Stephen Anderson Spradley

Notes:

Commissioned as Justice of the Peace, September 1, 1900, appointed Justice of the Peace for Precinct 15, Pike Co, Alabama September 22, 1904.

1913 newspaper article from either the Mongomery Advertiser or Montgomery Journal.

Spradley Here for the First Time in Nearly 40 Years: Former Resident Relates Experience of "Carpetbagger" Days, Has Not Seen Railroad Train Since He Left

Stephen A. Spradley, of Pike County, who is making his first visit to this city in thirty-eight years, gave a vivid picture of conditions as they existed at that time.

"The last time I was in the city", said Mr. Spradley, "was October, 1875. At that time Montgomery had not recovered from the effects of the war, and everything was chaos and confusion.The carpetbaggers were in control and everything was in bad shape. I drove forty-five miles to Montgomery to sell a load of produce, and it took me five days to make the trip with a yoke and oxen."

"I remember that sweet potatoes brought $3.25 a bushel in greenback money, Greenbacks at that time was worth about one-half of their face value. Anyone who had any gold or silver money kept it secreted, and this, added to the hardships of the times as it was difficult to trade your paper money for produce or provisions. I remember distinctly having to give $25 in greenbacks for $10.00 worth of food. This money was later redeemed at face value.

"When George S. Houston was elected governor of the state he had a law passed to tax all money that was stored away, and in this way more gold and silver was put into circulation."

"The only railroad was the L & N and at that time they burned wood only. I have never seen a railroad since."

Mr. Spradley was greatly surprised to learn that there were buildings over six stories high now in Montgomery.

"At that time the only building of six stories was the old Madison Hotel", he said.

When speaking of the outrages committed by the carpetbaggers, Mr. Spradley's eyes flashed and his face grew red.

"While they were not in power long, it was awful while it lasted," he declared. "...the thieves and crooks from the north came down here and we reelected to office. ... and you can see what the result was. Montgomery is a fine place now and I am sorry to have to leave it so soon."

Mr. Spradley is visiting his daughter at 15 Brassel Street while here.

OBITUARY
Stephen A. Spradley died at five o;'clock this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G. F. Porath on Williams St. He was born in 1849 in Crenshaw County and moved to Pike County in 1897. He was perhaps the oldest member of the Antioch Church of Christ in Pike County, having been a member about 50 years.

He was preceded to the grave by his wife, and an infant many years ago. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs J. J. Rushing, Mrs. G. F. Porath, Mrs. J. D. Youngblood and Mrs. Jack Coll, of Baton Rouge, LA., son J. K. Spradley, three brothers, C. T.Spradley, John Spradley and W. P. Spradley, and a number of other relatives who mourn his death.

The funeral services will be conducted at Antioch Church at Shellhorn, Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock by Rev. W. T. Grider assisted by Rev. W. E. Pedigo. the body will be laid to rest in the Antioch Cemetery with Rhodes Funeral Home in charge. Active pall bearers: Gaylord Spradley, Ray Spradley, Albert Rushing, Druard Rushing, J. D. Howard and Kirby Brown.

Stephen married Avarille Catherine CASTELLAW 26 Jan 1873, Crenshaw Co. AL. Avarille (daughter of Benjamin Franklin CASTELLAW and Mary Louisa Jordan) was born 05 Jun 1852, Alabama; died 07 May 1927, Youngblood, Pike Co.,AL. [Group Sheet]

1. Ella Melissa Spradley was born 06 Jan 1874, Patsburg, Crenshaw Co. AL; died 26 Aug 1963, Montgomery Co. AL.
2. John Kirby Smith Spradley was born 08 Sep 1897, Pike Co. AL; died 11 Dec 1939, Pike Co. AL.
3. Mary Julia Spradley was born 10 Jan 1882, Crenshaw Co. AL; died 08 Jan 1950, Pike Co. AL.
4. Sarah Frances Spradley was born 14 Jan 1885, Pike Co. AL; died 18 Aug 1885, Pike Co. AL.
5. Carrie Missouri Spradley was born 20 Oct 1886, Pike Co. AL; died Jan 1973, Montgomery Co. AL.
6. Ada Lee Spradley was born 14 Jan 1891, Patsburg, Crenshaw Co.; died 21 Oct 1982, Montgomery Co. AL.