EXCERPTS OF INTEREST FROM THE BIRMINGHAM IRON AGE (1874-1884) 

Transcribed by Larry E. Caver, Jr. 

February 3, 1876: 

Tyler, Texas 

January 19, 1876 

Dear Frank [Editor]:

In your paper of the 13th instant, I observe an announcement headed "Historical", in which you state that you will soon begin the publication of sketches of the lives of those who participated in the early settlement and in the political transactions of Jefferson County (AL). I shall await impartially the appearance of your sketches. To me they will possess, I known, an indescribable charm. I wish I could contribute something towards aiding you in this proposed interesting feature of your paper. Many of those who participated in the public affairs of Jefferson County, in the early years of its settlement, came to Texas- General WOOD, Robert Emmet Bledsoe BAYLOR, John BROWN, Harrison W. GOYNE, Simpson ROBINSON, Thomas M. ADKINS, Emory LOYD, Henry CLICK, Taylor BROWN, Richard TANKERSLY and doubtless many others. Of these above mentioned, all are dead except Henry CLICK, Taylor BROWN and Simpson ROBINSON, and I am not sure that the last named is living, though he was a year or two ago. Taylor BROWN is living near Henderson, about 30 miles from this place, and was as full of vitality and fun, about two weeks ago, when I saw him, as a [colored man] ever gets of religion- and you know that is so full that he runs over occasionally. Henry CLICK, who used to be the best rifle shot that could be found, lives in Cherokee County. I have not seen him for two or three years. Simpson ROBINSON was living in Leon County a few years ago, and had been chief justice of the county. General WOOD, who participated in what is termed the "pine knot" battle, fought at Jonesboro long before you and I were born, died and was buried near Austin, Texas, many, many years ago; John BROWN (Red) died not many years ago, at Brownsboro (named for him) in Henderson County, Texas, about 20 miles west of this place. Harrison W. GOYNE died in 1849 at Lockhart, Western Texas; Emory LOYD died near Henderson, Rusk County, about 15 years ago; Robert E.B. BAYLOR died near Independence, Washington County, December 31, 1873; Major ADKINS died near Larissa, Cherokee County, a few years ago; Woodson WADE I ought to have mentioned also, he is dead too. BROWN, GOYNE, ADKINS, ROBINSON, WOOD, LOYD and BAYLOR, were in official line of life in your county (Jefferson). LOYD, WOOD, John BROWN and GOYNE served in the legislature, and BAYLOR in the Congress of the United States. BAYLOR, WOOD and John BROWN served in the Congress of the Republic of Texas; Judge BAYLOR served for 25 years or more as District Judge. I furnish you these facts, whcih you can dress up if you choose, and receive as my contribution. Why don't you pour hot shot and Greek fire into the Radical Camp? Have they quit stealing in Alabama? Your friend very hurriedly, but truly, Thomas SMITH 

April 13, 1876: PATRIOTS' GRAVE One mile east of this city, on the old Georgia Road, is a small clump of bushes in which are a few graves where the "rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." One of these is marked for William PULLEN, a soldier of the Revolution, who died April 4, 1845, aged 87 years. By his side is Mary PULLEN, who died in 1851, aged 84 years. This venerable couple were well known to the editor of this paper when he was a boy. Several of their descendants are living in this county, among then J.B. and W. P. HICKMAN. (-) ROWAN, a prominent citizen of Jacksonville, is also a grandson of the same. 

April 13, 1876: HISTORICAL James W. McWILLIAMS came to this county in 1817. He has made 57 crops here and is now planting his 58th. His father settled at the place known as the Lewis MARTIN place, (-) miles west of Birmingham, and Mr. McWILLIAMS now lives with (-) miles of the same place. He recalls that the courthouse was first at Carrollvile, three miles west of (-), but was afterwards moved to a point near where Birmingham now stands, in fact about the residence of B. P. WORTHINGTON. Mr. McWILLIAMS' father, Andrew McWILLIAMS, was a revolutionary soldier and died in 1824. He was buried on the Martin place. (NOTE: Article is in the seam and some words are not known). 

May 4, 1876: HISTORICAL Mr. Thomas MAXWELL of Tuscaloosa, has been sent out by the Historical society of Alabama to gather up some of the historical relics of the early settlement of our State. He was in Birmingham last week conversing with our friend, Duncan McLAUGHLIN. Andrew McLAUGHLIN, father of the gentleman last named, came to this valley in company with John JONES, for whom the valley was named, (-) FIELDS, father of Mose FIELDS, of this county, and George MATTHEWS, in 1814. They came from Madison County and made a (crib) in 1815 at the old Wood place at Jonesboro, where they had a (-) house. Next year they brought their families to their new home, and were accompanied by Williamson HAWKINS, HAMILTON, (-) and others. Mose FIELDS was the first white child in the county. W.C. EUBANK, Jos. R. SMITH and D. McLAUGHLIN were all (born) in 1818. (NOTE: Article is in the seam and some words are not known).