Dale County AlArchives News.....A Look At Ozark's Negro Citizens October 15 1970 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Christine Thacker http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00033.html#0008100 April 26, 2004, 3:35 pm Southern Star A Look AT OZARK'S NEGRO CITIZENS During this era as we look back one hundred years is to be remembered in our history through early settlers and their accomplishments and citizens of today. To broaden this period, many have contributed in helping our community progress.This has been done through religion, education, business, vocation, agriculture and other skilled workers. To this we pay tribute to some of our citizens. This is a partial history of the Negro citizen in Ozark. It is the desire of the writer, Mrs. Lucy P. Loman, that those who read this material will communicate with her as it is her wish to make a complete record of the many Negro citizens who has helped to make Ozark what it is. I would like to thank my busband, Danny, my son, Dan Angelo for allowing me to do this work part time for the past four days. A special thanks to those who allowed me the privilege of talking with you. OLDEST CITIZENS Some of the older Negro citizens now living in Ozark include: Mrs. Elizabeth Crittendon was born in Dale County April 8, 1873. She is the mother of three children. She lives with her son Melvin Crittendon. She is still very active. She loves gardening. Mr. Crittendon states that "it's hard to keep a hoe out of her hand.'" She has always been the quiet type. Full of Smiles for everyone. Mrs. Ella D. Oliver was born in Ozark on April 20, 1886. She is 84 years old. She is the mother of six children. Lee Matthews was born in Ozark December 29, 1873. He was married to Mrs. Millie Matthews. She died July 15, 1950. He later married Mrs. Lucy. He is the father of five children, one boy and four girls. He has one living daughter, Jennie Mae. He worked as a farmer and at a horse stable for many years. He is still active. He walks to town often. He keeps his house just as clean as a woman. Joe Redding was born in Clayton May 15, 1883. His family moved to Ozark when he was ten years old. He has lived in Ozark ,for 77 years. His father was the late Mr. Caleb Redding. His mother was Mrs. Willie Redding. He was married to Mrs. Leia McGhee whose home town was LaGrange, Georgia. They marmied July 22, 1908. Four children were born, namely: ArLucie, Mary Emma, Joe Wilmer and Bennie Redding. Mr. Redding worked at several jobs: guano factory on North Union, sewed sacks. He remembers working for Judge Carmichael also hauling milk in a goat wagon and selling it for Mr. Shelly Dowling. "Uncle Joe" as he is known lost his eyesight in 1905 as a result of the disease "typhoid malaria." Three years after losing his sight he went into business for himself. He operated two cafes one for white, located where the B. Schaffer store is presently; one for Negroes. He is blind but never begged. He always has something to sell. He is a remarkable old gent with a fine sense of humor. Mrs. Nancy Harper Casey was born March 11, 1872 in Dale County. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. John Harper. She was married to the late Mr. Pete Casey. To this union 15 children were born. She has 39 grandchildren, approximately 45 great grandchildren, several great, great grandchildren. She attended school at Clayhill and Old Salem. She is very active. Took a train trip at the age of 94. Her hobby is singing and piecing quilts. Seven shape and four shape singing is her specialty. Her personality is very pleasing. She lives in Parker Field Area. Mrs. Minnie Ardis is one of the older citizens. She was born August 26, 1885. She is 85 years old. She is the mother of four children. A member of Old Salem Baptist Church. Mrs. Callie Blackmon is one among the sweetest citizens now living. She lives on Hull Street. She is a member of First Baptist Church. Her age is not known by her, as she says "My mother never told me when I was born." Mrs. Henrietta dark was born January 10, 1886. She is the mother of 10 children. She is a member of First Baptist Church, and is a devout Christ- ian. Nathan Blackman was born January 1885. He is married to Sarah Blackman. He has two sons in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Mrs. Leia