There are many stewards of the Huntsville community whose graves cannot be located in the Glenwood Cemetery records. That fact does not indicate that they are not buried here. Although the cemetery is owned and operated by the city of Huntsville, records, other than plot ownership, were not created and maintained until more modern times.

Glenwood Cemetery conducted a survey with community volunteers in 2015. That survey documented all the headstones and inscriptions that could be found. Some headstones may be buried. Others are broken and scattered. Some inscriptions have weathered to the point where they can no longer be read. Depressions in the ground indicate possible graves but have no visible headstones.

Community stewards whose graves could not be found are included here. They reflect a thriving African American community with a special flourishing beginning in the Reconstruction era.

WASHINGTON G. ALLEN

Washington G. Allen was laid to rest at the beautiful Glenwood Cemetery on February 26, 1922, at the age of 75. He is remembered as a respected educator and enterprising merchant in the Huntsville community. Born around 1848 in Limestone County, Alabama, the 1880 U.S. Federal Census records Washington and his wife, Teanah, residing at 155 Green Street in Madison County, Huntsville, alongside a cousin, Sarah A. Hyter. At that time, Washington was working as a schoolteacher.

The Huntsville Gazette praised Washington Allen on August 3, 1887, for his exceptional understanding of his students' abilities and his teaching skills during the closing of the ten-month school session. He provided instruction in spelling, reading, arithmetic, history, grammar, and geography. The final examination showcased the students' remarkable aptitude, earning accolades from both parents and patrons who attended the ceremony. Following a well-received session, it was announced that Mr. Allen would return to teach in October after a two-month break.

As an enterprising individual, Mr. Allen sought opportunities beyond the classroom. Since he was not compensated during the two-month hiatus, he and Teanah decided to open a store. Mr. Allen advertised in The Huntsville Gazette, inviting those interested in establishing a cooperative store to meet at the Gazette Office on Saturday, December 16, 1887. The initiative was successful, leading to a later advertisement in The Journal, which stated that the store on Washington Street “always keeps a well-selected stock of family groceries. Give us a call.”

Washington Allen identified the needs of the Huntsville community and worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of its residents. Together with Mrs. Allen, he served as a role model in both education and entrepreneurship. A man of his word, Mr. Allen significantly contributed to the growth of Huntsville throughout his life. His last residence in the city was at 428 Washington Street.

CHARLES K. BROWN

Little is known about C.K. Brown’s early life, but he was born in Alabama around 1866. In March 1893, he married Miss Lillie C. Bradford of Huntsville, Alabama, in an intimate ceremony with friends in Chicago. Following their wedding, they traveled to Helena, Montana, via the Chicago & North Western Railroad through California to start their new life. However, by 1900, they had returned to Huntsville, possibly finding Montana’s winters too harsh.

According to the 1900 U.S. Census, Mr. and Mrs. Brown lived with Lillie’s father, Mr. C. Bradford, at 119 Calhoun Street in Huntsville. Mr. Brown worked as a grocer, and the couple had no children. He also contributed to The Journal, posting weekly farm product prices.

In 1907, a fire damaged Mr. Brown’s grocery store and several neighboring buildings. By 1908, he was listed in the Huntsville City Directory as a grocer living at 416 Oak Avenue. That same year, The Morning Mercury reported that he purchased the Huntsville Produce Company from Yeatman & Stewart, operating it on Clinton Street near the Fire Department. This new location may have been a strategic choice after the earlier fire.

Mr. Brown was active in the "Colored Masons of Alabama," holding leadership roles at both local and state levels. In October 1907, he and J.W. Penny established the Lafayette Robinson Lodge, U.D., in Huntsville, with officers including Dudley Johnson, J.W. Ramsey, William Fletcher, and others. These African American Masonic lodges played a vital role in the cultural and economic development of the Black community after the Civil War. Lodge membership provided opportunities for education, networking, and mutual aid, as well as assistance for members and their families in times of illness or hardship. Within the lodge, all members were treated as equals, fostering a strong sense of community.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown were also known for their hospitality. At their elegant home on Oak Avenue, they hosted a festive Christmas gathering on December 27, 1907. Guests, dressed in costumes representing various nationalities, enjoyed an evening of dancing, games, and celebration.

Around September 1908, the Browns seem to have left Huntsville.

SANDY BYNUM, SR.

