children. It worked out that he was the brother to remain at home and look after the family and the home front. He had several brothers who joined the Confederate Army for military service.

Berry and Tabitha reared the following children: James, b. 1853; Mary Elizabeth Arlevia, b. 1854, m. John M. Morris; Sarah Jemima “Sax,” b. 1856; Susan M. “Jane,” b. 1858, d. 1938, m. 1875 William Dawson “Bill” Phillips; Theldra Edith Anglean “Eda,” b. 1859, d. 1930, m. Joseph Alexander Oliver; Benjamin J. “Ben,” b. 1862, m. (1) Mary Fannie Rodgers (2) Nona J. Hicks; William Ellieb “Will,” b. 1865, d. 1921, m. (1) Sarah J. “Sallie” Oliver (2) Mary Jane Scroggins; and Ellen L, b. ca 1868.

Three of the above children moved to Covington County around the turn of the century, probably in 1902. While it is not known exactly where Jane and Bill Phillips resided, they were buried in the Bethel Cemetery at Babbie. Theldra “Eda” and Joseph A. Oliver settled in the Carolina Community where they were buried. Will and Sallie settled near the town of Andalusia and were buried in the Magnolia Cemetery.

Any descendants of Jane and Bill Phillips are not known at this time. Those researching this family would very much like to communicate with anyone from this branch.

Theldra “Eda” and Joseph A. Oliver, son of James Joseph and Sarah H. (Tucker) Oliver, moved from Tallapoosa County to Macon County for a few years before arriving in Covington County in 1902. Their first three children were born in Macon County. In addition to farming, Joseph A. owned and operated a gristmill in the Carolina Community.

Eda and Joseph reared the following four children: Royal Berry, b. 1896, m. Maybelle Young; Nona Vister, b. 1898, d. 1976, m. Thomas Jefferson “Jeppie/Jep” Pope; Lula Virginia, b. 1900, m. James Oscar Jake Echols; and James Melton, b. 1903, m. Lecie Gertrude Helms.

Royal Berry and his wife, Maybelle, reared the following four children: Royal Murrel, b. 1921, m. ? Kilpatrick; Altha Pearl, b. 1923, m. Sanford Stokes; Reginald; and J.D.

Nona and Jep Pope reared the following children: Wilbur Lee, b. 1915, d. 1979, m. Annie Clyde Lassiter; Lillie Mae, b. 1917, m. Jimmy A. Douglas; L. E. “Elly,” b. 1919, m. Lula Virginia Taylor; Mary Ollie, b. 1923, d. 1993, m. Robert E. Williams; Louise, b. 1924, m. Cecil E. Barnes; Annie Edna, b. 1926, m. J.T. Bryars; Frances Lynette, b. 1928, m. Joe Letham Douglas; Ruben, b. 1931, m. Marjorie Ann Heddon; Willie Jean, b. 1934, m. Joseph Henry Werner; and Vesta Maxine, b. 1936, m. Clarence Edison McDaniel.

Lula Virginia and her husband, Jake Echols, reared the following children: Willie Clyde, b. 1921, m. (1) Agnes D. Demott (2) Virginia Gail Turner (3) Hazel Ruth Toney; Edith Lucille, b. 1923, m. Ted Franklin Ramer; Esther Rae, b. 1925, m. Millard Ramer; Margie Lee, b. 1926, m. Otis Leon Jackson; Fannie Lou, b. 1928, m. Henry Newton Brown; Annie Mae, b. 1931, m. (1) Howard H. Hilton (2) James Franklin Davis; James Everette “Bill,” b. 1933, m. Jimmie Lou Youngblood; Ruby Faye, b. 1934, m. (1) Charles Earnest Jeter (2) James L. C. Jeter; LeRoy, b. 1937, m. Mary Evelyn Thrasher; Harry Lavon, b. 1940, m. Patricia Verline “Pat” Griggs; and Ronald Dewayne, b. 1943, m. Marilyn Dianne Bailey.

