THE ANDERSONSHERIFFS OF JEFFERSON

COUNTY, ALABAMAWith additional materials for all Jefferson County

Sheriffs from 1819 forward.

Two of the early Jefferson County Sheriffs were

Anderson, Peter August 7, 1835 - - August 25, 1838August 25, 1841 - - August 23, 1844August 12, 1847 - - August 17, 1850

and his son

Anderson, Thomas A. September 2, 1880 - January, 1885 [?]

Peter Anderson was the great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas,and Thomas A. Anderson was her great-grandfather. Direct family links to those

two early Sheriffs of Jefferson County stimulated this project.

These materials were preparedJanuary-May, 2004

by

Carl O. Thomas & Martha S. ThomasKnoxville, Tennessee

To the best of our knowledge, materials included here are generally in the public domain. Others shouldfeel free to make use of these materials. In such cases, please provide reference to the original sources thatare cited throughout the following text.

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Appreciation

A number of sources were used in preparing these materials.

One important source was “A List Compiled in The Department of Southern History andLiterature,” of the Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham, Alabama, September 16, 1943.A copy of that list was provided by the kindness of Jack and Judi Parker, Birmingham,Alabama. They also provided the photographs of old grave markers from the Pinson,Alabama area.

Judi Parker also provided help with genealogical searches, and with historical informationabout the Pinson, Alabama area.

Another important source was material found at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Departmentweb site, identified in the text. This includes an historical listing, and a large - though notcomplete - gallery of photographs of past sheriffs. We appreciate the work done by SheriffMike Hale and his staff to build that web site.

Ms. Delilah Evans of Warner-Robbins, Georgia provided important help with findinginformation on line and in her personal files about Alabama. Ms. Melba Clark of Decatur,Alabama provided a copy of the old photograph of Henderson and Zuda Belle Reese. Ms.Linda Mardis of Cullman, Alabama provided important genealogical search assistance.

Wanda Taylor of Hattiesburg, MIssissippi, daughter of Flossie {Reese} Glenn and granddaughter of Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese provided notes from her personal files. Much ofthe material was prepared originally by Robert McCombs.

Mr. Don Veasey, Curator of Photographs, Department of Archives & Manuscripts,Birmingham Public Library located the old 5x7 photograph of Thomas A. Anderson, andalso provided other archival references found in the following text.

Important family oral history was provided by Tommie Audel {Reese} Bird of Knoxville,Tennessee. She is the grand-daughter of Thomas A. Anderson, and the youngest of thechildren of Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese.

Information also was obtained from old family Bible pages and from hand written materialsprepared by Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese and Bertha {Reese} Skinner. Page copies areincluded at the end of the text.

Other information sources are identified as they appear in the text. We are grateful for all ofthe generous help that has made this project possible.

ERRORS

Errors often creep into genealolgical materials. Information may be unavailable ...diffferent sources may not agree .... errors may arise from incorrect transcriptions ... etc.

Whenever possible in these materials, we have indicated corrections and/or undertaintiesabout accuracy, leaving the original materials unchanged.

Nevertheless, users of these materials should be alert to the possibility of otherundiscovered errors.

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The Following Section is FromA List Compiled in the

Department of Southern History and LiteratureBirmingham Public Library

Birmingham, AlabamaSeptember 16, 1943

The material provided here was transcribed byCarl O. Thomas [December, 2003] from a copy ofBirmingham Library materials provided by thekindness of Jack and Judi Parker, of Birmingham,Alabama.

PREFACE

Names and dates of commissions for all sheriffs from 1819 through Sept. 1, 1896,except Smith and Morrow, were obtained from a copy of a copy of “A Registerof County Officials, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1819-1900” made by the WPAfor the library in 1937. Smith and Morrow and all names since 1900 wereobtained from Birmingham City Directories and Alabama Official and StatisticalRegisters, 1903-1939 and newspaper clippings. Contemporary publications andhistorical works thought likely to contain information were consulted. A WPAtypewritten copy of “Minutes of the Board of Revenue of Jefferson County fromFebruary 1856 to February 1871” was of some assistance in determining dates.Dates for terms in general were supplied by checking constitutional andstatutory provisions under “sheriff” and “elections” in all Constitutions 1819-1901 and State Codes from 1823-1840.

The list is complete except for the term 1832-1835. Cruikshank lists StephenReader as an “early” sheriff. We do not find him so listed on the copy of theRegister in the library. {The name does not appear in the subsequent list fromthe office of the current Sheriff Mike Hale.} One Stephen Reader is listed as aJustice of the Peace in 1822. He may turn out to be the missing name for 1832-1835. There is, of course, the possibility that a coroner or an appointee mayhave served out an unexpired brief term which the various sources consultedwould not reveal - as Coroner Russum served two months between the death ofHartsfield and the appointment of Downs.

All names were checked against the State Biographical Index to publishedworks in the Southern Collection of the library. Only 13 of the 34 men are in theIndex - - Kelly, Grace, Hagood, Truss, Morrow, O’Brien, Higdon, McAdory,Hartsfield, Russum, Downs, McDuff, and Harry E. Smith. Owen in his sketch of

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Hagood states that he was sheriff from 1874-77 and acting sheriff from 1880-1884. Another writer mentions Truss as having served two terms. Neither isindicated on the official register in the library as serving two terms.

In view of the above facts and also because the “Official Register” in the libraryis a “copy of a copy”, we believe for accuracy that the list should be checkedagainst the official list in the office of the Secretary of State or possibly in theJefferson County Probate Office. In the absence of an original official register,certain records in the court house known to have been regularly signed by thesheriff might be used as a check. Since 1887 bound newspapers on file in thepublic library might reveal the desired information. Search through boundnewspapers would however be a much more laborious task than checking theofficial list or the county records.

September 16, 1943

NOTE BY COT: This PREFACE contains a number of caveats about the accuracy and thecompleteness of the information, and suggests steps by which these might be improved.

SHERIFFS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA1819-- 1963

Some brief “historical benchmarks” have been added by COT to help puteverything into historical perspective.

