J. C. ABERNATHY was born in Marengo County, Alabama, September 6, 1836, where he was reared. His father, Rev. T. S. Abernathy was for over fifty years a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject studied medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1856-57, and graduated from the University of Louisiana, medical department, in the class of 1858-59.
In 1861 he entered the Confederate Army, as surgeon of the Thirty-second Alabama Regiment, and in the last year of the war was transferred to the Forty-third Regiment, and remained with them as surgeon until the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston, at Raleigh, North Carolina. During his service he was a portion of the time surgeon of General H. D. Clayton's brigade, and was chief surgeon of General Breckinridge's division, during his campaign in Mississippi.
General Joseph E. Johnston, at the surrender, at Raleigh, presented every officer and private with a silver dollar, as a token of faithfulness to the cause they had so gallantyly fought for. Dr. Abernathy was a recipient of one of these mementoes, and, it is needless to say, prizes it very highly.
After the close of the war Dr. Abernathy devoted himself assiduously to the practice of his profession, in Southern Alabama. In 1882 he came to Birmingham, where he has achieved a position in the front ranks of the profession in Jefferson County.
Dr. Abernathy is a gentlemen of culture, and is an enterprising and public-spririted citizen.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
B. G. ABERNETHY was born April 13, 1844 in Marengo County, Alabama, and is a son of Rev. T. S. and Ellen Abernethy, natives of Tennessee and Alabama respectively.
The early education of our subject was good, and at the age of sixteen he was prepared to enter college, but, upon the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in Company A, Forty-third Alabama Infantry, and served as a private until six months previous to the close, when he was appointed brigade assistant quartermaster, which position he held until the end of the struggle.
In May, 1865, he became a teacher in his native county, and subsequently engaged in buying cotton for Mr. R. M. Robertson, also assisting him in a drug store conducted by the latter. During this service he began the study of medicine. He subsequently purchased the drug store, and continued his studies, together with the business, for two years. He subsequently farmed a short period, and practiced his profession, in Hale County, and then entered the medical department of the Southern University, of Greensboro, and took a course of lectures. After three years of subsequent practice, in Hale County, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Baltimore, Maryland, and was graduated therefrom in 1880. Since 1880 he has been in active practice in Birmingham, where he has established an excellent reputation, both in his profession and in private life. Since 1886 he has had associated with him his brother, Dr. J. C. Abernethy. Dr. Abernethy was married November 7, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth R., daughter of Captain John Cocke, of Hale County. Four children grace this union, Benjamin C., Thomas S., May J., and John C.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
WALKER KEITH BAYLOR came to this county about the year 1820, and opened a law office in Elyton. He was a Kentuckian by birth and the younger brother of the Hon. R. E. B. Baylor of Tuskaloosa. In 1825 he entered the public service as a member of the legislature from the county. He showed a preference for professional and literary rather than political life; and only re-appeared in the legislature as a senator in 1838, having previously served for several years as judge of the county court. In 1843 he became a judge of the circuit court, succeeding Hon. Peter Martin of Tuskaloosa, and was holding that office--presiding with dignity and ability--when his death occurred in 1845. He was killed by the accidental discharge of a gun while on a visit to his brother in Texas. Judge Baylor was prepossessing in appearance; and his cultivated mind, diversified talents, manly character, and genial nature rendered him justly estimable. He was a bachelor.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
JOHN BROWN was one of the earliest white settlers of the county. He came from South Carolina about the year 1818, and represented Blount in the legislature before Jefferson was cut off from it. He was a member of both houses of the general assembly, and judge of the county court about the year 1832. In 1834 he removed to Tuskaloosa, and was there steward of the University till his removal to Texas two or three years later. He was a popular man in the county, and his character was irreproachable. His wife was a Miss Brooks, and Mr. Waldo W. Shearer, for many years a citizen of Sumter county, is his nephew.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
WILLIAM LOCKE CHEW, a native of Calvert County, Maryland, was born in May, 1861. His father, Beverly G. Chew, and his mother, Elizabeth Smith, were also natives of the same State, but it seems that while the subject of this sketch was quite young they emigrated to Mississippi, where the former engaged in planting in the rich bottom lands of the famous Yazoo Valley.