James M. and His wife, Lecie, reared the following two sons: Ralph Joseph, b. 1933, m. Aileen ?; and Danny, b. 1948, m. (1) ? (2) Betty ?.

The third Stacks family to move from Tallapoosa County was Will and Sallie. They reared the following children before her death: Esse Gremilla, b.& d. 1895; Ruth Evelyn, b. 1896, d. 1973, m. James Stancil Hutto; Wattie Elizabeth, b. 1899, d. 1958, m. James Claude Coursey; Edwin Sefton, b. 1902, d. 1941, Willie Blanch Powell; and Nina Vivian, b. 1904, d. 1985, m. (1) Bury Guard Brown, Sr. (2) Charles Henry Doll.

After Sallie’s death, Will was married to Mary Jane Scroggins, daughter of Columbus Wright “Brisk” Scroggins. They reared the following children: Infant son, b.&d. 1908; Infant daughter, b.&d. 1909; William Hubert, b. 1911, d. 1991, m. ?; Violet Victoria, b. 1914, d. 1992, m. William Randall “J.P.” Treadaway; Lois Mae, b. 1916, m. (1) Chesley Batson (2) Louis Matthews Kotlic; and Ellie B., b. 1918, m. Grestel Fuller.

Ruth Evelyn and her husband, James Hutto, reared the following children: Bonnie Avis, b. 1916, m. Lewis Bass; Essie Bera, b. 1918, d. 1986, m. Leroy Smith; Richard Colyer, b. 1920, d. 1930; James Foy, b. 1923, d. 1953, m. Elizabeth Deras; and Wayne Bruce, b. 1925, d. 1990, m. Nanny Sullivan.

Wattie and her husband, James Claude Coursey, Sr., reared the following four children: Voncille, b. 1918, m. Benjamin Glen Greathouse; Aubrey, b. 1920, d. ca 1976, m. Nora Lee Black; James Claude, Jr., b. 1924, m. (1) Leola ? (2) Connie Butler; and Edward Elton, b. 1926, single.

Edwin S. and his wife, Winnie, daughter of Clyde Clarence and Mattie Viola (Blackmon) Powell, reared the following two sons: Curtis Howard, b. 1931, d. 1990, m. (1) Dorothy Shirey (2) Doris Elizabeth Johnson; and William Donald, b. 1935, m. Barbara Davis Soles.

Nina and her first husband, Bury Guard Brown, had three children: Mary Evelyn, b. 1923, m. Beryl James Fuqua; Mildred Marie, b. 1925, d. 1977, m. Leonard Wallace Cochran I; and Bury Guard Jr., b. 1927, d. 1972, m. Evelyn Holderfield.

Edwin’s son, William Donald, a current citizen of Andalusia, established his shop, Stacks Refrigeration and Appliance Service, in 1970. He has operated this business, located at 117 Railroad Avenue, since that time.

Appreciation is expressed to Donald’s son, Paul Edwin Stacks, who works with him, for sharing his family history records for this column. He has collected extensive data and is interested in communicating with anyone researching this and related families.

Anyone who might have corrections or additions to the above is requested to contact Curtis Thomasson at Route 9, Box 97, Andalusia, AL 36420 or Email: chthom@alaweb.com.

Brooks ancestors arrived in 1860-1861

By Curtis Thomasson
The Andalusia Star-News

Ward reports that John S. Brooks and four of his sons moved from Chattahoochee County, Ga., to Covington and Conecuh counties sometime between 1858 and 1861. John and his wife, Elizabeth, appear to have begun their family in Houston County, Ga.

The couple had the following known children: James M., b. 1822, m. (1) Eliza Gray (2) Louisa ?; Benjamin C. F., b. 1827, d. 1889, m. Eliza Bagley; William D., b. 1828, d. 1908, m. (1) Sarah J. Scott (2) Arnassie Dupree; Henry A., b. 1833, m. Virginia ?; Nancy A.E., b. 1835, m. Bryant Howell, Jr.; and Mary A.J., b. 1841.

