On 2 Aug 1870, the 1870 Federal Census of the Rockford Beat of Coosa Co., AL recorded that A. L. Bridges is residing in the home of W. A. and Nancy Foster. The Census records him attending school that year, and that he is 23 years old & was born in AL.
On June 10, 1880, the 1880 Federal Census of the Rockford Beat of Coosa Co., AL recorded on page 10 that Alvin L. Bridges and Mary V. Bridges head of the household. The Census taker documented Alvin as a farmer, and he and Mary as husband and wife. The Census records Alvin as 33 years old and Mary as 21 years old, and that both were born in AL. There is a baby, the son of Alvin and Mary, listed as James E. Bridges, 2 months old, and born in AL. In this said Census, it lists the birth place of Mary's father as SC, and the birth place of her mother as AL. The census recorded John Wm Bridges living in the household of Alvin L. and Mary V. Bridges. The Census documented John as a laborer, 18 years old, born in AL and the brother of Alvin. Also entered in the Census is the birth place of Alvin's and John's father, which is AL, and the birth place of their mother, which is GA.
1880 Federal Census, Coosa Co., AL
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's BP
Alvin L. BRIDGES Self M Male W 33 AL Farmer AL GA
Mary V. BRIDGES Wife M Female W 21 AL Keeping House SC AL
James E. BRIDGES Son S Male W 2M AL AL AL
John William BRIDGES Brother S Male W 18 AL Laborer AL GA
Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, a French general and statesman. Marquis served in the American Revolution; major general in Continental army (1777); friend and associate of Washington; went to France to aid the American Revolution; and served at Yorktown and Virginia. Not only was Lafayette famous to many Alabamians because of his status in the American Revolution, he also made a visit to Alabama in 1825. "Alabamians were isolated from the rest of the world, and communication was slow and difficult. Therefore the arrival in 1825 of such a dignitary as Lafayette had meaning beyond the responsibilities of hosting a French hero. His visit put ordinary citizens into touch with society beyond the state's borders and gave people an opportunity to identify with a broader world. His tour threw Alabamians into a frenzy of preparations, and the various entertainment's painted an interesting portrait of Alabama society." (1) Lafayette first visited and traveled through the Creek Nation. Coosa County, Alabama was later carved out of this Indian nation. The ancestors of Bridges family were most likely in Alabama when Lafayette visited, and if not, were aware of the impact Lafayette's visit had on Alabama, when they settled in Alabama. The county seat of Chambers County, which was part of the Creek Nation, was named after Lafayette. It should be noted that Lafayette is pronounced two ways. One is the French way: LA- FI- YET. And the other is the way backwoods Alabamian folks said it: LA-FAY-IT. (2) The name Lafayette continues to this day to be a traditional name in the Bridges family.
(1) William Warren Rogers, Robert David Ward, Leah Rawls Atkins, and Wayne Flynt, Alabama: The History of a Deep South State (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1994), p. 81.
(2) Johanna Nicol Shields, "Introduction," Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs by Johnson Jones Hooper (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1993), p. xii.
"Mr. Alvin Bridges, a prominent farmer who resides a few miles west of town, was here Monday, and a guest at Brooks hotel at the noon hour." The Coosa Argus, 2 Jan 1907, page 3. Researched by Ron Bridges on 3 Jan 2004 at the Alabama Archives.
THE CHRONICLE
"Alvin Bridges, one of our energetic and successful farmers and an old time friend of the editors, was in Rockford early this week."(1) The editors were S. J. Darby and John W. Batson.
"Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, was in town last Saturday selling some very fine sweet potatoes at seventy-five cents per bushel. One acre of the average land in the county properly fertilized and cultivated will produce one hundred bushels or more, and the farmers would realize $75.00. We do not wish to be understood by this to suggest to our farmers to go extensively into the business of raising sweet potatoes, as we have known the price to be 25 cents per bushel and few wanted to buy at that."(2)
"There was quite a heavy rain in Rockford, Tuesday morning, with a great display of electricity - the appearances were such as to create a feeling of uneasiness for fear something out of the unusual would happen. Alvin Bridges, living west of here, was in town Tuesday and reported injury to the out crop."(3)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county." (4)
"Hanover News
A. L. Bridges and son, Thomas, vistied the home of G. H. Gothard."(5)
"A. L. Bridges of route 2, was in town Tuesday."(6)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, of Rockford Route 2, was a pleasant caller at the Chronicle office the latter part of the week." (7)
"Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak." (8)
"Alvin Bridges, W. S. Thomas, and W. A. Patterson of Route 2, were here Saturday resting from their weeks labor. All needing rain." (9)
"A. L. Bridges spent a few hours in town Tuesday on his way home from Clanton, Ala., where he spent several days with relatives." (10)
"A. L. Bridges, of Route 2, returned Tuesday from a visit of several days to relative and friends in Birmingham. His daughter, Mrs. Carl Cowart and children returned with him to spend several days."(11)
THE ROCKFORD CHRONICLE
Alvin Bridges Dead
Last Tuesday night of this week the death angle visited the home of Mr. Edd White and bore away the life of "Uncle" Alvin Bridges. Alvin Bridges had been in bad health for some time and every thing possible was done that could be restored to his health but God saw fit to take his life away. Mr. Bridges is survived by several children, and other relatives and friends. The Rockford Chronicle offers to the family much sympathy.(12)
(1)The Chronicle, 12 Feb 1909, p. 5. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
(2)The Chronicle, 30 Apr 1909, p. 5.
(3)TheChronicle, 28 May 1909, p. 5.
(4)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(5) Th Chronicle, Hanover News, 17 Mar 1911, p. 5.
(6)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 21 Nov 1913, p. 5.
(7)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 20 Feb 1914. p. 5.
(8) )The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914. p. 5
(9) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 17 Jul 1914, p. 5.
(10)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 9 Apr 1920, p. 5.
(11)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 30 Apr 1920. p. 4.
(12)The Rockford Chronicle, Thursday, 31 Dec 1925, p. 3. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
Easter Sunday in April of 1996, I traveled to Coosa County to worship with the members of Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. After the service I asked questions about the Bridges family, who once attended the church. There was little response. Then Reverend Marlin White, a thin, frail and solid white headed man, who preached part of the service, put his hand on my shoulder. He suggested that we travel to parts of the county where the Bridges had once lived. "There, I'll tell you one story about Alvin, your Great Grandfather." When we arrived at the Bridges' home place , Marlin pointed to the fields. "This is where the Bridges settled and it once was owned by Alvin." He told me how as a boy he would watch from a leaning stance on Alvin's fence, a blood bay horse - black mane and tail, rich red body. He reminisced about admiring the strong, proud prancing horse and how he desired to ride Alvin's horse at full speed about the county. Marlin continued, "After hooking his horse to a carriage, Alvin would travel mostly to Rockford and Sylacauga for business and pleasure." Marlin said that was about all he could tell me. Then he paused. "I remember that your Grandfather, Buck, could pick more cotton quickly than anyone in the county or anyone I can remember." I had heard this previously from Tera McEwen during a McEwen's family reunion at Sears' Chapel, located about a mile north of Rockford, Alabama.
I later learned from my Dad, Evie Davis Bridges, Jr., and his cousins, Lester and Auston Bridges, that after the death of Alvin's wife, Mary, periodically he would hitch-up the blood bay to his carriage and journey to Sylacauga's saloons. There he would drink until he could no longer walk or stand. Someone at the saloon would put him in his carriage. Knowing the way home, the horse would eventually pull up in front of Alvin's home. Hearing the horse's neighing and hoof pounding, Alvin's sons would come out and pull him from the carriage. After dragging him inside, they would put him to bed. It was said that he never got over Mary's death. The bottle couldn't even relieve his grief.
