With Special Help From

John Alexander Speer³ (William¹, William²)was a land-owner, cotton planter, and family man. He was born on a frontier plantation in Up-State South Carolina and after beginning a family moved to Alabama where he purchased a 640-acre frontier farm. Here he raised his eight children and lived a long and prosperous life.

Although we know little of his boyhood, growing up on a frontier plantation must have been both fun and adventurous. We can assume that with his Irish family heritage, horses and hunting were a way of life and this area was bountiful with all types of wildlife.

Along with the rest of the Speer family, John Alexander undoubtedly attended the nearby Rocky River Presbyterian Church. He likely attended the adjacent Church Hill school operated by the famous Reverend Moses Waddel. The work, religious and educational ethics of the Speer family ensured that John Alexander was well prepared for whatever life was to bring him.

John Alexander, Sarah and three children were living on a farm in Abbeville County at the time of the 1850 US Census. Later this area became a part of the newly-created Anderson County.

The family first moved to a farm just south of Birmingham, but found that the soil was too rocky and thus was unsuitable for cotton crops. The water also tasted bad, so the family soon moved farther south to Coosa County^A. Coosa County at this time was also a frontier, having been created on December 18, 1832 on land acquired from the Muscogee Indians by the 1831 Treaty of Cusseta. The Indians were given title to their lands but many soon sold out to newly-arrived farmers. The land in Coosa County was described as "being hilly, with level valleys and bottoms with the soil generally light and which may be easily improved"^B.

John Alexander purchased a 640-acre tract on the road between Rockford and Wetumpka. Here he built a house and began farming. The farm was located 5 miles from Rockford, 15 miles from Wetumpka and 31 miles from Montgomery. Incomplete land records suggest that he also bought and sold additional lands between 1858 and 1867^C.

Soon John Alexander’s brothers William Houston Speer³ and James Milton Speer³ were also living in Coosa County, undoubtedly drawn by the offer of inexpensive farm land suitable for cotton growing. The three families must have maintained close ties; in addition, the community of Speed with several Speed families, presumably related to the Speed sisters mentioned above, was nearby. A small church, called the Speer Chapel, was built along US Highway 231; but today only the cemetery remains (APPENDIX C).

By the beginning of the Civil War, all three Speer brothers were prospering as cotton farmers. John Alexander was listed as a farmer on the June 1, 1860 US Census. The Agricultural Schedule shows that he owned 650 acres of land, of which 250 were improved. The land was valued at $5,000. He also owned 1 mule, 4 working oxen, 6 horses, 10 milk cows, 28 other cattle, 70 swine, 140 bushes of wheat, 1,500 bushes of Indian corn, and 120 bushes of oats. The family had 17 servants:

five girls between 4 and 18 years old

six boys between 3 and 16 years old

one man 30 years old

The distribution of ages and sexes suggests that these were mostly house servants, undoubtedly helping out with the chores of a large family.

This ploy was apparently successful. Servants who observed the hiding place in the well informed the soldiers who assumed this was all of the family’s valuables and the gold and silver hidden after dark was not stolen. Obviously the hidden coins were of great benefit to the family after the war.

No records have been found that suggest John Alexander served in the military during the Civil War. See Figure 11-1 for a tracing of his 1902 signature.

The State of Alabama Coosa County

Know all men by these present, that I, John A. Speer of near Speed in Coosa County, Alabama, being of sound mind, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made. As to my worldly estate, and all the real, personal or mixed property of which I shall die seized and possessed or to which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease, I devise, bequeath and dispose thereof in the manner following to wit:

First: My will is that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall by my executor, hereinafter named, be paid out of my estate as soon after my decease as convenient.

Second: I give, devise and bequeath to my son W. C. Speer all my property both real and personal and mixed of every character and description.

Third: I do nominate and appoint my said son W. C. Speer to be the executor of this my last will without bond. In testimony whereof I the said John A. Speer have to this my last will and testament subscribed my name and affixed my seal this the 29th day of November 1905.

