Files from yesteryear: From the files of 1954

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Mr. Persall, who was born in Newton County, Georgia on February 6, 1869, came to Cullman County when he was 19 years old. His parents decided to return to Georgia, but he bought a farm and remained here. Five children were born to Mr. Persall and his first wife, who was Maudenie Calvert. The four of them living are Mrs. Bertha Whitlock, Mrs. Pearl Taylor and Calvin Persall, all of Cullman and Ted Persall, of Akron, Ohio.

Mr. Persall’s second wife was Roxie Sawyers, to whom he was married 29 years and to whom were born six children (five living). They are Lewis Persall, of Michigan, Mrs. Elmer Dee Eddy, of Athens, Mrs. Edna Jones, Mrs. Thelma Jordan and Mancel Persall, all of Cullman. His third wife, the former Lizzie Woodley, died four months ago, after they had been married 20 years. He has 42 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Persall, a retired farmer, now spends his time visiting his friends and neighbors and reading. He has been a subscriber of The Tribune ever since he moved to this county. He is a member of Sardis Baptist Church.

Mrs. W.H. Watts was born 81 years ago, in Blount County. She was married 66 years ago in Cullman County and has lived in Cullman since. Her children are Cora Garrison, of Albertville, Estelle Garrison, of Holly Pond, Pearl Sleaner and Oma Watts, of Route Seven, Cullman, Henderson Watts, of Blountsville and Henry Watts, of Akron, Ohio.

Mrs. Watts says crocheting is her hobby. She attends the Pleasant View Church. When asked how many grandchildren she had, she said, “It would take a long time to count them.” She also has a number of great-grandchildren. J.K. Williamson, born on March 14, 1874 in Randolph County, moved to Cullman County at the age of 17. Fifty-seven years ago, he married Jerusha Guthery. She died three years ago. He has six living children, Mrs. Naomi Hopper, Mrs. Hetie Hyde, Mrs. Vivian Hale and Bud Williamson, of Cullman, Mrs. Leola Jones, of Arab and Mrs. Vera Hale, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, 30 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is a retired carpenter and attends the Church of Christ.