Conecuh County AlArchives History .....History of Conecuh County 1881
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CHAPTER XVIII.
A Chapter of Biography-John Crosby-James M. Bolling Rev. Hanson Lee, etc.

JOHN CROSBY

   Among the best and noblest of the citizens of Conecuh, during his career, 
was John Crosby. He came to the county from Chester District, South Carolina, 
in 1832, and settled, first, at the home owned at present by Dr. John D. 
Reilly. In personal appearance, Mr. Crosby was rather tall, of dignified mien, 
with ruddy complexion, and hair of raven blackness. In character, he was 
exceedingly firm and positive. Possessed of a vigorous energy and an 
unconquerable will, he bore down before him all difficulties, and rarely 
failed of success in any pursuit. If he was fond of accumulating wealth, he 
was equally fond of bestowing it upon any object that commended itself to his 
heart and judgment. While he was proverbially liberal, he grew wealthy within 
a few years; thereby exemplifying the sacred expression, "The liberal soul 
shall be made fat." Commencing with resources quite meagre, he had amassed a 
respectable fortune in twenty-five years. During this period he had become the 
owner of two extensive plantations, well manned with negro slaves. To the 
comfort of these slaves he was devoted with a tenderness quite unusual. He was 
universally esteemed for his piety, and manifested his devotion to the cause 
of Sacred Truth by being one of the most consistent of the members of the 
Baptist Church, at Bellville, for quite a number of years. A characteristic 
anecdote is related of him, as illustrative of his thorough honesty, and 
abiding conviction of right. During a given session of the Circuit Court, held 
at Sparta, Mr. Crosby was one of the petit jurors. In that capacity he would 
serve during the day, and after adjournment, ride to his home in the 
neighborhood of Bellville. Rising with the earliest tinge of dawn, he would 
start each morning toward Sparta, going via one of his plantations to give 
directions to his laborers for the day. One morning he was unduly detained at 
his farm, and did not appear at the court house until after his name had been 
called, his absence announced, and a forfeiture entered against him by the 
presiding Judge. Coming into the court room, he was apprised of the imposition 
of the fine. He was summoned into the presence of the court to give the reason 
of his absence. He replied that his absence was due to the protracted 
attention which he had to bestow that morning upon his affairs at his 
plantation. Whereupon the court asked him if any reason could be assigned by 
himself why the forfeiture should not be entered against him. He very frankly 
replied: "Oh, no! I have no excuse whatever. The whole matter is just as it 
should be. The fine is justly imposed." An example of his liberality is found 
in the fact that he donated to Howard College one thousand dollars, and 
defrayed the expenses of a theological student throughout his entire course. 
After a useful and exemplary career, he died at his beautiful home near 
Bellville, in the early part of 1849.

JAMES M. BOLLING.

   This gentleman made his debut into public life in 1838, when he represented 
Conecuh in the Legislature. Though young, he soon became one of the most 
active members of the General Assembly. Such was the pleasantness of his 
demeanor, that he became a favorite among the members. He was returned to the 
Legislature for two successive terms. From the beginning, he gave promise of 
distinction at the bar. He married a daughter of the Hon. Reuben Saffold, 
Judge of the Supreme Court; after which he removed to Hayneville, Lowndes 
county,. where he continued to practice to the close of his life.

REV. HANSON LEE

removed, with the remainder of his father's family, to Conecuh, in the 
earliest settlement of the county. He was the sixth son of Joel Lee. The 
subject of the present memoir was born in Johnston county, North Carolina, on 
December 27th, 1816. He was a young man of brilliant parts, and at an early 
age resolved to fit himself, through self-training, for future usefulness. By 
dint of close and laborious study, he succeeded in acquiring a classical 
education of a high order of merit. Recognizing his ability, the college at 
Marysville, Tennessee, conferred upon him the degree of A. M. When he was a 
lad of sixteen he was baptized by Rev. Alexander Travis, and became a member 
of the famous Old Bethany Church. He was ordained to preach the gospel about 
1844. In connection with preaching, he adopted the profession of teacher. His 
services were secured at different points as teacher. His first school was at 
Brooklyn. Thence he was invited to take a school in Lee county, Georgia, 
whence he removed to Louisiana. Here he became the President of Mount Lebanon 
College. In connection with his duties here, as Professor, he became the 
editor of the Louisiana Baptist-the organ of the Baptist denomination in 
Louisiana for a number of years. He died at his home in 1862. In writing his 
obituary, Rev. William Carey Crane, D. D., LL. D., President of Baylor 
University, Texas, said: "A great man in Israel has fallen."

