Alex Van Hoose Davies family papers, MSS.0402

Abstract: Photocopies of the family history of an early northwest Alabama family, one of whom became mayor of Birmingham in the 1890s. There are also some personal recollections of the Union Army raid on Tuscaloosa led by John T. Croxton in April 1865, augmented with notes by grandson Alexander Van Hoose Davies, as well as copies of memorials of various Van Hoose men, and newspaper clippings.Scope and Content Note: The collection contains photocopies of the family history of an early northwest Alabama family, one member of whom became mayor of Birmingham in the 1890s. The collection includes personal recollections of the Union Army raid on Tuscaloosa led by John T. Croxton in April 1865, as well as a sketch of the same for a proposed movie script with notes by grandson Alexander Van Hoose Davies. There are also photocopies of memorials of various Van Hoose men, and newspaper clippings.Biographical/Historical Note: Judge Jesse Van Hoose was an early Alabama settler, merchant, probate judge. He was born 3 July 1787. His son, James McLester Van Hoose (born 1824) was the father of James Alexander Van Hoose (1852-1936), one of the cadets who attempted unsuccessfully to defend the University of Alabama from Union attack in April 1865, and subsequently a Presbyterian minister and mayor of Birmingham 1894-1896