This article appeared in the August 18, 1906 issue of The Nevada News. See Map H for the location of Alabama Township. The people living in the northwest part of Nevada County know very little of Alabama Township as it exists today. Its citizens mostly do their trading in points on the Cotton Belt, and only come to that part of the county when they are required to do so by summons to court, or to see the city clerk two dollars and a half's worth. But there is a reason, and a good one, for this 30 miles is too far, in these days of railroads, to drive to market when Stamps and Waldo are eight miles away. And this is the only reason, for these people love their county, they ever labor for its upbuilding, and their beautiful homes, fine farms, splendid schools, and handsome churches attest to their public spirit and civic pride that other more pretentious parts of the county might do well to imitate. Alabama Township is aristocratic. Not the brand that regards aristocracy and wealth as synonymous, but they belong to the old Southern aristocracy that taught the full duty of every man was to be a gentleman. Alabama Township was formerly much larger than now. Before Nevada County was formed, and all that section belonged to Columbia County, Alabama Township comprised several hundred square miles. In those days there was an affinity among the people and a high standard of culture and morality existed that has left its impress upon every citizen who came under its influence. Prescott may better judge this influence when they knew it touched the Pittman's, the Atkinson's, the McRae's, the White's, and gave to Nevada County men who are today leaders in all public affairs. The population of Alabama Township today is about 1100, with a voting strength of 224. The tax books show about 25 percent of these to be colored. There are three post offices of importance in the township--Falcon, Parker, and Wildcat. Falcon is the most important of these places and is a town of considerable business activity. J. M. Ratliffe, formerly pastor of the Christian church at this place, carries a nice stock of general merchandise as does T. C. Marlar. Dr. J. H. Davis is postmaster and carries a small stock of drugs. Dr. D. C. Nichols is another physician with a splendid practice who carries his own stock of drugs. J. D. Pelt, a retired merchant, and a man of means, furnishes considerable money in the spring of the year to farmers with which to make a crop. Prominent among the farmers might be mentioned E. R. McSwain, J. H. McClure, W. H. and J. W. Russell, and scores of others who own fine plantations and are building up a prosperous community. Parker is the name of the post office near Nichol's School House and is patronized by a large number of citizens. It is at present supplied with mail twice each week from Falcon, but a petition for rural routes will in all probability be acted upon favorably soon. The most prominent of Parker's citizens are A. S. J. Hamilton, A. D. Sherrill, W. C. Hatcher, B. F. May, W. R. Carroll, P. G. Nichols, J. S. B. Marlar, T. M. Ware, J. M. Henshaw, J. P. Nichols, and J. S. Stewart. E. K. Lightfoot is the postmaster at Wildcat, a settlement in the edge of Bodcaw bottom. It is surrounded by rich, fertile farms owned by a fine class of people. John A. McKamie, E. M. McNatt, P. F. Foster, J. J. Mitchell, W. C. Mitchell, and J. E. Wheelington are some of the gentlemen who contribute toward making life pleasant in the northwest part of Alabama Township. Note: Pictures included with the article include: 1. A street scene at Falcon 2. The home of A. S. J. Hamilton in Alabama Township IN ALABAMA TOWNSHIP--MATTERS OF INTEREST PERTAINING TO FALCON, PARKER, AND WILDCAT