Campbell Jackson was born June 15, 1881 in Dale County. She now resides on the Enterprise road. She is the mother of 12 children, 10 living. She is sill very active at age 89. She is a member of Union Grove, DECEASED CITIZENS Peter Everett was one of the pioneers of Ozark. Many remember him as carrying mail on a wagon from Ozark to Newton. He became an exterior and interior decorator and taught many the trade. He was a member of the Greater Sardis Baptist Church and did outstanding work as a Christian leader. Mr. and Mrs. John Harper were born and reared in Dale County. Mr. Harper was born May 1868 and died in 1948. He was 80 years old. Mrs. Ida Harper was born 1878. Ed Clayton was born in Ozark. He lived to be 95 years old. He was married to the late Mrs, Lucy Matthews. Children well remembered in this family are: Mrs. Clousy Galloway, Mr. Harvey Clayton, Mrs. Dotie Woods. He later married Mrs. Katie Clayton. Clayton was a brick yard operator. He own several acres of land: also worked as a great farmer. He helped many citizens in Ozark. He was able to overcome his handicap, that of being one-armed. Mrs. Lucy Matthews Clayton is well remembered as being a number one cook. Her mother, Mrs. Jane Matthews is also remembered as a remarkable cook. Aunt Jane, as she was known, lived to be 117 years old. Mrs. Elizabeth Woods Pennington, stated that she can't ever forget how her grandfather, Mr. Clayton, really taught she and brother Jimmie Daniel to work. Mr. Clayton was also, a farmer. He was a believer of "tilling the soil." Mr. Will Jackson operated the first Negro cleaner. After the death of Mr. Jackson, Mr. John Jackson (no relation) operated the cleaner for many years. Mr. Cade Lain and son Calvin Lain owned a restaurant. Mr. Grange Dyck was a shoe-maker. Mr. Dyck was married to Mrs. Julie Dyck. Their son, Mack Dyck, often visits the city in remembrance of his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Horn Dawkins owned a store which was later operated by their daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Matthews. Her sons Aubrey and Ross are to be remembered as great helpers. Mr. Arthur Smith was one of the first brick layers. He helped to build a number of the old buildings in the City of Ozark. He was one of the first home owners. Mrs. Donnie Spencer is remembered as being one of Ozark's great nurses. She cared for many sick people in her home which was located on Reynolds Street. Mr. John Moody and Mr. Sim Moody worked as carpenters. Helped to make bricks for some of the old homes. They lived on North Merrick Ave. They were pioneers in the community. Mr. Theodore Larkin was an outstanding citizen and a pioneer. He was a number one brick mason. He helped in building many structures. He was married to Mrs. Annie Jane Larkin. Mrs. Jane Jones built and rented dwelling houses for Negroes. Mr. Freeman Matthews was a pioneer builder. Mr. J. Cock was a pioneer and was a furniture builder. He also can be described as a recreation leader. He operated a pool on Hull Street. Mrs. Mary Woodham owned the first Negro boarding house where the Chevrolet building stands now. Mr. Dave Patterson owned a store on Reynolds St. He was a very successful business man. Mr. Higgley Jennings owned and operated a grocery store. Mr. Ned Banks operated a grocery store on Daleville Street for many years. Mr. Banks was also a pioneer. He owned much land. Several streets are named for he and his wife, Mrs. Cora. Mrs. Banks is still living in the house bought by him many, many years ago. They have one son, George C. Banks. Mr. Jim Grubbs was a successful business gentleman. A store owned by him was located in Baptist Bottom, now Daleville Street. Mr. Judge Jackson was born March 12, 1883, died April 15,1958. He was married to Mrs. Leia Campbell. He was the father of 12 children, 10 now living. Mr. Jackson owned several houses and very much land.. At one time a section of houses Was located on Reynolds Street and this area was called Jackson Quarters. Mr. Jackson is the author of a song book named the Sacred Harp, Copyright 1934. He has a song in the book named for his wife, Leia written July 1932. Luther Boykin, builder, business man, and community leader was born in Ozark where he spent most of his long and