1813-14 Creek Indian WarsMarch 3, 1817 Became the Alabama Territory

1. Reed, Levi October 28, 1819 - - October 5, 1822 Copy of official Register from which taken is not clear what dates “Term Ended” are in the column headed“Remarks.” In the column headed date “Commissioned” are the dates Oct. 28, 1819.

December 13, 1819 Jefferson County formedDecember 14, 1819 Alabama became the

22nd State of the Union

2. McWhorter, John October 5, 1822 - - March 20, 1824, ResignedSpelled “McWhorter” in the copy made by WPA from the official Register. In all other places it is spelled“McWorter.”

3. Ayers, John B. March 20 - - August, 1824..To complete the McWhorter term..

4. Murray, James August, 1824 - - August 22, 1826

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5. Ayers, John B. August 22, 1826 - - August 8, 1829

6. Scott, William A. August 8, 1829 - - August, 1832

7. Reader, Stephen [?]Undoubtedly there is a name missing from the Register as copied by WPA. The law provides for a term ofthree years, and there are three years unaccounted for here. Cruikshank lists one Stephen Reader as amongthe early sheriffs, but there is none on the copy in the library, therefore three years are unaccounted for. A Stephen Reader is on the Register as a Justice of the Peace in 1822. {Handwritten notes include possiblyMoses Kelley, Jr. 1833-1834, and part of 1835. There also are some illegible handwritten notes at thispoint in the original typescript.}

8. Anderson, Peter August 7, 1835 - - August 25, 1838...Great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas..

Spelled “Sanderson” on one copy of the Register in the library. Because of similarity with the name “PeterAnderson” writer wonders if that might be a typographical error. Peter Anderson is listed in the sheriff’soffice three times.

1836-37 Second Creek War

9. Kelly, Moses August 25, 1838 - - August 25, 1841

1838-39 Trail of Tears forced removal of Cherokee and other Indian tribes to the west

10. Anderson, Peter August 25, 1841 - - August 23, 1844...Great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas...

11. Grace,Bayliss E. August 23, 1844 - - August 12, 1847

12. Anderson, Peter August 12, 1847 - - August 17, 1850...Great-great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas...

13. Killough, Abner August 17, 1850 - - August 17, 1853

14. Hudson, Richard August 17, 1853 - - August 16, 1856

15. Eubank, Wm. C. August 16, 1856 - - August 9 [?], 1859Spelled Eubanks in a copy of the official Register from which the information is taken. In the same list James Eubank is spelled without the final “s”. Cruikshank says that Wm. C. Eubank and Jas. T. Eubankwere father and son.

16. Hudson, Richard August 9 [?], 1859 - - August 13, 1862

17. Killough, Abner August 13, 1862 - - July 25, 1865

1861-65 CIVIL WAR

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18. Hanby, Wm. F. July 25, 1865 - - August 8, 1868Spelled Hamby in a copy of the official Register from which this information is taken. Cruikshank andother refererences give the name as Hanby , undoubtedly a case of handwriting interpretation [“m” and “n”].

19. May, Marion A. August 8, 1868 - - November 22, 1871

1871 Birmingham incorporated

20. Eubank, Jas. T. November 22, 1871 - - November 18, 1874..Elected November 7, 1871..

21. Hagood, R. H. November 18, 1874 - - September 20, 1877

22. Reid, John T. September 20, 1877 - - September 2, 1880

23. Anderson, Thos. A. September 2, 1880 - 1885 [?] .... Appointed...Great-grandfather of Martha {Skinner} Thomas, and the son of Peter Anderson...Irregular. The Register records that Anderson was appointed rather than elected. One wonders why. Anelection should have taken place in August, 1880 with the sheriff so elected serving for four years for thefirst time in Alabama history. The same Register lists Truss as commissioned January 15, 1885, yet stateshe was elected August 4, 1884. Ordinarily he would have assumed office in September, 1884. Why not ?Was there an interregnum, or perhaps a mistake in copying, or some special law situation ?

24. Truss, Samuel, R. January 15, 1885 - - September ?, 1888. .Elected August 4, 1884. .

25. Smith, Joseph S. September 1, 1888 - - September 1, 1892

26. Morrow,George M. September 1, 1892 - - September 1, 1896

27. O’Brien, Frank P. September 1, 1896 - - September 1, 1900

1898 Spanish-American War

28. Burgin, Andrew W. September 1, 1900 - - January 15, 1907The Constitution of 1901 specifically extended the terms of officers whose terms would have expired in1904 [four years] until 1907.

29. Higdon, E. L. January 15, 1907 - - January 16, 1911

30 McAdory, Walter K. January 16, 1911 - - January 18, 1915

31. Batson, Thomas J. January 18, 1915 - - January 20, 1919

61917 US enters World War I

32. Hartsfield, J. Chris. January 20, 1919 - - January 15, 1923

33. Shirley, J.C. January 15, 1923 - - January 17, 1927

34. Hartsfield, J. Chris. January 17, 1927 - - October 11, 1928. . .Died in off ice . .

35. Russum, J. D. October 11 - - December 10, 1928. .As coroner he served as interim sheriff..

36. Downs, W. O. December 10, 1928 - - January 19, 1931. .Appointed by governor to fill unexpired term..

1929 Beginning of the GREAT DEPRESSION

37. Hawkins, James F. January 19, 1931 - - January 14, 1935

38. McDuff, Fred H. January 14, 1935 - - January 17, 1939

39. Smith, Harry E. January 17, 1939 - - November 24, 1940. .Resigned to enter army..

40. McDowell, Holt A. November 25, 1940 - - January 13, 1963Appointed by the governor to finish Harry Smith’s unexpired term. He was elected in 1942 to a full fouryear term of his own. He went on to be come one of the longest tenured sheriffs in Jefferson Countyhistory.

December 7, 1941 US enters World War II

41. Bailey, Mel January 14, 1963 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTE: These source materials from the archives of the Birmingham PublicLibrary do not continue beyond Sheriff Mel Bailey above. The materials from theweb site of the current Sheriff Mike Hale include others up to the present.

