This photo is the Gold site where Captain Handley's father would seek to do exactly what we did today. Pan for gold. Of course, you see a small handley family in view, but, I see history. Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Captain Handley Blog Post
Today, I found out a lot about the creator of our school. Not only did he create the "Handley Family" we know today. He helped create the city and other places linked with roanoke as well. I found out that he even went to war, though it didn't work out very well, he came out alive to give hope to life as we know it. He was a VERY rich, powerful, and well respected man, however, he had what a lot of people with lots of wealth don't have. A heart. He was a man who knew a future would only be fueled by education, so what did he do besides run businesses, be connected to railroad companies, and flat out help build up cities in alabama? He gave us what we are all so grateful for and proud to be apart of, Handley High School. "Yes, time has passed and systems change, but one thing remains the same, Captain Handley is the name". Also, adding onto his great/great great granddaughters opinion as to what his thoughts would be if he could come back and see his creation. I would like to add Community Studies and how Captain Handley would be so proud of fellow students willing to learn. Especially Mrs. Sears and Coach Glass themselves. Im quite sure they don't have to be out in the hot weather giving speeches about roanoke's history..etc.. but they do it for a reason, its the same reason why we are what we are today. Heart. They have so much self determination and eagerness to teach, learn, and carry on opinions about roanoke's history that they have their very own class for it which really jumps out at me. Overall, besides the hot weather, today went very well. I learned a lot about the handley mills, houses in the woods, how one town was literally the biggest town and is now literally nothing, and lots about Captain Handley himself. This has been a very fun time so far and I hope there's much more in store!!
This photo is the Gold site where Captain Handley's father would seek to do exactly what we did today. Pan for gold. Of course, you see a small handley family in view, but, I see history.
This photo is the Gold site where Captain Handley's father would seek to do exactly what we did today. Pan for gold. Of course, you see a small handley family in view, but, I see history. 
Capt. William A. Handley
Today I learned about the life and legacy of Captain William A. Handley. I found out what a huge role he played in making, not only Roanoke, but also Alabama what it is today. Things like the Indian Removal Act and the Alabama Gold Rush are what helped him get land in Alabama and gain his fortune. He was also a veteran of the the Civil War. One of his greatest contributions to the city of Roanoke was Handley Mills. This large factory provided many jobs and a great source of income for the upcoming town. He also paid for most everything included in building the Handley school systems. Overall, I learned from Capt. Handley’s story that if you put your mind to it, you can do it. The tales of his hard work and kindness inspire me to do the same.
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| The Community Studies class stopped at a beautiful creek to pan for gold. |
William A. Handley was born in Heard County Georgia in 1834. Captain Handley and his family John and Nancy Randolph moved to Randolph county after the indian removal act sense new land had open. William A. Handley was a very logical thinker and a very successful business man. The railroad brought goods and new customers. But when the Civil War ended he became bankrupt and moved to Roanoke, Alabama. This is where he plays a big role in are society today with the education and growth of or small community of Roanoke, Alabama. Without Captain Handley we could be going to school in Wadley or something so thanks to him we have the wonderful Handley High School.
W.A. Handley
This picture is of W.A. Handley's grave. This kind of just shows how important he was to Roanoke.
Today while walking in the footsteps of W.A. Handley I realized that he brought a lot more than just business to our small town of Roanoke. His family moved to Roanoke after the Indian Removal Act which made more land available. The Handley’s were first attracted to Randolph County by the Gold Rush. W.A. hoped to start a successful business and made an attempt but it ended in failure. In 1861, he joined the war and soon became captain of the Alabama 25th Infantry. He had some health problems throughout his time as captain and would take periods off from the war. He was later wounded in a battle in Tennessee and never fully recovered. He then decided to quit the war and go home to his wife. When W.A. and his wife Adelia move to Roanoke and began their business in which he needed the use of the railroad. The railroad made it easier for him to send and receive supplies. Handley also believed that education was very important. So important that after the first school burned he donated land and money for a new school to be built. Handley lived by the meaning of Gospel of Wealth, he had plenty of land and money and didn’t mind helping those in need. W.A. Handley truly was an inspiration. Overall what I learned from W.A. was that even if you don’t come from much you can become successful and give back.
Captain Handley
Captain Handley and his family lived in Heard County, GA but they later moved to Randolph County,AL during the Indian Removal Act. The main reason they moved here is because they had heard about the Gold Rush and decided they wanted a part of it. Since the Civil War caused many businesses to close Mr.Handley decided that he wanted to start a business of his own. He ended up putting up lots of schools because he really liked education and thought it was important. He had lots of money, even though he didn't show it, so he wanted to help out. I think Captain Handley was a very important person because he shows how things you do at a certain time can affect the future massively, because if it wasn't for him we wouldn't have the amazing school we have today.