Sandy Bynum, Sr. was born in Lawrence County, Alabama. Following the Civil War, Sandy Bynum became active in what contemporary newspapers referred to as radical politics. In 1868, he, along with two other men, Mr. Burke and Mr. Figures, purchased first-class train tickets. However, Mr. Bynum, being Black, was denied access to the first-class car. He protested, stating that he was being denied equal privileges. To avoid appearing discriminatory, the conductor removed Mr. Burke and Mr. Figures from the first-class car and relocated them to the same car as Mr. Bynum.

In May 1876, Mr. Bynum participated in a Republican Convention held in Huntsville. The purpose of the gathering, which included 50 to 60 delegates, was to appoint representatives for the upcoming Republican State Convention in Montgomery. The convention elected Mr. Cozy as chairman, and a news article described Mr. Bynum as "irrepressible" and noted his very light complexion.

By 1879, Mr. Bynum, alongside other prominent Black leaders in Huntsville, began advocating for the emigration of Black citizens to Kansas. This movement was led by figures such as Samuel Lowery, Dave Wilson, Daniel S. Brandon, William Richardson, William Councill, and ex-Congressman Rapier. Mr. Bynum argued that relocating to Kansas would allow Black citizens to achieve the civil and political rights, as well as the social equality, that were denied to them in the South.

Mr. Bynum remained politically active and attended a Republican Convention in Madison County in 1880, held at the Federal courthouse. He served as a member of its permanent Executive Committee. The convention was presided over by Hayes Bradley, with H.C. Binford acting as Secretary. Mr. Bynum was selected as a delegate to attend the Selma Convention, alongside Daniel Brandon, A.W. McCullough, and Joe Bailey. The Huntsville Convention passed a resolution encouraging Republicans to attend the Republican National Convention in Chicago to nominate Ulysses S. Grant for president. Mr. Bynum participated in the Chicago Convention.

Sandy Bynum appears to have inherited or acquired a livery stable from his father’s estate, which he remodeled in 1881.

On August 5, 1882, Mr. Bynum was tragically murdered at a Greenback political rally in Ayres Springs, Alabama, approximately 12 miles from Huntsville. The Greenback National Party, active between 1874 and 1889, advocated anti-monopoly policies. The assailant was ex-United States Marshal Thomas Hewlett, who opposed the Greenback Party.

The conflict between Mr. Bynum and Mr. Hewlett seemed to stem from both political and personal differences. Mr. Bynum had publicly accused Mr. Hewlett of embezzling public funds during his time in office. At the rally, Mr. Hewlett approached Mr. Bynum, demanding that he refrain from making further personal remarks about him. The confrontation escalated, and Mr. Hewlett drew a revolver, firing three shots that killed Mr. Bynum. Hewlett then fled the scene on horseback.

The murder incited tensions among the crowd of 500 to 600 people, composed of both Black and white attendees. Leaders at the rally to maintain order while a sheriff’s posse was organized to arrest Mr. Hewlett. However, he was ultimately acquitted of the murder charges on September 2, 1882.

Mr. Bynum’s life and untimely death highlight his dedication to political activism and the challenges faced by Black leaders in the post-Reconstruction South.

REVERENDS WILLIAM AND BARTLEY HARRIS

Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church, originally known as the Huntsville African Church, is Alabama's oldest African-American congregation. Its origins trace back to the antebellum era at the Old Georgia Cemetery (now Glenwood Cemetery). In those early years, worship services were held at night, allowing members to freely express their faith and their hopes for freedom, both of which were prohibited in Alabama at the time. Although the exact date is unclear, the church built its first small edifice within the cemetery grounds.

Under the leadership of William Harris, a free Black man, the church thrived and, in 1821, joined the Flint River Association, a network of churches along the Tennessee River. Despite being overseen by white leadership, the association allowed the Huntsville African Church autonomy, enabling its congregation to grow significantly—from 265 members in 1840 to 432 in 1849.

Rev. William Harris shepherded the church for half a century. When he stepped down, his grandson, Rev. Bartley Harris, took over and guided the congregation to even greater heights. Rev. Bartley Harris was a notable figure in Huntsville history, remembered for his bravery during the Civil War. He protected the valuables of white residents who entrusted them to him when Union troops occupied the area. Despite intense questioning, he refused to reveal where the valuables were hidden, leading the soldiers to burn the church. After the war, Harris returned the valuables to their owners.

When President Ulysses S. Grant learned of the church's destruction, he allocated funds to rebuild it. A larger sanctuary was completed and dedicated in 1872 on what is now Williams Street. At this time, the church was renamed Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church in honor of Rev. Bartley Harris and his exemplary leadership.