The families of William D. and Henry A. were enumerated in the 1860 Covington County Census. Later that year there was a record of Benjamin C. having witnessed a marriage license. James M., the oldest son, arrived in 1861 and settled near Brooklyn in Conecuh County.

James M. and William served as Captains for Co. Beat Number 6 Company, 60th. Reg’t (Covington County) 8th Brigade, 11th. Div., Ala. Militia. In 1868, James was elected to serve as Commissioner of Revenue and Roads. He and his first wife, Eliza, reared the following children: Elizabeth, b. 1843; William A., b. 1846, m. Eliza Beck; Frances, b. 1850; James W., b. 1853; Mary P., b. 1854; Sarah G., b. 1856; Benjamin, b. 1859; Louisa J., b. 1862; and Calidonia, b. 1865. The last two children were born after the move to Alabama.

Unfortunately, Eliza died during the early 1870s; and next James was married to Louisa, a native of Alabama. They reared the following known children: Terrill S., b. 1877; Ida E., b. 1878; and Marion, b. 1880.

Benjamin C. and his wife, Eliza, daughter of Dread and Elizabeth (Jones) Bagley, reared the following children: Sarah E., b. 1862, m. Ephraim; Mary E., b. 1864; Nancy Elizabeth, b. 1866, d. 1918, m. William A. Hassell; and Toab, b. 1867. The family lived in the Fairfield community, and Benjamin practiced medicine in the surrounding area.

William D. was married first to Sarah J. Scott, and they reared the following children: John S., b. 1855; Benjamin Perry, b. 1856, d. 1913, m. Rebecca Wishum; Nancy J.E., b. 1859, d. 1945, m. Richard Knowles; Sarah Emily, b. 1860, d. 1921, m. James Smith; Eveline Loudeskie, b. 1862, m. Henry King; and Willie, b. 1864, d. young. Sadly, Sarah died in 1868 and left William with six young children.

William D. next married Arnassie Dupree, daughter of Jacob and Amanda Dupree. They had the following children: Mary Alfus, b. 1869, d. 1941, m. Willie Diamond; James Madison, b. 1870, d. 1938, m. Mary Ellie Wishum; Martha Surilla, b. 1874, d. 1957, m. John Henry Williams; Eliza, b. 1877, m. Sam Kirkland; Jacob Zedock, b. 1879, d. 1946, m. Mollie Lunsford; Amanda V. “Mandie,” m. William Garrett; Augusta “Gustie,” m. Henry B. Little; Missouri, b. 1887, d. 1916, m. J. Dudley Barron; and Lena Nora, b. 1892, m. Alcus Compton.

The youngest son, Henry A., was 43 years of age in 1864 when he enlisted as a private in the Company of Cov. Co. Militia (Second Class). He and his wife Virginia, a native of Alabama, lived in the Fairfield community and had the following children: Jane E., b. 1859; Charles, b. 1861; George S., b. 1863; Levi, b. 1867; Caroline, b. 1868; and Vallery, b. 1869.

Eveline Loudeskie, daughter of William D., and her husband, Henry L. King, reared the following children: Sarah E., b. 1879, m. Tommy Cassady; John D., b. 1881, m. Carrie Lee Chambless; Benjamin T. “Tommy,” b. 1883; Froney Beatrice, b. 1885, d. 1973, m. Thomas Preston Wishum; Herbert H. “Hub,” b. 1887, m. Bessie ?; Henry Foster, b. 1889, m. Ethel Miller; Lillie D., b. 1891, m. ? Sanders; Frank A., b. 1894, m. Minnie ?; Jessie Mack, b. 1896, ? Barron; Lena Mae, b. 1898, m. Ben Locklier; Fannie Lue, b. 1900, d. young; Vellia Arzo, b. 1902, m. ? Phillips; and Rosey Manetti, b. 1905, m. Roy Lunsford.

