Ozark Alabama

Claybank Cemetery Ozark Alabama

Claybank Cemetery Dale County Alabama

Claybank Cemetery, situated two miles from Ozark, Alabama on the Ozark-Daleville Highway, features numerous notable graves, many recorded in a 1948 enumeration by Eustus Hayes. Among the interred are members of the Dowling family, including prominent figures like Rev. John Dowling and his wife Charlotte, along with other local notables. The cemetery’s history captures a blend of personal stories and community heritage, reflecting the region’s past and the lasting legacy of its residents.

Slave Narrative of Young Winston Davis

Young Winston Davis, born June 28, 1855, in Ozark, Alabama, reflects on his experiences as a slave on a wealthy plantation. He recounts the treatment of slaves, including harsh punishments and the separation of families, alongside some degree of kindness from his master. Davis shares memories of daily life, including cooking, healthcare using herbs, and the lack of education opportunities. After emancipation, he engaged in politics and became a preacher, later settling in Jacksonville, Florida, where he married in 1935.