On August 15, 1998, at the Bridges Family Reunion in the Millbrook Community Center (Millbrook, AL) Alvin Wesley Bridges was shown a picture, by me Ronald D. Bridges, of the Old Bridges Home Site. He said there was a log cabin shed in the back. I replied, "It was still standing, when I visited the place two years ago." He also informed me about another shed which was in front of the house to the far left as one faced the home. He spoke about an apple tree, located in front of the house. "It had five types of apples which grew from it," he added. I asked him if Alvin Lafayette Bridges grafted this tree. He replied, "Either that or he bought it that way." During our conversation I interjected that when I visited the home place, I saw a huge pecan tree growing in the back of the foundation of the house. With a slight smile and a nod he responded, "I remember the tree." James Chester Bridges, his brother, confirmed the story with a nod and other supporting information, while Alvin told it. Later the picture was shown to other members of the Bridges family. Alvin Wesley Bridges(1), James Chester Bridges(2), Mae (Cowart) Hunnicutt (3), and Janie Virginia (Bridges) Pyron(4) confirmed who was in the picture. Top left: Leila D. Bridges(5); Bottom left: Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart(6); Middle: Leonard Anderson Bridges(7); Top right: John Cary Bridges(8); Bottom right: Thomas Lafayette Bridges(9).
(1) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges
(2) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges.
(3) Daughter of Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart.
(4) Daughter of Leonard Anderson Bridges
(5) (b. 2 Nov 1887 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 22 Oct 1956 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges (b. 6 Jun 1847 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 30 Dec 1925 in Coosa Co., AL)
(6) (b. 17 Dec 1894 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 10 Jul 1962 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(7) (b. 22 Mar 1892 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 2 Feb 1952 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(8) (b. 6 Jan 1882 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 9 Jun 1949 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(9) (b. 2 Aug 1900 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 5 Sep 1981 in Elmore Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
[ Biography of Alvin Lafayette Bridges
Alvin Lafayette Bridges was born in Coosa County on 6 Jun 1847, to the parents of William Bridges and Delila Jane Jacks. Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, who was a major general in the Continental army (1777); a friend and associate of Washington. Lafayette visited Alabama in 1825 and had a huge, positive influence on many Alabamians. Alvin grew up on a farm near Hatchett Creek and was taught the methods of farming by his father. It is said that he learned to fish and swim on Hatchett Creek as other boys did in Coosa County. On 17 Jan 1878, Alvin married Mary Virginia Wilson (b. 23 May 1858 in AL & d. 24 Jun 1906 in Coosa County) in Coosa County. Seven children were born to this union: James Eppes, John Cary, Leila D., Evie Davis, Sr., Leonard Anderson, Allie Relender, and Thomas Lafayette.
Alvin's only brother, John William Bridges, was living with Alvin and his wife in 1880. On 24 Dec 1885, in Coosa County, John married Martha Ada Wilson, and they later moved to Downsville, Union Parish, LA. A large Bridges family is established there now. Alvin's sister, Susan Jane, married Nathan Andrew Culver in Coosa County on 9 Dec 1871 .They are both buried in Flint Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, Coosa Co., AL. Another of his sisters, Mariah Elizabeth, married George H. Gothard in Coosa County on 15 Jan 1878. They are buried in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Hanover, Coosa County, AL. Little is known about his other sisters.
Alvin's farm was located near Hatchett Creek, about 3 miles northwest of Rockford. Alvin grew a variety of crops on his farm and was considered a very successful farmer in Coosa County. The Chronicle, a Coosa County newspaper, printed reports about his success. In one article the newspaper wrote, "Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county."(1) Another article teasingly accused him of selling sweet potatoes at too high of a price. Family history recorded that the joke was on the paper, because he sold all the potatoes in the community at his established price. The community recognized the excellent quality of produce he grew. At a Bridges Family Reunion Alvin Wesley Bridges, one of Alvin's Grandsons, described an apple tree that Alvin grafted to grow a variety of apples. Others at the reunion spoke about Alvin's success with his different methods of farming. They also described a huge pecan tree that grew in the back of Alvin's house. The tree is still there but not the house.
Not only did The Chronicle report on Alvin's farming activities, he dropped by the newspaper weekly to report the weather and other activities in that part of the county to the staff. The newspaper usually had his report each week or at least a mention that Alvin visited The Chronicle's staff. No news is good news. Politically active and a Populist , Alvin on several occasions informed The Chronicle in his own manner what his political views and voting preference were. "Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak."(2) Mr. Kolb was prominent in the Farmers' Alliance and a Populist leader, who ran for governor a few times.
Alvin owned a highly prized blood bay horse - black mane and tail, richly red colored body. He hitched this horse to a buggy and traveled to Rockford to make his weekly visits. He was known to be seen in Sylacauga with his blood bay horse, which was even admired there. At Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church after Easter Sunday service in April of 1996, Reverend Marlin White of Coosa County related the above story to me and told me how he admired the horse too, when he was a young boy.
Alvin and Mary attended Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church, which was located not too far from their home. The two of them raised their children to the teachings of the Primitive Baptist Church. When I attended services on Easter, I had the opportunity and great pleasure to experience the worship service and sing songs that Alvin and Mary once did. The service was an inspiring and uplifting experience in communion with God as it must have been for Alvin and his family when they attended services there.
The 26th of June 1906, was a sad day for Alvin. Mary died. She was buried at Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. He never married again and it was said that he grieved until his death on 30 Dec 1925 in the home of Mr. Edd White in Coosa County. Alvin was buried beside his wife. Four of their children are buried there also: John Cary, Leila D., Leonard Anderson, and Allie Relender. James Eppes is buried in Mt. Nebo Methodist Church Cemetery, north of Downsville, Union Parish, LA. Evie Davis is buried in a cemetery near South Ebeneezer Baptist Church, near Laurel Hill, FL. Thomas Lafayette is buried in Union Congregation Church, Marbury, Elmore Co., AL.
(1) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(2) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914, p. 5.
Written by Ronald Davis Bridges on 30 March 1999, by his Great Grandson. ]
1900 Census, Coosa County, Rockford Precinct #4. Date 15 June 1900 (12th
Census) Enum. Dist. # 24 sht 9, by John T Cason.
Name Rel Race Sex DOB Age ( Martial M-yrs) (No. Child) (No. Living) POB Fpob Mpob Occ
Bridges, Alvin L Head W M Jun 1847 53 M22 AL AL GA Farmer
Mary V Wife W F May 1857 43 M22 10 6 AL AL GA
James E Son W M Apr 1880 20 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
John C Son W M Jan 1882 18 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
Lela Dau W F Nov 1887 12 S AL AL AL
* Evie D Son W M Jan 1890 10 S AL AL AL
Lenard A Son W M Mar 1892 8 S AL AL AL
Allie R Dau W F Dec 1894 5 S AL AL AL
*Note: This line was hard to read, looked like Eva and the Rel/Sex, was written over so that I could not read or be sure. I used other info to make it right, otherwise the census is the best that I could extract from the image. Amos Cowart
1910 Federal Census of Coosa Co., AL. Precinct #7 Rockford. Dwelling #143
Bridges, Alvin L. Head W M 52 Wd AL Father born in AL Mother born in GA
John C. Son W M 27 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Lela D. Dau W F 21 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Evie D. Son W M 20 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Leonard A. Son W M 18 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Allie R. Dau W F 15 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Thomas L. Son W M 9 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Researched by Ron Bridges on 31 Oct 2002.
