Person Page - 48

     Cleon WATTS, son of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, was born on 19 October 1906 in Brookwood, Alabama.¹

Cleon WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1910, in the household of Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.²

Cleon WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 8 January 1920, in the household of William Lewis WATTS and Dock Beavers in Parson Precinct, Tuscaloosa County.³

Cleon began military service at age 19 on 12 February 1926 as a private in the headquarters troop of the 6th Cavalry, US Army. He appeared on a roster for the 6th's band at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Cleon married Laura Alice Burkhart on 30 November 1928 in Hamilton County, Tennessee.¹

Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart appeared on a census enumerated 4 April 1930 at 950 North Fourth Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee. They were rooming with Emma Claggett, 45, from Maine, her year-old daughter, and two female roomers, Annalee Rush and Macill McCoy, both 20. Emma and the two girls worked in a winding mill. Cleon was listed as a 23-year-old insurance manager and Laura, his wife, was 19. They had been married one year. Cleon was a veteran.

Cleon WATTS and Laura Alice Burkhart appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 April 1940 in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. The household was listed as Cleon Watts, a 33-year-old insurance salesman, Laura Watts, his 29-year-old wife, and daughters Dorla Dean, 8; Norma J., 7; Phyllis A., 4; and sons, Benjamin, 2; and Larry M. Watts, 3 months. They lived at 3814 Chandler Avenue.

Cleon was registered for the draft during World War II on 16 October 1940 while living in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. Cleon Watts was 34 years old, born 19 Oct 1906 in Brookwood, Alabama. His next of kin was his wife, Laura Burkhart Watts. They lived at 3814 Chandler Avenue. He was employed by Lookout Oil & Refining Company. He was described as a white male, 5' 8" and 155 lbs. He had brown eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion.⁴

1942 Cleon WATTS was living at 3814 Chandler Avenue in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Cleon WATTS was a corporal in the Tennessee State Police in 1949.

Cleon WATTS died on 19 May 1971 in Hamilton County, Tennessee, at age 64.¹ He was buried on 24 May 1971 in Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

     Jacob SNIDER was born on 13 February 1742 in Congaree Settlement, Craven County, South Carolina, son of Johann Michael Schneider and Anna Rosina Schlagel.^1,2

Jacob married Susannah Oswalt circa 1763 in Lexington District, South Carolina.^3,4

Jacob's land in Lexington District bordered William Powell Riddle's land on branches of Rocky Creek waters of Saluda River, surveyed 19 Jul 1796.⁵

Jacob SNIDER died in May 1813 in Juniper, Lexington District, South Carolina, at age 71.^6,2

     Susannah Oswalt was born on 8 September 1758 in Lexington District, South Carolina, daughter of John George Oswalt and Barbara Dickert.^3,2

Susannah married Jacob SNIDER circa 1763 in Lexington District, South Carolina.^4,5 She was also known as Rebecca source unknown.

Susannah Oswalt moved from Lexington District, South Carolina to Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, 1819 with her children. Jacob Snider had died in 1813. The Sniders, Weavers, Seas, Oswalts, Kysers, Sanfords, and Prices migrated by wagon train.⁶

Susannah Oswalt was granted land 5 January 1825 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Her land was located in section 22, township 22, range 8 west.⁷

Susannah Oswalt died in 1835 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She was killed when her pony fell on an icy bridge.⁶

     John M. SNIDER, son of Jacob SNIDER and Susannah Oswalt, was born between 1784 and 1790 in Lexington District, South Carolina.¹

John married Mary Hopkins before 1808 in South Carolina.¹

The folllowing land transaction was dated 27 Jun 1814, for $2000 140 acres on waters of the Saluda River, John Snider and Abraham Sanford and Nicholas See, George Snider, William Sanford, Susannah and Sophia Snider to Mathias Snider. Proved and acknowledged 16 Aug 1814.²

John M. SNIDER was granted land 14 November 1821 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The claim was located in section 15, township 21, range west.³

John M. SNIDER and Jacob SNIDER were granted land 26 November 1834 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Their claim was locatied in section 11, township 21, range 14 west.⁴

John M. SNIDER died after 1850 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

     Joseph John Jackson MATHEWS, son of Timothy Walton MATHEWS and Sophia Weston BURT, was born on 22 May 1823 in Autauga County, Alabama.¹

Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS, James Wade Hawkins MATHEWS and Munson Sturges Deloraine MATHEWS witnessed the transfer of property from Mary "Polly" MATHEWS to Timothy Walton MATHEWS on 30 November 1830 in Autauga County, Alabama. For "the love, good will and affection which I have and bear towards my four grandchildren" Joseph J. J. Mathews, Timothy W. L. Mathews, James W. H. Mathews and Munson S. D. Mathews, being the children of my son, Timothy W. Mathews. The deed was signed by Mary and witnessed by William Burt and W. H. Cox.²

Joseph married Malvia Jane THRASH on 17 October 1844 in Dallas County, Alabama.^3,4,5 He was appointed postmaster on 9 October 1849 of Upper Peach Tree, Wilcox County, Alabama.⁶

Joseph John Jackson MATHEWS and Malvia Jane THRASH appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 24 September 1850 in Wilcox County, Alabama. The household was listed as Joseph Mathews, a 28 year old warehouse keeper who born in Alabama. His wife was Malva [Jane], age 22 and born Alabama. Their children were Nancy, age 8 and George, age 1, who were both born in Alabama. Also in the household were Robert Ray a 32 year old brick mason from Tennessee and Temperance M. Ray, age 30, born Alabama. They lived next to Timothy W. and Sophia Mathews, Joseph's parents.⁷

On 1 December 1850 Joseph John Jackson died in Wilcox County, Alabama, at age 27 leaving Malvia Jane a widow. She had two young children, Nannie and George. She remarried before 1856 to Fenton L. Rousseau who became the children's step father.¹

     Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS, son of Timothy Walton MATHEWS and Sophia Weston BURT, was born on 17 September 1825 in Autauga County, Alabama.¹

Joseph John Jackson MATHEWS, James Wade Hawkins MATHEWS and Munson Sturges Deloraine MATHEWS witnessed the transfer of property from Mary "Polly" MATHEWS to Timothy Walton MATHEWS on 30 November 1830 in Autauga County, Alabama. For "the love, good will and affection which I have and bear towards my four grandchildren" Joseph J. J. Mathews, Timothy W. L. Mathews, James W. H. Mathews and Munson S. D. Mathews, being the children of my son, Timothy W. Mathews. The deed was signed by Mary and witnessed by William Burt and W. H. Cox.²

Timothy married Nancy Oregin POWELL on 30 January 1849 in Marengo County, Alabama.^1,3

Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS and Nancy Oregin POWELL appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1850 in Wilcox County, Alabama. The household was listed as T. W. L. Mathews, a 25 year old merchant, born in in Alabama. He owned real estate valued at $600. His wife was Nancy O. Mathews, age 18 and born in Tennessee.⁴

Timothy was was first clerk of the steamboat "Emma Watts" under Capt. Baldwin in 1854. He soon became the most popular clerk on the river, and was next employed by Capt. Sam Abels, on the "Advance" and "Alice Vivian". He bought a half interest in the "Fall City" and became her captain. From 1868-1874 he was first clerk on the "Mary H." and "Reindeer" with Capt. John Stone. During 1880 he was first clerk on the "Lotus". His health then failed and he was confined to his home for three years before his death.

Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS and Nancy Oregin POWELL appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 September 1860 in Mobile, Alabama. The household was listed as Timothy L. Mathews, a 30 year-old steamboat captain, and his wife, Oregin N. of Tennessee, age 26. Timothy had personal property valued at $7,800 and owned several slaves. They had two daughters, Sophia W., 6; Mary F., 3, and a son, Walton, who was one year old. They had three slaves.^5,6

Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS appeared in a newspaper article 15 April 1871 in the Tuscaloosa Observer, published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Advertisement: Regular Tuscaloosa Packet. The A, No, 1, fine, fast passenger side-wheel steamer, REINDEER. Capt. John H. Stone in charge. Capt. Tim Mathews in the office. Will run during the ensuing season, as a regular packe, between Mobile and Tuskaloosa, leaving Mobile on every Wednesday evening, and arriving at Tuskaloosa every Friday evening. Returning, will leave Tuskaloosa every Saturday morning, at 10 o'clock. For freight or passage apply on board, or to Alex Sampson, agent.

He is probably the Tyler L. Mathews isted in the 1878 Mobile City Directory who was a clerk on the steamboat "Lotus No. 2." His residence was Springhill Avenue 4 miles. His son Timothy W. Mathews, Jr. was recorded at the same address as a delivery clerk on the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad.

Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS and Nancy Oregin POWELL appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 16 June 1880 in Napoleonville, Mobile County, Alabama. The household was listed as T. R. Mathewshe, a 55 year old steamboat clerk, and his 48 year old wife, Origon; born in Tennessee. Also in the household were son Walter [Walton] Mathews, 21; son John C. Mathews, 19, railroad clerk; daughter Minnie, 15; daugther Roberta, 11; daughter [Willie] Weston Mathews, 9; son Beatty, 4; daugther Mary Nichols, 23; and son-in-law Alex Nichols, 23, butcher. All were born in Alabama except for Nancy.⁷

Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS died on 3 July 1883 in Mobile, Alabama, at age 57.¹

     Munson Sturges Deloraine MATHEWS, son of Timothy Walton MATHEWS and Sophia Weston BURT, was born on 6 January 1830 in Autauga County, Alabama.¹

Joseph John Jackson MATHEWS, Timothy Washington Lafayette MATHEWS and James Wade Hawkins MATHEWS witnessed the transfer of property from Mary "Polly" MATHEWS to Timothy Walton MATHEWS on 30 November 1830 in Autauga County, Alabama. For "the love, good will and affection which I have and bear towards my four grandchildren" Joseph J. J. Mathews, Timothy W. L. Mathews, James W. H. Mathews and Munson S. D. Mathews, being the children of my son, Timothy W. Mathews. The deed was signed by Mary and witnessed by William Burt and W. H. Cox.²

Munson Sturges Deloraine MATHEWS died on 6 March 1831 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 1.

     Hugh Lawson White MATHEWS, son of Timothy Walton MATHEWS and Sophia Weston BURT, was born on 20 May 1835 in Wilcox County, Alabama.

Hugh Lawson White MATHEWS died on 4 July 1835 in Wilcox County, Alabama.¹

     Waid Hampton COX was born circa 1773. He was a merchant, tavern owner and ferry operator. Wade Cox is credited with founding the town of Washington on the Alabama River where he operated the principal tavern and ferry. Shadrack Mims disrobed him as "an enterprising, industrious man with some means when he moved to Alabama. He very judiciously invested his means in lands on both sides of the river" for his ferry, which served for years as the main passage from Montgomery to West Alabama. This ferry established by Cox was the first in the county.

An 1895 article on the history of Autauga county in the Prattville Progress, written by "one of its earliest citizens", described Cox as a prominent citizen of Washington, "proprietor of the principal hotel and owner of the ferry across the Alabama River and almost the only thoroughfare leading from Montgomery to West Alabama."

The following description of early Washington is taken from Mims' account: "From the year 1825-1936, it [Washington] was a flourishing village, affording a lively business for three or four dry goods stores. The first cabin was erected in the fall of 1817, and during the next few years, [it became an important center of commerce]. When I reached the little village of Washington, what did I see? The most conspicuous building that met my eye was a brick building which they called the Court House-- this though small was large enough for the population, besides this there was a respectable building put up by Wade H. Cox, the founder of the village, and kept by him. There were two or three other stores, one kept by Pickett and Peck-- I do not recall by whom the others were kept-- Pickett and Peck had the largest. There were a good many people in town and business seemed brisk and lively, more so than in Montgomery-- at that time Montgomery and Washington regarded themselves as rivals. There were more men of wealth and influence settled in the vicinity of Washington than there were about Montgomery..." The removal of the county courthouse in 1833 to Kingston, as well as the birth of Prattville, quickly caused the decline of Washington.^1,2

Waid married Martha Moore MATHEWS, daughter of John MATHEWS and Mary "Polly" BURT, on 17 September 1818 in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia.³

Waid was commissioned justice of peace on 23 July 1824 in Autauga County, Alabama. He resigned on 22 Jun 1829.

Waid left a will dated 7 December 1831 in Autauga County, Alabama. Item 1 - "to my beloved wife Martha" all his estate property both real and personal for her natural life or marriage. At her death the remaining estate to be equally divided among his four children: Mary Susan Delany, Jesse John James, William Henry Eaton, and Bartlett Ledbette. Item 2 - I leave until Jesse Gafford, my nephew, a horse, bridle and saddle and bed at his coming of age. Item 3 - appointed Martha his executrix and guardian of his children. It was signed by Waid H. Cox (seal), and witnessed by A. R. Hutchinson, James Colby, and David Golightly. It was recorded 30 January 1832 by A. R. Hutchinson.⁴

Waid Hampton COX died on 18 December 1831 in Washington, Autauga County, Alabama.