Rev. Bartley Harris also became renowned for conducting massive baptisms at the Big Spring, reportedly baptizing up to 300 people in a single day. His legacy was further immortalized in a portrait painted by acclaimed local artist Maria Howard Weeden.

In 1964, urban renewal forced the demolition of the church's Williams Street location. A new building was constructed on Belafonte Avenue, and the congregation held its first service there in December 1965. The current church retains elements from the previous sanctuary, including parts of the altar and stained-glass windows, preserving the legacy of Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church.

NELSON HENDLEY 

Nelson Hendley (1838–1900) was born in Alabama and resided on Pearl Street in Huntsville. In 1859, he married Elvira Hendley, and together they had six children: two sons, Nelson Jr. and David, and four daughters, Susie, Clara, Carrie, and Maud. A skilled plasterer, Mr. Hendley was widely recognized as a "master of his trade."

Respected and admired in his community, Mr. Hendley contributed in numerous ways. In 1880, he served as a juror for the Fall Term of the County Court and was invited to speak at an educational meeting held at Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church. His civic involvement also included serving as alderman for the Fourth Ward, where his leadership earned him a nomination for re-election.

Mr. Hendley passed away on November 9, 1900. Evening Star Lodge No. 6, of which he was a charter member, honored his memory with Resolutions of Respect. They described him as a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church and noted his service as Master of the lodge. In their tribute, the lodge praised him as a kind husband, devoted father, generous companion, exemplary citizen, and a "model man," leaving a lasting legacy of integrity and community service.

SHELBY AND LOU BERTHA PERKINS JOHNSON

Lou Bertha Perkins Johnson (1896-1985) was a member of Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church (now Lakeside United Methodist Church) and St. John AME Church.

She and her husband, Shelby Johnson, were an American success story. In 1920, they founded Grand Shine Parlor, a combination shoe-shine parlor and dry-cleaning shop that well-dressed Huntsvillians trusted with their suits, dresses, and furs.

In 1946, the couple purchased a lot on Franklin Street to build a modern dry-cleaning plant with state-of-the art equipment. When the City of Huntsville placed zoning restrictions on the property, the project was stopped. The Johnsons had invested $5,000 in the facility. All the Franklin Street neighbors signed a petition to support the Johnsons, including white neighbors who lived nearby. The Johnsons didn’t accept the loss and walk away. Instead, they hired a lawyer. They filed appeals. And they pursued justice all the way to the Alabama Supreme Court. And they won. Census records show that Lou Bertha worked as a bookkeeper for the business.

The Johnsons had three children: Searcy, Edith, and John. Their house was on Franklin Street and within walking distance of the plant.

Shelby Johnson was a highly influential business leader. Newspaper articles state that Dr. F. D. Patterson, the president of Tuskegee Institute, selected him to lead Madison County's U. S. War Bond Sales in 1942. Mr. Johnson also led efforts to recruit memberships for the Red Cross in 1936. He was a public speaker who spoke on the importance of voting.

In 1920, the U.S. adopted the 19^th Amendment granting women the vote. Out of the 1,370 women in Huntsville registered to vote in 1920, there were six African American women. Lou Bertha Johnson was one of them. The six women are recognized on an Alabama Historic Association marker placed in William Hooper Councill Park. 

FANNIE J. MOSLEY

Miss Fannie J. Mosley, born in 1868 during the Reconstruction Era to Jack and Sallie Mosley, came of age in a time when Black communities and their allies worked tirelessly to build a robust network of public and private schools. Despite formidable obstacles, they maintained an unwavering commitment to literacy, recognizing education as a vital step toward equality, independence, and prosperity. Learning to read symbolized freedom, a profound mark of resilience against those who sought to disrupt these educational efforts.

At just 18, Miss Mosley began her career as a teacher and joined the Ladies Educational Aid Society of the 2nd Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was chosen, alongside Miss Eliza Donegan, to represent the Society at the General Assembly in Danville, Kentucky, on May 26, 1886. A year later, in 1887, she was elected Assistant Secretary, having previously served as Treasurer in April 1884. Known for her beautiful singing voice, she often performed solos for the Society, which, in 1887, organized a public musical concert.

In December 1887, Miss Mosley was appointed to head the Madison Station School. However, she had to close the school in April 1889, as reported by the Huntsville Gazette. Although the specific reason for the closure remains unknown, it’s possible that opposition to Black education or financial difficulties were factors. By November 1889, with the support of Miss Carrie Butler, Miss Mosley was leading a thriving public school with a growing enrollment. Yet, by April 1890, she faced another closure of her school in Greenbrier.

