Note: The writer of this column is requesting for individuals to share their family records or information on local history from which future stories may be written. Articles of particular interest are genealogies of area families, local communities, cemeteries, schools, churches, etc. Anyone who might have ideas may reach Curtis Thomasson at his contact information listed at the end of the column.

Today’s story is about the McCarter family, which settled first in the Oakey Streak community located near the Covington/ Butler County line. The earliest ancestor to be identified at this time is James L. McCarter who was born in 1845. The location of his birth is not known to this writer, but he was living in Alabama when he enlisted to serve in the Confederate Army. He is shown as being on the roster of the 17th Alabama Infantry Regiment in Captain Simson’s Company. On December 24, 1920, his widow, Amy Rosanna (Skipper) filed for a pension based on his service.

It appears that James L. was married to Amy Rosanna Skipper during the early 1870s. Amy was born in 1855, and both lived until 1931. At their deaths they were buried in the Oakey Streak Church Cemetery near where they had resided and farmed for their family.

James L. and Amy McCarter reared the following children: James R.”Jim,” b. 1883, d. 1931, m. Nobie Mock; Thomas Littleton “Tom,” m. Annie Trussell; Willie, d. young; Martha, b. 1874, d. 1943, m. Jasper Linzy (1877-1948); Winnie, m. Gus Linzy; Ella, m. Sellie Ballard; Alice, m. Eph Solomon; and Rhodie, m. Charlie Jackson.

The son, James R. “Jim” McCarter and his wife, Nobie (Mock), had the following children: Claradel, m. Ebb Holder; Clara Mae, m. Peb Holder; Vera, m. Herman Ealum; Madgie Lou, m. L.D. Howell; Lewis Clayton, m. Hazel Smith; J.C., m. Lois Gomillion; and Clifford, m. Ella Mae Harrelson.

The son, Thomas Littleton “Tom” McCarter, grew up in the Oakey Streak community and served in the U.S. Army during World War I. After he developed mumps he was unable to be sent overseas until he recovered. Once he did, he was assigned to leave for Europe; however, the Armistice was signed before his departure. He was then able to return home and become a farmer and begin his family.

Tom and Annie (Trussell) McCarter reared the following children: Inez Elizabeth; Reppie Louise; and Charles Thomas, d. at 17 years of age from leukemia. He and his parents were buried in the Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in McKenzie of Butler County.

The daughter, Martha McCarter, and her husband, Jasper Linzy, resided in the Oakey Streak community where the family farmed for their livelihood. They reared the following children: William Elton, m. (1) May E. Ivey (2) Annie Godwin; Ben, m. Pearl Jackson; Eddie, b.&d. 1896, just two days old; William Jasper “Willie,” d. 1976, m. Bonnie Smith; Willard Aubrey, m. Irene Ward; Dollie, m. John Ivey; Anna, m. (1) Beader Worley (2) R.D. Powell (3) Pin Hook Solomon: Nonnie, m. Hub Jackson; Maggie “Mitt,” m. (1) Verner Wilkerson (2) Alan Cantline; Velma, m. Tommy D. Jackson; and Amy Lois, m. Wesley Nelson Craig. Martha (McCarter) Linzy’s son-in-law, Wesley N. Craig, said, “Mrs. Linzy is the finest woman I ever knew. She read her Bible often and was kind to everyone, especially to the children.”

Jasper and Martha (McCarter) Linzy’s son, William Elton Linzy, and his first wife, Mary E. (Ivey), had one daughter, Dorothy Linzy. William Elton and his second wife, Annie (Godwin), reared the following children: Ralph, Elton, Frank and Cecil.

Jasper and Martha’s son, Ben Linzy, and his wife, Pearl (Jackson), reared the following children: James, Benny Earl, Syble, Myrtice, Ruth, Loyette, Lurleen and Nelline.

Jasper and Martha’s son, William Jasper “Willie” Linzy, worked as a fireman for the City of Andalusia. In 1975 he died as the result of a stroke and was buried in the Buck Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. He and his wife, Bonnie (Smith), reared the following children: William Ray, John, Jerry, Agnes, Peggy and Willie Mae.

Another son, Willard Aubrey Linzy, and his wife, Irene (Ward), reared the following three children: Jean, Barbara and Melba.

Jasper and Martha Linzy’s daughter, Dollie Linzy, was married to John Ivy. This couple reared the following eight children: Joseph, Robert, Eugene, U.D., Cora Bell, Bertie Rae, Eva Dell and Myrtle.

Their daughter, Anna Linzy, and her first of three husbands, Beader Worley, had one daughter, Lilly Worley, who was married to Jesse Curry.

Jasper and Martha Linzy’s daughter, Maggie “Mitt” Linzy, was first married to Verner Wilkerson. They had one daughter named Ruby Wilkerson. Maggie was later married to Alan Cantline with whom she had the following three children: Lewis, Billy Joe and Merle.

Their daughter, Velma Linzy, and her husband, Tommy D. Jackson, had the following 12 children: R.D., Auther, T.J., Tommy, Martha, Mattie Emma, Annie Mae, Eunice, Gercile, Voncile, Helen and Carolyn.

The youngest daughter, Amy Lois Linzy, was married to Wesley Nelson Craig. Amy Lois died of a stroke on November 24, 1980, and was buried in the South Church of God Cemetery in the Pigeon Creek community. This couple reared the following seven children: Henry Terry, m. (1) Maude Butts (2) Estelle Scott; Cecil Aubrey, m. Mildred Hart; Bobby Ray, d. 2015, m. (1) Dorothy Smalls (2) Faye (Sasser) Hart; Charles Earnest, m. Pearlie Mae Smalls; Vernell, m. Flora Lawrence; Larry Nelson, m. (1) Sheila Thompson (2) Diane Franklin; and Edna Doris, m. (1) Albert Carnley (2) Richard Scroggins.

It is hoped that additional research will be conducted on this family and that it may be shared with others. The source for this writing was a family story written and submitted by Vernell Craig for publication in The Heritage of Covington County, Alabama. Appreciation is expressed to Vernell and his wife, Flora, for their assistance.

Anyone who might find an error in the above is requested to contact this writer, Curtis Thomasson, at 20357 Blake Pruitt Road, Andalusia, AL 36420; 334-804-1442; or Email: cthomasson@centurytel.net.

HISTORICAL

MEETING:

The Covington Rifles Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will conduct its annual meeting to honor and remember Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas E. “Stonewall” Jackson upon the occasion of their birthdays—Lee on January 19 and Jackson on January 21. This year’s special meeting will be on January 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dixon Memorial Room at the Andalusia Public Library. Members of the Thomas Randolph Thomasson Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will be joining the compatriots and their wives. Anyone interested in Confederate heritage is invited to attend.

Everyone is asked to bring a finger food for the refreshment period.