On June 10, 1880, the 1880 Federal Census of the Rockford Beat of Coosa Co., AL recorded on page 10 that Alvin L. Bridges and Mary V. Bridges head of the household. The Census taker documented Alvin as a farmer, and he and Mary as husband and wife. The Census records Alvin as 33 years old and Mary as 21 years old, and that both were born in AL. There is a baby, the son of Alvin and Mary, listed as James E. Bridges, 2 months old, and born in AL. In this said Census, it lists the birth place of Mary's father as SC, and the birth place of her mother as AL. The census recorded John Wm Bridges living in the household of Alvin L. and Mary V. Bridges. The Census documented John as a laborer, 18 years old, born in AL and the brother of Alvin. Also entered in the Census is the birth place of Alvin's and John's father, which is AL, and the birth place of their mother, which is GA.
1880 Federal Census, Coosa Co., AL
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's BP
Alvin L. BRIDGES Self M Male W 33 AL Farmer AL GA
Mary V. BRIDGES Wife M Female W 21 AL Keeping House SC AL
James E. BRIDGES Son S Male W 2M AL AL AL
John William BRIDGES Brother S Male W 18 AL Laborer AL GA
Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, a French general and statesman. Marquis served in the American Revolution; major general in Continental army (1777); friend and associate of Washington; went to France to aid the American Revolution; and served at Yorktown and Virginia. Not only was Lafayette famous to many Alabamians because of his status in the American Revolution, he also made a visit to Alabama in 1825. "Alabamians were isolated from the rest of the world, and communication was slow and difficult. Therefore the arrival in 1825 of such a dignitary as Lafayette had meaning beyond the responsibilities of hosting a French hero. His visit put ordinary citizens into touch with society beyond the state's borders and gave people an opportunity to identify with a broader world. His tour threw Alabamians into a frenzy of preparations, and the various entertainment's painted an interesting portrait of Alabama society." (1) Lafayette first visited and traveled through the Creek Nation. Coosa County, Alabama was later carved out of this Indian nation. The ancestors of Bridges family were most likely in Alabama when Lafayette visited, and if not, were aware of the impact Lafayette's visit had on Alabama, when they settled in Alabama. The county seat of Chambers County, which was part of the Creek Nation, was named after Lafayette. It should be noted that Lafayette is pronounced two ways. One is the French way: LA- FI- YET. And the other is the way backwoods Alabamian folks said it: LA-FAY-IT. (2) The name Lafayette continues to this day to be a traditional name in the Bridges family.
(1) William Warren Rogers, Robert David Ward, Leah Rawls Atkins, and Wayne Flynt, Alabama: The History of a Deep South State (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1994), p. 81.
(2) Johanna Nicol Shields, "Introduction," Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs by Johnson Jones Hooper (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1993), p. xii.
"Mr. Alvin Bridges, a prominent farmer who resides a few miles west of town, was here Monday, and a guest at Brooks hotel at the noon hour." The Coosa Argus, 2 Jan 1907, page 3. Researched by Ron Bridges on 3 Jan 2004 at the Alabama Archives.
THE CHRONICLE
"Alvin Bridges, one of our energetic and successful farmers and an old time friend of the editors, was in Rockford early this week."(1) The editors were S. J. Darby and John W. Batson.
"Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, was in town last Saturday selling some very fine sweet potatoes at seventy-five cents per bushel. One acre of the average land in the county properly fertilized and cultivated will produce one hundred bushels or more, and the farmers would realize $75.00. We do not wish to be understood by this to suggest to our farmers to go extensively into the business of raising sweet potatoes, as we have known the price to be 25 cents per bushel and few wanted to buy at that."(2)
"There was quite a heavy rain in Rockford, Tuesday morning, with a great display of electricity - the appearances were such as to create a feeling of uneasiness for fear something out of the unusual would happen. Alvin Bridges, living west of here, was in town Tuesday and reported injury to the out crop."(3)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county." (4)
"Hanover News
A. L. Bridges and son, Thomas, vistied the home of G. H. Gothard."(5)
"A. L. Bridges of route 2, was in town Tuesday."(6)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, of Rockford Route 2, was a pleasant caller at the Chronicle office the latter part of the week." (7)
"Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak." (8)
"Alvin Bridges, W. S. Thomas, and W. A. Patterson of Route 2, were here Saturday resting from their weeks labor. All needing rain." (9)
"A. L. Bridges spent a few hours in town Tuesday on his way home from Clanton, Ala., where he spent several days with relatives." (10)
"A. L. Bridges, of Route 2, returned Tuesday from a visit of several days to relative and friends in Birmingham. His daughter, Mrs. Carl Cowart and children returned with him to spend several days."(11)
THE ROCKFORD CHRONICLE
Alvin Bridges Dead
Last Tuesday night of this week the death angle visited the home of Mr. Edd White and bore away the life of "Uncle" Alvin Bridges. Alvin Bridges had been in bad health for some time and every thing possible was done that could be restored to his health but God saw fit to take his life away. Mr. Bridges is survived by several children, and other relatives and friends. The Rockford Chronicle offers to the family much sympathy.(12)
(1)The Chronicle, 12 Feb 1909, p. 5. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
(2)The Chronicle, 30 Apr 1909, p. 5.
(3)TheChronicle, 28 May 1909, p. 5.
(4)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(5) Th Chronicle, Hanover News, 17 Mar 1911, p. 5.
(6)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 21 Nov 1913, p. 5.
(7)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 20 Feb 1914. p. 5.
(8) )The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914. p. 5
(9) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 17 Jul 1914, p. 5.
(10)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 9 Apr 1920, p. 5.
(11)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 30 Apr 1920. p. 4.
(12)The Rockford Chronicle, Thursday, 31 Dec 1925, p. 3. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
Easter Sunday in April of 1996, I traveled to Coosa County to worship with the members of Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. After the service I asked questions about the Bridges family, who once attended the church. There was little response. Then Reverend Marlin White, a thin, frail and solid white headed man, who preached part of the service, put his hand on my shoulder. He suggested that we travel to parts of the county where the Bridges had once lived. "There, I'll tell you one story about Alvin, your Great Grandfather." When we arrived at the Bridges' home place , Marlin pointed to the fields. "This is where the Bridges settled and it once was owned by Alvin." He told me how as a boy he would watch from a leaning stance on Alvin's fence, a blood bay horse - black mane and tail, rich red body. He reminisced about admiring the strong, proud prancing horse and how he desired to ride Alvin's horse at full speed about the county. Marlin continued, "After hooking his horse to a carriage, Alvin would travel mostly to Rockford and Sylacauga for business and pleasure." Marlin said that was about all he could tell me. Then he paused. "I remember that your Grandfather, Buck, could pick more cotton quickly than anyone in the county or anyone I can remember." I had heard this previously from Tera McEwen during a McEwen's family reunion at Sears' Chapel, located about a mile north of Rockford, Alabama.
I later learned from my Dad, Evie Davis Bridges, Jr., and his cousins, Lester and Auston Bridges, that after the death of Alvin's wife, Mary, periodically he would hitch-up the blood bay to his carriage and journey to Sylacauga's saloons. There he would drink until he could no longer walk or stand. Someone at the saloon would put him in his carriage. Knowing the way home, the horse would eventually pull up in front of Alvin's home. Hearing the horse's neighing and hoof pounding, Alvin's sons would come out and pull him from the carriage. After dragging him inside, they would put him to bed. It was said that he never got over Mary's death. The bottle couldn't even relieve his grief.
