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| Notable Women in Alabama History |
| By: Vickie R. Rumble |
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| Eugenia Levy Phillips |
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| Although Eugenia Levy Phillips was not a native-born Alabamian, she and her husband played a big part in Alabama history, partly becaues of Eugenia's staunch support of the Confederacy, and partly because of her husband's political ties to the state. |
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| Eugenia Phillips was born in Charleston, SC, in 1820 to parents, Jacob C. Levy and Fannie Yates Levy. She was one of six daughters who were very well educated for the times. Jacob brought up his children in the Jewish faith and apparently encouarged their individuality. At age l6 Eugenia married a prominent Jewish businessman, Philip Phillips, who was l3 years her senior. By the time of their marriage he had already established himself in a successful law practice in Mobile. |
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| Philip Phillips was a successful Mobile attorney and he and Eugenia lived there for the next l8 years. Eugenia gave birth to nine children, seven of whom were born in Mobile. The family suffered financial setbacks during their time in Mobile such as the loss of their home and possessions in a horrible fire, but Philip always managed to recoup their losses. |
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| Philip served as chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, served two terms in the Alabama State Legislature, and upon being elected to Congress in 1853 he moved his family to Washington, DC. Eugenia delighted in the social whirl of the capital and there gave birth to her last two children. While Eugenia delighted in the many parties Philip established a very successful political career, but in 1855 he left politics, and returned to private practice in Washington. |
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| Having served in Congress Philip was well aware of the volatile political undertone in the country in the late 1850's, and made it clear he was very much opposed to secession. His wife, on the other hand, openly declared her support of the Southern states and aided her native South in whatever capacity she could. This included aiding Rose O'Neal Greenhow, famed rebel spy, and Breckinridge in distributing comforts to the Confederate troops. |
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| Eugenia's family apparently shared her support of the South. Eugenia's sister, Phoebe Yates Pember, (widow of Thomas Pember) was one of the South's most dedicated nurses. Between 1862 and 1865 served as matron for Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond. This was the largest hospital ever built in the western hemisphere and the wounded knew first hand of pain and suffering where food was always in short supply and medicines consisted of whiskey and home remedies for the most part. Phoebe was one of the South's true heroines as she labored to provide any comfort possible for the troops under her care. Phoebe recorded her remarkable story of Chimborazo in A Southern Woman's Story, Life in Confederate Richmond. Today this book remains a testimony to her undying devotion to her country and the troops whose duty it was to defend it. |
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| Soon after returning to his private law practice Philip found his home forcefully entered and ransacked by Union troops provoked by Eugenia's staunch support of Southern ideals. As the troops entered the house, Eugenia discreetly instructed her maid to destroy the box in her washstand which contained family letters and other papers which testified to her support of the South. It is also possible that having already made the acquaintance of Rose O'Neal Greenhow she may have had documents in her possession of a political nature. At any rate, the maid succeeded in finding the letters and concealed them within the bodice of her dress. |
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| While the troops found no hard evidence of treason in the Phillips home they were angered by Eugenia's taunting them and she and two of her daughters were imprisoned in the attic of Mrs. Greenhow's home. Eugenia and Rose were put under guard and not allowed to speak to each other. Mrs. Greenhow was, herself, a prisoner in her own home in retribution of her support to the South. Edwin M. Stanton who later became Secretary of War intervened on Eugenia's behalf, and the Phillips family then established itself in New Orleans theoretically removing Eugenia from danger. |
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| The time spent under guard did not dampen Eugenia's spirits or her support of the South. When New Orleans fell to Gen. Benjamin F. Butler Eugenia quickly became a thorn in his side. It was shortly after he assumed control of New Orleans that he issued his infamous Order #28 which stated, "Head-quarters, Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, May 15, 1862. As the officers and soldiers of the United States have been subject to repeated insults from the women calling themselves ladies of New Orleans, in return for the most scrupulous non-interference and courtesy on our part, it is ordered that hereafter when any female shall, by word, gesture, or movement, insult or show contempt for any officer or soldier of the United States, she shall be regarded and held liable to be treated as a woman of the town plying her vocation. By command of Maj. Gen. Butler." |