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SHERIFFS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA

1819-- 1963

Alphabetical List - See Preceding List For More Details

Anderson, Peter 1835-1838 *Anderson, Peter 1841-1844 *Anderson, Peter 1847-1850 *Anderson, Thomas A. 1880-1885 **Ayers, John B. March-August, 1824Ayers, John B. 1826-1829Bailey, Mel 1963 - - - - - -Batson, Thomas J. 1915-1919Burgin, Andrew W. 1900-1907Downs, W. O. 1928-1931Eubank, James T. 1874-1877Eubank, Wm. C. 1856-1859Grace, Bayliss E. 1844-1847Hanby, Wm. F. 1865-1868Hartsfield, James Christopher 1919-1923Hartsfield, James Christopher 1927-1928Hawkins, James Fitts 1931-1935Higdon, E. L. 1907-1911Hudson, Richard 1853-1856Kelley, Moses 1838-1841Killough, Abner 1850-1853Killough, Abner 1862-1865McAdory, Walter Kennon 1911-1915McDowell, Holt A. 1940-1963McDuff, Fred R. 1935-1939McWhorter, John 1822-1824May, Marion A. 1868-1871Morrow, George M. 1892-1896Murray, James 1824-1826O’Brien, Frank P. 1896-1900Reed, Levi 1819-1822Reed, John T. 1877-1880Russum, J. D. October-December, 1919Scott, William Anderson 1829-1833Shirley, J. C. 1923-1927Smith, Harry E. 1939-1940Smith, Joseph S. 1888-1892Truss, Samuel R. 1885-1888

* Martha {Skinner} Thomas’ great-great-grandfather** Martha {Skinner} Thomas’ great-grandfather

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ADDITIONAL NOTES

TERMS OF OFFICE

1. THREE YEARS, 1819 through the term expiring August, 1880.2. FOUR YEARS, beginning with the sheriff elected in August, 1880 and

contuing through the remainder of the materials listed here.Vacancies were filled by appointment by the governor. The appointeeserved until the next general election, and ineligible to succeed himself1819 to date. He might serve an unexpired term to which he had beenappointed and himself be a candidate in the next general election.

COT Note: “Ineligible to succeed” may have been applicable at the time the WPA compiled thematerials in 1943. But Holt A. McDowell served 1940 to 1963. Presumably the restriction must havebeen eliminated at about that time.

TIME OF ELECTION

1. FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST, by Act of December 16, 1819 and in allCodes through that of 1896, with certain exceptions and irregularities1861-65 and during the Reconstruction Period.

2. FIRST TUESDAY AFTER FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER 1906 andevery fourth year thereafter by Act of 1903.

TIME OF ASSUMING OFFICE

1. 1819-1896 as soon after election as returns are certified, bond made, oathtaken and commission received ... usually within 15 days.

2. FIRST DAY IN SEPTEMBER following election in August, by Code of 1896.3. FIRST MONDAY AFTER SECOND TUESDAY in January next succeeding

election, Codes of 1907, 1923, and 1940. Irregularities in war years andreconstruction may have been due to special elections called.

This ends the materials from the Birmingham Public Library, provided by Jackand Judi Parker of Birmngham, Alabama.

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The following list of Jefferson County sheriffs was found atthe current web site of the Jefferson County Sheriff’sDepartment, at

http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/past_sheriffs.htm

It is a bit more complete than the 1943 information from the Birmingham Public Librarypresented earlier in these notes.

A “photo gallery” containing portrait photos of many of the previous Jefferson CountySheriffs also was found at the Sheriff’s web site.

Some very interesting historical notes related to the Sheriff’s Department also are includedhere.

1 Reid, Levi 9. Kelley, Moses8/28/1819-8/5/1822 8/25/1838-8/25/1841

2 McWhorter, John 10. Anderson, Peter8/5/22-3/20/1824 (resigned) 8/25/1841-8/23/1844

3 Ayers John B. 11. Grace, Bayliss E.3/20/1824-8/20/1824 (appointed to finish 8/23/1844-8/12/1847remaining term of McWhorter)

4 Murray, James 12. Anderson, Peter8/20/1824-8/22/1826 8/25/1847-8/17/1850

5 Ayers, John B. 13. Killough, Abner8/22/1826-8/8/1829 8/17/1850-8/17/1853

6 Scott, William A. 14. Hudson, Richard8/8/1829-8/8/1832 8/17/1853-8/17/1856

7 Kelley, Moses Jr. 15. Eubank, Wm. E.8/8/32-8/7/1835 8/17/1856-8/9/1859

8 Anderson, Peter 16. Hudson, Richard8/7/1835-8/25/1838 8/9/1859-8/13/1862

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17 Killough, Abner 33. Shirley, T. J.8/13/1862-7/25/1865 1/15/1923-1/17/1927

18 Hanby, Wm. F. 34 Hartsfield, J. Chris.7/25/1865-8/8/1868 1/17/1927-8/11/1928 {died in office}

19 May, Marion A. 35. Russum, J. D.8/8/1868-11/22/1871 8/11/1928-12/10/1928 {Coroner}

20 Eubank, Jas. T. 36. Downs, W. O.11/22/1871-11/18/1874 12/10/1928-1/19/1931

21 Hagood, R.H. 37. Hawkins, James. F.11/18/1874-9/20/1877 1/19/1931-1/14/1935

22 Reed, John T. 38. McDuff, Fred H.9/20/1877-9/2/1880 1/14/1935-1/17/1939

23 Anderson, Thos. A. 39. Smith, Harry E.9/2/1880-1/15/1885 1/17/1939-11/24/1940 {Resigned while

in office. Joined U.S. Army}24 Truss, Samuel R.1/15/1885-9/1/1888 40. McDowell, Holt A.

