Notorious Antebellum North Alabama

Before The Civil War, North Alabama Was Infamous For Lawlessness. The Era Saw Courts Filled With Defendants Who Spanned The Socioeconomic Gamut--farmers, Merchants And Politicians. In 1811, John B. Haynes Tore Apart William Badger's House With His Bare Hands. Rodah Barnett Ran A Series Of Ill-reputed Brothels In The Early 1820s. In 1818, Rebecca Layman Accidentally Gave Her Husband Sulfuric Acid Instead Of Rum. There Is Even A Case Of Assault With Frozen Corn. Author John O'brien Relays These And More Stories Of The Shady Side Of North Alabama During The Antebellum Period.