THOMAS W. SIMPSON

was a native of South Carolina. He was born March 23rd, 1806. Coming to 
Conecuh, together with his father, as early as 1818, he enjoyed but few 
educational advantages. He commenced life in circumstances quite humble, with 
no other reliance than a strong determination and a heroic energy. With the 
growing development of the county he continued to increase his acquisitions 
until he had surrounded himself with a property quite respectable. Mr. Simpson 
was one of the most useful, and yet one of the most modest, of Conecuh's 
citizens. He delighted in dispensing hospitality. His roof was the refuge of 
many a way-worn traveler. To a praiseworthy degree he exemplified the 
principles which he professed as Mason, Son of Temperance, and Christian. 
Among his children who survive him is Ransom Simpson, of Snow Hill, Wilcox 
county-a citizen whose worth is greatly prized in his adopted county. Mr. 
Simpson died at his home, near Bellville, June 1st, 1861.

NICHOLAS STALLWORTH, JR.

   Prominent among the first generation of young men, reared in Conecuh, was 
he whose name is recorded at the head of this sketch. He was born in Edgefield 
District, South Carolina, on February 21st, 1810. When he was only eight years 
of age he was brought, with the remainder of his father's family, to Alabama. 
He was married to Miss Martha Travis-eldest daughter of Rev. Alexander Travis. 
The result of this union was seven children, among whom were Robert P. 
Stallworth and Frank M. Stallworth, of Falls county, Texas; Major Nick 
Stallworth, late of Hilliard's Legion; and Mrs. Barnett,* wife of Hon. Samuel 
A. Barnett, now of Mobile. Reared in the midst of circumstances unfavorable to 
his mental development, at a time when few or no schools existed, Mr. 
Stallworth had to depend almost altogether upon self training. He was lacking 
in none of the virtues that make a sterling citizen. Hospitable, liberal and 
possessed of public spiritedness, he was quite popular with the masses. 
Without himself seeking the position, he was at one time made Circuit Clerk of 
Conecuh county. When, in 1850, the office of Judge of Probate was made 
elective, he warmly espoused the candidacy of A. D. Cary. As early as 1838, 
Mr. Stallworth foresaw the struggle which reached its bloody culmination in 
1861. The tendency of existing political issues caused him to predict the 
dismemberment of the Union, and the probable abolition of American slavery. 
Mr. Stallworth died in 1853, in the prime of manhood.
_________
* Who died several years ago.

A. D. CARY.

Armstead Dudley Cary was born in Gloucester county, Virginia, October 23rd, 
1791. Eight years later his father removed to Clarke county, Georgia, and 
settled near the famous educational seat of Athens. When he had attained his 
eleventh year, young Armstead was sent from the paternal roof to receive his 
elementary training in the famous Waddell High School, in Abbeville District, 
South Carolina. Here he was the school-fellow of such men as James L. 
Pettigrew, of South Carolina, and of Governor Lumpkin and Judge A. B. 
Longstreet, of Georgia. Having been thoroughly fitted here for his future 
course in college, he returned to his home at Athens, entered the State 
University, and was graduated in 1813. He at once chose the profession of 
teacher, and became the principal of a school in Sumter District, South 
Carolina. Among his pupils in this school was the Hon. James E. Belser, who, 
in after years, was a resident of Montgomery, Alabama. Lured by the 
fascinating descriptions given of the lovely region of the Southwest, Mr. 
Cary, in 1820, removed to Claiborne, in Monroe county. Here he remained only 
one year. In 1821 he removed to Bellville, and two years later still, to 
Sparta. During this time, and for several years subsequent to 1823, he was 
engaged in teaching. In 1826 he was chosen Clerk of the Circuit Court for 
Conecuh, which office he held, uninterruptedly, for almost a quarter of a 
century. In 1833 President Jackson appointed him Receiver of the Land Office 
for the Sparta District. From this position he was removed in 1850, by 
President Taylor, because of the fact that he was a Democrat.

   Such was the solidity of his character, that Mr. Cary passed through all 
these eventful scenes with unsullied record. He spurned with derision any 
proposition that did not fully comport with the principles of rectitude, and 
strove to shun even "the appearance of evil." The following anecdote is 
related of him:

   As Receiver, he was legally required to make quarterly returns. At the 
conclusion of- one quarter he deposited the enormous sum of $140,000. Just 
prior to rendering in his returns, he was confidentially advised by a 
prominent and professional citizen of the county to pay his bondsmen the full 
amount of the bond of $40,000, and to put the balance in his pocket. Mr. Cary 
very frankly said: "But that would be dishonest." He was assured that this was 
the course adopted by nearly all the officers of the department. But Mr. Cary, 
with characteristic gravity, said: "My code of ethics will not permit me to do 
so dishonorable an act." And the amount was forthwith deposited.

