Finally solved part of the mystery of Simmons Grocery.
While browsing the reference section of local library, I came across a newly rebound book, "The Heritage of Macon County, Ala." (H976.1 HER Vol. 44). It contains a listing of key events in Macon County, AL from the earliest records available. One early event was this one:
"1839 -- Cross Keys Post Office opened. Community previously known as Simmons Grocery."
NOTE- the P.O. event was 7 years after the establishment of Macon County in 1832, so it's possible the grocery was operating prior to 1832, and as far back as the mid-1820's; that's when Nathaniel Simmons received a land grant that included part of the local north-south road which runs diagonally for a short distance through the NW corner of this land. Another possible location for Simmons Grocery is a few miles west of this parcel of land, on Cross Keys Road.
This reference answers part of the question, but not all of it. Was the original grocery on or near the Old Federal Road, or farther south in the county? Was Simmons Grocery a "grocery store" as in a separate structure, or was it run from the Simmons house? Which Simmons owned and operated it?
More interestingly, if this grocery was operated by a Simmons in my family line, what happened to the grocery upon the death of my earliest ancestor, Nathaniel Simmons, in 1857? Did it continue to operate during the Civil War period, and afterwards?
Are there any Simmons' descendents living today in the old Cross Keys area of Macon County who might have some answers?
The journey continues....
While browsing the reference section of local library, I came across a newly rebound book, "The Heritage of Macon County, Ala." (H976.1 HER Vol. 44). It contains a listing of key events in Macon County, AL from the earliest records available. One early event was this one:
"1839 -- Cross Keys Post Office opened. Community previously known as Simmons Grocery."
NOTE- the P.O. event was 7 years after the establishment of Macon County in 1832, so it's possible the grocery was operating prior to 1832, and as far back as the mid-1820's; that's when Nathaniel Simmons received a land grant that included part of the local north-south road which runs diagonally for a short distance through the NW corner of this land. Another possible location for Simmons Grocery is a few miles west of this parcel of land, on Cross Keys Road.
This reference answers part of the question, but not all of it. Was the original grocery on or near the Old Federal Road, or farther south in the county? Was Simmons Grocery a "grocery store" as in a separate structure, or was it run from the Simmons house? Which Simmons owned and operated it?
More interestingly, if this grocery was operated by a Simmons in my family line, what happened to the grocery upon the death of my earliest ancestor, Nathaniel Simmons, in 1857? Did it continue to operate during the Civil War period, and afterwards?
Are there any Simmons' descendents living today in the old Cross Keys area of Macon County who might have some answers?
The journey continues....