John A. Speer

John Alexander Speer³ died at the age of 95 on January 10, 1910 and was buried beside his wife and daughter in the Speer Chapel Cemetery.

Born Died

1) Mary E. Speer⁴ c1844 c1915

2) James Taylor Speer⁴ 7 Sep 1846 17 May 1927

3) Sarah Eleanor Speer⁴ 23 Feb 1851 27 May 1892

4) George Leard Speer⁴ 16 May 1853 21 Aug 1911

5) Julia Speer⁴ c1855 c1938

6) William C. Speer⁴ 1858 1949

7) John A. Speer⁴ c1859 c1865

8) Anna Lee Speer⁴ 1862 1930

1) Mary E. Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born about 1844 in Abbeville District, South Carolina. On May 17, 1861 she married Cary T. Cox. About 1863 they became the parents of a son, Cary Cox⁵. During the Civil War, Cary T. Cox was a Lieutenant in the 68th Regiment of the 7th Alabama. He died of illness during the war in 1863. On December 29, 1873 Mary E. married George Morgan in Tallapossa County, Alabama. Sometime later she married a Mr. ?? Bradford. She died about 1915 at Vincent, Shelby County, Alabama.

2) James Taylor Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born September 7, 1846 at Cherokee Heights, Abbeville County, South Carolina. He served for one year during the Civil War (CHAPTER 19). On May 16, 1864 he was inducted into Company C, 53rd Alabama Regiment (Cavalry) at Rome, Floyd County, Georgia. In his 1902 application for a pension, James Taylor stated that he had been wounded at the Battle of Atlanta which would have been about August 1864. See Figure 11-2 for his signature on the pension application. James Taylor was paroled on April 23, 1865 at Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia. In 1907 he still owned his parole paper.

On December 18, 1867 James Taylor married Ollitippa Eugenia McCall in Speed, Alabama. Ollitippa Eugenia was born September 2, 1848 in Russell, Mobile County, Alabama. Her father was James E. McCall.

At one time, James Taylor owned a country store about 12 miles northeast of Wetumpka. He died May 17, 1927 in Memorial Hospital in Montgomery County, Alabama and was buried in the Harmony Methodist Church Cemetery in Elmore County.

James Taylor and Ollitippa Eugenia had nine children:

Born Died

2-A) Johnnie Lee Speer⁵ 20 Oct 1868 4 Nov 1953

2-B) Lela Eugenia Speer⁵ 24 May 1870 12 May 1931

2-C) Mary Elizabeth Speer⁵ 8 Sep 1872 21 Mar 1908

2-D) Nina Emma Speer⁵ 12 Aug 1879 22 Aug 1897

2-E) Marvin Ernest Speer⁵ 7 Jul 1883 unknown

2-F) Effie Emma Speer⁵ 10 Aug 1886 unknown

2-G) James Clanton Speer⁵ unknown 1 Sep 1959

2-H) Cary Speed Speer⁵ unknown unknown

2-I) Ella Hannon Speer⁵ unknown unknown

2-B) Lela Eugenia Speer⁵ married Gus L. Hannon who was born March 21, 1866 and died August 12, 1939. They had four children: Johnny Hannon⁶, Gertrude Hannon⁶, Eugenia Hannon⁶, and Sallie Hannon⁶.

2-C) Mary Elizabeth Speer⁵ married Norah Gus Beckett who was born November 5, 1865 and died May 5, 1949. Mary Elizabeth and Norah Gus had two children: Nona Beckett⁶ and Onna Beckett⁶.

2-D) Nina Emma Speer⁵ was buried in the Speer Chapel Cemetery, Elmore County (formerly Coosa County), Alabama.

3) Sarah Eleanor Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born February 23, 1851 in Abbeville District, South Carolina. On December 21, 1875 she married George Johnson who was born June 15, 1847.

Sarah Eleanor and George had two children: George Johnson⁵ and Lola Estella Johnson⁵. Lola Estella was born February 3, 1877 and was living in Sulphur Springs, Texas in 1910.