On December 27, 1892, Miss Mosley married Laurence Hensley in Madison, Alabama, at the age of 24. Together, they raised a family, likely fostering a deep appreciation for learning within their household.

SYDNEY PENTECOST

Sydney Pentecost, born around 1844 in Georgia, was a dedicated public servant and family man who lived in Huntsville, Alabama. He was married to Julia Pentecost, the daughter of Lewis Morris.

In 1882, Sydney Pentecost was appointed as one of three night policemen for the city of Huntsville by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. He served in this role for several years, earning the trust and respect of the community. His career, however, was not without challenges. During one incident, he was fined $100 for assault and battery while arresting a young man who refused to stop talking during a Baptist church service. Mr. Pentecost appealed the conviction. Despite such challenges, he was recognized for his integrity. On one occasion, after finding an intoxicated man, Officer Pentecost safely secured $240 and other valuables the man had in his possession, later returning them. In gratitude, the man gifted Officer Pentecost a new hat.

Beyond his law enforcement duties, Mr. Pentecost was involved in local politics. In 1888, he participated in a Republican precinct meeting at the Madison County courthouse, where he was selected as an alternate delegate to represent the precinct in the Republican County Convention.

Family was central to Mr. Pentecost's life. His brother was Samuel Pentecost, and his stepdaughter, Mary Brown, was an important part of his household. He also had a grandson, Hermon Brown, for whom he hosted a memorable birthday party at the family’s apartments located in the jail, reflecting his warm and caring nature even in unique circumstances.

Sydney Pentecost's life was marked by service, commitment, and resilience, leaving a lasting impression on the community he served.

PROFESSOR WILLIAM L. RILEY

William Laurence Riley was born in Huntsville, Alabama, in the mid-1800s. He lived with his mother, Mrs. Martha Martin, and later resided with his aunt, Lucy Lowe, and her daughter, Maria, on Blount’s Alley. Though Prof. Riley never married, he was a prominent figure in the Huntsville community, known for his dedication to education and music. Over his lifetime, he held many roles, including substitute mail carrier, teacher, school principal at various institutions, and music instructor specializing in piano, organ, and voice.

Professor Riley graduated from Rust Normal Institute in 1886. This institution, located at the corner of Franklin Street and Townsend Avenue, was established in 1865 by the Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church (now Lakeside United Methodist Church) and served as the first school for Huntsville’s newly emancipated African American community.

An advertisement in the Huntsville Gazette in 1887 announced that Professor Riley was offering lessons in instrumental and vocal music, including piano and organ, either at his home or at students’ homes.

Professor Riley’s teaching career included a year at West Point city school, where he organized a singing group called “The Rising Sun Club.” In 1901, he was appointed to the faculty at Central Alabama Academy (formerly Rust Normal Institute), where he would later become President. The Huntsville Journal described him as a “faithful member of Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church and a clean man in every respect” upon his appointment as president.

Throughout his years in Huntsville, Professor Riley played an active role in various community programs. He directed the children’s concert group at the Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1891, the Huntsville Gazette noted his production of an operatic performance at the church. In November 1900, his Eureka Glee Club from Central Alabama Academy performed at the C. P. Church for the 20th Century Association. He also sang a duet, “Saved by Grace,” with Mrs. T. S. Donegan at the memorial service for Professor William Councill, President of Alabama A&M College.

Professor William L. Riley was a highly respected educator, principal, and gifted music teacher whose work enriched the lives of many in Huntsville. His contributions to students, musical clubs, educational institutions, and local churches left a lasting impact on his community.

JOHN ROBINSON

John Robinson, born in Virginia between 1795 and 1808, arrived in Huntsville around 1819 with his enslaver. In 1828, the Alabama Legislature enacted a law granting Mr. Robinson his freedom. Following his emancipation, he established a successful livery business, managing stables until his passing. By the 1860 U.S. Census, Mr. Robinson’s enterprise was thriving, reflected in his holdings of $4,000 in real estate and $8,000 in personal property. Living with him were three other individuals with the Robinson surname: Pelina, aged 45, possibly his wife, despite being twenty years his junior; Larkin, 28; and John T., 16. Additionally, nine people with the surnames Bynum (including Sandy Bynum who has a profile in this walking tour) and Vest resided in his household, likely boarders or extended family, possibly the families of married daughters. In the 1880 U.S. Census, the Bynum family was recorded as neighbors.