Our subject received the first rudiments of an education in Yazoo City, and kept this up until he was fifteen years old, and then entered the University of Mississippi at Oxford, where he was graduated, taking the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1882, on the 28th of June. He then entered the Tulane Medical College in New Orleans, Louisiana, in October, 1883, where he remained until 1886, and during two years of his stay there was a member of the medical staff of the Charity Hospital connected with this institution. This is an honor which has been highly prized by the students of this popular college throughout its history, as it is an indication of superior merit and high standing. It therefore indicates no inconsiderable distinction and gratification to Dr. Chew. In April, 1886, he came to Birmingham, and associated himself with Dr. B. M. Hughes in the practice of his profession, and, notwithstanding the fact that he is one of the youngest members of it in his chosen home, he is nevertheless one of its successful and popular practicing physicians.
Dr. Chew is a member of the M. E. Church, South, a member of Jefferson County Medical Society, a censor for five years, and a member of the County Board of Health for five years.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
HARDIN P. COCHRANE was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, October 1, 1843. His father, William Cochrane, was a native of New York, a lawyer by profession, and practiced in that city until, his health failing him, he emigrated to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and entered into partnership with General Crabb, of whose fame as a gallant leader in the Mexican War all readers of American history are well aware. The mother of Hardin P. Cochrane was Miss S. S. Louisa Perkins, daughter of Major Hardin Perkins.
The home of the subject of this sketch was, at the date of his birth, well known as the center of refinement and culture. And it is not at all surprising that the influences of his surroundings should have exerted an important bearing on his destiny.
In the spring of 1860 he went North, and remained until fall, when he entered the University of Alabama, being in the first corps of cadets in the institution. In 1861 he was appointed drill master to the Confederate camps of instruction at Shelby Springs, and at Mobile, Ala., where he remained, mostly in detached service, until April 1862, when he resigned his position as cadet and drill master to join a Confederate company of cavalry under Captain J. J. Pegeus, called the Warrior Rangers, but subsequently known as Company D, Second Alabama Cavalry.
On one occasion, he was sent out, with a scouting party of eight men, and captured four of the enemy and eight of their horses. He displayed so much gallantry that in recoginition of which he was presented with a fine horse. He participated in over fifty engagements, and had a horse shot under him at Kingtson, Ga., while serving under General E. Johnston.
Not willing to give the cause up, he volunteered to go across the Mississippi to join General Dick Taylor. As Taylor surrendered a few days later, he returned to his home in Tuscaloosa, without taking the parole, and engaged in farming for several years, devoting his leisure time to the study of medicine.
He completed his medical education at the Medical Univeristy of New York, from which he graduated in March, 1874. He was then was appointed house physician of the Colored Home Hospital, and subsequently resigned it to accept the position of assistant physician on Ward's Island, in New York State.
In November, 1874, he returned to Tuscaloosa, and began the regular practice of his profession, and received the appointment of surgeon to the body of men, employed under Colonel Horace Harding, who were engaged in the work of improving the navigation of the Black Warrior River. In October, 1875, he accepted the position of assistant surgeon of the Alabama Insane Hospital; in 1876, was chosen counselor of the Medical Association of Alabama, and in May, 1881, came to Birmingham, where he resumed the practice of his profession; in 1884, was elected president of the Jefferson County Medical Society.
In 1881 he was married to Miss Lalla E., daughter of Judge William S. Mudd, of Elyton, Ala. The happiness of this union was cut short by the death of Mrs. Cochrane, during the year 1885.
In January, 1887, he was united in marriage to his cousin, Miss Leighla O. Perkins, of Franklin Tenn. Mrs. Perkins' maternal ancestors, the Maurys and Fontaines, were Huguenots, and her family are among the most prominent of Tennessee. Her grandfather, Hon. Abram P. Maury, was a distinguished politician, serving his country in Congress, and in the legislature of his native State. His father's family are too well known to need a word of commendation, save that they have always occupied positions of wealth and honor.
Thus, do we see a worthy member of a noble profession acquiring, step by step, an enviable standing professionally, and, as a citizen, a name above reproach.
Mr. and Mrs. Cochrane are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
BENJAMIN GRIGSBY COPELAND is a native of Limestone County, Alabama, and was born in the month of July, 1860. His father, Nathan G. Copeland, was a farmer, and his mother, whose maiden name was Callie C. Grigsby, were both native Alabamians.
