There are billions of free resources out there for researchers these days. I've said this to many people through the years, but often we just get in the habit of using what we know. That is why it is important for you to do Research about Research! In February of this year (2019) I was doing just that when I came across a hidden gem of great importance and value to our town. I was looking through the available resources given at Wallace State Community College Library which has a renowned historical and genealogical collection. A hand out compiled by Robert S Davis, Director, Computer and Internet Genealogy at Wallace State, has links to all kinds of resources. One of those was a link to ICON - International Coalition On Newspapers at the Center for Research Libraries. With that lack of anything better to do, I of course entered the city and hit search. This brought up a list of five items out there floating in the universe that contained Hartselle as the city. We're pretty unique like this, we don't have to worry about there being thirty cities by the same name. I had actually heard of all of these newspapers except the last in the list. Well of course that meant I had to find out more. By clicking on the link I found just a tad bit more information. This told me where exactly I find this item and what repository may have it. That's really exciting. I've said this before, but Mr. Google is your friend. ALWAYS Google things. You never know what you might find. So I immediately found the Antiquarian American Society (AAS) Once on the page, I see that it tells me in the text that they have several different collections. The one I definitely want to check out is the General Catalog for the United States Newspapers collection. Remember, if you are researching something, be sure to check out ALL of their items even if you do not need them right now. You never know when that resource knowledge might come in handy for some other problem that you need solved. I now have a name of the newspaper to search for, so I enter Hawk-Eye into the keyword field on their search engine and click on the one that I need (There are multiple by that name, but of course, I know that I'm looking for a specific town.) The majority of the leg work is now done and you must call, write or email for information at this point! Thankfully, within about 45 minutes of sending out this email for a request of information, I had a wonderful reply and a PDF document of the only known existing newspaper edition, Volume 1, Number 2 on 11 November 1875. It’s catch line under the Newspaper name is “Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty.” This newspaper was noted in two other newspapers in Tuscaloosa : “The Hawk-Eye, is the name of a new paper printed at Hartselle, Ala., by Mr. George Weaver. It is a twenty-four column weekly, neatly printed, and thoroughly Democratic.” -The Tuskaloosa Gazette & The Tuscaloosa News. November 11th, 1875. [Newspapers.com}
With only a name of George Weaver as an editor and publisher, I can’t be positive of WHICH man this was. There were weaver families living in the county and around the area as well as neighboring counties. There were several George Weavers in Madison County in 1870. Further research is still needed to learn who Mr. Weaver actually was in his personal life. However, I could learn a little about Mr. Weaver though, through this newspaper. He writes: “The Hawk Eye, from this issue, will be an independent Journal, devoted to the interest of the whole people, regardless of party, creed, or color. But it will be especially devoted to the interests of Morgan County. It will advocate the just claims of all portions of the county, and will oppose strenuously, heartily and steadfastly, all attempts of a certain clique to control the county in the interest of a few tricksters and demagogues, who care nothing for the welfare of the farmers, so they can advance their own selfish schemes. As we are laboring for the masses, we respectfully ask them to give us their support. We shall be glad to get our pay in money, barter, or any other way which will enable us to “live and let live”. We are for free thought, free speech, free men and an unmuzzled press. Citizens of Morgan County, rally to our support, we shall never desert you or your interests.” While more than half of the four pages are from other national sources, there is a good portion of local items that are a nice snapshot of one of the earliest time periods in Hartselle’s young history and also about the political temperature in Alabama. Mr Weaver writes to “The Voters of Morgan” and reminds them to vote on Tuesday (the 16th) for the New Constitution. He highlights a reduction in circuit judges, a vote on doing away with the Board of Education, and preservation of what he says is “the sacred writ of Habeas Corpus” which can never be suspended. He also says if the New Constitution cannot be passed, the census that will need to be taken will cost an extra $75,000. It’s noted that St. Louis has voted in the new constitution. And that the New state constitution of Nebraska contains a provision that US senators shall be elected by a direct vote of the people, to which now they must decide if this is a conflict with the constitution of the United States.
Finally I believe Mr. Weaver may have had a little sense of humor as one of the Jokes he writes reads: “The prisoner at the bar seems to have a very smooth face,” said a spectator to the jailor. “Yes” replied the jailor; “ he was ironed just before he was brought in. So much more research is needed on these important Items. Our work has just begun. I hope you get out there and Enjoy Your Adventures in Genealogy!
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AuthorMichele is an obsessed mother of 4 residing in North Alabama. Hobbies include long walks in the woods, on the beach and in strange cemeteries and libraries. Genealogy friends need only apply. Categories
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