COOSA COUNTY, ALABAMA
1837-1845
The first Grahams came to America in the latter part of the 1700's and settled in North Carolina in the Cape Fear region. They were closely identified with the Presbyterian Church here. Alabama Church was organized October 2nd 1853, and Evander McNair Graham joined it in 1858.
Dougal Calhoun (or his widow) gave the land for the cemetery at Alabama Presbyterian Church. Dougal's father was Archibald Colquhoun. Archibald and his wife, Isabel, are listed in the Old Bluff Presbyterian Church records in NC. Archibald is buried in Talbot Co., GA, next to his son, Duncan and wife, Sarah McNeill Colquhoun. The submitter, Fred Hamilton is descended from Duncan's, first son, Archibald and wife Sarah Jane McMurray Calhoun. This Archibald is buried in Mt. Lebanon, Bienville Parish, LA and Sarah Jane is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church cemetery. Archibald and Sarah Jane are my great-great grandparents.
The Grahams left Alabama taking the RECORD BOOK OF CAROLINA CHURCH with them to Sibley, now Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. The entire book is 6 in. x 8 in. There are several blank pages and some have been torn out. Spelling and spacing have been copied as close to the original document as possible.
This material obtained from the Louisiana Tech University's Prescott Memorial Library Special Collections (Archives) Department, #M89, Box 2, Graham Family Papers. Copied October, 1991 by Submitted by Freida J. Hamilton , 1711 Broadway Avenue, Ruston, LA 71270.
Posted October 17th 2000 Myrtle Bridges
Page 1 Last day of 1837 Carolina Church Coosa County
We the undersigned Subscribers feeling our great destitution of religious instruction and wishing that we and our children may enjoy the stated means of grace, do agree to associate ourselves for that purpose.
We adopt the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church of these United States, as containing the System of doctrine and discipline taught in the holy Scriptures. It is also our wish to be received under the care of South Alabama Presbytery, in whose bounds we are located. The Church to be called Carolina (Coosa County).
In answer to our petition and by the direction of Presbytery, Rev. Robert Holman organized Carolina Church on the 31st day of Dec. 1837. After the meeting being opened with prayer.
The following are the names of the members of Carolina Church when organized. Viz.
John P. Graham and Malcom Smith Being Elders formerly (church in Carolina) were elected ruling Elders
Page 2Alex Smith and Lauchlin K. Smith were chosen and ordained Ruling Elders
The following were received by certificate.
L. A. C. Smith
Jane Smith
George Graham
Margaret Graham
Neilly Graham
Mary B. Smith
Mary Smith (Departed this life June 26, 1839)
The following were received by voucher.
Jennit Buie
Margaret R. Smith
Mary McMillan
Jennit Graham
Flora A. Smith
Mary G. Graham
James Graham
Eliza Hobday
Daniel K. Smith
James Morris
Flora Morris
Page 3Neill Graham and Mary Graham were received by voucher.
Margaret McMillan was received by examination.
John P. Graham was chosen clerk of Session
Oct 1838 The Session having met and being opened with prayer by the Rev. Robert Holman the following members were added to the church by examination:
Angus Calhoon
John McArthur
John Murchison
Dugald Calhoon
Mary McNeill
Mary E. Graham
Ann Murchison
Margaret Buchanan
Flora Buchanan
Eliza Buchanan
John G. Graham
Jennit S. Graham
Page 4 The following were added to the church by examination: Neill McMillan
Ann Wall
Ann McArthur
Flora, a servant of George Graham received on examination and baptised by the Rev. Robert Holman.
Essemiah baptised infant of Malcom & Mary Smith.
Jan 4 1839 The session having met and opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Eraser the following members were added to the Church by examination:
Daniel Einlayson
Margaret M. Finlayson
Mary Ann Murchison
Stephen Graham infant of James and Mary Wall was baptised by the Rev. Mr. Eraser.
May 19th At a sacramental meeting. The Session having met and being open with prayer by the Rev. Robert Holman members were added to the Church Billy) servant of Thomas B. Graham.