On August 15, 1998, at the Bridges Family Reunion in the Millbrook Community Center (Millbrook, AL) Alvin Wesley Bridges was shown a picture, by me Ronald D. Bridges, of the Old Bridges Home Site. He said there was a log cabin shed in the back. I replied, "It was still standing, when I visited the place two years ago." He also informed me about another shed which was in front of the house to the far left as one faced the home. He spoke about an apple tree, located in front of the house. "It had five types of apples which grew from it," he added. I asked him if Alvin Lafayette Bridges grafted this tree. He replied, "Either that or he bought it that way." During our conversation I interjected that when I visited the home place, I saw a huge pecan tree growing in the back of the foundation of the house. With a slight smile and a nod he responded, "I remember the tree." James Chester Bridges, his brother, confirmed the story with a nod and other supporting information, while Alvin told it. Later the picture was shown to other members of the Bridges family. Alvin Wesley Bridges(1), James Chester Bridges(2), Mae (Cowart) Hunnicutt (3), and Janie Virginia (Bridges) Pyron(4) confirmed who was in the picture. Top left: Leila D. Bridges(5); Bottom left: Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart(6); Middle: Leonard Anderson Bridges(7); Top right: John Cary Bridges(8); Bottom right: Thomas Lafayette Bridges(9).
(1) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges
(2) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges.
(3) Daughter of Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart.
(4) Daughter of Leonard Anderson Bridges
(5) (b. 2 Nov 1887 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 22 Oct 1956 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges (b. 6 Jun 1847 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 30 Dec 1925 in Coosa Co., AL)
(6) (b. 17 Dec 1894 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 10 Jul 1962 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(7) (b. 22 Mar 1892 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 2 Feb 1952 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(8) (b. 6 Jan 1882 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 9 Jun 1949 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(9) (b. 2 Aug 1900 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 5 Sep 1981 in Elmore Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
[ Biography of Alvin Lafayette Bridges
Alvin Lafayette Bridges was born in Coosa County on 6 Jun 1847, to the parents of William Bridges and Delila Jane Jacks. Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, who was a major general in the Continental army (1777); a friend and associate of Washington. Lafayette visited Alabama in 1825 and had a huge, positive influence on many Alabamians. Alvin grew up on a farm near Hatchett Creek and was taught the methods of farming by his father. It is said that he learned to fish and swim on Hatchett Creek as other boys did in Coosa County. On 17 Jan 1878, Alvin married Mary Virginia Wilson (b. 23 May 1858 in AL & d. 24 Jun 1906 in Coosa County) in Coosa County. Seven children were born to this union: James Eppes, John Cary, Leila D., Evie Davis, Sr., Leonard Anderson, Allie Relender, and Thomas Lafayette.
Alvin's only brother, John William Bridges, was living with Alvin and his wife in 1880. On 24 Dec 1885, in Coosa County, John married Martha Ada Wilson, and they later moved to Downsville, Union Parish, LA. A large Bridges family is established there now. Alvin's sister, Susan Jane, married Nathan Andrew Culver in Coosa County on 9 Dec 1871 .They are both buried in Flint Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, Coosa Co., AL. Another of his sisters, Mariah Elizabeth, married George H. Gothard in Coosa County on 15 Jan 1878. They are buried in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Hanover, Coosa County, AL. Little is known about his other sisters.
Alvin's farm was located near Hatchett Creek, about 3 miles northwest of Rockford. Alvin grew a variety of crops on his farm and was considered a very successful farmer in Coosa County. The Chronicle, a Coosa County newspaper, printed reports about his success. In one article the newspaper wrote, "Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county."(1) Another article teasingly accused him of selling sweet potatoes at too high of a price. Family history recorded that the joke was on the paper, because he sold all the potatoes in the community at his established price. The community recognized the excellent quality of produce he grew. At a Bridges Family Reunion Alvin Wesley Bridges, one of Alvin's Grandsons, described an apple tree that Alvin grafted to grow a variety of apples. Others at the reunion spoke about Alvin's success with his different methods of farming. They also described a huge pecan tree that grew in the back of Alvin's house. The tree is still there but not the house.
Not only did The Chronicle report on Alvin's farming activities, he dropped by the newspaper weekly to report the weather and other activities in that part of the county to the staff. The newspaper usually had his report each week or at least a mention that Alvin visited The Chronicle's staff. No news is good news. Politically active and a Populist , Alvin on several occasions informed The Chronicle in his own manner what his political views and voting preference were. "Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak."(2) Mr. Kolb was prominent in the Farmers' Alliance and a Populist leader, who ran for governor a few times.
Alvin owned a highly prized blood bay horse - black mane and tail, richly red colored body. He hitched this horse to a buggy and traveled to Rockford to make his weekly visits. He was known to be seen in Sylacauga with his blood bay horse, which was even admired there. At Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church after Easter Sunday service in April of 1996, Reverend Marlin White of Coosa County related the above story to me and told me how he admired the horse too, when he was a young boy.
Alvin and Mary attended Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church, which was located not too far from their home. The two of them raised their children to the teachings of the Primitive Baptist Church. When I attended services on Easter, I had the opportunity and great pleasure to experience the worship service and sing songs that Alvin and Mary once did. The service was an inspiring and uplifting experience in communion with God as it must have been for Alvin and his family when they attended services there.
The 26th of June 1906, was a sad day for Alvin. Mary died. She was buried at Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. He never married again and it was said that he grieved until his death on 30 Dec 1925 in the home of Mr. Edd White in Coosa County. Alvin was buried beside his wife. Four of their children are buried there also: John Cary, Leila D., Leonard Anderson, and Allie Relender. James Eppes is buried in Mt. Nebo Methodist Church Cemetery, north of Downsville, Union Parish, LA. Evie Davis is buried in a cemetery near South Ebeneezer Baptist Church, near Laurel Hill, FL. Thomas Lafayette is buried in Union Congregation Church, Marbury, Elmore Co., AL.
(1) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(2) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914, p. 5.
Written by Ronald Davis Bridges on 30 March 1999, by his Great Grandson. ]
1900 Census, Coosa County, Rockford Precinct #4. Date 15 June 1900 (12th
Census) Enum. Dist. # 24 sht 9, by John T Cason.
Name Rel Race Sex DOB Age ( Martial M-yrs) (No. Child) (No. Living) POB Fpob Mpob Occ
Bridges, Alvin L Head W M Jun 1847 53 M22 AL AL GA Farmer
Mary V Wife W F May 1857 43 M22 10 6 AL AL GA
James E Son W M Apr 1880 20 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
John C Son W M Jan 1882 18 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
Lela Dau W F Nov 1887 12 S AL AL AL
* Evie D Son W M Jan 1890 10 S AL AL AL
Lenard A Son W M Mar 1892 8 S AL AL AL
Allie R Dau W F Dec 1894 5 S AL AL AL
*Note: This line was hard to read, looked like Eva and the Rel/Sex, was written over so that I could not read or be sure. I used other info to make it right, otherwise the census is the best that I could extract from the image. Amos Cowart
1910 Federal Census of Coosa Co., AL. Precinct #7 Rockford. Dwelling #143
Bridges, Alvin L. Head W M 52 Wd AL Father born in AL Mother born in GA
John C. Son W M 27 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Lela D. Dau W F 21 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Evie D. Son W M 20 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Leonard A. Son W M 18 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Allie R. Dau W F 15 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Thomas L. Son W M 9 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Researched by Ron Bridges on 31 Oct 2002.
On 2 Aug 1870, the 1870 Federal Census of the Rockford Beat of Coosa Co., AL recorded that A. L. Bridges is residing in the home of W. A. and Nancy Foster. The Census records him attending school that year, and that he is 23 years old & was born in AL.
