Black History Commons^™

"'Uncle' Tom Brannon And The Capture Of John A. Murrel", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Writings

The speech recounts the capture of outlaw John A. Murrel by Tom Brannon, who was enslaved by the Oaks Plantation in Florence, Alabama.

"Private Reuben Patterson", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Writings

Speech outline given at the dedication ceremony for the grave marker for Private Reuben Patterson, a horn blower for the Fifth Alabama Calvary during the Civil War and formerly enslaved person. Private Patterson was one of the last remaining Confederate soldiers in Florence, Alabama when he passed away at 85 years old.

An excerpt from an article about Private Patterson written by William Lindsey McDonald and published in the TimesDaily is also included within the digital file.

"Stories About Black Heritage In Florence", William Lindsey Mcdonald

Writings

Annotated speech outline about African American heritage in Florence, Alabama. The speech includes an overview of African Americans in Florence and Muscle Shoals and a discussion of notable stories and figures, such as "Tom Brannon and the Capture of John A. Murrell" (winter 1834), Randall Campbell, Dred Scott, Edmund Patton, Sam Patton, and Parson Dick. The document also contains xerox portraits of the notable individuals mentioned.