11/24/1940-1/19/1963 {Appointed by25 Smith, Joseph S. Gov.. to finish Sheriff Smith’s term, and9/1/1888-9/1/1892 elected to 5 terms of office - - 22 years

of service}

26 Morrow, George 41. Bailey, “Mel” Melvin9/1/1892-9/1/1896 1/19/1963-4/5/1996 {Elected to 9 terms of

office. Retired during last term of office27 O'Brine, Frank P. due to illness. 33 years of service}9/1/1896-9/1/1900

42. Dr. Brissie, Robert4/5/1996-4/9/1996 {Medical Examinerand interim Sheriff}

28 Burgin, Andrew W.9/1/1900-1//15/1907 43. Woodward, JIm

4/9/1996-1/19/1999 {Appointed by29 Higdon, E.L. Gov.; James}1/15/1907-1/16/1911

44. Hale, “Mike” Michael1/19/1999-11/5/1999 {Elected}

30 McAdory, Walter K.1/16/1911-1/18/1915 45. Woodward, Jim

11/5/1999-1/21/2003 {Reinstated to vote31 Batson, Thomas J. re-countr by Ala. Supreme Court}1/18/1915-1/20/1919

46. Hale, “Mike” Michael32 Hartsfield, J. Chris 1/21/2003 - Present {Elected}1/20/1919-1/15/1923

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The following historical photos are found at the sheriff’s web site at......

http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/sheriff_photos.htm

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A better photograph of Thomas A. Anderson is found later in these notes.

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14

All of the preceding photographs of previous sheriffs of Jefferson County, Alabama are foundat the present Sheriff’s Department web site.

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Thomas A. AndersonSheriff of Jefferson County, AlabamaSeptember 2, 1880-January 15, 1885

This larger photograph is from the Portrait Collection in the archives of the Birmingham PublicLibrary. It was located and made available with the kind assistance of Mr. Don Veasey of theArchives Department, Birmingham Public Library, February, 2004.

Thomas Alvin Anderson, 2nd son of Peter and Manila Anderson, was born in JeffersonCounty, near Mt. Pinson, Alabama, May 15, 1847 {his grave marker at Marvin’s Chapelsays May 8, 1847}, and died April 12, 1922 He is buried in the Marvin’s ChapelCemetery, Pinson, Alabama.

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The following “History” is from the current 2004 JeffersonCounty Sheriff’s web site, found at

http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/history.htm

History The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was formed in 1819. Thirty-seven men have held theoffice of sheriff, the first being Levi Reid in 1819. sheriff Mel Bailey, who served from1962 until 1996, held the office longer than any other Sheriff in the history of the JeffersonCounty Sheriff's office. The word, "Sheriff" comes from England, and originates from"scyre," a Saxon word meaning "shire," defined now as county, and the word "reeve" whichmeans keeper.

In 1819 the state of Alabama and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office were created. THecounty spread out over a land of hills and forests called Jones Valley. The mode oftransportation was by horseback or mule and wagon, and services rendered by the Sheriffwere often days or weeks in coming. In the early days the jail was a crude building of woodor brick called the kalaboose. A prisoner in the kalaboose did not wish to return after oncesampling its unpleasant and primitive conditions.

Small fams and a few larger plantations soon dotted the countryside. As Jefferson Countygrew people clustered together in small communities or towns. A Town Marshall orConstable, was deputized to assist the Sheriff in the enforcement of the laws within thecounty.

In 1871, the City of Birmingham was incorporated. Prior to that time, the County Seat hadbeen located at Elyton. Birmingham quickly became the largest city in Jefferson County. Itwas also called the "Magic City." The courthouse was built and an office was provided forthe Sheriff to conduct his business. Years later, a second courthouse was built in theBessemer Cut-Off. The sheriff maintains an office in both Bessemer and Birmingham.

The Sheriff's Office has grown tremendously from its modes beginnings in 1819. SheriffLevi Reid would be amazed to know that today there are 120 civilian employees and 505sworn personnel, making the JeffCo SO one of the largest and most modern departments inthe state.

Under the leadership of Sheriff Mike Hale, the department prevents drug dealers, thievesand other crimnals, from gaining a foothold in Jefferson County. Each citizen can be proudto share in that success. Now as in the past, success is due to dedication and hard work.

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The following historical material is from the current web site of the Sheriff ofJefferson County, Alabama.

History - The Ultimatum 1888

http://www.jeffcosheriff.net/ultimatum.htm

A Historical Account by E. Dan Jordan, Capt. Retired

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is the largest and one of the most modern inAlabama. Sheriff Mike Hale is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the County. Thedeputies are trained to serve and protect the public. A civilized society respects law andorder, but respect was lacking in 1888 as a huge mob, some said over a thousand people,gathered to storm the County Jail to lynch a murderer. Sheriff Joseph Smith weighed thepros and cons and made his decision. He would do what was necessary to protect hisprisoner and maintain law and order

On Saturday evening December 1888, Sheriff Smith had in his jail a prisoner namedRichard R. Hawes. He was suspected of murdering his wife Emma, and their two littledaughters, May and Irene Hawes. A riotous crowd gathered in the streets of Birminghamand planned to lynch Hawes. They had diverted back to the days when Alabama was a wildAlabama frontier.

Sheriff Smith issued shotguns and rifles to his Deputies and placed them in positions wherethey could protect the jail.He told them to fire into the mob if they came across the alleytowards the jail door. Suddenly, the huge mob appeared near the alley.The sheriff orderedthem to stop. Smith counted to five. When the leaders ignored his warning and pressedacross the alley he gave the order to fire. Bodies fell onto the street and sidewalk. Somewere dead; the wounded cried out in pain. Postmaster Maurice Throckmorton was one ofthose killed. He had pleaded with the mob to disperse.

Birmingham Police Chief O.A. Pickard, one of many who testified later about the shooting,testified that he heard Sheriff Smith give the order to fire. He ended his remarks bydescribing the mob as "madmen numbering about a thousand."

On December 9, warrants were issued for Sheriff Smith, Chief Pickard and Lt. Joe Nix forthe murder of Postmaster Throckmorton. Smith was arrested repeatedly, but he was neverconvicted. He stayed on the job and completed his four-year term of office.

Richard Hawes was convicted of the murder of his wife and children and sentenced to deathby hanging. On February 28, 1890, a large audience was present when Sheriff Smith placeda black hood over Hawes' head and the trap was sprung.

