Saturday afternoon history lesson

By Chris Sweigart

We studied U.S. History and World History in school, but it’s really special to have the opportunity to be schooled in family history. I got that opportunity Saturday by members of the West Jefferson Historical Society, Louise Ayer Tommie and Dr. Bill Gresham, when I pulled into the McAdory House in Bessemer.
The structure, built in the early 1840s by Thomas McAdory. Jr., is in need of repair, but it was encouraging for me to know that members of the Society are doing what they can to refurbish the old homestead. My great-granddad, Joseph McAdory I, was born there. So was my grandfather. So was Isaac Wellington McAdory, a member of the state Legislature (I don’t reckon the state Senate had childish fist fights back then). So was Dr. Thomas McAdory Owen, founder of the Alabama State Archives. So was Robert McAdory, the first mayor of Bessemer. Pretty neat.
The home is a history book unto itself.
Inside are old mattresses, cedar chests full of quilts and trinkets, documents, Bibles, a pump organ, dining room table with China, sewing machine, chairs, desk, bookcase, etc. It was like walking into a McAdory History Book. I could look at the dining room table and see images of the past having supper and talking about their day—days filled with raising crops and raising a family. Evidently, they did a good job. For that, I am thankful.