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| This order outraged not only the citizens of New Orleans and Eugenia, but the entire South. It began a series of interactions between Butler and Eugenia which pitted them against each other, each vying to mentally subdue the other. Days after the passing of Order #28 citizens were notified that a funeral procession would pass through the French quarter where Eugenia lived, and that civilians were expected to be on their best behavior as a show of respect for the deceased Union soldier. |
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| On that morning Eugenia chose to throw a party for her children. Just as the funeral procession passed by, Eugenia who was standing on the balcony began to laugh loudly which infuriated Butler. Eugenia insisted she was laughing at the antics of the children and not being disrespectful to the deceased soldier, but her pleas did not appease Butler. Her behavior again landed Eugenia in prison, this time on Ships Island, Miss. where prisoners endured the worst of conditions. Eugenia received the same rations as her fellow Confederate prisoners and faced the same threat of yellow fever and other contagions. Even such the desolate conditions did not dampen the spirit of this fiery Southerner who commented to Gen. Butler after her imprisonment that she had one advantage not found in New Orleans, "...Sir, you will not be there." |
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| Although Eugenia's health suffered during her imprisonment, her attitude toward Butler and the atrocities committed by Union troops throughout the South did not. She continued to voice her support of the South from within the prison walls. She neither asked to be released or to receive privileges over her fellow prisoners, even when her health began to fail. In fact, she instructed her husband not to intervene on her behalf. Her health failed sufficiently that upon her release and return home she was not recognized by a servant who slammed the door in her face. Thus ended Eugenia Phillips' battle of wits with Gen. "Beast" Butler. This encounter had drawn attention world-wide. |
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| Following her release from prison Philip moved his family to LaGrange, Georgia where Eugenia softened her outspoken behavior, somewhat, but never gave up her support of the Southern cause. She died in 1902 after having recorded the following passage, "our women were all heroines; everything like dress, amusement, or frivolity was abandoned, until Providence in his wisdom decided against us." |
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| For further reading: |
| Rebel Rose; The life of Rose O'Neal Greenhow, Confederate Spy, Ishbel Ross |
| A Southern Women's Story, Life in Confederate Richmond, Phoebe Yates Pember |
| Memoirs of American Jews, Jacob Rader Marcus |
| Jews in the South, Mercer |
| Who was Who in the Civil War, Stewart Sifakis |
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| Emma Sansom |
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| North Alabama suffered the loss of its industry and prosperity at the hands of Federal troops. At the hands of Col. Florence Cornyn, USA, Lauderdale and Colbert counties saw the burning of textile mills complete with looms and other machinery, and any other facility capable of supplying much needed goods or income for the South. In 1863 Col. Abel B. Streight also conducted raiding parties through North Alabama destroying railroads, bridges, and private property. |
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| Many of the troops that fought under the command of Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest had a particular interest in the raiding and pillaging of North Alabama because their families were suffering terribly in these raids. It was with delight that these men set out to put an end to Col. Streight's atrocities and protect their families and homes. |
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| Following the fighting at Days Gap it seemd that Forrest and his troops would finally overtake Streight and put an end to the raids when they were held off by Streight's troops who had crossed a wooden bridge then set it on fire. Unable to cross the flaming bridge, the ever-resourceful Forrest began to search out an alternative crossing. Assistance came in the form of l6 year old Emma Sansom who lived nearby. She called out to Forrest who rode over to her. She told him of a nearby shallow crossing used by the family's cows and offered to direct him if he would have someone saddle a horse for her. Forrest's answer was, "There is no time to saddle a horse; get up behind me". With Emma sitting behind him Forrest assured her mother he would return the girl unharmed. |
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| As they neared the clearing they could still hear firing from across the creek but the crossing allowed Forrest's cavalry to cross Black Creek and again pursue Streight's forces. Many of Streight's men were too tired to continue and when they fell behind were captured by Forrest. |
