The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-14
GAINESVILLE Is
 RICH IN HISTORY One of the Most Remarkable Towns in the State GREAT DAYS OF PAST Formerly Had a Railroad and Han dled 100000 Bales of Cotton.
 Home of the Historian
 Joseph G. Baldwin
GREAT DAYS OF PAST
By WALTER HARPER

By WALTER HARPER
 During the Flush Times of Alabama and Mississippi old Gainesville in Sum ter county was one of the most important dots on the map.
 It handled 100000 bales of cotton year, had a population of about 5000 and had railroad
 Gaiesville today has no railroad, han dles less than 2o,0o0 bales of cotton annu- ally and has not more than 25O white ln- habitants.
 But it is one of the most delightful llt- tie old towns in the south. It is far re- moved from the dust smoke noise and other disturbing elements of a railroad You are not subjected to the torture of hanging to the straps In street cars. You never have the excruciating sensation of receiving a robbery gas or electric light bill and you have no water pipes to fall and there are no grade crossing nui- sances.
 
 every day looks like Sunday, 1t is Gaines vile, and this is intended as no ref1ec- tion on the people who live there now. The present citizens of Gainesville retain their citizenship there from choice. They are wholesome, law-abidng people and are the cream of Alabamas citizenship. They are refined, hospitable and intellec- tual.
 But they refuse to work themselves into a frenzy over the building of skyscrapers, scramble for railroad franchises, business the almighty dollar.
 They lead the simple life and are happy.
 They are far more bountifully blessed with the joys of real existence than are the people in communities where there is no Sunday.
 But these people have plenty and know how to enjoy it: They have these two supreme advantages over the majority of mankind.
 Gainesville, like most patriarchal towns has its distinctive claims on pub lie attention. It has served it's part in 
 small part in forming the literary great ness of the south.
 It was here in a house that is still standing that Gen. N B. Forrest, after a most brilliant campaign in the civil war surrendered to General Canby of the Union forces. The building which was used by General Canby as headquarters while in Gainesville is also still standing not more than block from the one used by General Forrest. It s said that the soldiers of both armies joined in many 8 carousal and dance at the hotel, one oi the landmarks. of this community still standing on the highest point in the town overlooking the Tombigbee river. Many an interesting traditional story is told of this old inn. Col. R. G. McMa- hon. one of the most prominent citizens of this section 50 years ago, was proprie- tor of the hotel. He formed a habit of keeping a scrap book He was remark ably studious in this matter and the bulky edition he collected over a long period oi those stirring times is. one of the most interesting and important works of the kind now in existence The book is now in the possession of J. M. Gilbert, rela- tive of Colonel McMahon.
 I had the privilege of inspecting this book under the watchful eye of the owner. It contains most remarkable record of the people and events not only of this section, but of the country at large at that time.
 Among other things it has a letter to a business associate in Gainesville from Aaron Burr. The letter is in Burr's own handwriting and though it is somewhat faded and worn it is easily readable.
 Autographs of most of the notable men of the time are also contained in the book. Among them is the autograph of Gov. John A. Winston, whose home is still standing on the road between Gaines vile and Geger. Driving over from Geiger had the privilege of seeing the home and the burial place of Governor Winston.
 Another autograph of historical interest is that of Joseph G. Baldwin, who was one of the most notable characters that ever lived in Alabama. He is the man who wrote that most remarkable book, Flush Times in Alabama and Missis- sippi," which for some reason Is now out of print The few copies that are now In existence are prized as almost invaluable by their possessors.
 Gainesville was Baldwin's adopted home, and it was here that he practiced law and drew such graphic pen pictures of fellow practitioners and others.
 His old office, prized as a landmark by the natives, was recently burned along with most of the buildings on the east side of Main street. Baldwin is well re- memnered by most of the old residents of the place as a man of remarkable bril-