Mobile Alabama Genealogy – Access Genealogy

Slave Narrative of Charity Anderson

Charity Anderson, a 101-year-old former slave, recounts her life in Monroe County, Alabama, during the antebellum period. Born at Belles Landing, she describes her experiences under the care of Mr. Leslie Johnson, her white owner, whom she remembers as kind. Despite her frail health, Aunt Charity shares fond memories of her youth and duties in the Johnson household. She contrasts her past with the present, lamenting the loss of respect and manners in today’s society while expressing gratitude for her well-being and community support.

Alabama Funeral Home Records

This page links to known Alabama Funeral Records whether they be available online or offline. Funeral records are an invaluable source of genealogical information that can provide insight into the lives and deaths of our ancestors. They offer a wealth of details on the deceased and their family, including their names, ages, dates of death, causes of death, and other key information. While funeral records can be found in a variety of places, genealogists must be careful when interpreting the information they contain, paying close attention to accuracy and cultural context. By using funeral records in their research, genealogists can gain a deeper understanding of their ancestors and build a more complete picture of their family history.

Memoirs of the LeFlore Family

The Old Farm House: The Pioneer Home of a Choctaw Chief, Leflore, and of the Oak Hill School

The Cravat and LeFlore families are significant figures among the Choctaws. John Cravat, a Frenchman, integrated into the community through marriage, fathering notable descendants. Major Louis LeFlore and his brother Michael, also of French descent, played crucial roles in the Choctaw Nation, with Louis becoming a respected chief. Their lineage boasts influential figures, including Basil LeFlore, renowned for his moral integrity and public service. The families contributed to the cultural and historical landscape of the Choctaws, persisting as prominent citizens within the nation.

Memoirs of Nathaniel Folsom

The memoirs of Nathaniel Folsom recount his life, beginning in North Carolina in 1756 and his family’s journey to the Choctaw Nation. Folsom details his early education, family struggles, and life as a trader among the Choctaws for thirty years. He describes significant cultural practices, community dynamics, and his eventual conversion to Christianity. Folsom, who had two wives and fathered twenty-four children, emphasizes his moral values and enduring ties to the Choctaw people until his death in 1833.

Memoirs of John Pitchlynn

Peter Perkins Pitchlynn was the Choctaw Principal Chief from 1864-1866

John Pitchlynn was a notable figure in the Choctaw Nation, recognized as a benefactor who integrated into their society by marrying a Choctaw woman and serving as an interpreter for the U.S. government. He gained the respect of both the Choctaws and missionaries through his moral conduct. His son, Peter P. Pitchlynn, became a prominent leader and advocate for education and peace among tribes, notably facilitating a treaty with the Osages. Known for his integrity and leadership, Peter’s legacy reflects the potential for collaborative progress within Native communities.

Mound Builders

The post discusses the connection between ancient mounds in North America and the indigenous tribes, refuting the notion that these structures were built by a distinct race known as the Mound Builders. Evidence presented includes similarities in skull structure among various tribes and the fortified nature of their towns. Early European explorers observed these communities engaged in agriculture and crafting, challenging the idea of indigenous nomadism. The author argues that the mounds are the work of Native Americans, the true ancestors of today’s tribes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding their legacy.

Choctaw Culture

Choctaw Village near the Chefuncte, The women appear to be making dye to color the strips of cane beside them, by François Bernard, 1869

The Choctaw people historically relied on unwritten customs for governance, engaging in barter without contracts or money, resulting in a society free of lawyers and prisons. Their beliefs emphasized respect for the dead and a connection to nature. Despite a lack of written language, they conveyed knowledge through symbols and oral traditions. The Choctaws demonstrated remarkable advancements in agriculture and intellectual capacity, sustaining social equality without established hierarchies. Their governance reflected communal interests, prioritizing the well-being of their tribe above individual gain.

The Biloxi and Pascagoulas

In 1712, French explorer Iberville anchored near what is now Ship Island and discovered a peculiar island animal, naming it Cat Island. They then encountered the Biloxi tribe, a Choctaw clan, which led to the establishment of Biloxi, the oldest town in Mississippi. Eastward, they found the Pascagoulas, also a Choctaw clan. The name Pascagoula means “Bread People.” Local traditions among the Pascagoulas recount a legendary encounter with a mysterious white man who, alongside the tribe, was entranced by a siren, leading to their demise.

Prominent White Men among the Chickasaws

In the early days, a few cultured white men, drawn by the Chickasaw way of life, integrated into the nation. Notably, figures such as James Gunn, Logan Colbert, and Malcomb McGee became part of Chickasaw society, aiding in moral and educational advancements. Despite myths of a McIntosh, who was misrepresented as influential, the true contributions of these men remain significant. They sought genuine connections with the Chickasaws, contrasting sharply with later intruders motivated by avarice, casting a long shadow over indigenous relationships.

Gov. Perier and Bienville

The English colonists, wary of French expansion along the Mississippi, fostered conflicts between French and Native American tribes, particularly igniting animosity with the Chickasaws after a failed French escort led to their warriors’ deaths. Bienville, the French governor, attempted to use the Choctaws against the Chickasaws but faced significant resistance. Subsequent military expeditions by both Bienville and d’Artaguette ended in disastrous defeats against Chickasaw defenses. Ultimately, the Chickasaws showcased their resilience, marking critical victories that hindered French ambitions in the region.