James Madison, son of William D., and his wife, Mary Ellie, daughter of James M. and Mary Elizabeth (Potts) Wishum, reared the following children: Ada Almeda, b. 1895, d. 1963, m. Lonnie Williams; Car Stella, b. 1897, d. 1902; Dovie Elizabeth, b. 1899, d. 1957, m. Eddie Mullen; Vangie Lou, b. 1902, d. 1978, m. William “Dick” Vivan Garrett; Harvey Tress, b. 1904, d. 1904; Jewell August, b. 1905, m. William Frank King; Queenie Mae, b. 1909, m. Ezra Zimmeriah Davis; William Arthur, b. 1911, d. 1974; m. Esther B. Faye Kirkland; Bonnie Ruth, b. 1913, m. Clyde Harrison; and Jessie Carl “Billie,” b. 1916, m. Mittie Edna Huggins.

There are many other descendants of these families who have lived and reared their families in Covington County. It is hoped that someone researching this family will record all the generations for future reference.

Appreciation is expressed to two descendants in this family, Helen (King) Weant and the late Rosie (Mullen) Bundrick, for contributing their family’s history and to Wyley Ward for his valuable historical publications.

Anyone who might have corrections to the above or additional information on this family is requested to contact Curtis Thomasson at Route 9, Box 97, Andalusia, AL 36420 or Email: chthom@alaweb.com.

Hicks family settled in the Antioch community

By Curtis Thomasson
The Andalusia Star-News

In the 1860 Census of Covington County, Amos was listed as a farmer at 33 years of age with his wife, Martha Ann, also at 33 years of age. With them were the following children: Jackson, 11; Jasper L., 7; Sarah Jane, 4; and George E., 2. All of the family were born in Georgia except the youngest who was born after they arrived in Alabama.

Also in the 1860 census residing near Amos was a household for Nancy Hicks who was listed as a farmer at 53 years of age. She was also born in Georgia and had the following children in her home: Thomas, 18; Darrinda P., 14; and Martha J. Sessions, 5. A Hamilton Hicks, a farm laborer at 21 years of age, was living nearby with the family of John P. Lunsford.

At least four Hicks men enlisted in the Confederate Army during 1962. J.E. Hicks was a 5th Sgt. in Co. A, 25th. Ala. Inf. Reg’t, known as the Andalusia Beauregards. W.H. Hicks was a private in Co. I, 29th. Ala. Inf. Reg’t, which was Capt. Sowell’s Co., 4th. Batt. Ala. Vol. Amos and Martin Hicks were both privates in Co. I, 40th. Ala. Inf. Reg’t.

By the taking of the 1870 census, Amos was no longer living, but his widow, Martha Ann, was listed as head of a household. With her were the following children: Jasper L., 16; Sarah Jane, 15; George E., 13; and B.C. (Benjamin C.?), 10 who would have been born after the 1860 census was recorded.

Living near Martha was a young couple who was probably her son, Jackson, and his wife. The record lists Jesse Hicks at 22 years of age with his wife, Nancy, at 26 years. They had a two year old daughter, Nancy J., with them.

Land purchase records show that several of Amos’s sons later acquired land in Conecuh River and the following communities: Damascus, Carolina, Red Oak, and Leon. The sons included Jackson, Jesse T., and Benjamin C. It is likely that William A. (H.?) and James A. were also sons of Amos.

No additional genealogy is available at this time on this family line. It is hoped that someone who has researched these people will contact the writer and allow additional coverage of them in a future column.

History is available on another Hicks family line who moved to Covington County from Barbour County in 1922. These descendants claim their ancestors immigrated from Scotland to America and settled in Virginia. They eventually made their way to Alabama where they settled in Barbour County in the Baker Hill community near Clayton. When they arrived in Covington County, the family settled in the Antioch community.

William Curtis Hicks, son of William Thomas Hicks, was born in Zion Hill. He had brothers named Walter T., Randall, and Emmas. He was married in 1915 to Darrie Irene Creel, daughter of James Daniel Creel, Jr.