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| As Forrest's cavalry crossed the creek he rode back to the farm house and left a note thanking Emma for her assistance. It read, "My highest regardes to Miss Ema Sansom for hir gallant conduct while my posse was skirmmishing with the Federals a cross Black Creek near Gadsden Allabama. N. B. Forrest, Brig. Genl Comding N. Ala." |
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| Emma's heroism is noteworthy in that openly aiding Confederate soldiers could have brought the wrath of the Union troops down upon her family endangering not only their home and possessions, but their very lives. Such bravery exhibited by a l6 year old girl stands testimony to the support of the people of North Alabama for the Southern Cause. Reportedly, Lieut. William R. Petree of Franklin County, Ala. was detailed to guard Emma and her family after the crossing and he was so impressed with this young woman's bravery he later named a daughter Etta Emmaline in her honor. |
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| For further reading: |
| A Battle from the Start: The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest, by Brian Steel Wills. |
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| Mrs. Pauline Stewart and Mrs. Ophelia Stewart Smith |
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| Ophelia Smith was the daughter of Irish immigrant, James W. Stewart and wife, Pauline Banks Bridewell who married in 1828 and moved from Virginia to Kentucky and finally to Lauderdale, county Ala. in 1840. James died in 1854 at the age of 47. Children of Pauline and James were: Charles Daniel, Dewey, Perry, Viola, Paralee, Virginia, Josephine, James W. Jr., Andrew Jackson, and Ophelia. |
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| Pauline Stewart risked her safety and that of her family to rescue the Jewels of the Order of the Florence Masonic Lodge when the building was set on fire by Union troops under the command of Union Gen. William T. Sherman in 1863. Also engulfed in this fire was a block of private homes. |
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| Pauline Stewart was one of several ladies of Florence who helped fashion a flag for the Lauderdale Volunteers (4th Alabama Infantry, Co. H.) which was presented to them upon their departure from Florence. The flag was in the design of the Stars and Bars and was the pride of the women who had sewn it. |
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| It was presented during an impressive ceremony held at Wesleyan Hall, now part of the University of North Alabama. In spite of torrential rains that day the hall was filled to capacity including dignitaries, citizens, and the soldiers themselves who ached to get to the front, "before it's all over". Several future governors of Alabama were present at the meeting and the featured speaker was Dr. William H. Mitchell, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Mitchell who would later be arrested by the Federals for praying for the safety of the troops whom he helped send into battle. Following Dr. Mitchell's address Mary Parnell Donnelson Coffee presented the flag to Captain Robert McFarland of the Lauderdale Volunteers who then placed it in the hands of Ensign Charles Daniel Stewart, son of James and Pauline Stewart. Ensign Stewart promised the women the flag, "...should float wherever honor and danger should demand it to wave and if honor and victory were not inscribed on its fold the flag and the men would never return to Florence." |
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| Stewart, unfortunately, did not survice the first battle the company was engaged in. He was mortally wounded carrying the precious flag at Bull Run/First Manassas and transported home where he died days later. While the Stewart family mourned the loss of their cherished son and brother, they found comfort in the fact that he died at home where his grave could be visited and cared for. Following the war Stewart's comrades returned the flag to his mother, Pauline Bridewell Stewart. |
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| After Stewart's death the flag was carried by Co. H, 4th Ala. Infantry, throughout the war by a total of seven color bearers who took pride in the fact that the flag never touched the ground. The unit managed to secure the flag after Lee's surrender and brought it home to Florence. |
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| Pauline and her daughter, Ophelia, did not sit idly by during the War but took an active part in caring for the wounded as nurses at a military hospital set up in Pope's Tavern which is now a museum in Florence. Many of the women in Florence also served in this capacity and they are known to have buried those who did not survive in Soldier's Rest, part of Florence City Cemetery. |
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| Ophelia Stewart Smith worked diligently, on behalf of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, following the war. Her family's service to the Confederate soldiers carried over into seeing to the comfort of the veterans as they entered their golden years. The flag is a tangible symbol to remind us of the devotion of the Southern people to the Cause for which they fought, but of no less importance is the legacy of service exhibited by Pauline, Ophelia, the ladies of Florence, and the veterans who fought America's bloodiest war. |