On June 10, 1880, the 1880 Federal Census of the Rockford Beat of Coosa Co., AL recorded on page 10 that Alvin L. Bridges and Mary V. Bridges head of the household. The Census taker documented Alvin as a farmer, and he and Mary as husband and wife. The Census records Alvin as 33 years old and Mary as 21 years old, and that both were born in AL. There is a baby, the son of Alvin and Mary, listed as James E. Bridges, 2 months old, and born in AL. In this said Census, it lists the birth place of Mary's father as SC, and the birth place of her mother as AL. The census recorded John Wm Bridges living in the household of Alvin L. and Mary V. Bridges. The Census documented John as a laborer, 18 years old, born in AL and the brother of Alvin. Also entered in the Census is the birth place of Alvin's and John's father, which is AL, and the birth place of their mother, which is GA.
1880 Federal Census, Coosa Co., AL
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's BP
Alvin L. BRIDGES Self M Male W 33 AL Farmer AL GA
Mary V. BRIDGES Wife M Female W 21 AL Keeping House SC AL
James E. BRIDGES Son S Male W 2M AL AL AL
John William BRIDGES Brother S Male W 18 AL Laborer AL GA
Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, a French general and statesman. Marquis served in the American Revolution; major general in Continental army (1777); friend and associate of Washington; went to France to aid the American Revolution; and served at Yorktown and Virginia. Not only was Lafayette famous to many Alabamians because of his status in the American Revolution, he also made a visit to Alabama in 1825. "Alabamians were isolated from the rest of the world, and communication was slow and difficult. Therefore the arrival in 1825 of such a dignitary as Lafayette had meaning beyond the responsibilities of hosting a French hero. His visit put ordinary citizens into touch with society beyond the state's borders and gave people an opportunity to identify with a broader world. His tour threw Alabamians into a frenzy of preparations, and the various entertainment's painted an interesting portrait of Alabama society." (1) Lafayette first visited and traveled through the Creek Nation. Coosa County, Alabama was later carved out of this Indian nation. The ancestors of Bridges family were most likely in Alabama when Lafayette visited, and if not, were aware of the impact Lafayette's visit had on Alabama, when they settled in Alabama. The county seat of Chambers County, which was part of the Creek Nation, was named after Lafayette. It should be noted that Lafayette is pronounced two ways. One is the French way: LA- FI- YET. And the other is the way backwoods Alabamian folks said it: LA-FAY-IT. (2) The name Lafayette continues to this day to be a traditional name in the Bridges family.
(1) William Warren Rogers, Robert David Ward, Leah Rawls Atkins, and Wayne Flynt, Alabama: The History of a Deep South State (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1994), p. 81.
(2) Johanna Nicol Shields, "Introduction," Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs by Johnson Jones Hooper (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1993), p. xii.
"Mr. Alvin Bridges, a prominent farmer who resides a few miles west of town, was here Monday, and a guest at Brooks hotel at the noon hour." The Coosa Argus, 2 Jan 1907, page 3. Researched by Ron Bridges on 3 Jan 2004 at the Alabama Archives.
THE CHRONICLE
"Alvin Bridges, one of our energetic and successful farmers and an old time friend of the editors, was in Rockford early this week."(1) The editors were S. J. Darby and John W. Batson.
"Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, was in town last Saturday selling some very fine sweet potatoes at seventy-five cents per bushel. One acre of the average land in the county properly fertilized and cultivated will produce one hundred bushels or more, and the farmers would realize $75.00. We do not wish to be understood by this to suggest to our farmers to go extensively into the business of raising sweet potatoes, as we have known the price to be 25 cents per bushel and few wanted to buy at that."(2)
"There was quite a heavy rain in Rockford, Tuesday morning, with a great display of electricity - the appearances were such as to create a feeling of uneasiness for fear something out of the unusual would happen. Alvin Bridges, living west of here, was in town Tuesday and reported injury to the out crop."(3)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county." (4)
"Hanover News
A. L. Bridges and son, Thomas, vistied the home of G. H. Gothard."(5)
"A. L. Bridges of route 2, was in town Tuesday."(6)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, of Rockford Route 2, was a pleasant caller at the Chronicle office the latter part of the week." (7)
"Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak." (8)
"Alvin Bridges, W. S. Thomas, and W. A. Patterson of Route 2, were here Saturday resting from their weeks labor. All needing rain." (9)
"A. L. Bridges spent a few hours in town Tuesday on his way home from Clanton, Ala., where he spent several days with relatives." (10)
"A. L. Bridges, of Route 2, returned Tuesday from a visit of several days to relative and friends in Birmingham. His daughter, Mrs. Carl Cowart and children returned with him to spend several days."(11)
THE ROCKFORD CHRONICLE
Alvin Bridges Dead
Last Tuesday night of this week the death angle visited the home of Mr. Edd White and bore away the life of "Uncle" Alvin Bridges. Alvin Bridges had been in bad health for some time and every thing possible was done that could be restored to his health but God saw fit to take his life away. Mr. Bridges is survived by several children, and other relatives and friends. The Rockford Chronicle offers to the family much sympathy.(12)
(1)The Chronicle, 12 Feb 1909, p. 5. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
(2)The Chronicle, 30 Apr 1909, p. 5.
(3)TheChronicle, 28 May 1909, p. 5.
(4)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(5) Th Chronicle, Hanover News, 17 Mar 1911, p. 5.
(6)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 21 Nov 1913, p. 5.
(7)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 20 Feb 1914. p. 5.
(8) )The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914. p. 5
(9) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 17 Jul 1914, p. 5.
(10)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 9 Apr 1920, p. 5.
(11)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 30 Apr 1920. p. 4.
(12)The Rockford Chronicle, Thursday, 31 Dec 1925, p. 3. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
Easter Sunday in April of 1996, I traveled to Coosa County to worship with the members of Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. After the service I asked questions about the Bridges family, who once attended the church. There was little response. Then Reverend Marlin White, a thin, frail and solid white headed man, who preached part of the service, put his hand on my shoulder. He suggested that we travel to parts of the county where the Bridges had once lived. "There, I'll tell you one story about Alvin, your Great Grandfather." When we arrived at the Bridges' home place , Marlin pointed to the fields. "This is where the Bridges settled and it once was owned by Alvin." He told me how as a boy he would watch from a leaning stance on Alvin's fence, a blood bay horse - black mane and tail, rich red body. He reminisced about admiring the strong, proud prancing horse and how he desired to ride Alvin's horse at full speed about the county. Marlin continued, "After hooking his horse to a carriage, Alvin would travel mostly to Rockford and Sylacauga for business and pleasure." Marlin said that was about all he could tell me. Then he paused. "I remember that your Grandfather, Buck, could pick more cotton quickly than anyone in the county or anyone I can remember." I had heard this previously from Tera McEwen during a McEwen's family reunion at Sears' Chapel, located about a mile north of Rockford, Alabama.
I later learned from my Dad, Evie Davis Bridges, Jr., and his cousins, Lester and Auston Bridges, that after the death of Alvin's wife, Mary, periodically he would hitch-up the blood bay to his carriage and journey to Sylacauga's saloons. There he would drink until he could no longer walk or stand. Someone at the saloon would put him in his carriage. Knowing the way home, the horse would eventually pull up in front of Alvin's home. Hearing the horse's neighing and hoof pounding, Alvin's sons would come out and pull him from the carriage. After dragging him inside, they would put him to bed. It was said that he never got over Mary's death. The bottle couldn't even relieve his grief.