active life. Mr. Boykin was the son of Mr. Amos Boykin, a pioneer citizen, who came to Ozark in the latter part of the nineteenth century and established roots as a builder and a leader. Mr. Boykin was a master craftsman who for many years played a significant part in the building and the development of Ozark, More than 45 years ago, he and his brother, Mr. Arthur Boykin, formed what may be called the first Negro contracting firm in Ozark — "Boykin and Boykin, Contractors." As a mute testimony to the high quality of their craftsmanship, many fine homes now stand on the main streets of Ozark, and in other cities in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Arthur Boykin died in 1928, but- Luther Boykin continued functioning in the building industry and in real estate until a few years before his death in 1964. At an early age Mr. Boykinn became active in many area civic and religious organizations. He was an effective member of the Bethel Baptist Church for approximately 50 years. During this period he helped to formulate many church policies. For a number of years, he also served as a trustee on the Negro school board. A law-abiding citizen, Luther Boykin had deep faith and confidence in. God, his community and the citizens of Ozark. Mr. Plum Gissendanner was a successful carpenter and business man. He built the first brick home among the Negro citizens. He was the owner of several houses and many plots of land. Plum St. on the west side is named for him. He was married to the late' Mrs. Lizzie Gissendanner. They had one son, Roy Gissendanner. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Dowling began operating a store in 1922.He was a successful business man. Besides operating a store Mr. Dowling owned much property. He was born in Dale Co. in 1896. He met his wife, Mrs.Ruby Dowling, in his store. Mrs. Dowling was born in Pinckard in 1902. She taught school with Mrs. Mayme Thompkins when she was principal. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Gilmore will be remembered as having one of the cleanest food shops and for their delicious barbecue. Mr. Gilmore was a very successful business man. They owned several houses and much land. Mr. Tut R o s s was one of Ozark's outstanding citizens. He supplied wood for many from his wood yard. One cannot forget the Owens Grocery Store, first located on the site where IGA now stands. Later moved to Daleville Street. Mrs. Eva Owens now resides on Liberty Ave. Mr. Pete Kennedy's hot dog stand and cafe located in the Valentine Machine Shop area, will never be forgotten. Mr. Kennedy was also a barber and a fine cook. The Sahara Restaurant was noted for having the best food. His wife, Mrs. Mattie Kennedy, who now resides on Willa Street, recalls those days as being "the best days of their lives." NEGRO EDUCATORS Mrs. Mayme E. Thompkins is one of the great promoters of education and a leader in civic affairs. She served as a mother to thousands in Ozark. She worked as principal for several years.Taught school for approximately 50 years. Many citizens give credit to her for assisting them in their education. She served as secretary of the Ladies Aid Society for approximately 35 years. She is a member of the First Baptist Church, Ozark. She received her B.S. degree from Alabama State Teachers College, now Ala. State University. . . A number of acres of property belongs to Mrs. Thompkins, She was a firm believer in the principle of "Spare the rod and spoil the child." The Mayme Thompkins Elementary School was named for Mrs.Thompkins. Mr D. A. Smith, the son of the late Aaron and Rachel Smith was born in Newville, Alabama. He recieved his early education in the schools of Henry County and entered Tuskegee Institute where he finished the normal course in 1923 and received his Bachelor of Science and Master's Degree at Alabama State College. During his career as a student at Tuskegee he was a Major in the ROTC and traveled widely as a singer with the Tuskegee Institute Male Quartette under the direction of Mr. Frances H. Gow. Upon leaving Tuskegee his first employment was with the North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company in Gadsden,Alabama. Mr. Smith's teaching career began in 1925-1926 at New Hope Rosenwald School in Dale County. In 1926-27 he