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.
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