William and Darrie had the following 15 children: Emma Irene, b. 1917, d. as infant; Kelsie Curtis, b. 1918, m. Ruby Crosby, six children; Cleveland, b. 1920, m. Virginia Garrett, one daughter; William “Bill” Robert, b. 1922, m. Doris Longmire, three children; Mary Gladys, b. 1923, m. (1) Cleve Green (2) Edward Blocker, five children by Green; Grady Thomas, b. 1925, d. during WWII in Germany; Roy Cecil, b. 1926, d. 1998, m. Jeanette Sasser, two daughters; Henry, b. ca 1930, d. as infant; Sarah Maude, b. 1932, m. Robert Daugherty; Margaret Louise, b. 1934, m. (1) Jimmy Walker (2) Jack Morris, three children by Walker; John Wesley, b. 1935, m. Virginia Sheppard, four children; Cecil Ray, b. 1937, m. (1) Dorothy Hobbs (2) Faye ?, three sons by Hobbs; Annie Merle, b. 1940, m. Norman Estes, three children; Wilma Ellen “Polly,” b. 1942, m. Jimmy Smith, three children; and John Hugh, b. 1944, m. Vickie O’Grady, three children.

The first three children were born in Barbour County, and the next 12 were born in Covington County. Many of the descendants currently reside in this county, but some have moved to Montgomery and several to Dade City, Fla.

Appreciation is expressed to Cleveland Hicks of Montgomery for sharing his family’s genealogy. He and others in his family are interested in learning more about the Hicks heritage. Anyone interested may contact him at 343 Benbow Court, Montgomery, AL 36117.

Anyone who might have corrections or additions to the above information is requested to contact Curtis Thomasson at Route 9, Box 97, Andalusia, AL 36420 or e-mail: chthom@alaweb.com.

Lowman family spread widely

By Curtis Thomasson
The Andalusia Star-News

The oldest grandchild, Mary Ann Elizabeth (Wells) and her husband, James Daniel Bozeman, son of James and Adeline (Cauley) Bozeman, reared the following children: Wesley Orester, b. 1879, d. 1969, m. Arrie Rebekah Clark; Frederick Alphonso, b. 1880, d. 1952, m. Lizzie Aplin; Una Vay, b. 1885, m. Benjamin H. Weant; Annie Clyde, b. 1888, m. William N. Rushton; Jessie Irene, b. 1891, m. Morrell S. Dozier; Robert Gaston, b. 1896, d. 1974, m. Susan Horn Dickey; and Willma M., b. 1901, m. Julian Cross.

The next grandchild, Malachi Dozier Wells, and his wife, Emma Delilah Jones, had one child: Darris, b. ca 1903, d. 2000, m. R.L. Bailey. This couple also had one son.

Ada Henrieta Wells and her husband, William Green Chandler, son of Julius and Margaret (Colvin) Chandler, reared one son, E.L. Caney, b. 1888, d. 1975, m. Annie Iola ?.

Robert E. Wells and his wife, Fannie L. (Benson), reared two children: Louie E., b. 1895; and Era V., b. 1896.

Michael Emanuel Wells and his wife, Pearl Bethea (Moore), daughter of Joseph Jones Moore, reared the following children: Rodney Barnard, b. 1899; Marie, b. 1900, d. 1980, m. William Aubrey Mallette; Robert Darrell, b. 1902, d. 1910; Grover Ashton, b. 1905, d. 1976, m. Orene Connell; and Joseph Michael, b. 1909, d. 1964, m. Victoria ?.

The next families will be the grandchildren of John Frederick Lowman. The oldest daughter, Martha Rebecca Lowman, and her husband Henry Jackson Merrill, son of William and Sarah (Handley) Merrill, reared the following children: Calvin Eugene, b. 1891, d. 1957, m. Adeline Narcissa Moore; Jessie Fred, b. 1893, d. 1958, m. Lillie Holland; and Henry Neil, b. 1899, d. 1946, m. Florrie Tisdale.

alter Wesley Lowman and his wife, Clara Ridell (Rainer), daughter of James and Clara (Ingram) Rainer, reared the following children: Walter Arlee, b. 1902, d. 1997, m. (1) Martha Windham (2) Jean Corbitt; Alice Matilda, b. 1904, d. 1985, m. Fennie Haisten; Albert Parnell, b. 1906, d. 1989, m. (1) Evelyn Morgan (2) Elinor Stull; John Rainer, b. 1908, d. 1910; and James Candler, b. 1915, d. 2000, m. (1) Ella Frances Killough (2) Aldene Cagle Wright.