This is the place where the Handley family searched for gold.
Captain Handley
Captain Handley and his family moved from Georgia to Randolph County during the Indian Removal Act to open up land. Handley's family came to pan for gold during the Gold Rush. Also, the Civil War caused his business to shut down but it stopped railroads, which were the main way to ship goods from being materials. Mr. Handley moved to Roanoke to start a business. He valued education and set up a bunch of schools, and he used his money to help and didn't brag about it. Captain Handley's life story taught me that even though we come from this small town, we can always make a change.
Captain William A. Handley
William A. Handley was born in 1834 to John Randolph and Nancy Formby in Georgia. After the Indian Removal Act, he and his family moved to Randolph County as the land became available. Mr.Handley worked as a mail carrier in Louina, as his family lived there. Not only did they come because of land but also the Alabama Gold Rush. He married Adelia Mitchell and they moved to Weslobulga. Later on, W.A. Handley entered into the Civil War and thus made him Captain W.A. Handley. He went and served in Mobile and Tennessee. He was discharged from the army for an injury. Adelia and Capt. Handley had three children that did not survive at birth and two that did. Railroads were very important to him because it helped transport goods to his businesses but, after the civil war the demand of goods were very low and his businesses did not get what they needed. They moved to Roanoke to begin new businesses and get this small town recognized. W.A. Handley valued education and made it a big priority in Roanoke. 110 years later and he has a school named after him! During his time, William A. Handley was, more than likely, one of the wealthiest men known. He used his wealth for good works and did not flaunt what he had. He built our small town into something bigger. He taught me to appreciate where I come from and the history of it. We all started from nothing and it took people like him to get us where we are today and for that I’m thankful.
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| At Captain W.A. Handley's gravesite. |
Through the Footsteps of William A. Handley
William A. Handley was born in Heard County, GA but later moved to Randolph County, AL when the Indian Removal Act forced natives to clear out the land. The main reason him and his family came however was with the Alabama Gold Rush, and it was abundant in these areas. Handley was started working young as a mail runner and opened his own business in current day Cragford, AL. However, he fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War and was appointed Captain of the 25th Alabama Regiment. He was wounded and discharged and went back to his home and back to his business. Handley then moved to Roanoke and became a prominent businessman and owned many businesses, some of which the Handley Hotel and Handley Mills, which required the railroad to bring in supplies and ship out the products. Handley was huge on education and the upbringing of children. He was a key part of the opening of the Roanoke Normal College and made many donations to schools around Roanoke, which is why our school today is named after W.A. Handley. Handley believed in giving back to the less fortunate and believing in everyone, which is why he donated lots of money and was so humble(he did not flaunt his money). We can learn many lessons from Captain William A. Handley such as to give back and to believe in everyone, which he did by expressing his thought that it didn't matter where you came from but you can go wherever you want as long as you put forth the effort.
This is a place where people went in search for gold, just like the Handley family.
Captain Handley's Footsteps
Captain WA Handley was an honorable man who is credited with not only helping Roanoke and Randolph County, but all of Alabama and even America. His life played a part in many aspects of American History. He served our nation as a member of the US House of Representatives from 1871-1873 and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He also served in the Alabama House and Senate. He was a captain in the Alabama 25th during the Civil War, and after receiving an injury, worked as a tax collector who gathered supplies for the Confederacy. He largely contributed to the industrialization of Roanoke with his Mill Town and many businesses in the area, including a hotel. He is largely credited with bringing the central railroad to pass through Randolph County. His family first moved to Louina when land became available during the Indian Removal Act. His father panned for gold in a spot similar to the one I have attached a picture of that we went to today. Captain Handley was a wealthy man, but always gave generously to schools and churches and to the betterment of the community. He donated lots of money and land to ensure that Roanoke citizens were receiving a good education from their schools. He never acted above anyone, and I learned that even though I am from a small town like Roanoke, I can still make an impact on my community and the nation. I also learned that financial status is not a limit to what a person can achieve, and that it is always better to be humble and generous than stuck up.
This is a picture of the spot where we panned for gold today, similar to the spot where Captain Handley's father would have panned for gold.
This is a picture of the spot where we panned for gold today, similar to the spot where Captain Handley's father would have panned for gold.
A Walk In The Footsteps of W.A Handley
Captain William Anderson Handley and his family moved from Georgia to Randolph County during the Indian Removal Act when land opened up and this was also during the Alabama Gold Rush, which was also what attracted the family and others to this area. The Railroad Industry was very prosperous during this time and Mr. Handley became a very successful businessman, but later on his business along with many others went out of business because the Civil War stopped the goods from being transferred by the railroad, so he moved to Roanoke to open a new business. His business prospered and he was one of the wealthiest men in Roanoke. He gave land for schools, business and even railroads to be built on and his legacy of generosity and his name will live on in the heart of this town for many, many more years to come. His story taught me that even if I come from a small town like Roanoke, Alabama I can still make something of myself and live to have a prosperous life.