Page 5 Received Elizabeth M. Carson by certificate, and Milly Servant of Alex Graham both baptised by the Rev. Robert Holman (on examination. Baptised also by the Rev. Robert Holman on the same occasion, Euphemia Gilchrist infant of Alexander and Elizabeth Graham and Milton, infant of George & Margaret Graham.
Oct 13, 1839 The Session having met and opened with prayer. The following members were added to the Church Viz.
Mrs. Ann G. Calhoun
William Simpson (by examination)
Boling Hall (by examination)
Miss Luisa Sarah Ellison
Miss Matilda Jane Carson
Mrs. Adaline McDonald
D. McDonald
Miss Margaret Graham
Miss Eliza Graham
Miss Margaret Brit
Miss Frances E. G. Smith
Miss Mary Jane Hobday
Page 6 Miss Eliza Jane Daniel
Stark Hobday
William A. Graham (by examination)
Col. Parke (of Mardisville)(by examination)
Albert M. Smith
Archibald McMillan
Archibald G. Smith
Liddy (a Servant)
Adaline McDonald (Adult) (Baptised)
(Infant) Margaret Ann G. Carrol
(Infant) Benjamin Franklin Hobday
(Infant) Mary Anabella McDonald
(Infant) Lelilia Corine McDonald
March 22, 1840 The Session having met and opened with prayer The following members were installed as ruling Elders. Viz. Alexander Graham and Thomas B. Graham. Albert M. Smith excommunicated for being seen repeatedly in a state of intoxication. Contrubution for missionary & Presbyterial purposes to be equally divided.
Page 7 The Committee appointed to examine the Session Book of Carolina Church respectfully report that it be approved to the place where this report may be inserted with the following exceptions viz.
1st There is no mention made of the location of"Carolina Church"
2nd The book is not paged.
3rd There is no notice made of the meetings of the Session being closed with prayer.
4th The records of the meetings are not signed by the Clerk of the session.
5th The writing is too much crowded — some space should be left between the records of each meeting.
6th In the proceedings of the last meeting (22nd March)
Page 8 is recorded the excommunication of a member without any statement of there having been a regular trial or not. It is recommended that if the minutes of the proceedings of that in relation to that transaction are preserved that a record be made of them in this book. Signed Robert A. Nicoll Chairman of Committee Thomas S. Moderator
Page 9 Names of Heads of Families and their Children
Names of Malcom & Mary B. Smith's Children: Neill Smith
Francis E. G. Smith
Arch G. Smith
Alfred Smith
John Wm. Smith
Will James Smith
Calvin Whitfield Smith
Mary Ann Smith
Harriett Nenell Smith
Essemiah Jennitt Smith
Malcom Alexander Smith
Neily Graham's Children's names
Malcom S. Graham
Thomas B. Graham
Page 10 Names of the Children of Alex & L.A.C. Smith
Thomas P. Hunt Smith
Lovedy Ann Smith
Malcom Daniel Smith
John Alexander Smith
Names of the Children of James & Mary E. Graham
John McMillan Graham
Lora Jane Graham
Names of the Children of James & Mary E. Graham
John McMillan Graham
Lora Jane Graham
Names of the Children of Daniel & Flora Ann Smith
Henry Scot Smith
Sarah Carolina Smith
Martin Luther Smith
Leonadis Smith
Page 11 Names of the Children of Laughlin K & Jane Smith
Sarah Ann Frances Smith
John Daniel Smith
Harriet Nenell Smith
Newton Smith
D. P. Smith
Thomas Smith
Mary E. Smith
Jane Ann Smith
Names of the Children of George & Margaret Graham
Margaret N. Graham
Eliza Graham
William Hector Graham
Milton Graham
Page 12 Names of the Children of Stark & Eliza Hobday
Mary Jane Hobday
Virginia Carolina Hobday
Ann Eliza Hobday
James Arch Hobday
Sarah Frances Hobday
Margaret Hobday
B. F. Hobday
Jantt Hobday
Names of the Children of Alex & Eliza Graham
Mary Jane Graham
Ann Eliza Graham
Thomas Scott Graham
Harriet Newell Graham
Euphemiah Gilchrist Graham
Page 13 Names of the Children of James & Flora Morris
Mary Eliza Morris
William James Hillhouse Morris
Flora Ann Morris
Emily Catherine Morris
Daniel Morris
John P. Graham Clk.