On August 15, 1998, at the Bridges Family Reunion in the Millbrook Community Center (Millbrook, AL) Alvin Wesley Bridges was shown a picture, by me Ronald D. Bridges, of the Old Bridges Home Site. He said there was a log cabin shed in the back. I replied, "It was still standing, when I visited the place two years ago." He also informed me about another shed which was in front of the house to the far left as one faced the home. He spoke about an apple tree, located in front of the house. "It had five types of apples which grew from it," he added. I asked him if Alvin Lafayette Bridges grafted this tree. He replied, "Either that or he bought it that way." During our conversation I interjected that when I visited the home place, I saw a huge pecan tree growing in the back of the foundation of the house. With a slight smile and a nod he responded, "I remember the tree." James Chester Bridges, his brother, confirmed the story with a nod and other supporting information, while Alvin told it. Later the picture was shown to other members of the Bridges family. Alvin Wesley Bridges(1), James Chester Bridges(2), Mae (Cowart) Hunnicutt (3), and Janie Virginia (Bridges) Pyron(4) confirmed who was in the picture. Top left: Leila D. Bridges(5); Bottom left: Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart(6); Middle: Leonard Anderson Bridges(7); Top right: John Cary Bridges(8); Bottom right: Thomas Lafayette Bridges(9).
(1) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges
(2) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges.
(3) Daughter of Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart.
(4) Daughter of Leonard Anderson Bridges
(5) (b. 2 Nov 1887 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 22 Oct 1956 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges (b. 6 Jun 1847 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 30 Dec 1925 in Coosa Co., AL)
(6) (b. 17 Dec 1894 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 10 Jul 1962 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(7) (b. 22 Mar 1892 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 2 Feb 1952 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(8) (b. 6 Jan 1882 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 9 Jun 1949 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(9) (b. 2 Aug 1900 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 5 Sep 1981 in Elmore Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
[ Biography of Alvin Lafayette Bridges
Alvin Lafayette Bridges was born in Coosa County on 6 Jun 1847, to the parents of William Bridges and Delila Jane Jacks. Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, who was a major general in the Continental army (1777); a friend and associate of Washington. Lafayette visited Alabama in 1825 and had a huge, positive influence on many Alabamians. Alvin grew up on a farm near Hatchett Creek and was taught the methods of farming by his father. It is said that he learned to fish and swim on Hatchett Creek as other boys did in Coosa County. On 17 Jan 1878, Alvin married Mary Virginia Wilson (b. 23 May 1858 in AL & d. 24 Jun 1906 in Coosa County) in Coosa County. Seven children were born to this union: James Eppes, John Cary, Leila D., Evie Davis, Sr., Leonard Anderson, Allie Relender, and Thomas Lafayette.
Alvin's only brother, John William Bridges, was living with Alvin and his wife in 1880. On 24 Dec 1885, in Coosa County, John married Martha Ada Wilson, and they later moved to Downsville, Union Parish, LA. A large Bridges family is established there now. Alvin's sister, Susan Jane, married Nathan Andrew Culver in Coosa County on 9 Dec 1871 .They are both buried in Flint Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, Coosa Co., AL. Another of his sisters, Mariah Elizabeth, married George H. Gothard in Coosa County on 15 Jan 1878. They are buried in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Hanover, Coosa County, AL. Little is known about his other sisters.
Alvin's farm was located near Hatchett Creek, about 3 miles northwest of Rockford. Alvin grew a variety of crops on his farm and was considered a very successful farmer in Coosa County. The Chronicle, a Coosa County newspaper, printed reports about his success. In one article the newspaper wrote, "Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county."(1) Another article teasingly accused him of selling sweet potatoes at too high of a price. Family history recorded that the joke was on the paper, because he sold all the potatoes in the community at his established price. The community recognized the excellent quality of produce he grew. At a Bridges Family Reunion Alvin Wesley Bridges, one of Alvin's Grandsons, described an apple tree that Alvin grafted to grow a variety of apples. Others at the reunion spoke about Alvin's success with his different methods of farming. They also described a huge pecan tree that grew in the back of Alvin's house. The tree is still there but not the house.
Not only did The Chronicle report on Alvin's farming activities, he dropped by the newspaper weekly to report the weather and other activities in that part of the county to the staff. The newspaper usually had his report each week or at least a mention that Alvin visited The Chronicle's staff. No news is good news. Politically active and a Populist , Alvin on several occasions informed The Chronicle in his own manner what his political views and voting preference were. "Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak."(2) Mr. Kolb was prominent in the Farmers' Alliance and a Populist leader, who ran for governor a few times.
Alvin owned a highly prized blood bay horse - black mane and tail, richly red colored body. He hitched this horse to a buggy and traveled to Rockford to make his weekly visits. He was known to be seen in Sylacauga with his blood bay horse, which was even admired there. At Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church after Easter Sunday service in April of 1996, Reverend Marlin White of Coosa County related the above story to me and told me how he admired the horse too, when he was a young boy.
Alvin and Mary attended Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church, which was located not too far from their home. The two of them raised their children to the teachings of the Primitive Baptist Church. When I attended services on Easter, I had the opportunity and great pleasure to experience the worship service and sing songs that Alvin and Mary once did. The service was an inspiring and uplifting experience in communion with God as it must have been for Alvin and his family when they attended services there.
The 26th of June 1906, was a sad day for Alvin. Mary died. She was buried at Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. He never married again and it was said that he grieved until his death on 30 Dec 1925 in the home of Mr. Edd White in Coosa County. Alvin was buried beside his wife. Four of their children are buried there also: John Cary, Leila D., Leonard Anderson, and Allie Relender. James Eppes is buried in Mt. Nebo Methodist Church Cemetery, north of Downsville, Union Parish, LA. Evie Davis is buried in a cemetery near South Ebeneezer Baptist Church, near Laurel Hill, FL. Thomas Lafayette is buried in Union Congregation Church, Marbury, Elmore Co., AL.
(1) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(2) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914, p. 5.
Written by Ronald Davis Bridges on 30 March 1999, by his Great Grandson. ]
1900 Census, Coosa County, Rockford Precinct #4. Date 15 June 1900 (12th
Census) Enum. Dist. # 24 sht 9, by John T Cason.
Name Rel Race Sex DOB Age ( Martial M-yrs) (No. Child) (No. Living) POB Fpob Mpob Occ
Bridges, Alvin L Head W M Jun 1847 53 M22 AL AL GA Farmer
Mary V Wife W F May 1857 43 M22 10 6 AL AL GA
James E Son W M Apr 1880 20 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
John C Son W M Jan 1882 18 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
Lela Dau W F Nov 1887 12 S AL AL AL
* Evie D Son W M Jan 1890 10 S AL AL AL
Lenard A Son W M Mar 1892 8 S AL AL AL
Allie R Dau W F Dec 1894 5 S AL AL AL
*Note: This line was hard to read, looked like Eva and the Rel/Sex, was written over so that I could not read or be sure. I used other info to make it right, otherwise the census is the best that I could extract from the image. Amos Cowart
1910 Federal Census of Coosa Co., AL. Precinct #7 Rockford. Dwelling #143
Bridges, Alvin L. Head W M 52 Wd AL Father born in AL Mother born in GA
John C. Son W M 27 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Lela D. Dau W F 21 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Evie D. Son W M 20 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Leonard A. Son W M 18 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Allie R. Dau W F 15 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Thomas L. Son W M 9 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Researched by Ron Bridges on 31 Oct 2002.
On June 10, 1880, the 1880 Federal Census of the Rockford Beat of Coosa Co., AL recorded on page 10 that Alvin L. Bridges and Mary V. Bridges head of the household. The Census taker documented Alvin as a farmer, and he and Mary as husband and wife. The Census records Alvin as 33 years old and Mary as 21 years old, and that both were born in AL. There is a baby, the son of Alvin and Mary, listed as James E. Bridges, 2 months old, and born in AL. In this said Census, it lists the birth place of Mary's father as SC, and the birth place of her mother as AL. The census recorded John Wm Bridges living in the household of Alvin L. and Mary V. Bridges. The Census documented John as a laborer, 18 years old, born in AL and the brother of Alvin. Also entered in the Census is the birth place of Alvin's and John's father, which is AL, and the birth place of their mother, which is GA.