Waid's obituary was printed on 24 December 1831 in the Alabama Journal newspaper, published in Montgomery, Alabama. The obituary read, "Died at Washington, Autauga County, on Sunday, the 18th inst., Waid H. Cox, after a painful and distressing illness of two weeks. He left behind a disconsolate widow and four small children to mourn his loss."⁵

As business in Prattville expanded Daniel Pratt attempted to purchase Washington Landing. Washington had dwindled down to nothing since the 1830s, the result of the county seat transferring to Kingston and the rise of Prattville as the county business center. Washington consisted of little more than a dilapidated warehouse and wharf, as well as the ferry. But since Pratt sent many of his textiles and cotton gins down to the landing for shipping the site held great importance for him. The heirs of Wade Cox now held much of the land around Washington Landing and they initially rejected Pratt's offer. Since the heirs were primarily interested in maintaining possession of the ferry Pratt thought they would not be reluctant to part with the warehouse. He cannily suggested that if he were to build a warehouse above the landing it would take away most of their business while if a new warehouse were built and well conducted at Washington if would pull in more business and enhance the ferry traffic. By 1850 he reached an agreement with them where he paid the $10,000 for the land that their father had held while Pratt and Jesse Cox shared control over the ferry. Having secured the landing, Pratt began to improve its facilities and built a plank road from Washington to Prattville.⁶

Waid Hampton COX purchased a government land patent 10 September 1832 in Autauga County, Alabama. From the Cahaba Land Office he purchased the west half of the southeast quarter of section 7, township 17N, range 16E, containing 80.10 acres. This was just west of Prattville in Old Allenville area and over to north side of Hwy. 82 by-pass and intersection of Indian Springs Road..⁷

On 28 Jan 1833 Martha M. M. Cox, Jordan Abbott, William Burt, and Edward W. Gilbert posted a bond making Martha the guardian of Mary Cox, the infant daughter of the late Waid H. Cox. As long as she fufulled her duties as guardian the obligation would be void. Indentical bonds were posted for Jesse Cox, William Cox and Bartley Cox.

His estate was heard in court on 28 January 1833 in Autauga County, Alabama. Martha Webb Cox, Jordan Abbott, William Burt, and Edward W. Gilbert as co-executors of the estate of Waid H. Cox posted a $5000 bond making Martha the guardian of Waid's infant heirs Mary Cox, Jesse Cox, William Cox and Bartley Cox.

     Munson married Sarah Brinkley MATHEWS, daughter of John MATHEWS and Mary "Polly" BURT, on 15 January 1830 in Autauga County, Alabama.¹

     Moses Webb JENKS was born on 29 December 1804 in Orange, Schuyler County, New York.

Moses married Carolyn Harriet Byrd MATHEWS, daughter of John MATHEWS and Mary "Polly" BURT, on 23 June 1835 in Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama.¹

Moses Webb JENKS died on 10 November 1853 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at age 48.

     Jesse James COX, son of Waid Hampton COX and Martha Moore MATHEWS, was born in 1820 in Washington, Autauga County, Alabama. Washington was located where Autauga Creek empties into the Alabama River. One of the main businesses there was a large lumberyard that supplied the food for the hungry boilers on the many steamboats that operated the Alabama River.

Wade Cox owned and operated the ferry at the landing that connected Autauga County to Montgomery. Daniel Pratt’s plank road also came to this place from his cotton gin factory in Prattville. Jesse grew up here, seeing the daily riverboat traffic with their unloading and loading of passengers and goods from the massive steamers. It is no wonder that when Jesse reached adulthood, benefited with his father’s wealth, he chose to apply his trade in the steamboat business.

Jesse became one of, if not the most famous steamboat captain on the Alabama River. He formed Cox, Brainard & Co. of Mobile, which owned and operated at least seven different steamers that ran daily routes along the whole of the Alabama River from Wetumpka to Mobile. The steamers were named the LA GRANDE, ST. NICHOLAS, SOUTHERN REPUBLIC, JEFF DAVIS, HENRY J. KING, SENATOR, AND ST. CHARLES. It is known from news clippings, that from time to time, Jesse himself was Captain of the steamboats FASHION, ST. NICHOLAS, and MESSENGER. His steamers transported passengers, as well as cotton and other goods. They were some of the fastest and most luxurious boats on the river. Cox also operated a business located at Court Square in Montgomery called J.J. Cox & Co. The lucrative steamboat business during the pre-war years of Alabama’s cotton trade, propelled Jesse J. Cox high up the social ladder within the State, and made him one of the most prominent citizens of Autauga County.