came to 0'zark as principal of a three teacher school. He has watched the schools grow from a four room frame building to a modern brick building with 32 rooms and modern facilities which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges. He has helped guide 2 old high school graduates to their chosen goals. Mr. Smith's services in Ozark embraces a very broad area beyond the call of professional duties. His life has been dedicated to Christian services. He is an active member and deacon of the First Baptist Church. At present he is worshipful Master of Euclid Lodge No. 68 and President of the Secondary Principals Association, a 33rd degree Mason, member of Wiregrass Consistory No. 229, Executive Board, member of Knight of Pythias, member of Mizraism Temple Shriner, Tuskegee, Alabama, member of 0zark Housing Authority, Chamber of Commerce and Phf Beta Sigma Fraternity. Mr. Smith organized the first Negro Boy Scouts in Dale county and he was presented the Silver Beaver for scouting in 1953. Mr. Smith was married to Miss Willie Syette Bum In 192Z. They have two children, Mrs. Gloria Tucker, a graduate of Hampton Institute, Virginia, presently teaching in Cincinnati, Ohio and Don A. Smith, a graduate of Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio and a Korean veteran, employed by Cincinnati Juvenile Court as physical education instructor. Mr. Smith retired as principal of D. A. Smith High School June 30, 1967 which brings to a close 41 years of service to the people of Ozark, and Dale County. Mrs. Bertha Lawrence is a native of Ozark. She taught school for 40 years. She worked in Pike, Henry, Houston and Dale County. She remembers when a school teachers salary was as low as $35.00 per month and sometimes less. She is married to Mr. T. Y. Lawrence. They have three children, T. Y. Lawrence, Jr., Angemette, and Adelaide, all who are teachers. Mrs. Lawrence received her education from Tuskegee Institute and Alabama State Teachers College, Montgomery, Alabama. She is a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Ladies Aid Society, Court of Calanthes, Daffodil Garden Club and many other organizations. Mrs.Lawrence works very hard as a Christian in the First Baptist Church. Her hobby is baking pies. Her husband, Mr. Lawrence is a retired citizen. He was born Oct. 2, 1894. He worked as a fanner, WPA worker, M. 0. Carroll Grocery, He is a lover of singing. Mrs. Willie S. Smith was born in Columbus, Ga. She is married to Mr. D. A. Smith and has two lovely children. Mrs. Smith began teaching in 1927. Retired in June 1970. She is a wonderful person to know. She is active in many clubs and church activities. Her hobby is gardening. She received her B.S. degree from Alabama State College. She is known among the citizens as being very meek and humble. Mrs. Jessie Harper was born in Coffee County, later move to Ozark. She taught school for 40 years. Retired in 1970. She received her B.S. degree from Alabama State College. She is a member of First; Baptist Church. Her hobby is gardening. She has the most beautiful yard. She roots and contributes many plants tor many of the citizens. Mrs. Ruby Boykin was born in Ozark. She is married to Mr. Albert Boykin. They have one daughter, Doris B. Franklin. Mrs. Boykin began her teaching career in 1928. Retired in 1970. She is a noted musician. She served as pianist for Greater Sardis 18 years. Seven shape singing groups 19 years. She has been affiliated with the New Era District No. 2 Association since 1934. She is a graduate of the Alabama State College, Montgomery, Alabama with a B.S. degree. Many of her piano students rate her as being the number one piano teacher. They can't forget how she used the rule on their fingers. Mrs. Boykin is a lover of sports. She has followed the teams across the years. Now that she's retired she will get of quite a bit of fishing done. Other educators are: Mrs. Ruby Larkins, deceased; Mrs. Lucille Matthews, deceased; Mrs. Madadell Crittendon; Mrs. Ossie D. Neal, deceased; Mrs. Dollie Roberts, taught school 41 years, retired 1968; Mr. M. M. Matthews taught school for 46 years, retired 1969. See Picture BLIND JOE From the Newspaper files of H.S. Scan & Submitted by CGT This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/alfiles/ File size: 17.6 Kb