Lizzie Arrie Mittie Lowman and her husband, James Thomas Clark, son of William and Josephine (Frost) Clark, reared two children: Estie Gertrude, b. 1896, d. 1918, m. ? Smith; and Leslie Oliver, b. 1899, d. 1918.

James Malichi Lowman and his wife, Annie Izora (Taylor), daughter of Furney Griffin and Margaret (Brunson) Taylor, reared the following children: Thelma Lenora, b. 1898, d. 1991, m. (1) Joe Moxley Hollis (2) Morris Middlebrooks; Audrey Lou, b. 1900, d. 1993, m. John Henry Hollis; Addie Rebecca, b. 1902, d. 1934, m. Herbert Eugene

Andrews; Mittie Irene, b. 1902, d. 1980, m. Benjamin Melvin Franklin; Fred Griffin, b. 1903, d. 1994, m. (1) Carlee Morgan (2) Helen Lowman Jacobs; Benjamin Albert, b. 1905, d. 1972, m. Sara Julia Segrest; Ethel Elizabeth, b. 1908, d. 1997, m. George Wilson Parker; and Malley Oleta, b. 1915, d. 1995, m. Herbert Clarence Register.

Harmon Abner Lowman and his wife, Evelyn Christine (Ray), daughter of Thomas and Nettie (Malone) Ray, reared the following children: Collier Betha, b. 1906, d. 1909; John, b. 1909, d. 1935; and James Byron, b. 1912, d. 1935.

Benjamin Edmond Lowman and his wife, Agnes Mae (Sturgis), daughter of Robert and Georgia (Thompson) Sturgis, reared the following children: Annie Merle, b. 1911, m. Eugene Clement Shreve; Georgia Ruth, b. 1914, m. Byron Burnett Mathews; and Charles Rowell, b. 1923, m. Effie Mae Adams.

John Quincy and his wife, Anna Belle (Kirkland), daughter of William and Mary (Cannon) Kirkland, had the following children: Gertrude Helen, b. 1910, m. Clifton Pough; Angus Kirkland, b. 1914, d. 1976; and Ronald Robert, b. 1919, d. 1984, m. Lucile Ables.

Hardy Lee Lowman and his wife, Gracie Capitola (Sturgis), daughter of Robert and Georgia (Thompson) Sturgis, had the following children: Evelyn, b. 1910, d. 1987, m. James Clifford Elder, Jr.; Harold L. Sr., b. 1916, d. 1980, m. (1) Sallie M. ? (2) Grace ?; and Sturgis Lee, b. 1921, d. 1995, m. (1) Monteen Butler (2) Jean Thomas.

The next families are descended from Benjamin Lloyd Lowman. The oldest daughter, Daisy Bell, and her husband, George Jefferson Parker, reared the following children: George Wilson, b. 1913, d. 1982, m. Ethel Elizabeth Lowman; Isabelle, b. 1914, d. 1916; and Nina, b. 1917, m. Donald C. Youngblood.

Hellena Mae Lowman and her husband, George Etheridge, had one daughter, Catherine, who married Wyatt Harris.

Etta Safonie Lowman and her husband, William Howell Robbins, had two daughters: Ida Pauline, b. 1907, m. John Dewey Teel; and Addie, b. 1912, m. ? Spier.

