We Tree’s Weekly Genealogy Prompt #27 asks us to visit the graves of local celebrities and talk about their lives. I’ll profile a celebrity not in my local area, but in the local area I am researching.
My maternal ancestors are from a rural, Southwestern county in Tennessee called Hardin County that most folks haven’t heard of unless they’re from there or have been following my post.
Hardin County’s largest city and county seat is Savannah. Many of my family members lived in a suburb called Hooker’s Bend, which is fodder enough for another post.
Alex Haley (the author of Roots) is Savannah’s biggest celebrity and he plays a prominent role in the tourism brochures for the area.
Alex Haley’s Roots in Hardin
Alex Haley grew up in Hening, Tennessee, which is actually several counties over in Lauderdale County. But Alex’s grandparents were prominent and well-known Savannah citizens from the end of the 19th through the early 20th century.
They were Alec/Alex Haley and his wife Queen. They’re also (stated with utter pride) in my family. His name is written in records both ways, but I will call him “Alec” in this post to differentiate between him and his grandson.
The Holt family is one of my Hardin County lines and they intermarried with Haleys in two places. My great-aunt, Madelina Holt, married Abner Haley. Abner was one of Alec and Queen’s sons.
Their other son, Simon, was Alex Haley’s father. Another Holt ancestor, John Holt married Julia Haley, who was a daughter of Abner Haley.
I discovered our connection to the Haleys when I started my research. My grandfather, Luther Holt, knew all of these cousins.
Alec and his wife Queen, because they were a fascinating couple. Alec was well-known by everyone in 19th century Hardin County because he operated the ferry. His ferry took people across the Tennessee river to the city of Savannah, where the courthouse was.
One year, Alec saved a white woman who almost drowned when she fell into the water. This story was recounted in the newspaper and Alec was firmly fixed in the community as a highly regarded man.
The Cherry Family
The Cherrys were one of the wealthiest families in Hardin County from the early-mid 1800s. They owned what came to be known as the Cherry Mansion. The Cherry Mansion sits right on the side of the Tennessee river and was where Alec Haley’s ferry picked up passengers to go “‘cross the river.”
His wife Queen, about whom Alex Haley’s later book was about, worked in the Cherry mansion. Their house was about 100 yards from the Cherry Mansion. The Cherry Mansion was so grand that General Grant stayed there before and during the the Battle of Shiloh. It’s owner, William Cherry, was a prominent merchant and a Unionist.
When Roots and Queen made Alex Haley famous, there was a rush of visitors to Savannah, and people sought out the elderly to ask them their memories of the couple. They created a rich record in addition to the book written by Alex. All kinds of interesting details emerged about 19th century life.
Memories of Alec and Queen
People got baptized down at the river. Elephants swam across the river when the circus came to town. The town was unpaved and turned virtually to mud when it rained. Alec was described as a hard-working, smart, honest man who didn’t like “no ‘ficety kids.”
Alabama-born, Queen was a petite woman, who said a white man named Captain Jackson was her father. Queen’s mental spells were the stuff of legend and everyone knew of her time spent in the mental hospital at Bolivar.
Her spells made an indelible impression on everybody. One elder claims, “Miss Queen had fits, but she told us she acted that way to get what she wanted!” Others agreed about how smart she was and how they loved to hear her witty sayings.
Queen’s spectacular way with gardening was noted. “She was crazy about flowers and her yard was beautiful. She had elephant ear plants all over the place.” Stories like these are the kind I live for in genealogy.
Closing Thoughts
As a genealogist, I have enjoyed tracking this family through the census. I’ve also visited the Cherry Mansion and other places associated with the couple.
By 1930, Abner and Madelina Holt Haley migrated to Detroit, part of the Great Migration of African-Americans to the North to find better employment and escape the hardships of the South.
Last summer, I joyfully got to meet several of my Haley ancestors who live outside Detroit, in Inkster. We exchanged pictures and information about our shared Tennessee roots.