Sarah Eleanor Speer⁴ died May 27, 1892 and George Johnson died August 13, 1894. They are both buried in the Speer Chapel Cemetery in Elmore County (formerly Coosa County), Alabama.

4) George Leard Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born May 16, 1853 in Abbeville District, South Carolina. He grew up on his father’s farm in Coosa County, Alabama and was only 12 years old when the Civil War ended.

George Leard attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia from 1873 until 1875. Although he studied surveying, his main occupation throughout his life was teaching; however, he often accepted surveying assignments when not actively teaching. He was a professor and Principal of the Jennison Male and Female Institute in Chilton County, Alabama. See Figure 11-3 for his signature.

George Leard and Sara Evaline moved across the Coosa River to Chilton County near the community of Isabella where they purchased a 200-acre farm, built a house, and raised their family. See Figures 11-4 and 11-5 for George and Sara’s portraits.

His grandson George William Whitmire, Sr.⁶ writes:

His son Carey Speer⁵ wrote that Sara Evaline:

George Leard’s family was decimated by illness between 1910 and 1920. Three family members died in 1918. In 1919 the surviving family sold their homeplace and moved to Birmingham where they lived with their Aunt Elizabeth Jones Swann.

George Leard died at home on August 21, 1911. Sara Evaline died April 16, 1918. They are buried together in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Chilton County, Alabama (Figure 11-6).

AUG. 21, 1911

OCT. 23, 1867

APR. 16, 1918

Figure 11-6

The August 24, 1911 issue of The Union (Chilton County newspaper) carried the following obituary:

Mr. Geo. L. Speer, one of Chilton County’s most prominent citizens closed his eyes in endless sleep last Monday morning at his home in the western part of the county. Mr. Speer was a native of Coosa County but came to Chilton many years ago, where he married Miss Eva Jones, a sister of our Sheriff B. L. Jones and to them were born nine children, eight of whom with the devoted wife survive him. Mr. Speer was by profession a school teacher and many of the young men and women of Chilton County have just cause to rejoice that they were brought up under his tutelage, for no more moral or upright man lived in the county than was Prof. Speer.

Up to the last moment of his life he was conscious and carried on conversation with his kindred and friends. Just before his death he remarked how well he felt and how well prepared he was for the unknown voyage which he knew within a few moments he must take his great regret at going was severance of the tie which bound him so affectionately to his family. Death seemed to have no sting for him. He was ready and went not gladly but willingly.

The life of such a man is a blessing to any community, his death is a lived and distinct loss to the county in which he lived."

The August 31, 1911 issue of The Union carried the following tribute to George Leard:

RESOLUTION OF RESPECT--adopted by Chilton County Teachers Institute August 24, 1911.

The late Prof. G. L. Speer was born in Abbeville, SC May 16, 1853 and died in Chilton County, Ala. at his home near Benson, Aug. 21, 1911.

He was brought to Alabama by his parents in early childhood. By striving earnestly for an education while young, he fitted himself for the teaching profession. To his profession he had been very loyal, giving almost his entire life to his vocation. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn his loss.

‘Though he’s dead, yet he liveth’ and whereas, said in His infinite wisdom has removed by death one of fellow teachers, Prof. G. L. Speer. We your committee on resolution, ask to submit the following tribute of Love and Respect: Resolved:

1st. That while we deeply deplore the death of our esteemed and beloved co-worker, we humbly bow to God’s will realizing that He doeth all things well.

2nd. We realize in his death that our profession has lost one of its most worthy teachers and our country one of its best citizens.

3rd. That we shall strive to emulate his example in our daily life and our loyalty to God and in our profession.

4th. That we extend to the bereaved family our deepest sympathy and pray that God’s Grace may enable them to say ‘Thy will be done.’

5th. That a copy of this resolution be spread upon our minutes and a copy be sent to our county papers for publication.