On December 19, 1865, Mr. Robinson applied to the Freedman’s Bank, which described him as 5 feet, 4 inches tall with a yellowish complexion. His application noted four children—Lafayette, Lelia, Francis, and Andria—but did not mention a spouse. By the 1870 and 1880 censuses, however, he was married to Jane Robinson.

In 1867, Mr. Robinson registered to vote in Madison County, Alabama, and became a prominent figure in the Baptist Church. Reverends Bartley Harris, J.J. Smith, and George Franklin from the Primitive Baptist Church officiated his funeral services. John Robinson passed away on August 6, 1881, at his Holmes Avenue home at the age of 85.

LAFAYETTE ROBINSON

Lafayette Robinson, also known as Larkin Robinson, was born into slavery in the early 1820s. His mother, Ann, was Black, and his father, John Robinson (see his profile above), was described as a mulatto. Both were enslaved by the Robinson family in Huntsville, Alabama. Due to his dedication and honest work, John was granted freedom upon his owner’s death in 1828. Two years later, the Alabama State Legislature allowed John, as a freed man, to emancipate his wife, Ann, and their young children, Lafayette and Lelia Ann.

Life for freed people of color was filled with challenges. They were often envied by enslaved members of their race and viewed with suspicion by white society. Straddling a precarious line between slavery and freedom, they had to carry freedom papers at all times and follow strict rules of behavior. They were constantly at risk of being mistaken for runaways and returned to slavery. Because of this, John and Ann Robinson raised their children to be humble, quiet, and honest, navigating within a close-knit community of other freed Blacks—values that would serve them well for decades.

Once freed, John Robinson worked hard to build a successful livery and blacksmith business in Huntsville. Lafayette joined him, learning the trade and earning a reputation as a trustworthy and hardworking member of the community. Lafayette often drove the omnibus, transporting passengers from the depot to hotels or private homes. Though he was not permitted to converse with white passengers, he listened carefully, staying informed about significant events and issues of the day.

As the business grew, both John and Lafayette achieved financial stability. They acquired land and built comfortable homes on Gallatin, Clinton, and Holmes Streets, becoming prominent members of Huntsville’s Black community.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Lafayette, not wanting to be conscripted into the Confederate Army, fled to his sister’s home in Tennessee. He returned to Huntsville after the war, finding a city and society greatly changed.

In 1865, the Federal Government established Freedman’s Banks in Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville to serve newly emancipated Black citizens. Due to his reputation for honesty, Lafayette was appointed as the first registrar and head cashier of Huntsville’s Freedman’s Bank on Spring Street. The bank enabled African Americans to save money and became a valuable source of historical data, recording details such as names, family information, ages, occupations, and former slaveholders—providing a rare glimpse into the lives of a previously undocumented population.

Despite the bank’s promise, rumors circulated among the African American community about its stability. Even Frederick Douglass' appointment as Executive Director was not enough to quell fears, and a panic eventually led to a run on the bank, causing its closure in the 1870s.

During Reconstruction, the Federal Government encouraged African Americans to vote and hold office. In 1867, Lafayette ran as a candidate on the “Republican Union” ticket for the Alabama Constitutional Convention and was elected, helping to draft a new state constitution.

Lafayette remained a respected leader in Huntsville’s African American community throughout his life. He married his wife, Fanny, and together they raised children who grew up to be successful citizens. He passed away in 1878 at his home on Holmes Street after a brief illness. His obituary described him as “universally respected by both white and colored citizens.”

JOHN SKILLEN

John Skillen was born around 1851 in Tennessee, the son of William and Ann Skillen. Although the exact city of his birth is unknown, Tennessee was also the birthplace of his parents. After the Civil War, as a free person of color, John and his family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, around 1900, settling on either Pearl or Pelham Street. Despite being unable to read or write, he was known for his skill as a nurse.

While the U.S. Census listed his occupation as a day laborer, nursing became his primary source of income, as his services were highly sought after. Throughout his life, John used his nursing skills to care for others and earned a reputation as a compassionate, well-liked nurse. He served as a nurse for Major Joshua Coons and formed friendships with many white residents in Huntsville.

In 1884, John met and married Nancy, who brought a son into the marriage, making John a stepfather. Together, they later had a son named Jessie. John’s mother also lived with the family.

John was a dedicated member of St. John’s AME Church and joined Huntsville Lodge No. 14 I.O.I., where he served as an officer. His fellow lodge members included notable community leaders such as W.H. Councill, R.S.; Dallas Davis, VM; C.L. Jones, W.M; and others, with Thomas Jackson, James Dickerson, and Thomas Scruggs elected as Trustees.