1880 Federal Census, Coosa Co., AL
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's BP
Alvin L. BRIDGES Self M Male W 33 AL Farmer AL GA
Mary V. BRIDGES Wife M Female W 21 AL Keeping House SC AL
James E. BRIDGES Son S Male W 2M AL AL AL
John William BRIDGES Brother S Male W 18 AL Laborer AL GA
Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, a French general and statesman. Marquis served in the American Revolution; major general in Continental army (1777); friend and associate of Washington; went to France to aid the American Revolution; and served at Yorktown and Virginia. Not only was Lafayette famous to many Alabamians because of his status in the American Revolution, he also made a visit to Alabama in 1825. "Alabamians were isolated from the rest of the world, and communication was slow and difficult. Therefore the arrival in 1825 of such a dignitary as Lafayette had meaning beyond the responsibilities of hosting a French hero. His visit put ordinary citizens into touch with society beyond the state's borders and gave people an opportunity to identify with a broader world. His tour threw Alabamians into a frenzy of preparations, and the various entertainment's painted an interesting portrait of Alabama society." (1) Lafayette first visited and traveled through the Creek Nation. Coosa County, Alabama was later carved out of this Indian nation. The ancestors of Bridges family were most likely in Alabama when Lafayette visited, and if not, were aware of the impact Lafayette's visit had on Alabama, when they settled in Alabama. The county seat of Chambers County, which was part of the Creek Nation, was named after Lafayette. It should be noted that Lafayette is pronounced two ways. One is the French way: LA- FI- YET. And the other is the way backwoods Alabamian folks said it: LA-FAY-IT. (2) The name Lafayette continues to this day to be a traditional name in the Bridges family.
(1) William Warren Rogers, Robert David Ward, Leah Rawls Atkins, and Wayne Flynt, Alabama: The History of a Deep South State (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1994), p. 81.
(2) Johanna Nicol Shields, "Introduction," Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs by Johnson Jones Hooper (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1993), p. xii.
"Mr. Alvin Bridges, a prominent farmer who resides a few miles west of town, was here Monday, and a guest at Brooks hotel at the noon hour." The Coosa Argus, 2 Jan 1907, page 3. Researched by Ron Bridges on 3 Jan 2004 at the Alabama Archives.
THE CHRONICLE
"Alvin Bridges, one of our energetic and successful farmers and an old time friend of the editors, was in Rockford early this week."(1) The editors were S. J. Darby and John W. Batson.
"Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, was in town last Saturday selling some very fine sweet potatoes at seventy-five cents per bushel. One acre of the average land in the county properly fertilized and cultivated will produce one hundred bushels or more, and the farmers would realize $75.00. We do not wish to be understood by this to suggest to our farmers to go extensively into the business of raising sweet potatoes, as we have known the price to be 25 cents per bushel and few wanted to buy at that."(2)
"There was quite a heavy rain in Rockford, Tuesday morning, with a great display of electricity - the appearances were such as to create a feeling of uneasiness for fear something out of the unusual would happen. Alvin Bridges, living west of here, was in town Tuesday and reported injury to the out crop."(3)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county." (4)
"Hanover News
A. L. Bridges and son, Thomas, vistied the home of G. H. Gothard."(5)
"A. L. Bridges of route 2, was in town Tuesday."(6)
"Local and Personal
Alvin Bridges, of Rockford Route 2, was a pleasant caller at the Chronicle office the latter part of the week." (7)
"Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak." (8)
"Alvin Bridges, W. S. Thomas, and W. A. Patterson of Route 2, were here Saturday resting from their weeks labor. All needing rain." (9)
"A. L. Bridges spent a few hours in town Tuesday on his way home from Clanton, Ala., where he spent several days with relatives." (10)
"A. L. Bridges, of Route 2, returned Tuesday from a visit of several days to relative and friends in Birmingham. His daughter, Mrs. Carl Cowart and children returned with him to spend several days."(11)
THE ROCKFORD CHRONICLE
Alvin Bridges Dead
Last Tuesday night of this week the death angle visited the home of Mr. Edd White and bore away the life of "Uncle" Alvin Bridges. Alvin Bridges had been in bad health for some time and every thing possible was done that could be restored to his health but God saw fit to take his life away. Mr. Bridges is survived by several children, and other relatives and friends. The Rockford Chronicle offers to the family much sympathy.(12)
(1)The Chronicle, 12 Feb 1909, p. 5. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
(2)The Chronicle, 30 Apr 1909, p. 5.
(3)TheChronicle, 28 May 1909, p. 5.
(4)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(5) Th Chronicle, Hanover News, 17 Mar 1911, p. 5.
(6)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 21 Nov 1913, p. 5.
(7)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 20 Feb 1914. p. 5.
(8) )The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914. p. 5
(9) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 17 Jul 1914, p. 5.
(10)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 9 Apr 1920, p. 5.
(11)The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 30 Apr 1920. p. 4.
(12)The Rockford Chronicle, Thursday, 31 Dec 1925, p. 3. Printed in Rockford, Coosa Co., AL. Microfilm: Located in the Alabama Archives and History, Montgomery, AL.
Easter Sunday in April of 1996, I traveled to Coosa County to worship with the members of Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. After the service I asked questions about the Bridges family, who once attended the church. There was little response. Then Reverend Marlin White, a thin, frail and solid white headed man, who preached part of the service, put his hand on my shoulder. He suggested that we travel to parts of the county where the Bridges had once lived. "There, I'll tell you one story about Alvin, your Great Grandfather." When we arrived at the Bridges' home place , Marlin pointed to the fields. "This is where the Bridges settled and it once was owned by Alvin." He told me how as a boy he would watch from a leaning stance on Alvin's fence, a blood bay horse - black mane and tail, rich red body. He reminisced about admiring the strong, proud prancing horse and how he desired to ride Alvin's horse at full speed about the county. Marlin continued, "After hooking his horse to a carriage, Alvin would travel mostly to Rockford and Sylacauga for business and pleasure." Marlin said that was about all he could tell me. Then he paused. "I remember that your Grandfather, Buck, could pick more cotton quickly than anyone in the county or anyone I can remember." I had heard this previously from Tera McEwen during a McEwen's family reunion at Sears' Chapel, located about a mile north of Rockford, Alabama.
I later learned from my Dad, Evie Davis Bridges, Jr., and his cousins, Lester and Auston Bridges, that after the death of Alvin's wife, Mary, periodically he would hitch-up the blood bay to his carriage and journey to Sylacauga's saloons. There he would drink until he could no longer walk or stand. Someone at the saloon would put him in his carriage. Knowing the way home, the horse would eventually pull up in front of Alvin's home. Hearing the horse's neighing and hoof pounding, Alvin's sons would come out and pull him from the carriage. After dragging him inside, they would put him to bed. It was said that he never got over Mary's death. The bottle couldn't even relieve his grief.