The subject of this sketch was reared during his early years on the farm, and up to his twelfth year went to the common schools of his immediate vicinity, and then took a two years' course at Elkton School one year, concluding his academical studies at Culleoka, Tennessee, by a further attendance of two years. At this point in his life he at once entered upon the preparation of life's work by entering the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa., and was an attendant there during its session up to his graduation in the fall of 1883, and being active and progressive he came to Birmingham in October of the same year, and since then has been in the active practice of the medical profession. His practice has grown satisfactorily, and, though but a few years beyond the time that divides youth from manhood, has attained a place among the associates of his profession, and those who seek the alleviation of his noble calling. His success argues well for the future. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society, and has served as its secretary for one year since his residence in Birmingham.
He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Knights of Labor.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
WILLIAM ELIAS BROWNLEE DAVIS was born November 25th, 1863, at Trussville, Alabama, and received his early education at that place. He is the son of the late lamented Dr. Elias Davis and R. Georgianna Davis, who resides in Birmingham with her two sons, her only children. Dr. Davis attended the high school at Trussville until he was prepared to enter the junior class at the University of Alabama. While at the Trussville High School he was considered the best student in his class, and made the highest average in the whole history of the school. His average for one year was 99 1/2 per cent, almost perfect. He taught school during tow of his vacations, and though a young man made a very enviable reputation as a teacher. He was required to go before the board of education of Jefferson County to procure a certificate, and at this examination he applied for a certificate to teach in the highest grade, and made the highest mark in that grade. He would often sit up the entire night rather than go to a recitation unprepared. He has been known to go almost an entire week without retiring, simply taking a short sleep in his chair, after which he would awake and resume his studies. In three years he advanced one year ahead of those who were one year in advance of him when he entered the school. At the time of his entrance to the university he was convalescing from a severe case of typhoid fever, which left him so reduced that the return to hard study produced a decline of health, that placed his life in the balance for several months. Being unable to take that high stand in his class to which he had been accustomed, he fell into a state of despair that again reduced him to skin and bone. He was persuaded by his brother to travel a few months and then return to a course of home study--the scanty means intended for college expenses having to be expended in traveling. After a course of home study directed to the commencement of the study of law, he began the study of the legal profession, but was persuaded by his only brother, Dr. J. D. S. Davis, to begin the study of medicine. In 1882 he began the study of medicine at the medical department of the Vanderbilt University. In 1883 he attended a course of lectures at the Kentucky School of Medicine. The following winter he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, and was graduated from that institution in 1884, and located in Birmingham the same year. He was given a partnership with his brother, and in a very short time gained an extensive practice, which extends into the best families in Birmingham, having a consultation practice in all the surrounding counties accessible by railroad. He attended and became a member of the American Medical Association at its session in New Orleans, in 1885; was elected treasurer of the Jefferson County Medical Society in 1866; was one of the founders of the Alabama Surgical and Gynecological Association, and was elected its secretary for four years, and as secretary became chairman of the publishing committee. This being one of the most responsible offices in the Association, it made a wise selection in honoring this efficient worker, and one so capable of transacting the business of the office.
He is one of the founders of The Alabama Medical and Surgical Journal, and one of its editors. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and quite active in church work. He is one of the editors of the Young Men's Christian Association Journal, of Birmingham, and was a director of the Association until his departure for Europe, January 17, 1887, where he went to attend the surgical clinics in London, Berlin, and Vienna.
Dr. Davis is a man of great will power. During his course of study at the Vanderbilt and at the Kentucky School of Medicine, he received many compliments from the students and members of the faculties on his efficiency, and several letters from the members of these faculties to Dr. Davis and his brother show a hight estimation placed upon him while a college student of medicine. When speaking, he is expressive and effective. He is devoted to his profession, and especially attached to surgery. He proceeds to all duties with a conclusive determination, and the results show his power. While he is a fine diagnostician and takes much pride in the general practice, he will no doubt, on his return to this country, restrict his practice to surgery. He can not be prevailed upon to even participate in other pursuits, his reply always being, "Medicine is enough for me." He is ever awake to the interests of the profession, and as a journalist is fearless, saying always what he believes to be the truth. His motto is, "Defend the right, and denounce fraud wherever found."