I see my cousin Chris Haley much more often since he’s also here in Maryland and is the Director of the Legacy of Slavery Center at the Maryland State Archives. Alex Haley is his uncle.
Through the Kunte Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation and his speaking engagements, he keeps the Roots message alive.
Alex Haley left ALL genealogists a gift we cherish.
I’ll end with Alec Haley’s headstone in Savannah, Tennessee:
I am an engineer by day, but my true passion lies in genealogy. I have been a researcher, writer, lecturer and teacher for over twenty years. This blog is where I share family history methods, resources, tips and advice, with an emphasis on slave research, slavery and its aftermath. This lifelong quest has helped me to better know my family’s past. I’ve taken back– reclaimed– some of that lost memory, especially that of my enslaved ancestors. I hope you’ll sign up to receive my posts—if you do, you’ll get a free PDF with some of my favorite tips! And please do share posts that interest you.
I can upon this blog. Very interesting. My ancestors are the slave Jacksons. My relatives are named Easter, Sally, Lemon, and so many more. Gilbert Jackson is buried at the Forks of Cypress slave cemetary. I’ve been searching for for Jackson ancestors from the Plantation. If you have any info please, I’d love to see what you have. Thanks Tina
I am also a direct descendent of James Jackson. He was my great-great- grandfather. My great-grandfather was Charles Pollard Jackson. I am also an Elizabeth, named after my grandmother Elizabeth Jackson, who was named after Elizabeth Perkins.
I loved the book, Queen. I was fascinated with all of the research Alex Haley did on the James Jackson, Sr. Reading Queen helped my connect James Jackson. I remember sobbing and feeling like I really knew James Jackson. He and I have a lot in common. Thank you so much for the picture of Queen. Many a Jackson woman has had those “fits,” at least in my line of females.
I regret that I did not get to meet Alex Haley. As you may know, some Jacksons were not convinced of the relation. While I respect their opinions, from my perspective, there are too any similarities to ignore. Thank you for your post.
Elizabeth Jones
Such an interesting post. I am actually watching Queen for the first time right now. I live just up the road a piece from Savannah (my husband’s family all hail from that area of TN)….several members of his family actually, today, own the land just across the River from Cherry Mansion…it is “camping vacation” sites for them, though some has built permanent structures.
I’ve admired the mansion across the River so many times (I have a thing for old Southern architecture & history, in general). I honestly had no idea the connection to Alex Haley…not something we were taught about in school, really. I’m white and grew up with little knowledge of black history…aside from what our history books taught us in the 70s/80s.
Viewing that mansion & what would’ve been Alec’s ferry path, next time I’m visiting family, will look differently to me after seeing this mini series & reading what I have online.
Thank you for sharing your ancestors’ past.
God bless.
Christy. I agree. I will sure at visit to my home town of Savannah differently. Praise God for this information.
I am also a Haley. My grandfather was Ira Haley from Marion County Alabama. His parents were Ben and Julia Haley.
My grandfather was Alexander Haley Lowery from Savannah TN. I am working on my family tree and it seems I have a lot of family members that I don’t know.
Hi Julia, I am related to your grandfather’s sister, Roberta Lowery. I would love to share informations.
I had the pleasure of meeting Alex Haley while moderating the Student Forum at Long Beach City College in 1970. Mr. Haley totally enthralled his student audience with his discussion of his own genealogical research, a story eventually known as Roots. I don’t believe I have ever been so captivated by a story or story teller. His book, Autobiography of Malcom X was a must read when he visited our campus that day.
Thank you so much for sharing this… I love historical thing and I am always grilling my NANA about her past. My daughter and I have done family searches online. We did find out some interesting things about our family. One day I want to properly record all this stuff for the younger ones in the family, but sometimes it gets frustrating when I hit a dead end while looking for more information. You have really inspired me to keep looking though. I love the story of your family.