Respectfully Submitted: Jos. F. Bone, J. L. Johnson,

Nelia Johnson

George Leard and Sara Evaline had nine children:

Born Died

4-A) Edgar Jerome Speer⁵ 31 May 1888 16 Apr 1910

4-B) Grady Briggs Speer⁵ 26 May 1891 22 Oct 1918

4-C) Wilbur Leard Speer⁵ 30 Nov 1892 9 Aug 1961

4-D) Sula Mae Speer⁵ 20 Mar 1895 26 May 1963

4-E) George Curtis Speer⁵ 1 Jul 1897 17 Nov 1971

4-F) Carey Speer⁵ 26 Mar 1898 17 Jan 1994

4-G) Gladys Speer⁵ 5 Mar 1900 7 Apr 1929

4-H) Seaborn Alexander Speer⁵ 8 Apr 1902 7 Dec 1918

4-I) Lavinia Era Speer⁵ 6 Nov 1903 26 Jun 1918

4-A) Edgar Jerome Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born in Chilton County, Alabama and died in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. Edgar Jerome is buried in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Maplesville, Chilton County.

4-B) Grady Briggs Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born in Chilton County, Alabama and died from flu and pneumonia at a military hospital at Camp Mills, New York. He served as Sergeant in the 31st Infantry in the US Army and was a casualty of World War I. Grady Briggs is buried in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Maplesville, Chilton County.

4-C) Wilbur Leard Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born in Chilton County, Alabama. He enlisted in 1917 and served as Sergeant in a US Army machine gun company with the 52nd Infantry stationed in France during World War I. He married Bessie Sula Groom about 1920. Bessie Sula was born July 11, 1894 and died February 27, 1948. Wilbur Leard died in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. Wilbur, Bessie and their infant daughter are buried in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Maplesville, Chilton County.

Wilbur Leard and Bessie Sula had three children:

Born Died

4-C-1) Jack Speer⁶ 29 Oct 1920 25 Oct 1938

4-C-2) Sara Wynell Speer⁶ 2 Jun 1926

4-C-3) Infant Daughter Speer⁶ 24 Sep 1934 24 Sep 1934

4-C-1) Jack Speer⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Wilbur⁵) is buried in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Maplesville, Chilton County, Alabama.

4-C-2) Sara Wynell Speer⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Wilbur⁵) was born in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama and married Walter Lee Wade. They have two children:

Born

4-C-2-a) Sharon Lynn Wade⁷ 20 May 1954

4-C-2-b) Robyn Leigh Wade⁷ 10 Nov 1958

4-C-2-a) Sharon Lynn Wade⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Wilbur⁵, Sara⁶) was born in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama and married Gregory Glenn Morgan. Sharon Lynn and Gregory Glenn have two children: Leslie Morgan⁸ born September 22, 1981 and Christopher Wade Morgan⁸ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Wilbur⁵, Sara⁶, Sharon⁷) born April 21, 1987. After 1987, Sharon Lynn married Michael Lewis Garrett.

4-C-2-b) Robyn Leigh Wade⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Wilbur⁵, Sara⁶) was born in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. She married William Ross DiGiorgio and they have two children: William Ross DiGiorgio, Jr.⁸ born October 19, 1987 and Sarah Joseph DiGiorgio⁸ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Wilbur⁵, Sara⁶, Robyn⁷) born 29 May 1990. The family lives in Birmingham.

4-D) Sula Mae Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born in Maplesville, Chilton County, Alabama. She married William Mont Whitmire in Birmingham on May 22, 1923. See Figure 11-7 for Sula Mae’s signature. See Figures 11-8 and 11-9 for portraits of Sula Mae and William Mont. William Mont was born September 11, 1885 in Transylvania County, North Carolina and died May 25, 1965 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. Sula Mae also died in Jacksonville and is buried there in the Oaklawn Cemetery.

Sula Mae and William Mont had two children:

Born Died

4-D-1) George William Whitmire, Sr.⁶ 13 Jul 1925

4-D-2) William Mont Whitmire, Jr.⁶ 4 Jan 1931 5 Jan 1931

4-D-1) George William Whitmire, Sr.⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Sula⁵) was born in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. He served in the US Army during World War II with the 42nd (Rainbow Division) in three campaigns in France and Germany. On June 20, 1946 George William, Sr. married Frances Elizabeth Stephens in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. Frances Elizabeth was born July 7, 1926. After graduation from college in 1947, George William, Sr. joined his family’s industrial contracting company which was sold in 1967. He then pursued a second career in banking and became a member of the Sons of the American Revolution on January 23, 1995. He was a significant contributor to this book and lives with his wife in Jacksonville.