John Skillen passed away unexpectedly on a Friday evening from what was then called “Congestion of the Brain.” His sudden death shocked his family and friends, as he had not been ill. On Sunday afternoon, he was laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. Ragland officiating the service. Although he is not buried in Glenwood Cemetery, his contribution to the history of the African American community here, begs his inclusion in the tour.

WIILIAM TIVIS

William Tivis was born in Kentucky in 1841 to parents Napoleon and Rachel Tivis. In 1880, he married Amanda, who was born in Virginia in 1850. The following year, in 1881, William was appointed engineer of the Huntsville, Alabama waterworks, a position he held with dedication for 18 years. An article in The Democrat praised his service in 1899, stating: “William Tivis, one of our most respected colored citizens, has been the engineer for the city waterworks for 18 years, and bears an enviable record for faithful service, never having been absent from his post of duty.”

In 1895, William hosted a surprise party at his home to honor his sister-in-law, Mrs. Jackson. The gathering attracted many prominent citizens of Huntsville, including Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ware, Mrs. Sophia Scruggs, and Professor W. L. Riley. The event was described as unforgettable, closing with the song, “God Be with You till We Meet Again,” which moved the guests deeply. That same year, William and Amanda’s home on Milton Street served as the venue for a midnight picnic hosted by Club No. 7. Led by Mrs. Maria B. Powers, the event provided a range of refreshments and entertainment for attendees.

On May 9, 1901, William’s daughter, Lula T. Tivis, was appointed as an instructor for the next school year by the trustees of Central Alabama College, formerly known as Rust Institute. The school, founded by the Freedman Society in 1865, provided education for newly-freed individuals.

By the 1920 U.S. Federal Census, William was recorded as living on Miller Street in Huntsville’s 4th Ward, working as a fireman. After a lifetime of service and accomplishment, he passed away on April 20, 1928.

Washington G. Allen, 1920 US Census, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

Washington G. Allen, Alabama, US Deaths and Burials Index, 1881-1974, Ancestry.com.

Washington G. Allen, 1880 US Census, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

Washington G. Allen, “Co-Operative Store Notice,” Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 3 Dec 1887, newspapers.com.

Washington G. Allen, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, 14 Jun 1895, newspapers.com.

Washington G. Allen, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 14 April 1894, newspapers.com.

Washington G. Allen, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 5 March 1892, newspapers.com.

Washington G. Allen, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 13 Aug 1887, newspapers.com.

Washington G. Allen, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, 7 Apr 1888, newspapers.com.

Washington G. Allen, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, 28 Jul 1899, newspapers.com.

Washington G. Allen, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, 8 Apr 1909, newspapers.com.

C. K. Brown, “African American Prince Hall Masons in Alabama,” Encyclopedia of Alabama, https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/african-american-prince-hall-masons-in-alabama/, accessed 4 Nov 2024.

C. K. Brown, “Married in Chicago,” Huntsville Gazette, Sat, 11 Mar 1893, p. 3, newspapers.com.

C. K. Brown, 1900 U.S. Census, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, “Chas K Brown,” age 34.

“C.K. Brown Moves,” The Journal, Thu, 26 Jun 1902, p. 3, newspapers.com.

C. K. Brown, “Burned Three Buildings, The Journal, Thu, 26 Jun 1902. p. 3, newspapers.com.

Sandy Bynum, “A Fuss in the Radical Camp,” Moulton Advertiser (Moulton, AL), 21 Aug 1868, p. 1, newspapers.com.

Sandy Bynum, “Guardian’s Sale of Land: State of Alabama – Madison County,” Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, AL), 10 Sep 1881, p. 3, newspapers.com.

Sandy Bynum, “Hewlett Acquitted of Sandy Bynum’s Murder,” Selma Times (Selma, AL), 3 Sep 1882, p. 2, newspapers.com.

Sandy Bynum, “Ho! For Kansas,” Huntsville Weekly Democrat (Huntsville, AL), 23 Apr 1879, p. 3, newspapers.com.

Sandy Bynum, “Last Saturday’s Conventions,” Huntsville Independent (Huntsville, AL), 25 May 1876, p. 2, newspapers.com.

Sandy Bynum, “Republicans: They Hold a Convention and Send Delegates to the Selma Convention,” Huntsville Independent, 13 May 1880, p. 2, newspapers.com.

Sandy Bynum, “Sandy Bynum Shot Down by Tom Hewlett,” Montgomery Advertiser (Montgomery, AL), 13 Aug 1882, p. 7, newspapers.com.