The Discovery Of This Continent: It’s Results To The Natives

In 1470, Christopher Columbus married Dona Felipa, daughter of a renowned navigator, and settled in Porto Santo, where they shared dreams of discovering lands to the West. Their ambitions fueled Columbus’s determination, leading to his 1492 voyage that resulted in the European discovery of the Americas. However, this event marked the beginning of devastation for native peoples, introducing warfare, disease, and colonization that would decimate their populations and cultures, ultimately transforming their rich, diverse societies into shadows of their former selves.

The Meeting in 1811 of Tecumseh and Apushamatahah

In 1811, Tecumseh, the Shawnee leader, met with Apushamatahah, a prominent Choctaw chief, to rally southern tribes against American encroachment amidst looming war between the U.S. and England. Tecumseh passionately urged unity against their common foe, warning of the dire consequences of inaction. Apushamatahah countered with a call for prudence, advocating for peaceful measures. Ultimately, the council resulted in favoring American alliance, thwarting Tecumseh’s ambitions. This pivotal meeting highlighted the contrasting strategies of the two influential leaders, shaping tribal responses during a critical historical period.

The French In Alabama And Mississippi

History of Alabama and incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi, from the earliest period

Following nearly a century and a half of European absence after De Soto’s invasion, French explorers, including Father Marquette and La Salle, began to navigate and document the Mississippi River. Their efforts established ties to France’s colonial ambitions, leading to the founding of Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV. As Iberville and his brothers pursued further colonization in the early 18th century, they faced challenges such as famine, conflicts with Indigenous tribes, and political strife among settlers. Ultimately, these factors severely impacted the colony’s stability and growth in Alabama and Mississippi.

Journey of Bartram Through Alabama

William Bartram traveled through the Creek Nation and Mobile, where he observed a town with a mix of inhabited and abandoned structures, primarily occupied by the French and British settlers. He noted the prominent Indian trade conducted by Swanson and McGillivray and described the well-managed plantations along the Tensaw River. In Pensacola, Bartram received warm hospitality from local officials. His journey also included visits to various plantations and Indian towns, culminating with his return to Mobile and further travels into the Creek territory with a caravan of traders.

The Seminole War of 1816 and 1817 – Indian Wars

In the aftermath of the War of 1812, British agents Edward Nicholls and James Woodbine rallied Indigenous and Black groups in Florida to challenge U.S. expansion. They fortified a stronghold that Colonel Clinch besieged, resulting in the fort’s destruction and a significant enemy casualty count. Following further conflicts and the rise of General Jackson, who captured key territories, the U.S. ultimately took control of Florida in 1819, resolving lingering tensions with Spain and concluding the Seminole War for the time being.

Biographical Sketch of Judge Mark W. Delahay

Judge Mark W. Delahay, a native of Maryland and a leading figure in Kansas’s early history, was a pioneering newspaper editor and Federal judge. After moving to Leavenworth in 1855, he founded the Leavenworth Register and supported the free-state movement. Delahay attended the Topeka convention and played a vital role in the establishment of the Republican Party in Kansas. Appointed as U.S. district judge by President Lincoln, he served until 1873. He passed away in Kansas City on May 8, 1879.

Slave Narrative of Aunt Betty Cofer

Aunt Betty Cofer, born in 1856, shares her memories of life as a slave on the Jones plantation in North Carolina. Despite the hardships of slavery, she recounts her experiences with fondness for Miss Ella, the daughter of the plantation owners, who treated her kindly. Aunt Betty describes the daily life of enslaved people, including their work, education, and the importance of community. She also reflects on freedom and the lasting bonds with the Jones family, remaining a cherished figure in their legacy.

Biography of Quitman U. Newell, M. D.

Dr. Quitman U. Newell, born on June 14, 1886, in Alabama, is a distinguished gynecologist and obstetrician in St. Louis. Graduating from the University of Alabama in 1911, he has held various prominent positions, including obstetrician at the St. Louis Maternity Hospital, while contributing extensively to medical literature. His military service during World War I included significant surgical roles. Married in 1920, Dr. Newell is also active in numerous professional and fraternal organizations, exemplifying dedication and resilience throughout his successful medical career.

Mobile Indians

The Mobile Indians, possibly derived from the Choctaw word for paddle, were historically located near the confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers. Known for their chief Tuscaloosa, they fiercely opposed Spanish invaders in 1540, suffering significant casualties. Their population was once substantial, estimated at 6,000 to 7,000. However, by the 18th century, their numbers dwindled, possibly merging with the Choctaw Nation. The tribe’s historical significance stems from their resistance to colonization, giving their name to the city of Mobile in Alabama.

Chatot Indians

The Chatot Tribe, linked to the Muskhogean language family, inhabited areas west of the Apalachicola River, notably near the Chipola River. Their recorded history begins in 1639, highlighting conflicts and missions established in 1674. After conflicts with other tribes and the Spanish, they relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where they were granted land. Following the English takeover in 1763, they migrated to Louisiana. The Chatot population dwindled significantly over time, with recorded numbers decreasing from approximately 1,200 in 1674 to around 100 by 1805.