Gadsden High School - Crucible Yearbook (Gadsden, AL)

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Early Settlers Qeneral Daniel C. Turrentine Born in Virginia in 1807, died 1883. Af-fectionatelg called by the earlier settlers “Uncle 77' ZN 1843 migrated south and settled in Gadsden, then known as Lafferty’s Landing. General Turrentine built Gadsden’s first hotel. This hotel, known as Turrentine Hotel, was located at the corner of First and Broad streets. Being on the stage line from Koine to Tuscaloosa, it proved successful as a business enterprise and was the center of much social activity. General Turrentine was a man of much note and influence. He was aggressive and progressive, acquiring large acreage in the suburban section of the town. It was on these holdings that he built a fine home. He planted the grand old oaks now seen on Turrentine avenue. “The City Beautiful’’ was one of his slogans. General Turrentine organized the first Sunday School ever known in Etowah county. For nine years he was justice of the peace and performed practically all the marriage ceremonies in the county. He was a leader in business, religious, social, and political circles and was one of the most distinguished of Southerners. Mr. John S. Moraqne Born of French Huguenot parents at Abbeville District, S. C., February 17, 1814. Died March 22, 1881. HE subject of this sketch was one of the founders of Gadsden. The town was laid out in 1846 by Gabriel Hughes, Joseph Hughes, and John S. Moragne. The city of Gadsden was named for General James H. Gadsden of the “Gadsden Purchase” fame. Mr. Moragne with his associates, Gabriel and Joseph Hughes, owned practically all the land now embraced in the business section of Gadsden. It was through their efforts that railroad and boat transportation connected at this point. The first steamboat to ply the Coosa was built at St. Louis, brought to YVe- Puyc Twenty

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Stealing from his tent in wonder. Then she called out o'er the water, “Fare thee well, O brave Aineego, Thus it is you learn the secret Of the Falls of Noccalula!” Then she vanished o’er the precipice Like the white foam on the torrent. Then within the rushing water Did he see her snow-white spirit Beckoning to him from the white mist Of the Falls of Noccalula. Long the red men had their wigwams Underneath the murmuring pine-trees. Till the grey-haired Chief Kewano Passed into the world of spirits, To the land of souls beyond us. And the warrior, young Ameego, Was the chieftain old and hoary. When the white man journeying westward. Seeking gold and lands of promise. Passed the Falls of Noccalula, Broke the stillness of the forest With his shouts and ringing axes, Then he tought his Indian brothers Of the great white God in Heaven, Of the Father of all mortals. But at last the great white brothers Journeying later toward the westward Drove the red men from their forests, By the Falls of Noccalula, Drove them westward toward the sunset. O’er the plains and cross the rivers. But the brave old chief Ameego. Bearing ever in his bosom His fond love for Noccalula Could not leave her lonely spirit. Bidding farewell to his people, Back he turned his weary footsteps Till his dim eyes gladly rested On the murmuring, sobbing pine trees By the Falls of Noccalula. Now no trace of red men lingers ’Neath the pine trees by the torrent. There no brave and noble warriors Smoke the calumet, the peace-pipe. But the warm sun shines as brightly And the birds sing on as sweetly As the days when Noccalula Wandered in the silent forests. When the sun in fiery splendor Gleams ere setting, on the water. Bright within the foam a rainbow Dances in its painted beauty. Symbol of a love undying Token of two souls united By the Falls of Noccalula.

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tumpka. and, after being dismantled, was hauled overland from Wetumpka to Grcensport, a few miles down the river from Gadsden. It was here rebuilt and launched by Captain Laffcrty. This was in 1845. The boat, named the “Coosa”, made regular stops through a long period of years at Gadsden. Mr. Moragne was a pioneer in the mineral business in this country. The first lot of iron ore ever sent from this part of North Alabama was from his lands. lie was a mineralogist with a practical understanding and had much to do with the early industrial development of our city. He predicted a great future for Gadsden. His dreams are now becoming a reality—Gadsden, “A Well Balanced City”. Mr. Joseph R. Ruqhes Gadsden’s First Horn R. HUGHES had the distinction of being the first white child born within the present city limits of Gadsden, the date of his birth being March 14, 1812. The house in which Mr. Hughes was born is still standing. It is located at the intersection of Tuscaloosa Avenue and Third Street. Repairs on the original building have been made from time to time. The structure at first was of logs and built by an Indian half-breed. Mr. Hughes’ parents, Gabriel and Asenath Hughes, were natives of Haywood County, North Carolina. The senior Mr. Hughes migrated to Alabama in 1838, locating in Calhoun County, near Jacksonville. In 1840 ho removed to what was then known as Double Sr rings, but now included in Gadsden. In 1845 he joined Joseph Hughes (his brother), and John S. Moragne in founding Gadsden. Much of the history of Gadsden down to the present time centers around the Hughes family. Joseph R. Hughes built the old Exchange Hotel which stood for years at Locust and Fourth Streets. He erected the first steam flour mill at Gadsden, and was in the milling business until 1874. when he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court. He was re-elected in 1880, and when his term was out he went into the real estate business. He was several times elected alderman of the city and was never defeated before the people. He was one of the original members of the First Methodist Church and was prominently identified with nearly everything that had for its object the upbuilding of the community. He died October 14, 1921. All honor to his memory. Puyc Twenty-One