W.A. Handley
Today I got the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the man that paved the way for Roanoke Al and surrounding cities. William A. Handley and family moved from Liberty Hill GA to Louina after the Indian Removal Act because land became available. The Gold Rush attracted them to this certain spot. He was always a very hard working man which played a huge part in him becoming a very successful business man. The Railroad was major for Cap. Handley because it brought goods to his business. He entered the War in 1861, he was not in the best health so was often sent home to recover. When he would come home to recover his wife would get pregnant. All three babies died and are buried in Louina. He was later discharged and came home to Louina. When the civil war was over the Railroad stopped bringing goods so he went bankrupt. So Cap. Handley moves to Roanoke where he plays a big role in getting the Railroads to extend there so he could continue in business. W.A. Handley took pride in education and did everything in his power to bring the best facilities and staff to a small town like roanoke. Mr. Handley was very wealth but never stood higher than the ordinary man. He showed me to love my town, take pride in who i am and where i’m from, and to make this little town the best it can be.
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(W.A. Handley’s Grave Site)
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(W.A. Handley’s Grave Site)
Captain W.A. Handley
Captain W.A Handley name, will forever stand powerful, not only to the community of Randolph County but across the nation. Captain W.A Handley, was born in Liberty Hill, Ga with the parents of John Handley and Nancy Formby. Captain Handley, later moved to Louina for many years and as a little boy he worked as a mail rider. As time passed, he later married Adelia MItchell. Captain W.A. became a very successful businessman. In 1863, Captain Handley came to Roanoke and later started a new businesses. Captain Handley wealth’s grew, and he decided to build railroads so they could be used for transporting goods and travelers. W.A. Handley also offer land to expand the smaller school so that they could improve the facility, education, and growth. The Alabama rush directed everyone’s attention to settle in this area. Captain W.A Handley was a wise man who used money wisely to help his community, family, and friends. And today, we say thank you!
In the Footsteps of WIlliam A Handley
After the Indian Removal Act passed, Captain Handley and his family moved from Georgia to Randolph County as the land in the area became more readily available. The Gold Rush brought a place to live for family and other folks. Captain Handley was a very successful and rich man who had a big heart for other people. Without the Railroad Industry, the economic standpoint of Alabama would have been a huge failure, but Captain Handley positively benefited the community. The transfer of goods from place to place was brought to a halt due to the Cold War which put a toll on Captain Handley's business. After Captain Handley's business went bankrupt, he moved to Roanoke to start a new life, and a new business. After making a boom in his business, Captain Handley contributed to the schools and made them into a better, more productive system. Making a place for kids to learn was a dream of captain Handleys, and he really just wanted the best for his fellow townspeople. Captain Handley is the reason we all live in Roanoke today. He benefited our society in so many ways and without him, we would not have the successful school system as we do today.
This was when we were standing in two counties at one time. That's a check off my bucket list.
Captain William A. Handley came from Georgia after the Indian Removal Act; this made more land available to many wealthy citizens. The Alabama Gold Rush had brung a lot of people because everyone wants to be wealthy and didn’t care how they got it; so his family wanted it also. The railroad helped by transferring goods that his business made to go to the Cold War veterans. After the Cold War, he went out of business because he really didn’t have any customers. He gave land so schools could be built because he thought education was so important in the city. He cared about the future of the city so he gave land for schools because he was generous to think about the people that he don’t know, and wanted them to have a great education. I can learn a lot from him but the biggest thing is to never give up even when the roughest time comes. When something goes there is a new opportunity that you have to find. Also, don't be stingy with your money; you never know if how much it might mean to someone else like us. If he didn't give land so the school could be built; Some of us wouldn't have a great education that we have.
Captain Handley
W.A. Handley and his family moved from Georgia to Randolph County after the Indian Removal Act made land in the area available. The Alabama Gold Rush attracted the family, and others, to settle in the area. Mr. Handley became a successful business man in his early years. The Railroad Industry was very vital to the economy during this time. Later on, the Cold War stopped the transfer of goods by the railroads. This prevented business, like W.A. Handley's, from getting the materials they needed. Mr. Handley's business soon went bankrupt and he moved to Roanoke to start a new business. Captain Handley's wealth grew and he brought a railroad to Roanoke and established schools for the city. Mr. Handley valued education and wanted to help provide places to learn for the small town. W.A. Handley was a wealthy man who looked to help others, and didn't flaunt his money around. Captain Handley's story taught me that even though I come from a small town, I still can make an impact in the world.
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