It is said that this terrible episode changed Birmingham from a wild frontier town to aburgeoning law abiding city of the New South. Hanging is no longer acceptable justice andno lynch mob has ever again stormed the Jefferson County Jail.

18The following material appears in “The Heritage of Jefferson County,”published 2002 by Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc. P.O. Box 67, Clanton, Alabama35046. It also appears in several other Anderson family records.

Anderson Family Facts and Legends

In the early 1800s Margaret {called Dolly} Anderson came to Hagood’s Crossroads {nowPinson} Alabama with her five sons. Their names in order of birth were Elijah, ThomasAlvin, Peter, Daniel, and Marcus Milton. She bought and entered land, reared her family,and prospered.

Prior to settling at Hagood’s Crossroads, Margaret and her husband James Anderson, movedfrom Anderson, South Carolina into the territory of Mississippi. The 1809 Census ofMadison County, Alabama {Alabama became a state late in 1819. Before that it was part ofthe Mississippi Territory. Madison County is in north Alabama, between the Tennessee Riverand the Tennessee state line. See the map on the following page 19. Huntsville is now thelargest city in Madison County.} shows James Anderson as head of this family. After his“mysterious disappearance” in Madison County, Margaret and her family entered andsubsequently sold land in Tuscaloosa County before they settled in Pinson.

In 1835, at the early age of 29 years {Age 31 - he was born in 1804}, Peter Anderson waselected seventh Sheriff of Jefferson County. He was consecutively re-elected for twoadditional terms. He was known as “the sheriff without a gun,” but he always got his man.He was born in 1806 {actually in 1804} in South Carolina. { Not consecutive. See earlierlistings}

In 1881, Thomas Alvin Anderson, second son of Peter Anderson and Manila Hale, waselected Sheriff of Jefferson County, serving from 1881-84. Rufus Hagood, descendant ofanother pioneer family was his Chief Deputy. William {Bill} Bagley, Nathaniel {Nat}Hawkins, and Dixon Curtis Rogers were his horseback deputies. These men were paid sixtydollars a month each, for services “of themselves and a horse,” plus witness fees.

A freed slave, formerly owned by Peter Anderson, named Wesley Anderson, attended theCounty prisoners during Thomas Alvin Anderson’s administration. Thomas A. marriedNancy Elizabeth Rogerrs, granddaughter of Samuel Fields, one of the first settlers of what isnow Jefferson County, but before Alabama became a state in 1819. According to Mrs.Margaret Dean, daughter of Daniel William Anderson, Margaret Anderson was instrumentalin organizing pioneer churches. The Andersons were “Blue Stocking” Presbyterians,staunch in their religious beliefs. Anderson, South Carolina is named for this family.

“Dolly”, Peter, Daniel W. and Marcus M. are buried at the Red Hill Cemetery near Pinson{Peter is buried at Marvin’s Chapel near Pinson}. Tomb inscriptions are still legible. Elijahis buried in an unmarked stone-mounded grave in an open field in what was once known asDean’s Cemetery, Blount County, near Trafford and near the banks of the Warrior River.Thomas is buried at Elvester Cemetery near Coledale. Peter is buried at Marvin’s ChapelCemetery very near Red Hill.

The civic-minded willingness of these courageous pioneers, to serve in public offices is stillmanifest in their present day descendants. Earl T. Rogers, our present Tax Assessor, is agreat-grandson of Peter Anderson.

As written by Daniel Gruden Rogers [Great-nephew of Peter Anderson}. Submitted byDorothy M. H. Crowder, PO Box 14408, San Francisco, California 94114-0408. DanielGruden Rogers was the father of Carol Jeanette [Rogers] Odenkirchen who is mentionedelsewhere in these materials.

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20

Mr. Don Veasey, Curator of Photographs, Birmingham Public Library, also providedthe following notes, from the Hill Ferguson Historical Collection at the BirminghamPublic Library. The notes from Mr. Veasey are included here with his permission.

From: Don Veasey <DVeasey@bham.lib.al.us>Organization: Archives Department, Birmingham Public LibraryTo: <carlmar@comcast.net>Date: Thursday, February 19, 2004 5:49 PM

There is a little bit of information on Sheriffs of Jefferson County, Alabama, in our HillFerguson Historical Collection. Other than what you have already told me, I find [andhopefully there are no typographical errors]:

File # 56.6.11.22

Thomas Anderson was the son of Peter Anderson (which you likely already know). Hewas appointed.

File # 56.6.11.25

Contains a note by the librarian dated October 28, 1958, that states:

"The following persons called The Library to say they can furnish information and possiblypictures of sheriffs:

"Mrs. Gussie Keith, 1233 Princeton Avenue, ST6-1694granddaughter of Thomas Anderson and great-granddaughter of Peter Anderson. A cousinof Mrs. Keith also called, unaware Mrs. Keith had called. Will get more information from aGrandmother in Tennessee. Has Bible going back to 1715. The cousin is Mrs. Roy C.King. {COT Note: Bible pages are copied at the end of these notes. They do go back intothe late 1700s, but not as far as 1715. The grandmother in Tennessee is Zuda Belle[Anderson] Reese}

"Mrs. Harry Massey, daughter of Thomas J. Batson, can also furnish information.Dartmouth Ave., Bessemer HA5-4284."

File # 56.6.11.34

"DATA ON PETER ANDERSON

"Peter Anderson, 7th son of James and Margarett Anderson [noted in pencil: buried in RedHill Cemetery Pinson, Ala.], was born in South Carolina, June 5, 1804, and died November23, 1950 {Should be 1850}. On January 23, 1840, he married Manila Hale. She was bornin Kentucky, January 23, 1820, and died July 1, 1870. They had four children: James(Jim), Thomas Alvin, Margarett Jane, and Mary Elizabeth,called Mary Bett.

"They made their home at Elyton, Alabama, later moved to Mt. Pinson, Alabama.[Note in pencil: "Andersons are said to have been Blue Stocking Presbyterians."]