Bessie Alice Lowman and her husband, James Stowers, reared the following children: Henry Benjamin, b. 1911, d. 1988, m. (1) Iris Fepine Lynch (1) Versie Shefield Bessinger; Rufus Arnold, b. 1913, m. Marilyn Jones; James, b. 1916, d. 1970, m. 91) Marie Bergaron (2) Ruby Jeanette Lowman; Bessie Elanor, b. 1918, d. 1921; Joe Legon Sr., b. 1920, m. Inez Elizabeth Anderson; Dorothy Elizabeth, b. 1923, m. Benjamin Lowman Franklin, Sr.; Sally Frances, b. 1926, m. Virgil William Waddell; and Alice Avinell, b. 1928, d. 1939.

Roston Pollard Lowman and his wife, Ruby Estelle (Bozeman), daughter of William and Jessie (Benson) Bozeman, reared the following children: Jessie Helen, b. 1914, m. (1) Carson Alex Jacobs (2) Fred Griffin Lowman; Jennie Carol, b. 1916, d. 1996, m. Otis Ray Summerlin; Ruby Jeanette, b. 1919, d. 1989, m. (1) William Nesbitt Tollison (2) James Lowman Stowers (3) Leland Lamar Hughes; Mary Ellen, b. 1921, d. 2001, m. Byron Eugene Merrill; Bennie June, b. 1925, m. Willie Merrill Sasser; Roston Kenneth, b. 1931, m. Eunice Langford Stewart; and Franklin Thad, b.& d. 1933.

The next families are descended from Rosie Julie Lowman.

The oldest daughter, Ethel Lenora Cooper, and her husband, Tillman Carter, had one son, Cuyler, b. 1908, d. 1987, m. (1) Jessie Strong (2) Evelyn Stewart (3) Agnes Blackman Gammage. Ethel and her second husband, Robert Shehane, had a daughter, Bernice Eloise, b. 1920, m. Allen Busefink.

Fodie Cooper and his wife, Della Robbins, had two children: Lelie Idell, b. 1905, d. 1942, m. James Buron Parker; and Joseph Willard, b. 1911, d. 1994, m. Flossie Jo Bryan.

Mattie Mae Cooper and her husband, James Oliver Bozeman, had one daughter, Annie Laura, b. 1920, m. Robert Washington Hughes.

Eula Merle Cooper and her husband, Willie C. Gammage, son of Bury and Elizabeth (Bozeman) Gammage, reared the following children: Herman Dwight, b. 1914, m. Zonie Duke; Judson W., m. Christine Whiteman; Charles W., b. 1920, m. Jeannie ?; Stanley Hinton, b. 1924, d. 1983, m. Doreen Thrift; and Harry F., m. Virginia ?.

The next families are descended from Sarah Lowman. The oldest son, James Samford White, and his wife Daisy Dean Linam, had the following children: James Marvin, b. 1906, d. 1988; Paul; and Esther Pearl.

John Beauregard White and his wife, Amanitus Sims, reared the following children: Luther Wise, b. 1902, d. 1986; Lois Pauline, b. 1903, m. Henry Claude Ward; Hulbert Burie, b. 1907, d. 1995; Gladys Elaine; Eunice; and Sarah Beatrice.

Justus Arthur White and his wife, Tessie Mae Perkins, reared the following children: Justus Perkins Sr., b. 1909, d. 1976, m. Evelyn Ester Aikin; Nina Pauline, b. 1913, d. 1989; Authur Pershing, b. 1915, d. 1996, m. Sarah Carter; and William Roy, b. 1921, d. 1993, m. Marie Hereford Peterson.

Lena Mae White and her husband, John Ranson Caton, reared the following children: James Ransom, b. 1913, d. 1992, m. Lois Everrett Barrow; Louise, m Nathaniel Waller; and Bethea C., m. Carolyn Brunson.

Many of these descendants resided in Covington and Crenshaw counties, but many of the next generation moved to new areas.

Appreciation is expressed to Charles Howell Lowman, a member of the generation outlined above, for sharing his family's genealogy. Anyone who might have corrections or additions to this writing is requested to contact Curtis Thomasson at Route 9, Box 97, Andalusia, AL 36420 or Email: chthom@alaweb.com