Reverends William and Bartley Harris, Berlin, 284; Anne Newport Royall, Letters from Alabama, 1827-1822, ed. Lucille Griffith (Univ. Ala., Univ. of Ala. Press, 1969), 248; “History of St. Bartley Church” from The Order of Service, Aug. 26, 1962.

Reverends William and Bartley Harris, Carter, Mo, “Black History Month: Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church,” published 14 Feb 2018 and updated 4 Feb 2022, Channel 54 Fox News, https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/history/hidden-history/hidden-history-saint-bartley-primitive-baptist-church/525-2f5d3d91-48f0-4a04-9dbc-5715d36bfdc0.

Reverends William and Bartley Harris, Dennis, Carol Ann, “St. Bartley Primitive Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama (1808- ),” Black Past, 31 Jan 2014, https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/st-bartley-primitive-baptist-church-huntsville-alabama-1808/.

Reverends William and Bartley Harris, Rohr, Nancy, “Free People of Color in Madison County, Alabama,” Huntsville History Collection, accessed 27 Jan 2025, https://huntsvillehistorycollection.org/hhc/showhpg.php?id=307&a=article.

Reverends William and Bartley Harris, “Saint Bartley, The Man and The Church,” published 18 Feb 2016, Channel 19 News, https://whnt.com/news/huntsville/saint-bartley-the-man-and-the-church/.

Reverends William and Bartley Harris, “Bartley Baptist Church is the Oldest: Founded by Negro Slave 15 Years After Hunt Stopped at Big Spring,” The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama,12 Sep 1955, p. 33), newspapers.com, downloaded on 27 Jan 2025.

Nelson Hendley, Huntsville Independent (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu, Oct 14, 1880, Page 3, newspapers.com.

Nelson Hendley, Huntsville Independent (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu, Apr 6, 1882, newspapers.com.

Nelson Hendley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat, Jan 5, 1884, Page 3, newspapers.com.

Nelson Hendley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat, Aug 23, 1884, Page 3, newspapers.com.

Nelson Hendley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat, Mar 21, 1885, Page 3, newspapers.com.

Nelson Hendley, The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Fri., Nov. 16, 1900, Page 2, newspapers.com.

Nelson Hendley, 1900 United States Federal Census; Ancestry.com

Lou Bertha Johnson, Donna Castellano, “Lou Bertha Johnson,” Historic Huntsville Foundation.

Lou Bertha Johnson, Donna Castellano, “Hidden Figures No Longer: Celebrating Huntsville’s Black Suffragists,” City Blog, Huntsville Official Website of the City of Huntsville Alabama, <https://cityblog.huntsvilleal.gov/hidden-figures-no-longer-celebrating-huntsvilles-black-suffragists/>, February 1, 2022.

Lou Bertha Johnson, Historic Huntsville Foundation, “Lifting as They Climbed: Celebrating Huntsville’s First Black Women Voters,” <https://www.historichuntsville.org/lifting-as-they-climbed-celebrating-huntsvilles-first-black-women-voters/>. 

Lou Bertha Johnson, Liz Hurley, “Black History Month: Secrets taken to the grave,” WAFF 48 News, 21 Feb 2022, <https://www.waff.com/2022/02/21/black-history-month-secrets-taken-grave/>.

Lou Bertha Johnson, Greg Miley, Alabama Officials Unveil Historic Marker Honoring the First Women Voters in Huntsville,” Speakin Out Weekly News, <https://speakinoutweeklynews.net/2021/10/29/historic-marker-dedication/>, 29 October 2021.

Lou Bertha Johnson, Lee Roop, “Alabama honors six Black women who sought the vote,” Huntsville Real-Times News, August 21, 2020, <https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/historicmarkers/william-hooper-councill-high-school-site/>.

Lou Bertha Johnson, Lee Roop, Black Alabama family had ‘our own hidden figure’ and didn’t know it, Huntsville Real-Time News, Oct. 24, 2021 (updated Oct. 25, 2021), <https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2021/10/black-alabama-family-had-our-own-hidden-figure-and-didnt-know-it.html>.

Fannie J. Mosley, 1870 Census United States Federal Census. https://www.ancestry.com

Fannie J. Mosley, Alabama, U. S. Select Marriages Indexes, 1816-1942. https://ancestry.com 

Fannie J. Mosley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama). Sat. April 3, 1886 p. 3, newspapers.com

Fannie J. Mosley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama). Sat. April 5, 1890 p. 3, Newspapers.com.

Fannie J. Mosley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama). Sat. July 2, 1887 p.2. Newspapers.com.