Names of the Children of Thomas B. Graham and his wife Isabella vis.
Evander McN Graham
Margaret Jane Graham
George Burder Graham
John A. Graham
Thomas Graham
Page 14 July 1840 The meeting constituted with prayer, the following infants were baptised viz. Malcom Alex infant of Malcom & Mary Smith, Mitilda Mourning infant of Duncan & Adaline McDonald, Leonodis infant of Daniel K. and Flora Ann Smith. Dwight Paisly infant of Lauchlon & Jannit Smith Concluded with prayer. John P. Graham
(Also baptised Jim a servant of A. Smith)
Names of the Children of Thomas B & Isabella Graham Viz.
Evander McNair Graham
Margaret Jane Graham
George Burdon Graham note: a line is drawn through this name.
John P. Graham
Charles & Elizabeth Watts with their infants baptised
Isaac Elisha Watts
Lucinda Watts
Charles L. Watts
Sarah Ann Watts
John P. Graham
Page 17 Oct. 1840 The session having met and constituded with prayer. The following members were added to the church by certificate: Mrs. Jannet Colquhoun
Miss Nancy Logan
Miss Mary Logan
Dr. James P. Montgomery
Mrs. Martha H. Montgomery
The following members were added to the church by examination:
Mr. John Stuart
Mr. Charlea Watts
Mrs. Pamilia Pinkstone (baptised)
Mrs. Elizabeth Watts
Miss Virginia C. Hobday
John P. Graham
Jan 1841 Mrs. Mary Ann McDuffie (dismissed)
William Simpson (dismissed)
John P. Graham
Page 18 Feb 1841 Meeting constituted with prayer. The following infants were baptised by Rev. R. Holman viz.
John Alex infant of Alex & Catherine L. Smith
George Burder infant of Thomas B & Isabella Graham
and Mary Josephine infant of Daniel & Margaret Finlayson. Closed with prayer John P. Graham
March Mr. Albert Smith whose name is mentioned on page 6 as being excommunicated for being in a state of intoxication. The session would observe that he was repeatedly notified to come to trial but did not attend nor obey the summons. John P. Graham
Page 19 March 28th 1841 The session met and constituted with prayer when the following members were added to the church by certificate viz.
Mr. Robert Gray
Mr. Daniel Currie
Miss Isabella Calhoun
At the same time the following members were added to the church by examination. Mr. Robert H. Donald
Miss Mary S. Douglas
Mrs. Mary Stewart
Thomas B. Graham was chosen Clerk of the session. Session closed with prayer. Thomas B. Graham
Page 20 Deaths in 1840
The following members of our Church were removed by death in the past year.
June Viz. Archibald G, Smith
July Daniel K. Smith
Aug Miss Eliza Buchanan
Sept Mrs. Jannit Graham
December Flora Morris John P. Graham
The committee appointed to examine the Carolina session book report; that they have attended to this duty. recommends that it be aproved to the above page.
W. __________, Md.
R. D. Russell Chairman
Page 22 June 22 Mrs. Margaret Graham was removed by death. Thomas B. Graham
Page 23 Oct. 8th 1841 Session met and constituted with Prayer. The following members were received by voucher. Mrs. M. Gray by examination. Miss Lucinda Watts, Mr. Lucian Pinkston and Mr. Jerome Rc'dgers. Mr. Pinkston and Rodgers were baptised by the Rev. R. McAlpin Thomas B. Graham Clk.
Dec. 1st William James Hillhouse Morris removed by death Thomas B. Graham Clk.
Page 24 April 7th 1842 Meeting constituted with prayer. The following infants were baptised by the Rev. R. McAlpin. Lydia F. Graham and Charles H. Graham.
