The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-30
V|NCENT'S GROWTH
 HAS BEEN RAPID Was Laid Off in 1888 by
 J. J. Vincent LIES IN THE COOSA VALLEY McGraw Family Has Played Promi- nent Part in the Towns History.
 IT, Present Mayor Is
 A. W. Tucker.
LIES IN THE CO0SA VALLEY
BY FRANK V. EVANS.


 Vincent. April Special )-Some years ago before the Central Of Georgia rail- way had wended its way this far along reaching for Birmingham and for the heavy tonnage of the coal and iron fields of Alabama, there was at tlis point, in the center of this fertile tract of land crossroads store, a grist mill and a country postoffice called Propell.
 The tract of land to which reference is made is in one of the richest parts of Coosa valley in Shelby county, and on the Coosa river The tract was owned by the MeGraw estate-the founder of the estate having moved from south Caro- lima years before and found here an ideal spot upon which he erected a home, im- rroved the land, and reared a large fam fly of children, several of whom still dwell within view of the old homestead.
 A son, and one of the heirs, is Dr. A. E. McGraw, who is today a prominent citizen of the town, and who conducts in an attractive way the only hotel in the town-the McGraw house.
 Not many years ago there came to this valley a wideawake. progressive young Marylander, who was attracted by the surroundings invested his money and en- ergies here, and married a daughter of MT. McGraw. That man was J. J. Vim cent He was really the founder of the town, and it was named in his honor.
 Was Not a Boomer.
 He was not a boomer, but real farm er who possessed the enerGy and fore sight necessary to take advantage of the double opportunity afforded by the build ing of the Central railway through h. land He speedily staked off town lots put them on the market and thus gave vincent a start This founder passed away several years ago, but his .amily and friends are here reaping the benefits of his wisdom, and going straight ahead with the work so well begun.
 Vincent was given it's name in 1888, so it is quite q new town; but has population of about 500.
 Besides other delightful surroundings and the great Coosa river close by, Spring creek, a beautiful, clear stream with bold springs on either side, affords magnificent water power and renders this a valuable point for manufacturing enterprises.
 Hon. A W. Tucker, the mayor of the town informs the writer that the tax rate here for all city purposes is one-half of | per cent, and that out of the fund thus derived the public school is largely supported. This school has an enroll- ment of about I7o, and is free. Prof. R. B. Richardson is in charge and he has two able assistants The city is now erecting a handsome and commodious school building which is to be ready for the opening of the fall term
 The councilmen assisting Mayor Tuck CT in the administration of the city's af fairs are: E. w. Blankenship, J. H. Will der, W. II. Kidd, J. C. Elliott and J. M. Morrow.
 Strictly Moral Place.
 Vincent has two churches, no saloons and no dispensary. It is strictly a moral place and the people much enjoy this as a home. The town has about ten business houses and receives annually 5000 bales of cotton, all of which is produced in this immediate part of Coosa valley and on the hilsides. This, too, is quite an im- portant lumber point. Over two hundred cars of lumber per month are handled here, being brought from the mills near by. These forests still contain quantities of pine and hard woods and they yield an immense income to this community.
 A great deal of fruit is raised near here and grapes and berries grow to perfec- tion but as yet no attention has been paid to these in commercial way. It womb seem that the business of this m- mediate section and the population there- of could be doubled if the land owners would give attention to fruit culture and to the poultry and egg industry. There is nearby and an anxious market awaiting.