George William. Sr. and Frances Elizabeth have three children:

Born

4-D-1-a) Elizabeth Ann Whitmire⁷ 30 Aug 1954

4-D-1-b) George William Whitmire, Jr.⁷ 8 Aug 1955

4-D-1-c) Julie Frances Whitmire⁷ 17 Aug 1957

4-D-1-a) Elizabeth Ann Whitmire⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Sula⁵, George⁶) was born in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. She married James Edward Robison, Sr. July 14, 1978 in Jacksonville. James Edward, Sr. was born November 13, 1950. Elizabeth Ann and James Edward have three children: James Edward Robison, Jr.⁸ born June 9, 1981; John Christopher Robison⁸ born June 1, 1985; and Anna Elizabeth Robison⁸ born June 11, 1988. The family lives in Jacksonville.

4-D-1-b) George William Whitmire, Jr.⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Sula⁵, George⁶) was born in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. On August 28, 1976 he married Geary Irwin in Jacksonville. Geary was born December 20, 1954. George William, Jr. and Geary have a daughter Abigail Irwin Whitmire⁸ who was born June 28, 1982. The family lives in Jacksonville.

4-D-1-c) Julie Frances Whitmire⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Sula⁵, George⁶) was born in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. On August 16, 1980 she married Scott Edward Petersen in Jacksonville. Scott Edward was born September 23, 1956. Julie Frances and Scott Edward have two children: William Edward Petersen⁸ born August 26, 1981 and Katherine Lee Petersen⁸ born April 6, 1985. The family lives in Jacksonville.

4-E) George Curtis Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born in Chilton County, Alabama. He served in the US Army in World War I. He married Julia Maria Craft. He died in Baltimore, Maryland where he is also buried.

George Curtis and Julia Maria had three children:

Born

4-E-1) Dorothy Marie Speer⁶ 19 Nov 1926

4-E-2) George Wallace Speer⁶ 6 Dec 1929

4-E-3) Edward Jerome Speer⁶ 10 Aug 1934

4-E-1) Dorothy Marie Speer⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵) was born in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. She married first Webster Charles Dove and second John Herbert Mears. Dorothy Marie and Webster Charles had two children:

Born

4-E-1-a) Mason Wade Dove⁷ 25 Mar 1959

4-E-1-b) Barry Briggs Dove⁷ 16 Oct 1962

4-E-1-a) Mason Wade Dove⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵, Dorothy⁶) was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Elizabeth Josesina Ramirez and they have two children: Amanda Nikole Dove⁸ born May 14, 1988 and Natalie Brooke Dove⁸ born May 24, 1990.

The family lives in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

4-E-2) George Wallace Speer⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵) was born in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. He married Carlyn Elizabeth Schaeffer and they have four children:

Born

4-E-2-a) George Michael Speer⁷ 30 Jan 1955

4-E-2-b) Stephen Curtis Speer⁷ 11 May 1957

4-E-2-c) Carlyn Marie Speer⁷ 9 Dec 1960

4-E-2-d) Catherine Leigh Speer⁷ 1 Sep 1963

4-E-2-a) George Michael Speer⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵, George⁶) was born in Baltimore, Maryland and married Marie-France Guylaine Batsen. They have two children: Kevin Speer⁸ born November 26, 1992 and Amelie Marie Speer⁸ born June 7, 1994.

4-E-2-b) Stephen Curtis Speer⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵, George⁶) was born in Baltimore, Maryland and married Francine Veronique Durst. They have one daughter Hannah Speer⁸ born January 27, 1993 in Delray, Florida.

4-E-2-c) Carlyn Marie Speer⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵, George⁶) was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and married Randell Justice Williams. They have two children: Ryan Justice Williams⁸ born April 11, 1991 and Mason Curtis Williams⁸ born May 15, 1992. The family lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.

