Ashford in Houston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Incorporation of Ashford/Ashford - a Unique Name
Photographed By David J Gaines, April 20, 2013
1. Incorporation of Ashford Marker
Inscription.
Incorporation of Ashford/Ashford - a Unique Name. .
Incorporation of Ashford. Wishing to incorporate their small town of “Pine-Woods,” a group of men set off to Abbeville, Alabama to go before Probate Judge Dan Gordon on May 11, 1891. A petition was signed on that day, recorded and filed eight days later, and an election set for June 15th. Out of the 300-400 residents of the town, only 47 voted. The results indicated the vote was 100 percent in favor of the incorporation and Judge Gordon recorded that the town, now called Ashford, was invested in all rights of incorporation on June 22, 1891. He ordered that there be an election for one mayor and five councilmen. Although not officially recorded, a man by the name of R. R. (Bob) Adams was said to be the first mayor. There continues to be some dispute over whether or not he actually was the mayor or if a man named Mr. Watson accompanied him in the position of mayor of part of the town.,
Ashford – A Unique Name. Many have wondered how the town of Ashford received its name and many still ponder this question today. Two versions have been told with the most popular being that Captain John T. Davis, who married the daughter of Dr. Ashford of Columbus, Georgia, named the town for his wife’s family. Captain Davis owned a substantial amount of land and deeded many lots to the railroad system, The second story, recorded by the late W. E. Pate, stated that the town received its name because of the fords on the creeks where the wagons had to cross. There was a large ash tree by one of the fords where farmers placed a log across the creek, west of Ashford. When travelers would pass through and were asked where they crossed they would reply “At the Ash Ford.” Whether or not one believes either of these versions, the town is still known by its unique name.
Incorporation of Ashford
Wishing to incorporate their small town of “Pine-Woods,” a group of men set off to Abbeville, Alabama to go before Probate Judge Dan Gordon on May 11, 1891. A petition was signed on that day, recorded and filed eight days later, and an election set for June 15th. Out of the 300-400 residents of the town, only 47 voted. The results indicated the vote was 100 percent in favor of the incorporation and Judge Gordon recorded that the town, now called Ashford, was invested in all rights of incorporation on June 22, 1891. He ordered that there be an election for one mayor and five councilmen. Although not officially recorded, a man by the name of R. R. (Bob) Adams was said to be the first mayor. There continues to be some dispute over whether or not he actually was the mayor or if a man named Mr. Watson accompanied him in the position of mayor of part of the town.
Ashford – A Unique Name
Many have wondered how the town of Ashford received its name and many still ponder this question today. Two versions have been told with the most popular being that Captain John T. Davis, who married the daughter of Dr. Ashford of Columbus, Georgia, named the town for his wife’s family. Captain Davis owned a substantial amount of land and deeded many lots to the
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railroad system, The second story, recorded by the late W. E. Pate, stated that the town received its name because of the fords on the creeks where the wagons had to cross. There was a large ash tree by one of the fords where farmers placed a log across the creek, west of Ashford. When travelers would pass through and were asked where they crossed they would reply “At the Ash Ford.” Whether or not one believes either of these versions, the town is still known by its unique name.
Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department and the Town of Ashford.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1817.
Location. 31° 11.032′ N, 85° 14.147′ W. Marker is in Ashford, Alabama, in Houston County. Marker is on North Broadway, on the right when traveling north. Located in a small municipal park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ashford AL 36312, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. Incorporation of Ashford/Ashford - a Unique Name Marker
A new mural
Photographed By James L.Whitman, July 2, 2022
4. Incorporation of Ashford/Ashford - a Unique Name Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 1, 2014
5. Older Mural and marker in W.S. McArthur, Sr Park
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2013, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 711 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2013, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on July 3, 2022, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. 5. submitted on May 2, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
