Howard, John W., House and Outbuildings
a.k.a. Raybon House;Sewell House
AL 10E, Greenville, ALThe original owners of the house were John W. Howard (1822-1875), was the son of Major James Howard and Tabitha Motley, and his wife Elizabeth Rebecca Penn (1837-1924). After their marriage in 1852 in Macon County, the Howards moved to the Taluca community in Butler County. Taluca, located 12 miles east of Greenville on Alabama Highway 10, thrived during the 1850s with a large mercantile store, a post office, Lodge Hall, a camping ground, and a horse-drawn cotton gin and sawmill. The Howards first lived in a two-room log cabin (no longer standing) until their fine, one-story Greek Revival residence was constructed. Wright and Rouse served as builders, and their inventory of building materials used for the house survives today.
John Howard became a prominent planter in the county and later attained distinction as the inventor of the plow called the "Subsoil-Plow" (Patent number 136,726, March 11, 1873). John and Elizabeth Howard raised a large family of five daughters and five sons. John W. Howard, Jr. and his daughter, Kate Howard Raybon were later occupants of the house. Mrs. Raybon and her husband continued to maintain the property as a farm. Gradually, the land was used primarily to grow pine trees. Today, the property is owned by a 4th generation descendant, Emily Kate Raybon Sewell, and the house is furnished with family antiques and heirlooms.
Local significance of the building:
John Howard became a prominent planter in the county and later attained distinction as the inventor of the plow called the "Subsoil-Plow" (Patent number 136,726, March 11, 1873). John and Elizabeth Howard raised a large family of five daughters and five sons. John W. Howard, Jr. and his daughter, Kate Howard Raybon were later occupants of the house. Mrs. Raybon and her husband continued to maintain the property as a farm. Gradually, the land was used primarily to grow pine trees. Today, the property is owned by a 4th generation descendant, Emily Kate Raybon Sewell, and the house is furnished with family antiques and heirlooms.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The state of Alabama played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus, took place in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. The city was also the site of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which were a key event in the struggle for voting rights for African Americans.
About Butler County
Butler County Timeline
Butler County, located in the southern part of Alabama, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Creek and Choctaw nations. These tribes thrived in the area due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
The first European settlers arrived in Butler County during the early 1800s, primarily from Georgia and South Carolina. They were attracted to the region's potential for agriculture, as the fertile soil was perfect for cultivating crops like cotton and corn. The influx of settlers led to the establishment of towns and communities such as Greenville, the county seat.
Butler County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county was occupied by Union troops for a significant portion of the war, causing disruptions to the agricultural economy and the local population.
In the years following the Civil War, Butler County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The economy slowly rebounded, and the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century played a significant role in the county's growth. With the arrival of the railroad, industries such as timber, turpentine, and livestock thrived in the area.
Today, Butler County continues to be a hub of agriculture and industry in Alabama. Its rich history is evident in the numerous historic sites and landmarks that can be found throughout the county, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people throughout the years.
The first European settlers arrived in Butler County during the early 1800s, primarily from Georgia and South Carolina. They were attracted to the region's potential for agriculture, as the fertile soil was perfect for cultivating crops like cotton and corn. The influx of settlers led to the establishment of towns and communities such as Greenville, the county seat.
Butler County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county was occupied by Union troops for a significant portion of the war, causing disruptions to the agricultural economy and the local population.
In the years following the Civil War, Butler County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The economy slowly rebounded, and the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century played a significant role in the county's growth. With the arrival of the railroad, industries such as timber, turpentine, and livestock thrived in the area.
Today, Butler County continues to be a hub of agriculture and industry in Alabama. Its rich history is evident in the numerous historic sites and landmarks that can be found throughout the county, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people throughout the years.
Butler County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Butler County, Alabama.
- 1819: Butler County is established as a county in the state of Alabama.
- 1820: The town of Greenville is established as the county seat of Butler County.
- 1821: The first courthouse in Butler County is constructed in Greenville.
- 1832: The first post office is established in Greenville.
- 1850: The population of Butler County reaches 7,745 residents.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Butler County supports the Confederacy.
- 1879: The first railroad is built in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Montgomery.
- 1899: The Boll Weevil, an agricultural pest, arrives in Butler County, causing significant damage to the cotton industry.
- 1919: The first paved road is constructed in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Georgiana.
- 1939-1945: Butler County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the armed forces.
- 1965: Butler County participates in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma to Montgomery marches.
- 2000: The population of Butler County is 21,399 residents.
- 2010: The population of Butler County decreases to 20,947 residents.