   For many years he combined the offices of Receiver and Circuit Clerk. He 
was enabled to do this in the face of a prohibitory statute, by some friend 
securing the office for him, by securing his own election and appointing Mr. 
Cary as his deputy. Valuable service was rendered him in this way by Churchill 
Jones, Wilson Ashley, and Nicholas Stallworth, Jr. Such was the personal and 
professional popularity of Mr. Cary, that all efforts to defeat him before the 
people were totally unavailing. After the establishment of the Probate Court 
in the county, in 1850, Mr. Cary became the first Judge of Probate. In 
September of that year he became a member of the Baptist denomination, and was 
baptized by Elder Alexander Travis.

   During the closing years of his life, Mr. Cary was tenderly cared for in 
the homes of his children. His earthly career terminated on December 7th, 
1879. No man who has ever lived in Conecuh has left a fairer record than Judge 
Cary. He was universally recognized as a man who was swayed in life by the 
purest motives. So circumspect was his deportment in all relations, that no 
one has ever ventured to cast any asperities upon his fair name.

WILLIAM BARRETT TRAVIS, THE HERO OF THE "ALAMO."

   Near the ancient Spanish town of San Antonio, and on the left bank of the 
stream of the same name, in the southern border of Texas, is to be seen, to-
day, a cluster of block-houses. This is the famous site of Fort Alamo, the 
calm bravery of whose ill-starred defenders entitles them to a place in the 
world's history alongside that of the heroes of Marathon and Thermopyle. At 
this sacred spot, baptized in fire and blood, was displayed a heroism 
unsurpassed in the annals of conflict. Around this little spot centres the 
thrill of the War for Texan Independence.

   William Barrett Travis was born in Edgefield District, South Carolina, 
(near Old Fort Ninety-Six,) on August 9th, 1809. He was the son of Mark 
Travis, Sr., and nephew to Elder Alexander Travis. The family removed to the 
county of Conecuh in 1818, and founded a home that is near the location of the 
present home of Rev. Andrew Jay. Young Travis was as thoroughly educated as 
the educational faciliities of a frontier region would allow. When he reached 
maturity, he studied for the bar, at Claiborne, under Hon. James Dellett. 
Whether induced by the rapid developments made in the far West, to remove to 
Texas, or whether led by love of adventure, is not known. But, quite early in 
1835, we find him bidding farewell to his quiet home in South Alabama and re-
moving to Texas. When he reached the province, he found it in a state of 
seething excitement. The rapid strides which were being made by Santa Anna 
toward centralization met with a warm protest from the Texans. Young, ardent 
and chivalrous, Mr. Travis was soon in profound sympathy with the Texan 
patriots. In the very beginning of hostilities, we find him conspicuous as a 
chosen leader. When, at length, a declaration of hostilities was made by Santa 
Anna against the Anglo-American Rebels of Texas, and when, at the head of an 
army of 4,000, he marched upon San Antonio, near the beginning of 1836, we 
find Col. W. B. Travis in command at this point. The advance of Santa Anna's 
army reached the heights of the Alazan, overlooking the city of San Antonio, 
on the morning of the 22nd of February. Before so formidable a force as that 
led by the Mexican President, Colonel Travis retired with 144 men to the 
Alamo. Upon the occupation of the city, Santa Anna sent a summons to the 
garrison to surrender. The response of the heroic Travis was a cannon shot 
from the battery,-for he too well knew the treachery and blood-thirstiness of 
his foe. Travis had within the fort fourteen cannon, but only a limited supply 
of ammunition. Having received so defiant a reply from the American commander, 
Santa Anna caused to be run up above the church of the city a blood-red flag, 
proclaiming, "No Quarter!"

   On the 24th, Travis dispatched couriers to San Felipe and Goliad for 
assistance. Meanwhile the Mexicans steadily bombarded the fort without effect. 
At quite an early hour on the morning of the 25th, the Mexicans evinced a more 
determined spirit than ever. They brought into active play all their available 
guns. Toward noon Santa Anna left his headquarters in the city, crossed the 
river, and gave his personal supervision to the well directed aim of the 
gunners. Wherever he could screen himself from view, he would advance and 
plant his guns nearer the walls of the fort. To prevent surprise, the Texans 
sallied forth on the night of the 25th, and burnt some houses standing near 
the fort. The following morning a brisk skirmish took place, but without 
decisive results. The overwhelming numbers of the Mexicans were now greatly 
increased, and Santa Anna proceeded to draw the toils of his strength more 
closely around the walls of the besieged fort, in order to cut off the 
garrison from water. But in this he signally failed. When night had again 
settled upon the assailants and the assailed, Travis's men made another 
sortie, and again destroyed some houses, behind which the besieging forces 
might take refuge. For several days together the Mexicans continued the 
bombardment without the accomplishment of any serious results.

