From the sign..
West Blocton began a a business and residential community adjoining the Cahaba Coal Mining Company’s town of Blocton in 1883-84. Informally called Suttletown for Julian LaFayette Suttle, an early merchant, or Smith Town for Uriah Smith, an early resident, West Blocton incorporated in 1901. Eugene G. Reynolds was the first mayor, 1901-1904. A son of Italian immigrants, Frank T. Ferrire, has been the longest serving mayor, 1965-1984.
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From the historic marker..
Capt. Charles Linn (1814-1882)
Son of a Swedish iron-master, Linn built Birmingham’s first industry, Birmingham Car and Foundry Company (Linn Iron Works): the first bank, The National Bank of Birmingham(later became Amsouth); and the city’s first park, called Linn Park.
When the population was less the 4,000 Linn prophesied: “Bury me on the high promontory overlooking the City of Birmingham, in which you men profess to have so little faith, so that I may walk out on Judgement Day and view the greatest industrial city in the entire South.” A promise fulfilled, yet only begun.
Placed by Linn-Henley Charitable Trust for the citizens of Jefferson County.
My wife, son, brother-in-law, and I went on a historic tour of Oak Hill Cemetery, Birmingham’s first city cemetery, on October 31st, 2009. I asked my wife to snap this photo of the Capt. Linn sign which was posted near his burial place. The cemetery is full of individuals who shaped Birmingham into the thriving center of commerce it remains today. Oak Hill Cemetery was a neat place to visit. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history.
From the historic sign–John Belcher was born in TN on 27 Feb 1797. He migrated to AL & married Rhoda Little on 6 July 1815. They had 12 children, Belcher owned many acres of land in this area. After Rhoda’s death he married Nancy Higginbotham, who dies c.1850. After nancy’s death he married Susan Hodges. In 1860, he gave land to build Ebenezer Methodist Church on Snow Rogers Road, which still stands though now in private ownership. He died 12 Feb 1882 and is buried accross the road from Ebenezer Church with his third wife, Susan: his daughter Georgian; and some unmarked graves. This land is now developed and the exact location of the cemetary in unknown.
Listed in the Alabama Historic Cemetary Register.
Marker erected in 2008 by the Gardendale Historical Society.
This is a newly placed marker. I had been down this road several times before and never noticed the historic church bulding that is mentioned on the sign. The presence of the sign definately helps to identify the history of this area and the importance of John Belcher.
I have always enjoyed reading about the past. World, American, and local history have all been fun for me to learn about. I am one of those guys who will take the scenic route whenever I get the chance. While taking the scenic route I often encounter historic signs and markers. I plan to start stopping and enjoying these as I run accross them. At times I will photograph these and post my thoughts on the experience on this blog. I will include location details and my general impression of the location. Please return often to see the list of exciting places as it grows.