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"DATA ON THOMAS ALVIN ANDERSON

"Thomas Alvin Anderson, 2nd son of Peter and Manila Anderson, was born in JeffersonCounty, near Mt. Pinson, Alabama, May 15, 1847, and died April 12, 1922, and is buried inRed Hill Cemetery, Pinson, Alabama. {COT Note: Not buried at Red Hill, but is buried atMarvin’s Chapel Cemetery in Pinson.}

"Thomas Alvin Anderson was in the Confederate Army for one year under General JosephWheeler.

"He and Nancy Elizabeth Rogers (daughter of James Rogers and Nancy Fields Rogers),were married on February 14, 1871. Nancy was (I think) granddaughter of either Isaac ofSamuel Fields, the first settlers of what is now Jefferson County. They settled nearJonesboro before Alabama became a state. This can be verified by reading history ofJefferson County.

"They had one son and four daughters.

"Nancy E. died August 30, 1882.

"On September 11, 1883, he married Martha Catherine Early. They had one son and twodaughters.

"Martha died July 24, 1897.

"November 19, 1905, Thomas and Dora Robertson were married. They had no children,however, she had several by a previous marriage. She survived him by several years--diedabout 1932. (If they need this information, can check with R.E. Smith, if he is still living.)

"From: Gussie R. Keith (Mrs. W.B.)1233 Princeton Avenue, SW.Birmingham 11, Alabama"

[Another note in pencil referring to "Isaac or Samuel" above: "It was Samuel Fields (Mrs.E.J. Odenkirchen, 834 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh 28, Pa.).

I typed this as closely as possible to the way it was in the files. I hope it is of some interest.

Sincerely,

Don VeaseyCurator of PhotographsDepartment of Archives and ManuscriptsBirmingham Public Library2100 Park PlaceBirmingham, AL 35203-2794

Phone: (205) 226-3632Fax: (205) 226-3633E-Mail: dveasey@bham.lib.al.us

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NOTE BY COT: Several source names, underlined in Mr. Veasey’spreceding e-mail,are identified more clearly below.

Mrs. Roy C. King

Estelle Stubbs, daughter of Charles and Manila Stubbs, and the niece of Zuda Belle[Anderson] Reese.

“grandmother in Tennessee’

This was Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese, daughter of Sheriff Thomas A. Anderson. At thattime, she was living in Nashville with her youngest daughter, Tommie [Reese] Bird.

Note that the family Bible does go back to the late 1700s, but not as far back as 1715.Copies of the Bible family history pages are provided at the end of these materials.

Mrs. Harry Massey

Mrs. Harry Massey had not been identified at the time these materials were assembled.

R. E. Smith

Husband of Lucille Robinson. Her mother was Dora Robinson, the third wife of SheriffThomas A. Anderson. She was his step daughter and the step sister of Zuda Belle[Anderson] Reese.

Mrs. E. J. Odenkirchen, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

She was Carol Jeanette Rogers, from northern Jefferson County, Alabama. Her father wasDaniel Gruden {Graden ?} Rogers, who wrote the short article about the Andersons thatappears in the Heritage Book of Jefferson County, in other family history materials, and also isfound earlier in these notes.

A separate set of genealogical notes has been prepared for Carol Jeanette {Rogers}Odenkirchen.

23ANDERSON FAMILY HISTORY INFORMATION

The name “Anderson” appears four times in the list of Jefferson County sheriffs. SheriffPeter Anderson was the grandfather of Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese, and Sheriff ThomasA. Anderson was her father. She was the youngest of five children by his first marriage, toNancy Elizabeth Rogers. A brief outline of the Anderson line, down thru Zuda Belle[Anderson] Reese, follows.

James Anderson b. ca. 1760-65 {exact date not known} d. July 17, 1812

on July 10, 1782 he married

Margaret [Cadwell, Calvert ?] Anderson b. June 22, 1766 d. June 29, 1842{It’s given as “Cadwell” in the family Bible}

Their many children are listed below. Three who died as infants are underlined. The familyBible lists the eleven children shown below. The Robert McCombs notes of 1991 {providedby Wanda Taylor} list only ten children, omitting No. 10 from the list below. Otherwise thetwo sources agree.

1. John Anderson b. Sept. 25, 1783 d. Dec. 4, 17842. Jane Anderson b. Oct. 22, 1786 3. Thomas A. Anderson b. May 16, 1789 4. James Anderson b. January 31, 1792 d. May 9, 18115. Margaret Anderson b. Dec. 23, 1794 d. July 14, 17956. William Anderson b. Oct. 6, 1796 d. Oct. 2, 18227. Asahel Anderson b. April 22, 1800 d. Oct. 6, 18008. Elijah Anderson b. Dec. 4, 18019. Peter Anderson b. June 5, 1804 d. Nov. 23, 185010. Mark [Marcus ?] Anderson b. Apr. 15, 180711. Daniel W. Anderson b. Feb. 27, 1810

James and Margaret moved from the area of Anderson, South Carolina into what then wasthe Mississippi Territory, before Alabama became a state.

A copy of the January, 1809 Census of Madison County [then part of the MississippiTerritory] can be found at:

http://www.oldhuntsville.com/p591.htm

Information is organized at shown in the following figure, cut from the web site. It is notclear whether the “head count” also includes the named head of household.

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The Anderson name appears three times in that census. At this point we have noinformation to help identify the Peter Anderson and Erikus Anderson below. It’s almostcertain that the Peter Anderson is not the same as the Sheriff Peter Anderson beingdiscussed here. He was born in 1804 and thus would have been too young to be a head ofhousehold. Perhaps these two were other relatives of James Anderson.

Peter Anderson -- 2 -- 1 -- 2 -- 1 -- 0Erikus Anderson -- 0 -- 1 -- 0 -- 1 -- 0

It seems likely that the James Anderson listed below is the James Anderson who wasmarried to Margaret Anderson and the father of eleven children, including Peter Andersonwho later became sheriff of Jefferson County. The “head count” is a reasonable matchwith the list on the previous page, although the age brackets do not agree exactly.