   On March 2nd, the garrison in the Alamo was reinforced by thirty-two 
citizen soldiers, who had cut their way through the ranks of the enemy. These 
were under the command of the gallant Capt. John W. Smith, of Gonzales. On the 
day following Colonel Travis sent a courier to Washington, where the State 
Convention was assembled, and with the following message:

   "I am still here, in fine spirits, and well-to-do. With 145 men, I have 
held this place ten days against a force variously estimated at from 1,500 to 
6,000; and I shall continue to hold it until I get relief from my countrymen, 
or I will perish in its defence. We have had a shower of cannon balls 
continually falling among us the whole time, yet none of us have fallen. We 
have been miraculously preserved."

   During the day Colonel Bonham, who had been sent to Goliad to secure 
reinforcements, returned to the fort and united again with his comrades in its 
defence. After nightfall, the Texans again issued forth upon a sally, but 
without the achievement of any success. The morning of the 4th of March dawned 
upon the besiegers and the besieged. Sharp cannonade was renewed by the 
assailants. The ammunition being scarce within the fort, the garrison but 
seldom fired. The day wore heavily away, and no change still was produced in 
the situation.

   At night, Santa Anna called a council of war, and urged upon his officers 
the necessity of a speedy assault upon the fort. Against this suggestion, 
however, all his officers remonstrated, and counseled tardiness until the 
siege guns should arrive. But the impetuous President had grown impatient of 
delay already. Given to celerity of movement, he chafed under the worrying 
delay incident to a siege. His wish finally prevailed. He had resolved upon 
storming the fort. It was to be attacked simultaneously from different 
directions by four columns under the leadership of his most experienced 
officers. The orders of the commander-in-chief were given with the utmost 
minuteness. Each column was to be provided with scaling ladders, pick-axes and 
crowbars. The signal of attack was to be given precisely at midnight. The 
cavalry was to be marshalled in the rear to prevent the desertion of the 
unwilling troops, and to intercept the escape of the Americans. For some 
reason the time of attack was delayed several hours. At precisely 4 o'clock on 
the morning of March 6th-the thirteenth day of the siege-the bugle sounded the 
attack along the whole Mexican line, and a firm, onward movement was made. The 
garrison soon became aware of the situation, and leaped to their guns, and 
poured upon their assailants a storm of lead and iron. Before the well 
directed fire of the Texans the three columns on the north, west and east 
staggered and swung back. Some confusion was produced by several columns 
becoming commingled; but the solid mass rallied again under efficient 
officers, and renewed with vigor the assault. This time they succeeded in 
effecting an entrance into the wall of the yard running around the fort. About 
the same time the column advancing from the south made a breach in the wall, 
and captured one of the guns. This cannon was commanded by Colonel Travis 
himself, and it is supposed that he fell early in the action, as he was found 
dead very near the gun. The Mexicans turned this favorite gun upon the last 
remaining stronghold, and dislodged the Texans, who took refuge in the 
different buildings of the enclosure. The conflict now began in good earnest. 
Each building was a separate battle scene. Resolved to die with as much profit 
as possible to the struggling province, every man fought like a bayed tiger. 
When the enemy would press so closely upon one that he could not load his 
piece, he would reverse his gun and club every advancing assailant until he 
fell pierced with a bullet, or driven through with a bayonet. The heroic 
Crockett, knowing that death was inevitable, struck down his enemies until, 
when his corpse was found, it was in the centre of a circling heap of dead 
Mexicans. Colonel Bowie was confined to his bed in the last stage of 
consumption. As the enemy rushed into his room, he sat upright in his bed, and 
killed several of the foe before he himself was killed. The details of the 
horrible massacre have oftentimes been given, and need not be repeated here. 
It may be proper to state, however, that the bodies of the Texans were 
collected into heaps and burned. A year later, Col. John N. Seguin 
superintended the collection and proper interment of the bones of these heroes.

   As you enter the capitol, at Austin, you are confronted by a monument 
bearing this inscription: "Thermopylae had its messenger of defeat; the Alamo 
had none." Thus went out into the darkness of a horrible death the star of the 
brilliant and brave Col. William Barrett Travis. With the change of 
adaptation, we adopt here the language of Albert Pike, in his "Grave of 
Washington:"

"Disturb not his slumber! 
Let TRAVIS here sleep, 
'Neath the boughs of the willow that over him weep! 
His arm is unnerved, but his deeds remain bright 
As the stars in the dark-vaulted heaven at night.

"0, wake not the hero! His battles are o'er!
Let him rest, undisturbed, on Antonio's fair shore! 
On the river's green border as flowery dressed,
With the hearts he loved fondly, let TRAVIS here rest."


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
History of Conecuh County, Alabama
By

Rev. B. F. Riley
Pastor of the Opelika Baptist Church

Columbus, Ga.;
Thos. Gilbert, Steam Printer and Book-Binder
1881

Chapter XVIII

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