AFTER READING THE ARTICLE ON ALEX HALEYS GRANDPARENTS. I REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS AND FINALLY GOT THE CHANCE TO SEE WHAT THE REAL QUEEN HALEY LOOKED LIKE, SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
Wow, this is nice…I am overly impressed with the information shared here…I was wondering when I was going to hear about Abner since he was Queen Haley first son…I wish I could talk to any descendant of Simon Haley…
I really enjoyed this keep up the good work
I just watched Alex Haley’s ‘Queen’ for the 2nd time. Her story is very touching. She was a strong women and I would have been proud to know her.
Queen was a stunning woman. Have you ever been to Cypress to see the slave graveyard? Have the Jacksons ever claimed Queen as one of their own? I absolutely enjoyed your story. My great grandmother died in 2008 and all our family knows is that her mother was from Alabama. I have a photo of her mother and your story has inspired me to begin my own search for my ancestors to pass on to my children. Thank you so much for sharing.
The Jacksons of the Forks were one of the only plantation owners to have slaves buried in their own cemetery.
My father, James Jackson 5th, and Bill Haley did meet up a couple times. They were asked to be on the Phil Donahue show to talk about the family history years ago, but after further discussion, neither of them trusted the show’s intentions, so they backed out. Lol
According to the book “Queen”, no pictures exist of Queen. Also, the Haley name was taken by William Baugh from the plantation owner in Marion County, Alabama. His name was Green Haley and he was kind to his workers.
Bama
OMG are you related to the Burleson who married into the Haley family?>
I enjoy all the pics you posted. There was a comment from captain jackson relative in connecticut. That would be the white side of your family tree it would be amazing to see all of you meet and share your stories with us. The haley/roots/queen history is very fascinating, please continue posting. I pray that god will bless as you continue to reseach.
What a great article 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Lots of tidbit facts I didn’t know. I have my own “Queen” Daniel Miles. She is my Grandmother, and Alex’s story reminds me of a lot of my own. Thanks for sharing these pictures. I had never seen them before, I only imagined. Great work!
What was the name of ALEC Haley’s son prior to his meeting Queen and when and how did he die?
I really enjoyed reading your article. It brought tears to my eyes to see what the real Queen Haley look like. The movie makes me cry ever time I watch it.
I really enjoy your article about the Haley’s. Every time I watch Queen I cry. Thank you so much. I tried looking up my family tree when it said free, but it wasn’t so I gave up.
Watching the Roots and Queen marathon on BET. Being a writer myself I tend to research as I watch. I too had never seen an actual photo of Mrs. Haley. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am sure Alex Haley would be proud to know he has a younger cousin who is interested in continuing what he started in preserving his family’s history. Hope you can turn this wonderful blog into a book one day.
Thia
I am James Jackson’s direct descendant. He’s my great-great grandfather. Thank you for these wonderful pictures, I will show them to my dad, James K. Jackson! We live up in Connecticut, but keep our Southern roots & the Forks of Cypress alive!
Sincerely, Liz
Do you have pics of queen when she was younger? Also how many children did James and Lizzie actually have? You are blessed to have such a richly filled heritage. I love your families history and would love to learn from both sides.
Wow this is amazing, I can tell queen was mixed she looks like a white woman with a tan, she probably was lighter in the fall and winter time, her hair is so curly thats another give away, she was a nice looking lady I wonder if theres anymore pictures of her especially when she was younger, I bet she was so pretty and I bet her hair was real long she cut it obviously, halle berry did a great job and shes favors queen alex knew what he was doing when he pick halle to play his grandmother, and danny glover did a good job to, alex grandfather looks like a light skinned danny glover, just so amazing, I wonder if some of the things in the book and movie was real, like was lizzie really lgnorant like that and did she really lived with a mulatto prostitute, the woman who played the mulatto prostitute did a great job she was very pretty, and I wonder did abner got hisname from the white women who she worked for and did abners father really got hunged, maybe queen lied about somethings I dont know, but I do know that queens story is so shock,sad,unbelieable,scarey at the same time it might be true or false, I do believe somethings but thats another topic, this was a real person wow love it,
I didn’t know much about Alex Haley, nor did I really pay attention until the release of Queen. I was 10 when Roots came out and being white, I don’t even remember any of my relatives watching the movie. I only knew about it in passing. There were a lot of things I thought were left out that I was curious about. Like what ever happened to James and Lizzie Jackson and all their offspring? Were the old ladies that Queen worked for really real? Did the Jackson family have any pictures of the slaves they owned and perhaps there might have even been a childhood picture of Queen? When she went back to the Forks for her father’s funeral, did she really have a confrontation with Lizzie and was the house really empty and falling down as depicted in the movie?
