Community members read letters from all over the world. Judge Horton kept the letters in a lard bucket, some praising, and others condemning his actions. "He never regretted his decision," said Limestone County Archivist Rebekah Davis. "In fact, if you asked him, up to his dying day, he would say 'My daddy would always say may justice be done though the heavens may fall.'" The event wasn't just a history lesson, it was also part of an ongoing effort to put a statue of Judge Horton on the Limestone County steps. A project that has made major progress. Davis announced they've officially raised enough money to get the artist to begin work on the statue. But they are hoping to raise more money to add plaques to the statue, as well as host informational events so future generations can continue to learn about the hometown hero. Read more.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Judge Horton, Scottsboro Boys case remembered, funds for statue project still needed
(whnt.com) - A Tennessee Valley judge hailed as one of the first to stand for justice during a time of racial unrest. Judge James E. Horton is an important figure in history, especially in his hometown of Athens. Wednesday, at least 150 Limestone County residents gathered at Pen Strokes of Justice, an event to honor the late judge who risked his career by standing up for justice during the Scottsboro Boys case. "I learned that he had done something great during the Scottsboro trial and even did a report on it in high school," said Kathy Garrett, Judge Horton's granddaughter.
Still assumes Cleveland TN history branch director role
(Cleveland Daily Banner) - The Bradley County history branch of the public library on North Ocoee has a new director. Margot Still, whose family have been longtime residents of Cleveland, has been hired to replace former director Treasure Swanson. Swanson had retired, but continued to assist at the history branch until a new director was hired.
Still, who has been working at the main branch of the library with reference responsibilities, exclaimed the this position is her dream job. “I couldn’t be any happier,” she added.
“I’m extremely fortunate, and the competition was very fierce,” she said. The public library Executive Director Andy Hunt agreed with Still’s assessment.
Hunt said a selection committee was formed to pick the new director, made up of himself, former history branch director and board member Barbara Fagen, and youth librarian Keisha Park. “We narrowed 25 applicants to 10, before selecting Margot,” he said. Read more.
In 'Scopes monkey trial' home, atheists hope to honor Clarence Darrow
(wrcb.com) - In 1925, two of America's most renowned figures faced off in the southeast Tennessee town of Dayton to debate a burning issue — whether man evolved over millions of years or was created by God in his present form.
Today, only one of the two, the Christian orator William Jennings Bryan, is commemorated with a statue on the courthouse lawn. A group of atheists hopes to change that. Read more.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Whitfield County, Georgia History & Genealogy
When was Whifield County, GA Created?
Whitfield County was established on December 30, 1851 from Murray County. The county was named in honor of George Whitefield (1714 - 70), a noted pastor who established the Bethesda Orphanage near Savannah. You can read a summary narrative history of the county in The New Georgia Encyclopedia.
Walker County, Georgia History & Genealogy
When was Walker County, GA Created?
Walker County was established on December 18,1833 from Murray County (portions of Walker County were used to create Chattooga County in 1838 and Catoosa County in 1853 ). The county was named in honor of Major Freeman Walker (1780 - 1827), a U.S. Senator (1819 - 1821). You can read a summary narrative history of the county in The New Georgia Encyclopedia.
Sequatchie County, Tennessee History & Genealogy
When was Sequatchie County, TN Created?
Sequatchie County was founded on December 9, 1857 from Hamilton County, Marion County and Warren County. This county was named in honor of Cherokee word believed to mean, opossum, he grins or runs. You can read a summary narrative history of the county in The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
Rhea County, Tennessee History & Genealogy
When was Rhea County, TN Created?
Rhea County was founded on December 3, 1807 from Roane County. This county was named in honor of U.S. Representative John Rhea (1753–1832). You can read a summary narrative history of the county in The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
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