James Anderson -- 4 -- 1 -- 2 -- 1 -- 0

In the summer of 1812 James Anderson “disappeared mysteriously.” His disappearancewas never clearly explained. In the Anderson family oral history, he was thought to havebeen killed by Indians. That was in the midst of the First Creek Indian War.

Some time after the Madison County census of 1809, the Anderson family moved fromMadison County. They eventually settled in the northern part of Jefferson County nearHagoods Crossroads. That now is known as Pinson.

Margaret Anderson is buried at the Red Hill Cemetery, Pinson, Alabama

The following photographs from the Red Hill Cemetery and from the Marvin’s ChapelCemetery near Pinson, Alabama were provided by the kindness of Jack and Judi Parker.

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Printing and archival note: All black & white pages of this material are printed onacid free paper, using a laser jet printer. This was done to improve longevity and archivalquality of the materials. A few duplicate pages containing color photos also may be printedwith an ink jet printer. These are included for reader interest, but one must recognize thatthey probably will not have the archival quality of the other B&W pages.

Marker for the old Red Hill Cemetery near Pinson, Alabama

The “line” of Anderson grave markers in the old Red Hill Cemetery, Pinson, Alabama.Margaret Anderson’s marker is the flat slab in the background that is slightly off of itsfoundation stones.

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The grave marker slab for Margaret Anderson, the wife of James Anderson, and the motherof ten or eleven children including Peter Anderson, who later served three non-consecutiveterms as Jefferson County Sheriff..

The marker reads:

EPETAPH OF THEBEARTH AND DEATH OF

MARGARET ANDERSON SHEWAS BORN 22 JUNE 1766

FELL A SLEEP IN THE ARMS OFJESUS 27 JUNE 1842 AGED 76 YEARS

The 1991 genealogical notes of Robert McCombs {provided by Wanda Taylor} contain thefollowing.

“The noncupative [sic] will of Margaret Anderson was given in the presence of D. M.Anderson 20 June 1845 {1842 ?}, in the presence of Robert Baird 21 June 1842, and ‘on22 June in her own house and on her dying bed in our presence said: Half of my daughterJune McCune’s part to her son William McCune; my 3 youngest sons - - Peter Anderson,Mark M. Anderson, and Daniel W. Anderson. Son Elijah Anderson 1 bed and furniture.’On 2 July 1842 the estate was divided among all heirs except Daniel W. Anderson. Onebedstead was bought by Jane McCune [Alabama Records for Jefferson County, Vol. 107]”

NOTE that the reference to Mark M. Anderson as one of her sons confirms the listing ofeleven children as shown on a previous page.

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Anderson, PeterNo Picture Available

Peter Anderson was the seventh son of James and Margaret Anderson. A complete list ofthe children was provided earlier on page-23 and also is found in the page copies from theold family Bible at the end of this study.

Born:June 5, 1804 Died: November 23, 1850

[Family oral history indicates that Anderson, SC is named for theAnderson famiy. Earlier generations migrated into Alabama

from South Carolina.]

He married Manila Hale on January 23, 1840, shortly after completion of his first term asJefferson County Sheriff. They had four children:

James Anderson b. July 25, 1841 d. August 11, 1865Margaret Jane Anderson b. January 18, 1845 d. June 30, 1865Thomas Alvin Anderson b. May 15, 1847 d. April 12, 1922Mary Elizabeth Anderson b. January 20, 1850 d. ?

ThomasAlvin Anderson probably was named for an uncle who died young.He later became Jefferson County Sheriff for one term.

Peter Anderson was Jefferson County Sheriff for three non-consecutiveterms.

August 7, 1835 - - August 25, 1838August 25, 1841 - - August 23, 1844August 12, 1847 - - August 17, 1850

He was known as “the sheriff without a gun,” as mentioned in the earliermaterials written by Daniel Gruden Rogers.

He died in 1850, shortly after the end of his third term as Sheriff. Hewas a young man, only about 46 years old, at the time of his death.There are stories told that he was killed in the line of duty, or diedfrom injuries incurred in the line of duty. That story is notconfirmed by any Anderson family oral history, or by any informationfound in the family Bible.

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Both Peter and Manila [Hale] Anderson are buried at the old Red Hill Cemetery nearPinson, Alabama

LEFT: RIGHT: Manila [Hale] AndersonPETER ANDERSON MANILABORN WIFE OFJUNE 5, 1804 PETER ANDERSONDIED BORNNOV 23, 1850 JAN. 23, 1820

DIEDJULY 1, 1870

The sweet remembranceof the just She was a kindShall flourish where affectionate wife athey sleep in dust fond mother and a

friend to allThe following is a photograph is of his original grave marker at Red Hill Cemetery. It is isa state of disrepair, and a new one was installed, leaving the old one in place.

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PETER ANDERSONBORN JUNE 5, 1804

MARRIED JAN 23 1840DECD {Deceased ?} NOV 23 1850

Two of their children, James and Margaret, also are buried at the Red Hill Cemetery.Thomas Alvin Anderson is buried at Marvin’s Chapel, also at Pinson, Alabama. At thistime we don’t have complete information regarding the other daughter, Mary Elizabeth.

NOTE: The preceding photos of grave markers were provided thru the kindness of Jackand Judi Parker of Birmingham.

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Thomas Alvin Anderson

Although other information is provided in these materials, the remaining“family tree” focuses primarily on the line descending thru Thomas A.Anderson, and his youngest daughter by his first marriage, Zuda Belle[Anderson] Reese.

Date preference is given to those reported in the old family Bible. Some ofthose are difficult or impossible to read. Other supplemental information isused where available, with notes about the source.

Thomas Alvin Anderson

Born: May 15, 1847 Died: April 12, 1922{His grave marker at Marvin’s Chapel gives date of birth as May 8, 1847}

Sheriff: September 2, 1880 - January [?], 1885

Married Nancy Elizabeth Rogers on February 14, 1871.She was born August 6, 1844 {?} and died August 26, 1883

{We don’t at present know where she is buried}

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Nancy Elizabeth Rogers was the grand daughter of Samuel Fields. The Fieldsfamily were early settlers in the Jefferson County area.