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
The late SAMUEL S. EARLE was one of the best and most prominent citizens of Jefferson for fifty years. He was a native of South Carolina, where he was born in 1799, and came to Alabama in 1820. Locating in Jefferson, his skill as a physician, his many excellencies of character, his literary culture, and practical sense soon gave him prominence. He represented the county in the legislature in 1832, and three or four times subsequently; the last time in 1842, when his party was in a hopeless minority in Jefferson. But he preferred peace of domestic life;
"And, to add greater honors to his age
Than man could give him, he died fearing GOD."
This event occurred in this county, December 20, 1870. His numerous descendants are in Jefferson, and are among its most respected citizens.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
JOHN S. GILLESPY was born near Jonesboro, November 17, 1859, in Jefferson County, Alabama. His father, John S. Gillespy, was originally from Tennessee, and settled in Bibb County in 1850, near Montevallo, Alabama. His mother was Martha S. McAdory, a daughter of Col. James McAdory, of Jonesboro. Himself and brother, James M., were the only children in the family. He received his first school training at Pleasant Hill under Prof. I. W. McAdory, and in October, 1876, entered the State University of Tuscaloosa. On leaving this institution he studied medicine at the Miamia Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in the spring of 1883 began the practice in Birmingham, and in 1885 went to Scotsboro and practiced until October, 1886, when he returned to Birmingham and resumed the practice. Dr. Gillespy is recognized as among the worthy and rising young members of his profession. As a man of business he has been successful; no more could be expected as a reward of any one's best efforts.
Dr. Gillespy was married in October, 1883, to Miss M. E. Owens, of Jonesboro, in this county. He has two children--Thomas O. and Mary Martha. Dr. Gillespy belongs to the Jefferson County Medical Society, and to the Alabama Surgical and Gynecological Association. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church, South.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
MOSES KELLY was for many years a citizen of Jefferson, and one of its earliest settlers. He represented the county in both branches of the general assembly, and was judge of the probate court for some years. He was a farmer, and a man of practical ways, great influence, popularity, experience, and integrity. He died in the county in 1866, full of years, leaving several sons. He was a nephew of Hon. Wm. Kelly of Madison, and uncle of the late Gen. John H. Kelly of Pickens.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
SAMUEL L. LEDBETTER was born in August, 1855, in Mississippi, and is a son of Laban L. and Mary H. Ledbetter, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Kentucky. The father of Samuel was a merchant and planter, and our subject passed his early years on the plantation, attending the common schools until he was seventeen years old, when he entered the University of Mississippi, located at Oxford, and was graduated therefrom in 1876. Entering the office of Dr. Frazier, of Tupelo, Miss., he commenced reading medicine, and after attending the University of Louisville, Ky., two years, was graduated in 1879. He entered upon his professional life work in Memphis, Tenn., where he remained until he came to Birmingham in November of the same year, where he has been in constant and earnest practice. In January, 1887, he formed an association with Dr. James A. Cox.
Dr. Ledbetter has confined his practice to the treatment of the eye, ear, and throat. Began the specialty in 1884, spending a portion of 1884 and 1885 in New York City prosecuting his studies in the branches mentioned, and has established a fine reputation as a skillful and educated physician and surgeon.
He was married in 1882 to Miss Netti, daughter of Judge John C. Morrow, or Birmingham, and one child has been born to them, Samuel L., Jr.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
ALBURTO MARTIN is a native and resident of Jefferson. His father, Col. John Martin, was one of the first settlers of the county. He was born in 1830, graduated at the State University, and began the practice of law at Elyton in 1856. He represented the county in the legislature from 1859 to 1863. In the latter year was elected solicitor of this judicial circuit, was displaced by Gov. Parsons, and re-elected by the general assembly of 1865, and held the office till 1868. In 1861 he raised a company, which became part of the 10th Alabama infantry. He served with this command till dangerously wounded by a shell at the second battle of Manassas, which has crippled him for life. Capt. Martin has very decided opinions, and is firm in his convictions. His scope of information is extensive; his capacity as a prosecuting officer unquestioned. He married a daughter of Judge Mudd.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
The late LEMEUL G. MCMILLION came to Jonesboro, in this county, in 1819, from Pendleton district, South Carolina, where he was born in 1794. He taught school for some twenty years here, was the compiler of a spelling book of a very superior kind, and was for ten years a member of the legislature. He was also major of Col. Frazier's regiment which marched into the Creek county in 1836. He married a Miss Freeland, and one of his daughters married Dr. Gilbert T. Deason of this county, who represented Shelby and Jefferson in the State senate in 1865-67. Col. McMillion died Aug. 29, 1865 in this county.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
GEORGE M. MORROW is one of those whose life, in a local sense, has more than the usual interest attaching to it, from the fact of his life-long residence in Jefferson County, and he is one who has reaped the full measure of the development that has characterized his native county.