4-E-2-d) Catherine Leigh Speer⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵, George⁶) was born in Baltimore, Maryland and married Richard Brian Hess. They have one daughter Sara Maria Hess⁸ born June 16, 1993. The family lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

4-E-3) Edward Jerome Speer⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, George⁵) married Barbara Ellen Finn and they have three children:

Born

4-E-3-a) Ann Michelle Speer⁶ 5 Apr 1957

4-E-3-b) Gregg Vernon Speer⁶ 5 Mar 1962

4-E-3-c) Scott Andrew Speer⁶ 25 Jan 1966

4-E-3-a) Ann Michelle Speer⁶ was born in Washington, DC and married John Michael O’Heir. They have two children: Brendan Michael O’Heir⁷ born June 6, 1984 and Ashley Marie O’Heir⁷ born May 2, 1987. The family lives in Hampden, Massachusetts.

4-F) Carey Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born in Chilton County, Alabama. He entered Auburn University in 1919 (Figure 11-10) and graduated with a BS Degree in Chemistry in 1922. He married first Mary Ella Mullins and second Nell Katherine Crocker. He died in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia where he is buried in the Sun Set Cemetery.

Carey and Mary Ella had two children:

Born Died

4-F-1) Mary Elizabeth Speer⁶ 8 Jul 1927 29 Nov 1984

4-F-2) William Carey Speer⁶ 6 Nov 1938

4-F-1) Mary Elizabeth Speer⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Carey⁵) was born in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida and married Dr. John Harry Hill. She died in Yorkshire, England. Mary Elizabeth and John Harry had three children:

Born

4-F-1-a) Jonathan Hill⁷ 6 May 1954

4-F-1-b) Laura Hill⁷ 3 Sep 1955

4-F-1-c) Robert Hill⁷ 16 May 1963

4-F-1-b) Laura Hill⁷ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Carey⁵, Mary⁶) was born in St. Louis, Missouri and married Pinkney Vinning Mikell. They have one son William Pinkney Simmons Mikell⁸ born December 12, 1988 in New York, New York.

Carey Speer⁵ (1898-1994). Drawn in 1997 by Edward Shanon Wood⁷ from a 1919 photograph.

4-F-2) William Carey Speer⁶ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴, Carey⁵) was born in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida and married Madeline Lloyd Karl of Mobile, Alabama. After graduation from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree, he joined the US Air Force and served two tours in Vietnam as a Captain. The family currently lives in San Francisco, California.

4-G) Gladys Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born in Chilton County, Alabama and married H. E. Moreland. Gladys died from child birth in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. She is buried in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Maplesville, Chilton County.

4-H) Seaborn Alexander Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born and died in Chilton County, Alabama. He died from flu and pneumonia and is buried in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Maplesville, Chilton County.

4-I) Lavinia Era Speer⁵ (William¹, William², John³, George⁴) was born and died in Chilton County, Alabama. She died from Typhoid fever and is buried in the Isabella Methodist Church Cemetery, Maplesville, Chilton County.

5) Julia Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born about 1855 in Abbeville County, South Carolina. She married a Mr. ?? Christie. Julia died about 1938 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

6) William C. Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born about 1858 in Alabama. His nickname appears to have been "Willie". He married and had three children: a daughter named Annie Speer⁵ (who married a Dr. ?? Hunter); an unknown daughter born in 1895; and an unknown son born about 1898. At one time William C. lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he sold patent medicine. On November 29, 1905 he was named as the executor of his father’s estate. William C. died in Mobile, Alabama in 1949.

7) John A. Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born about 1859 in Alabama. John A. died about 1865 in Coosa County, Alabama.

8) Anna Lee Speer⁴ (William¹, William², John³) was born in 1862 in Alabama. She married a Mr. ?? Hunter. They had two children: Annie Lee Hunter⁵ (born in 1893) and J. T. Hunter⁵. Anna Lee died in 1930 in Eclectic, Elmore County, Alabama.