History of the Old Anderson Stage Stop, Monroe, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/monroe/history/stagestop.txt ==================================================================== USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: Kay Anderson ==================================================================== March 2002 The Old Anderson Stage Stop on the Old Federal Road As a girl growing up in Conecuh and Monroe Counties and later marrying a resident of Butler County, I had the opportunity to visit the Stage Stop in late 1967 or early 1968. In this, I will try to give you all some of the history and family involved with this historic old place. The Federal Government from what was then known as "Three Notch Road" created Federal Road No. 6, also known as the Old Federal Road. This road followed the ancient Indian Trails to the Gulf of Mexico. The road was cut from Montgomery to Mobile by way of Fort Deposit, Fort Dale, Shackelville, and Claiborne. Along the Old Federal Road were many stage stops. One remaining stage stop building on this road that separates Monroe and Conecuh counties is on property owned by the Anderson family since 1852. The building today is a shell of what it once was due to age and vandalism. But, in days gone by, it was a busy, prosperous business for Matthew Anderson and his family. Matthew Anderson was born March 15, 1809 in South Carolina. His father was born in Ireland and mother born in South Carolina. In Lowndes County On Jan 3, 1833, Matthew married Drucilla Ross who, from census records, was about 13 at the time. They moved with their children to this property where Matthew homesteaded 160 acres for himself, his wife and each of his children. Moving to the settlement in about 1852, he farmed and ran an inn for the wayfarers for many years. Before his move to this property, Matthew and Drucilla were in Lowndes County in the 1850 census. They had sons James P., Monroe, John, Marion, Seaborn P, and Calvin. Their daughters at the time were Adaline, Malissa, Margaret and Emaline. By the 1880 census, the twins, Samuel J. and Marion, were still living with their parents in Monroe County and their age was given as 30. Upon his father's death, Samuel J. inherited the stage stop and the portion of Matthew's property that had been set-aside for Samuel. When Samuel Jonathan was running the whole operation, travelers made their way from North Alabama to South Alabama via the Old Federal Road. On this part of the road, sojourners traveled south from Greenville, Butler County and north from Monroeville, Monroe County. Carriage traffic was allowed to stay in the accommodations of the home; horsemen were allowed to stay only in the livery stables across the road. The home was in Monroe County and the livery stables were in Conecuh County. The family has stated that traffic along this road was such that scarcely two nights would pass that wayfarers did not stay at the Anderson Stage Stop. It served not only as a place for lodging but served as a swapping place for stage horses. On February 9, 1892 Samuel J. married Addie Beard. He and Addie reared Charlie Mathew, Frank Rufus, Irene Drucila, Mae Louila, Clyde Jonathan, Florence Elizabeth, twins Ora and Eva, Ziba Dikle and Floyd Leon. Two of their children are still living: Ziba Anderson and Floyd Anderson. At Samuel Jonathan's death Ziba became heir to the home and the acreage willed from his father and he still retains owner of the stage stop property. Mr. Anderson currently lives in Pineapple, Wilcox County. Hope this will give you a picture of the family's enjoyment and hard living that our ancestors went through during that time in History. Kay Anderson Mexboro, Monroe County, Alabama