Fannie J. Mosley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama). Sat. July 30, 1887 p. 3. Newspapers.com.

Fannie J. Mosley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama). Sat. December 3, 1887 p. 3. Newspapers.com.

Fannie J. Mosley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama). Sat. April 13, 1889 p. 3. Newspapers.com.

Fannie J. Mosley, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama). Sat. November 23, 1889. p. 3. Newspapers.com.

Fannie J. Mosley, Web: National Park Services, article “African Americans and Education During Reconstruction: The Tolson’s Chapel Schools.” (nps.gov)

Fannie J. Mosley, Web: National Park Services, “Historic Resources Study of African American Schools in the South, 1865-1900,”(npshistory.com); study by Dr. Hilary Green, Davidson College and Dr. Keith S. Hebert, Auburn University. (npshistorh.com)

Fannie J. Mosley, Web: Free People of Color in Madison County, Alabama by Nancy M. Rohr. (huntsvillehistorycollection.org) 

Sydney Pentecost, U. S. Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874, Ancestry.com

Sydney Pentecost, 1880 United States Federal Census; Ancestry.com

Sydney Pentecost, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat. April 15, 1882, p.3, newspapers.com.

Sydney Pentecost, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat. June 2, 1883, p.3, newspapers.com.

Sydney Pentecost, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat. October 20, 1883, p.3, newspapers.com.

Sydney Pentecost, Huntsville Gazette (Huntsville, Alabama) Sat. Sept. 15, 1888, p.3, newspapers.com.

Sydney Pentecost, 1920 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com

Prof. William L. Riley, 1920 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, Sat, May 27, 1882, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, Huntsville, Gazette, Huntsville, AL, Sat, July 25, 1885, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, Sat, Sept 3, 1887, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, Sat, Aug 1, 1891, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, Huntsville Gazette, Huntsville, AL, Sat, Sept 22, 1894, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Fri, Sept 13, 1895, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Fri, Jan 3, 1896, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Fri, Oct 5, 1900, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Fri, Nov 30, 1900, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Fri, Dec 28, 1900, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Thurs, May 9, 1901, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Thurs, Dec 5, 1901, newspapers.com.

Prof. William L. Riley, The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Thurs, May 27, 1909, newspapers.com.

John Robinson, U.S., Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874, Ancestry.com.

John Robinson, Alabama, U.S. Voter Registration, 1867, Ancestry.com.

John Robinson, 1828 Emancipation Act for John Robinson

John Robinson’s obituary

John Robinson, 1860 U.S. Federal Census, John Robinson, Huntsville, Madison Co, AL, age 65, Ancestry.com.

John Robinson, 1870 U.S. Federal Census, John Robinson, Huntsville, Madison Co, AL, age 65, Ancestry.com.

Lafayette Robinson, “Obituary of Lafayette Robinson,” Huntsville Advocate, Huntsville, AL, Feb. 6, 1878, newspapers.com.

Lafayette Robinson, Bailey, Richard, Neither Carpetbaggers Nor Scalawags: Black Officeholders During the Reconstruction of Alabama, 1867-1878, NewSouth Books, Dec 12, 2010.

Lafayette Robinson, Eric Foner, Freedom’s Lawmakers, 1996, p. 185.

Lafayette Robinson, Milteer, Warren Eugene Jr., Beyond Slavery’s Shadow: Free People of Color in the South, UNC Press, Sep 5, 2021.

Lafayette Robinson, Betts, Edward Chambers, Early History of Huntsville, Alabama, 1804 to 1870, Brown Printing Company, Dec. 12, 1916.

Lafayette Robinson, U.S., Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874, Lafayette Robinson, Ancestry.com.

Lafayette Robinson, Nancy Rohr, Free People of Color in Madison County, Alabama, Appendix III, in Free from All Authority Except the Laws of the Land and the Laws of God.”

John Skillen, 1970 U.S. Federal Census, John Skillen, Huntsville, Madison Co, AL, age 18, Ancestry.com.

John Skillen, 1900 U.S. Federal Census, John Skillen, Huntsville, Madison Co, AL, age 49, Ancestry.com.                                                                                                                             

John Skillen, U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.com.

John Skillen Obituary, The Journal, Thu, Jul 6, 1911, p. 2, newspapers.com.

William Tivis, Ollye Conyers, local Glenwood Cemetery Historian

William Tivis, 1900 U.S. Federal Census, William Tivis, age 53, Huntsville, Madison County, AL, Ancestry.com.