The Jefferson County Civil Register of County Officers, Vol. I, 1819-1832 listsSamuel Fields as a Justice of the Peace. His commission was dated March 8, 1829.

The Rogers family line also has been prominent in the Jefferson County area for along time. The Anderson materials on page-18 of these notes were written byDaniel Gruden Rogers.

Thomas Alvin and Nancy Elizabeth [Rogers] Anderson had five children.

Mary Idora Anderson b. Dec. 19, 1873 d. Oct. 2, 1934m. .George Coleman Feb. 5, 1891

Nancy Manila [Min] Anderson b. Sept. 25, 1876 d. March 1, 1955m. Charles S. Stubbs Jan. 17, 1892

Moses Thomas Anderson b. June 30, 1879 d. Feb. 5, 1935m. Emma Rhea {last name unclear in Bible} April 21, 1914

Della Massey Anderson b. Jan. 28, 1881 d. June 7, 1956m. J. F. {initials unclear in Bible} Cole Sept. 26, 1901

Zuda Belle Anderson b. July 25, 1881 d. December 11, 1970m. Edward Henderson Reese Jan. 27, 1901

Edward Henderson Reese died May 22, 1914 from injuries arising in amine accident at the Bradford Mine in northern Jefferson County, Alabama.His youngest daughter, Tommie [Reese] Bird says that he was employed at the mineas a “contract worker”, using his own mule to haul coal inside the mine.

Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese was born in 1881, the second year of her father’s term asJefferson County Sheriff. Some oral history within the family relates that Zuda Belle couldremember playing around the jail as a very small child. Most family members feel that thisstory, although interesting, probably is imaginary.

Information related to the second and the third marriages of Thomas A. Anderson follows.The remainder of the “family tree” materials, however, will focus upon the line descendingfrom his youngest daughter, Zuda Belle Anderson

32After the death of Nancy Elizabeth [Rogers] Anderson, he married Mattie Catherine Early.They had three children: Rossie, Sterrit, and Lucy. {At present we don’t know whereMattie Catherine [Early] Anderson is buried}.

After the death of Mattie Catherine, he married Dora Hagood Robertson. They had nochildren, but she had children from a previous marriage }

Thomas A. Anderson and his third wife Dora Hagood Anderson are buried in the Marvin’sChapel Cemetery at the Pinson United Methodist Church. Photos of their grave markersare provided below.

SLEEPING MOTHER DORA HAGOOD

THOMAS A. ANDERSON ANDERSON BORN 1858-1932 MAY 8, 1847 DIED SHE HATH DONE APR. 12, 1922 WHAT SHE COULD

33Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese

Youngest child of Thomas Alvin Anderson & Nancy Elizabeth {Rogers} AndersonPhoto perhaps around 1900

Edward Henderson Reese and Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese, early 1900s.He died May 22, 1914 from injuries at the Bradford Mine.

Photo provided by Melba Clark of Decatur, Alabama

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Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese, 1881-1970Zuda Belle was the youngest of the children of Thomas A. and Nancy Elizabeth {Rogers} Anderson

Photo from mid 1960s

Zuda Belle {Anderson} Reese’s children were:

Gussie Ellen {Reese} Keith b. Dec. 25, 1901 d. Dec. 5, 1983

Bertha Lucile {Reese} Skinner b. Jan. 22, 1905 d. Nov. 19, 1996

Forrest Junius Reese b. Feb. 28, 1907 d. Sept. 8, 1974

Flossie Belle {Reese} Glenn b. Sept. 27, 1909 d. Sept. 30, 2000

Tommie Audel {Reese} Bird b. July 6, 1912

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Photo from ca. 1915.

Edward Henderson Reerse died in 1914, from injuries in a mining accident at theBradford Mine in north Jefferson County.

Zuda Bell [Anderson] Reese seated: The children standing

L>R Flossie Reese, daughter of a school teacher who lived at the house, Forrest Reese,Bertha Reese, Gussie Reese, and Tommie Reese with the baby buggy.

Their family house is in the background. Tommie Audel [Reese] Bird saysthat it was constructed with help from family and friends, using wood that Henderson Reese

had been collecting before his death for that purpose.

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Direct Descendents of Edward Henderson Reese andZuda Belle [Anderson] Reese

Gussie Ellen {Reese} Keith 1901-83Married Bowers Keith

Travis Warren Keith 1929- Wyatt Bowers Keith 1923-76

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Bertha Lucille {Reese} Skinner 1905-96Married Philip Skinner

L>R Carolyn [1940-], Sara [1929-], Martha [1929-], Elizabeth [1930-] andJohn Skinner [1934-73] ca. 1952

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Forrest Junius Reese 1907-74 Ramona Jean {Reese} Hayes 1944- Married Sadie Beatrice McCombs {Ramona’s mother} Married Mary Louise [Jackson] Hamrick

Flossie Belle {Reese} Glenn 1909-2000Married Percy Glenn

Wanda Louise {Glenn, Torres} Taylor 1932- Barbara Ann Glenn 1937-2000

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Tommie Audel {Reese} Bird 1912-Married Dan Bird

Tommie Audel [Reese] Bird now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been an importantsource of information for this booklet, and also for other family history work.

The remaining pages are [1] copies of family history information hand writtenby Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese and her daughter Bertha Lucille [Reese]Skinner, and [2] copies of family history pages from the old Anderson familyBible.

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The first of two undated handwritten pages, from Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese

41

The second of two undated handwritten pages, from Zuda Belle [Anderson] Reese

42

The first of two undated handwritten pages, from Bertha [Reese] Skinner.

43

The second of two undated handwritten pages, from Bertha [Reese] Skinner.

44

These are sample page copies from two older framily Bibles. The upper page is from the old Andersonfamily Bible, and the page size is about 9 x 12 inches. The lower page is from another old family Bible,and the page size is somewhat smaller. In both cases the old Bibles have disintegrated and the pages havecome loose from their bindings. For information purposes, larger copies of all the available pages follow.