I guess I am going to have to make a trip to Alabama and Tennessee so I can see everything for myself
Great to see actual pictures. I would like to know more about the truth of the book Queen. Such as: was Digby a reality in Queen’s life or made up fiction. Would sure like to know more about Abner’s birth father, Davis or was he even real? I read one article by the author of Queen (Stevens) (Haley was dead before it was actually published) and he said that much of the story of Queen was fictionalized. Loved the book though…real or not.
Have you come across any information for a Robert Haley in your research. He told his kids he was from “up north” in Tennessee (up north being north of Memphis). He would have been born in the late 1800s.
My sister was married to a Holt from Inkster and their daughter favors Queen. My sister’s mother-in-law took care of Abner before he passed away.
Yes, can you get in contact with me I have a lot of folks that are Haley’s. We are related to Abner. I would like to get more informaiton. Thanks
Rufus Harris
mother was a Haley
IM JUST CURIOUS AS TO HOW OLD WAS ABNER HALEY WHEN HE PASSED, AND WHAT DID HE PASS AWAY WITH. ALSO QUEEN HALEY WHAT WAS HER CAUSE OF DEATH.
Having a mild obsession for the Forks of Cypress, the plantation where Queen Haley was born, I was thrilled to see a photo of her and learn a bit more about her history.
If you have never been there, visiting the Forks in Florence AL is an experience. While the house is gone, the pillars remain. A private family owns it, but when I was there over 10 years ago, horses still roamed the property. Horses were a staple element in Queen’s grandfather’s life.
If you would ever like to see the inside of the Forks, photos are available on the Library of Congress website. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/S?pp/hh:@field%28TITLE+@od1%28Forks+of+Cypress,+Savannah+Road++Jackson+Road+,+Florence+vicinity,+Lauderdale+County,+AL%29%29
They are beautiful and horrendously complete. For me at least, it supplemented what Queen’s life must have encompassed before she left her old existence to begin anew in Tennessee.
I hope this might shed some new light on your family’s history, that is, if you didn’t already know about it. 🙂
Robyn,
After reading your comment on my blog, I came right over to check out your post. Great reading, and wonderful oral history; I wanted more. Thanks for sharing.
Sandra
Queen was worth reading again……..
I thought Alex out-did himself……
I hadn’t seen a photograph of her before…….
Imagining what she looked like as a child…..
surely a pretty girl……
As biracial (MULATOO) persons become older they do tend to look mostly black. My grandmother had a picture with her long wavy hair past her waist. She could definitely past for white. As she got older, she definitely looked like a light skinned black lady with hair above her shoulders. So if Queen could pass when she was younger, it is not unusual for her pigmentation to change.
i was finally able to see the pictures, they are great! Why is it that no one knows when Queen died?
In those times your lucky you even had the correct birth date. It just wasn’t recorded. My father used to live further around the bend, and no one really knew his birthdate. The military found out for him.
I could not view the photos, is there something wrong with the cite or is it my computer? I would love to see all the pictures you have posted
– One correction – I think that you meant that Colonel James Jackson III was Queen’s dad, NOT General Jackson.
I enjoyed this though. According to the book, Queen could pass for white. According to that picture, it seems doubtful that she could – she looks black.
Great post, I finally get to see what Queen Haley looks like. I’ve ran across the photo of Alec Haley before while searching online. I enjoyed the movie “Queen” and thought Halle Berry did a wonderful job.
I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you.