On August 15, 1998, at the Bridges Family Reunion in the Millbrook Community Center (Millbrook, AL) Alvin Wesley Bridges was shown a picture, by me Ronald D. Bridges, of the Old Bridges Home Site. He said there was a log cabin shed in the back. I replied, "It was still standing, when I visited the place two years ago." He also informed me about another shed which was in front of the house to the far left as one faced the home. He spoke about an apple tree, located in front of the house. "It had five types of apples which grew from it," he added. I asked him if Alvin Lafayette Bridges grafted this tree. He replied, "Either that or he bought it that way." During our conversation I interjected that when I visited the home place, I saw a huge pecan tree growing in the back of the foundation of the house. With a slight smile and a nod he responded, "I remember the tree." James Chester Bridges, his brother, confirmed the story with a nod and other supporting information, while Alvin told it. Later the picture was shown to other members of the Bridges family. Alvin Wesley Bridges(1), James Chester Bridges(2), Mae (Cowart) Hunnicutt (3), and Janie Virginia (Bridges) Pyron(4) confirmed who was in the picture. Top left: Leila D. Bridges(5); Bottom left: Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart(6); Middle: Leonard Anderson Bridges(7); Top right: John Cary Bridges(8); Bottom right: Thomas Lafayette Bridges(9).
(1) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges
(2) Son of Thomas Lafayette Bridges.
(3) Daughter of Allie Relender (Bridges) Cowart.
(4) Daughter of Leonard Anderson Bridges
(5) (b. 2 Nov 1887 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 22 Oct 1956 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges (b. 6 Jun 1847 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 30 Dec 1925 in Coosa Co., AL)
(6) (b. 17 Dec 1894 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 10 Jul 1962 in Coosa Co., AL) daughter of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(7) (b. 22 Mar 1892 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 2 Feb 1952 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(8) (b. 6 Jan 1882 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 9 Jun 1949 in Coosa Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
(9) (b. 2 Aug 1900 in Coosa Co., AL & d. 5 Sep 1981 in Elmore Co., AL) son of Alvin Lafayette Bridges.
[ Biography of Alvin Lafayette Bridges
Alvin Lafayette Bridges was born in Coosa County on 6 Jun 1847, to the parents of William Bridges and Delila Jane Jacks. Alvin was probably given the middle name Lafayette by being named after Marquis De Lafayette, who was a major general in the Continental army (1777); a friend and associate of Washington. Lafayette visited Alabama in 1825 and had a huge, positive influence on many Alabamians. Alvin grew up on a farm near Hatchett Creek and was taught the methods of farming by his father. It is said that he learned to fish and swim on Hatchett Creek as other boys did in Coosa County. On 17 Jan 1878, Alvin married Mary Virginia Wilson (b. 23 May 1858 in AL & d. 24 Jun 1906 in Coosa County) in Coosa County. Seven children were born to this union: James Eppes, John Cary, Leila D., Evie Davis, Sr., Leonard Anderson, Allie Relender, and Thomas Lafayette.
Alvin's only brother, John William Bridges, was living with Alvin and his wife in 1880. On 24 Dec 1885, in Coosa County, John married Martha Ada Wilson, and they later moved to Downsville, Union Parish, LA. A large Bridges family is established there now. Alvin's sister, Susan Jane, married Nathan Andrew Culver in Coosa County on 9 Dec 1871 .They are both buried in Flint Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, Coosa Co., AL. Another of his sisters, Mariah Elizabeth, married George H. Gothard in Coosa County on 15 Jan 1878. They are buried in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Hanover, Coosa County, AL. Little is known about his other sisters.
Alvin's farm was located near Hatchett Creek, about 3 miles northwest of Rockford. Alvin grew a variety of crops on his farm and was considered a very successful farmer in Coosa County. The Chronicle, a Coosa County newspaper, printed reports about his success. In one article the newspaper wrote, "Alvin Bridges, who lives a few miles west of Rockford, brought the first bales of cotton to the McAllister gin here Monday and sold it for 14 ¼ cents. Mr. Bridges is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county and takes great pride in being up-to-date both in methods and product. He comes as near making his farm self sustaining as any many in the county."(1) Another article teasingly accused him of selling sweet potatoes at too high of a price. Family history recorded that the joke was on the paper, because he sold all the potatoes in the community at his established price. The community recognized the excellent quality of produce he grew. At a Bridges Family Reunion Alvin Wesley Bridges, one of Alvin's Grandsons, described an apple tree that Alvin grafted to grow a variety of apples. Others at the reunion spoke about Alvin's success with his different methods of farming. They also described a huge pecan tree that grew in the back of Alvin's house. The tree is still there but not the house.
Not only did The Chronicle report on Alvin's farming activities, he dropped by the newspaper weekly to report the weather and other activities in that part of the county to the staff. The newspaper usually had his report each week or at least a mention that Alvin visited The Chronicle's staff. No news is good news. Politically active and a Populist , Alvin on several occasions informed The Chronicle in his own manner what his political views and voting preference were. "Alvin Bridges of Route 2 came into town Tuesday to hear Capt. R. F. Kolb speak."(2) Mr. Kolb was prominent in the Farmers' Alliance and a Populist leader, who ran for governor a few times.
Alvin owned a highly prized blood bay horse - black mane and tail, richly red colored body. He hitched this horse to a buggy and traveled to Rockford to make his weekly visits. He was known to be seen in Sylacauga with his blood bay horse, which was even admired there. At Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church after Easter Sunday service in April of 1996, Reverend Marlin White of Coosa County related the above story to me and told me how he admired the horse too, when he was a young boy.
Alvin and Mary attended Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church, which was located not too far from their home. The two of them raised their children to the teachings of the Primitive Baptist Church. When I attended services on Easter, I had the opportunity and great pleasure to experience the worship service and sing songs that Alvin and Mary once did. The service was an inspiring and uplifting experience in communion with God as it must have been for Alvin and his family when they attended services there.
The 26th of June 1906, was a sad day for Alvin. Mary died. She was buried at Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church. He never married again and it was said that he grieved until his death on 30 Dec 1925 in the home of Mr. Edd White in Coosa County. Alvin was buried beside his wife. Four of their children are buried there also: John Cary, Leila D., Leonard Anderson, and Allie Relender. James Eppes is buried in Mt. Nebo Methodist Church Cemetery, north of Downsville, Union Parish, LA. Evie Davis is buried in a cemetery near South Ebeneezer Baptist Church, near Laurel Hill, FL. Thomas Lafayette is buried in Union Congregation Church, Marbury, Elmore Co., AL.
(1) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 16 Sep 1910, p. 5.
(2) The Chronicle, Local and Personal, 27 Mar 1914, p. 5.
Written by Ronald Davis Bridges on 30 March 1999, by his Great Grandson. ]
1900 Census, Coosa County, Rockford Precinct #4. Date 15 June 1900 (12th
Census) Enum. Dist. # 24 sht 9, by John T Cason.
Name Rel Race Sex DOB Age ( Martial M-yrs) (No. Child) (No. Living) POB Fpob Mpob Occ
Bridges, Alvin L Head W M Jun 1847 53 M22 AL AL GA Farmer
Mary V Wife W F May 1857 43 M22 10 6 AL AL GA
James E Son W M Apr 1880 20 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
John C Son W M Jan 1882 18 S AL AL AL Farm Labor
Lela Dau W F Nov 1887 12 S AL AL AL
* Evie D Son W M Jan 1890 10 S AL AL AL
Lenard A Son W M Mar 1892 8 S AL AL AL
Allie R Dau W F Dec 1894 5 S AL AL AL
*Note: This line was hard to read, looked like Eva and the Rel/Sex, was written over so that I could not read or be sure. I used other info to make it right, otherwise the census is the best that I could extract from the image. Amos Cowart
1910 Federal Census of Coosa Co., AL. Precinct #7 Rockford. Dwelling #143
Bridges, Alvin L. Head W M 52 Wd AL Father born in AL Mother born in GA
John C. Son W M 27 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Lela D. Dau W F 21 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Evie D. Son W M 20 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Leonard A. Son W M 18 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Allie R. Dau W F 15 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Thomas L. Son W M 9 S AL Father born in AL Mother born in AL
Researched by Ron Bridges on 31 Oct 2002.
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