Cox loved his steamboats so, that he patterned his magnificent home on Washington Ferry Road after them. The home was even reported to have been shaped like a steamboat. Silver plates bearing the name of Captain Cox were fixed to the driveway gates that led up to the home. He constructed parlors that resembled the saloons aboard his steamers. Similar styles of furniture, ornaments, and fully colored skylights adorned his home. All the door knobs throughout the home were made of solid silver. A unigue home indeed for his wife Laura Chisholm Cox and their young family. He was boasted as a perfect gentleman and boatman, who paid unique attention to his passengers, supplying them with the finest accommodations, exquisite meals, and catering to their special needs & comfort.¹

A Tuskegee newspaper had the following to say about Jesse Cox:


Jesse James COX was named an heir in the will of Waid Hampton COX dated 7 December 1831 in Autauga County, Alabama. At the death of their mother he ordered the estate divided equally between his four children. Jesse was referred to as Jesse John James Cox.³

In June 1842 at Kingston, Autauga County, Alabama, Benjamin F. Tarleton made a report as guardian of Jesse James COX, William Henry Eaton COX and Bartlett Ledbetter Cox.⁴

On 30 January 1843 in Autauga County, Alabama, George E. Chisohm was appointed guardian of the minor heirs of Waid Cox, dec'd: Jesse James COX, William Henry Eaton COX and Bartlett Ledbetter Cox.⁵

Jesse married Laura Elizabeth Chisholm circa 1844 in Autauga County, Alabama.

Jesse was living in February 1845 in Autauga County, Alabama. The county commissioners court appointed him overseer of the stage road from Cox's Ferry to Nolen Creek road. Note: Nolan Creek flows into Autauga Creek and runs near the east half of County Road 29/27, also known as Wadsworth Loop Road. Cox's Ferry would be Old Washington.⁶

Jesse James COX and Laura Elizabeth Chisholm appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 16 October 1850 in Washington, Autauga County, Alabama. The household was listed as Jesse Cox, a 30-year-old boat captain with real estate valued at $5.800, and his wife, Laura, age 22. They had three children: Jesse, 8, Mary, 5, and William, 2.⁷

Jesse and Laura appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 December 1850 in Mobile, Alabama. The household was listed as Jessee Cox, a 33-year-old boatman and his wife, Laura, age 27. They had two children: Jessee, 5, and Laura A(?), 2. They were living in a hotel or boarding house.⁸

Jesse James COX and Laura Elizabeth Chisholm appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 3 August 1860 in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama. The household was listed as JJ Coxe, a 35-year-old planter, with real estate valued at $54,000 and personal estate $188,200. His wife was Louisa E. Coxe, age 35, and their children were: Jesse J. Coxe, 14; Laura W. Coxe, 10; Charles W. Coxe, 6; Mary O. Coxe, 4; and Arthur C. Coxe, 1.⁹

Jesse appeared as an owner on a slave census schedule enumerated 4 August 1860 in Montgomery, Alabama. He owned about 44 slaves.

Jesse began military service in April 1861 in Prattville, Alabama, when he was elected Captain of the "Prattville Dragoons", Co. H 3rd Alabama Cavalry. At Pensacola the company was attached to the 7th Alabama Infantry as Company I. The saw some action at Corinth and were heavily engaged at Shiloh. Jesse resigned after Shiloh and was later promoted to major and given command of the 2nd Georgia Battalion Sharpshooters, "Cox's Wildcats."¹

Jesse James COX died on 3 March 1869 in Mobile, Alabama.

His obituary appeared 4 March 1869 in the Mobile Register, published in Mobile, Alabama. "DEATH OF JESSE J. COX - At an early hour this morning, the flags of the steamboats and shipping in front of the city were run up as if for a gala occasion, but instantly dropping to half-mast, indicated that death had struck a blow at the phalanx of the active men of the city, and it was soon learned that Capt. Jesse J. Cox, so long identified with the river business of Alabama, had departed, the sad event having occurred about nine o'clock last night, after an illness of four days, from inflammation of the lungs.

Capt. Cox was scarcely fifty years old, and for over twenty years had been a leading spirit - indeed, the leading one - in the steamboat interest of Mobile, most of the present generation of rivermen having been "raised" by him. He was universally popular for his social qualities, and was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he had attained the highest grades. As a citizen, he was equally claimed by Mobile and Montgomery, his family residence having recently been in the latter city, and it is a distressing circumstance of his death that his wife failed to arrive in time to receive his farewell. The time and place of his interment depend upon the expression of her wishes, and cannot yet be ascertained."

His obituary appeared 10 March 1869 in the The Montgomery Weekly Mail, published in Montgomery, Alabama. We are deeply pained to learn of the death of Capt. Jessee J. Cox, which occured in Mobile on Tuesday evening last. Capt. Cox has been an old and highly esteemed citizen of this section of the state, and is well known as one of the most popular and successful riverboat captains on the Alabama River...¹⁰