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| The last time the flag is known to have been carried was in the late 1930's when Mrs. Pauline Stewart carried it in a parade held in conjunction with a reunion of the United Confederate Veterans in Richmond, VA. Mrs. Stewart and the beloved banner led the parade. One can only imagine the immense pride and melancholy she must have felt as she marched through the streets of Richmond carrying the sacred banner for which her son had given his life. |
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| Ophelia, Charles, and Pauline were not the only heroes in this family. Young James W. Stewart, Jr. routinely carried messages across the Tennessee River from one Confederate commander to another allowing them to communicate with each other and plan strategies. At one time James was captured by the Federals who returned him to Pauline with admonishment that if he were again captured delivering messages to the "enemy" he would be imprisoned. |
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| Charles Daniel Stewart who received a mortal wound at Bull Run lies buried and virtually forgotten in the Florence City Cemetery. A tiny home-made marker, name illegible, is the only reminder that a hero is buried beneath the sod. With the assistance of Mrs. Lois Henderson (a relative by marriage of the Stewart family), Vickie Rumble, on behalf of Killen Brothers Chapter #2594, UDC secured a military marker scheduled to be placed and dedicated in the spring of 1999, 138 years after Ensign Stewart's death. Killen Brothers Chapter is honored to organize the memorial service and perpetuate not only the memory of the Stewart family, but also of the flag which saw history unfurl as a nation gallantly fought for its independence. |
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| Sources: |
| Stewart family papers given to me by my friend and cousin, Mrs. Lois Henderson |
| Florence Times, numerous issues through 1930. |
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| KATE CUMMING |
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| Kate Cumming was born in Scotland and settled in Mobile after coming to this country. When her brother enlisted in the Confederate Army in Mobile Kate volunteered for nursing duty. She travelled throughout the South serving in whichever hospitals needed her services. |
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| Kate wrote a book on her hospital service after the war which is remarkable in its detail not only of life in a Confederate hospital, but of conditions encountered in the communities she travelled through. She describes services provided by various Ladies Aid Societies she came in contact with, local happenings in these areas, economic conditions she encountered, cost of food and clothing and much more. |
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| Kate met and became friends with Dr. William Cross of Tuscumbia, Ala. (Colbert County today) and in her book vividly describes the burning of their home and the loss of all that they owned. |
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| "Dr. Cross was a man of wealth, and when he joined the army left his family well provided for. They lived near Tuscumbia, in the northern portion of Alabama. When the enemy went there they took every thing that Mrs. Cross had: upward of seventy negroes, twenty-five thousand pounds of meat, all her live stock, and a large amount of grain and a large supply of groceries for family use. After they took all of these things, they politely asked Mrs. Cross to leave the house, as they intended burning it. They would not give her time to get a change of clothes for her children. Her old father was an invalid, and had to hobble out on crutches. After getting through with her house, they went to a neighbor's and did the same....I have been intimate with this amiable family some time, and their uncomplaining endurance of their wrongs has excited my unbounded admiration. I have never heard a complaint from them." |
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| The 1860 census of Franklin Co., Ala. lists W. C. Cross and wife, Mary, with five children: Mariana, Manda, Benjamin, Willy, and Mary. The records of the 16th Ala. lists William C. Cross as Surgeon along with requisitions filed by Dr. Cross for supplies. It is obvious from the requisitions medical supplies and medicines are very scarce. He wrote a note at the bottom which states in part, "As may be seen we have no medicine and many sick men." This family is also listed on an 1855 census for what is now Colbert and Franklin County. |
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| Kate's service was lost for many years until the U. S. Postal Service did a series of War Between the States stamps and Kate was one of the subjects chosen. |
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| For further reading refer to Recommended Reading list for Kate's book. |
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