He was born in Elyton, Alabama, the 20th of August, 1846. His father, Hugh Morrow is a native of Warren County, Kentucky and came to Alabama when quite a young man, and settled in Jefferson County, and is still enjoying a vigorous and hearty old age at his home, near Trussville. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Margaret Holmes, is a native Alabamian, and, like her husband, is still living at a very advanced age, though her years rest lightly upon her.
George Morrow received his early education in the common schools of his native county, and until sixteen years old attended school at Elyton, where he enlisted in the Confederate service in 1863, in Company F, Seventh Alabama Cavalry, and served with it until the winter of 1864, and was then transferred to the famous cavalry brigade under command of General Joseph Wheeler, and while serving in this command was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, maintaing himself by gallant and faithful conduct in this position until the great struggle, the like of which has rarely been paralleled in the history of nations, was brought to a close. When he returned home he attended school one year at Elyton, and then began the regular study of medicine, under Dr. Joseph R. Smith. This study was kept up by young Morrow for one year, and he then attended the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, until his graduation in the spring of 1868, and at once began the active practice of the profession at Asheville, remaining there until 1871, when he came to Elyton, and practiced there until 1878. From this time dates the most momentous step of his whole life, as from it came the most responsible and extended relations in which he had hitherto been an actor. It proved to him the flood-tide that led on to fortune. It was in this year that he came to Birmingham, and in company with Dr. F. D. Nabers embarked in the wholesale and retail drug business. This has always been, and still is, Birmingham's most extensive and most successful drug house, and no better evidence of the business merit of the firm, personally and individually, could be asked. Dr. Morrow has been an ardent believer from the beginning in this city's destiny, and showing his faith by his works has reaped an abundant harvest, which, as the years speed by, goes on, increasing in an enlarged and gratifying ratio.
In personal characteristics he is noted for the kindness of heart, the simplicity and cordiality of manner, the sincerity of profession, and the unpretending warmth of friendship and frankness of conduct so characteristic of his whole stock.
Dr. Morrow was first married in November, 1868, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Margaret Smith, of Elyton. To this union was born one child--Margaret J. Mrs. Morrow died in 1873.
Dr. Morrow was married the second time in May, 1874, to Miss Susie, daughter of O. S. and Malinda Nabers Smith, also residents of Elyton. To this second marriage were born four children--Lucy O., Anna, Bertha, deceased, and George M., Jr.
Dr. Morrow belongs to the Masonic Fraternity, and is Master of Birmingham Lodge, No. 384, and is also Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, and besides, is a member of the Elyton Chapter.