By Examination — Jerry servant of L.K. Smith was received in the Church. Thomas B. Graham
The following are members of the church and their infants that were removed by death.
May 8th Mrs. Margaret Graham departed this life aged forty years.
May 11 Miss Sarah Graham departed this life aged forty-two.
May 8 Euphemia G. Graham, infant of Alexander & Elizabeth Graham departed this life aged three years.
Page 25 (continued) May 14 James Graham departed this life aged forty four years.
May 15 John McMillan Graham son of Jany Graham departed this life aged six years.
May 24 Mrs. Adaline McDonald departed this life aqed twenty five years.
May 25 Elizabeth Graham daughter of George Graham departed this life aged eight years.
May 26 Charles H. Graham infant son of Jany Graham departed this life aged three months.
Page 26 (continued) May 28 Mrs. Mary McMillan departed this life aged fifty two years.
June 26th Miss Jennet Buie departed this life.
July 8th Lydia F. Graham infant daughter of George Graham departed this life aged ten months.
Nov 10 Mrs. Lovedy A. C. Smith deparated this life aged thirty years.
July 8 Names of Children Baptised by the Rev. R. McAlpin
Daniel G. Morris
John Duncan Morris
Archibald McNair Morris
Robert Holman Currie
George Robert Fleming Thomas B. Graham
Page 27 Oct. 7th 1842 Session met and constituted with prayer by the Rev. R. McAlpin
Mo'd. of the s. Members received by Examination.
Mrs. Nancy B. Bulgar
Mrs. Nancy Donald
William B. Carson
Mrs. Nancy L. Wilson
David Stewart
William Bulgar
James H. Griffin
Names of Children Baptised
Elenorah Bulgar
William Bulgar
Robert Henry Bulgar
Henry Holman McMillan by certificate
Samuel Logan & Sarah Logan Thomas B. Graham Clk.
Page 28 March 12th 1843 Session met and constituted with prayer by the Rev. R. McAlpin Mod.
The following members were received by certificate.
James B. Russell
Nancy Russell
Infants Baptised - John A. Graham & Jennett Hc'bday Thomas B. Graham Clk.
April 7th 1843 Session met and constituted with prayer by Rev. R. McAlpin. The following members were received by certificate.
Archibald Sullivan
Matthew R. Martin
Elenir Martin
Robert Gray and Matthew Donald were installed Ruling Elders in this church. The Following persons were Ordained Deacons in this church.
Lucian Pinkston
Dougald Calhoun
Archibald McMillan
Alexander Graham was elected to Presbytery.
There was a collection of two dollars and thirty seven cents for commissioners and contingint funds — The session closed with prayer by the Rev. R. Alpin. Thomas B. Graham
Page 30 Aug. 29th 1845 Departed this life Thomas B. Graham in the 35th year of his age a ruling Elder.
Oct. 12th The session having met and constituted with prayer. The Rev. Robert McAlpin (Moderator). The following members were received by examination Viz.
Barton Sherril and his wife Ann Sherril
Mrs. Mary Jane Smith
Miss Mary Ann Smith
Miss Sarah Ann
Frances Smith
Baptised: Mrs. Mary Jane Smith, Mrs. Ann Sherril and Mary Eliza Smith infant daughter of Lauchlin K. Smith & his wife Jane Smith. On the same day this Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was adminstered by the Rev. Robert McAlpin. The session closed with prayer
May 10th 1846 The session met and constituted with prayer. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by the Rev. Robert McAlpin. The meeting closed with prayer. John P. Graham Clk.
This concludes the information from the Carolina Church, Coosa County, Alabama. The next to the last page in the book reads:
Ala. Church Missionary
1867 Oct 25 Communion Sab. Collection $6.25
The last page in the book reads:
Annual Report of Alabama Church To Red River Presbytery up to Sept. 25th 1856 Graham
Examination
added on certificate
Colored
Communicants
Total
No. of Corn 98
Baptised Adults
Infants
Domestic mss.
foreign mss.
Education
Publication
Commission fund
Contingint fund
Oct. 30
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