Butler County, Alabama - Chapter 12, 1885

This fort was erected in the spring of 18 18, by order of Colonel Samuel Dale, who had charge of a garrison of soldiers at Fort Claiborne. It was built on the top of a small hill, near a spring, now known as the old Poplar Spring, in the neighborhood of Oak Grove Church. Although all traces of the fort have long since been removed, the spot still bears the name of the noble soldier who was so instrumental in its erection for the protection of the whites against outrageous attacks by the Indians, that reluctantly saw their favorite hunting-grounds turned into corn-fields. All the people in this part of the county sought refuge in this fort, and remained there the larger portion of 1818, although a red man was not to be seen.

After the excitement of 18 18 was over, the settlers returned to their homes and resumed work. Colonel A. T. Perry entered the land on which the fort was built, and lived there several years, finally selling it to Joseph Hartley, who came from Putnam County, Georgia, January 15, 1825. Hartley built a good house of logs, which were sawed with a whipsaw, and cleared a large field around the fort. Several families had settled near the fort, making a kind of village. William Martin started a small store in 18 19, and others were opened soon after. These were the first stores in Butler County. A small one was, however, started at Greenville, shortly after this. It is said by some of the older inhabitants, that the first court of any kind ever held in the county, was held here at Fort Dale, on some logs, before Judge Anderson Crenshaw. This place, like all other new places of the county, was often frequented by the citizens of the county, and was the scene of many foot-races, horse-swappings, drinkings, fightings, etc. One of the most notable characters that visited Fort Dale, was Betsy Donaldson, whose father lived about two miles from Greenville. There is quite a contrast between this representa- tive of the opposite sex at that early period in the history of the county and the average maiden of to-day. She was about six feet in height, very stout and muscular, and weighed about i8o pounds. She was a maid of about eighteen summers, when, one day, while her father was absent from home, she killed a large bear, which had made an attack upon some hogs in the field near her home. This demonstration of her bravery, gave her a considerable reputation among the many adventurers of the county. She increased her reputation by throwing William Tragus, a worthless young man, into Stalling's Creek one night, for attempting to escort her home against her consent. She frequently visited the stores at Fort Dale, and was bantered for a wrestle one day by one of the bullies of the neighborhood. To the great delight of the bystanders, she gave her opponent a chance to show his agility and strength, and threw him the best two out of three. She soon entered the boxing-ring, and was equal to any man in the county in a pugilistic encounter. Her muscles were now so well developed that she was able to perform a number of wonderful feats of physical strength. It is said that she could pick up a barrel of whisky by the chimes, and raise the bung to her mouth and drink whisky from it without the assistance of any other person. After gaining so much notoriety, Betsy married a very quiet, peaceable man, and settled down, and made for him a good wife. They did not live in this county long before they moved West, where they lived to a happy, old age. She and her husband have both, long since, been gathered to' their graves in peace.

When Greenville was made the seat of justice for Butler County, Fort Dale began to go down, and has continued in that direction ever since. There are but a few families in the neighborhood now, and the stores have been closed many years past. The thing now at this place, of most interest to the general reader, is the old graveyard. Here are deposited the remains of many of the first settlers of the county, the descendants of whom are now scattered to all parts of the State. Thom^as Gary was the first person ever buried here. He was born in South Carolina, in 1764, and came to this county in January, 18 18, and died in the fort in April of the same year. He was a Tory. His wife died in 1826. Andrew Jones was buried here in 1822. Ennis McDaniel died in 1832. Many other pioneer settlers were buried here, but they have no tombs to mark their resting places, and to tell the people whose sepulchre they guard. Many large trees, regardless of the sacred spots, have grown on the smoldering mounds. Among the old citizens recently buried here, are: Joseph Hartley, born 1769, died 1849; his wife, born 1777, died 1863. Jesse Stallings, born 1795, died 1881; his wife, born 1804, died 1883.

have long since rotted down, and should be replaced by those who have relatives and friends buried here. A small amount, subscribed by each one interested, would be sufficient to put it in a decent condition.