Both himself and Mrs. Morrow are members of the Baptist Church.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
WILLIAM SWEARINGEN MUDD came to Jefferson with his parents in 1831, but was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, in 1816. In 1817 the parents settled in Madison county, and in 1824 removed to Lawrence, thence to this county. The son was graduated at St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Ky., read law under the eye of Hon. Walker K. Baylor at Elyton and was licensed to practice in 1839. He opened an office here and entered on a prosperous career. In 1843, he entered public life as a representative in the general assembly, and was twice re-elected. In 1848 he was elected solicitor of the judicial circuit, and discharged its duties for eight years. He was defeated for congress in 1851, after a warm canvass, by Mr. Harris of Coosa. He was elected to the bench of the circuit court in 1856 over MESSRS. E. W. Peck of Tuskaloosa and B. T. Pope of St. Clair. He was re-elected without opposition in 1862, was appointed to the place by Gov. Parsons, and was again elected in 1866. He now fills the office. In 1865 he represented the county in the constitutional convention. Judge Mudd is of ordinary size, with a light complexion. His temperament is dispassionate, and his views are practical. Discretion, a strong sense of propriety, and a consideration for the opinions and motives of others, are salient traits of his character. His official conduct is unexceptionable. As a jurist he is much disposed to disregard the technicalities of the law in order to reach its equity. As a citizen, his exemplary deportment, and amiable disposition, are the basis of an esteem that time has only served to build up. He married a daughter of the late Dr. S. S. Earle.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
JAMES ROBERT POWELL, of this county, is one of the best known citizens of the State. He was born in Brunswick county, Virginia, Dec. 7, 1814. His father was at first wealthy, but suddenly lost his property, and after laboring on a farm for two years, the son came to this State in 1833. He had a hotel at Lowndesboro and at Montgomery, and removed to Wetumka in 1836. There he began his remarkable career as a stage owner and mail contractor which lasted for twenty-five years, and was thick with stirring incidents. His memorable contests with Messrs. Jamison of Tuskaloosa, John G. Winter of Montgomery, and other rivals, for the possession of stage routes and mail contracts, are among the fireside stories of Alabama. He became sheriff of Coosa, and in 1845 represented the county in the lower house, as he did in the senate in 1853. Shortly after he removed to Montgomery, and was a leading and wealthy citizen there till he came to this county in 1871, as president of the "Elyton Land Company," to lay the foundation of a manufacturing city amidst the marvelous mineral resources of this county. Col. Powell is the least negative and passive of men. His energy and enterprise, his sagacity and public spirit, are only equalled by the expansive view he takes of all questions that affect the public weal. During the late war he furnished an entire company with horses at his own expense, and gave liberally towards their equipment. Having gathered a large quantity of ice during the war, when it was so much needed, and could not be obtained, he gave it to the Confederate government for their wounded, though offered $40,000 for it. Hon. Thomas D. Clarke of Talladega and Hon. J. H. Weaver of Coosa married sisters of Col. Powell.
Source: ALABAMA, HER HISTORY, RESOURCES, WAR RECORD, AND PUBLIC MEN FROM 1540 TO 1872, by W. BREWER
HENRY J. WINN was born in Greene, now Hale County, Alabama, February 10, 1836. He comes of old Virginia stock. His father, Asa B. Winn, who, previous to emigrating to Alabama, was a planter, resumed his occupation at the time of coming to Greene County, in 1830. His mother, Anne E. Robertson, was also a Virginian.
Young Winn attended the ordinary schools of his immediate vicinity until he was sixteen years old, and then went to Dr. Henry Tutwiler, at Greene Springs, Ala., one year, and then to the University of Alabama, at Tuscaloosa, until 1854.
On returning home he farmed, but, in the meantime, engaged in the private study of medicine, and in 1856-57 took medical lectures at the University at New Orleans, and in 1857-58 at the Medical University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, graduating in the spring of the last mentioned year. Dr. Winn at first practiced in Marengo County, Alabama, and at the end of the first year went to Dallas County, and was engaged in practicing and farming until 1880.
During a portion of the time up to 1880, he, like most young Southerners, had his war experience. It was in the spring of 1861 that he enlisted as private in the First Alabama Regiment of Cavalry. In 1862 he was commissioned assistant surgeon, and served in this capacity until the close of the war. As already stated, Dr. Winn remainded in Dallas County until the year 1880, and then came to Birmingham, and devoted himself exclusively to the practice of medicine. During this time Dr. Winn has been a member of the State Medical Association, and the Jefferson County Medical Society, and has also belonged to county board of censors, and for several years was county health officer.
In 1886 he was appointed postmaster of Birmingham by President Cleveland, and, since his acceptance of the office, he has had the honor of seeing the free delivery of mails introduced in Birmingham, which, of course, has greatly facilitated the handling and disposing of mail matter.
Dr. Winn was married in March, 1859, to Miss Eliza E., daughter of Alexander W. and Catherine B. Ellerbe, of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He is the father of ten children--Alexander W., deceased, Julia R., Catherine E., Lucy L., Lillie J., deceased, Walter E., Annie C., Henry J., Jr., Herbert, and Eliza E.
In January 1887 Dr. Winn was married the second time to Mrs. Helen N. Boyle, of this city.
Source: Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama : historical and biographical, 1887, Dubose, John Witherspoon
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