WINSTON COUNTY, AL HISTORY AND LOOKUP (FORMERLY HANCOCK)

County History Books

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Winston (Formerly Hancock) County, Alabama: A Genealogical Overview

Located in the rugged Appalachian foothills of northwestern Alabama, Winston county holds a unique place in state history, most famously as the “Free State of Winston” for its pro-Union stance during the Civil War. Its genealogical story is one of independent farmers, a significant name change, and a legacy of dissent.

I. County Formation and Evolution

For genealogists, understanding Winston county’s original name and its unique Civil War history is essential for contextualizing family records.

  • 1850: County Formed: The county was established on February 12, 1850, and was originally named Hancock county.
  • Parent County: It was created from the eastern portion of Walker county.
  • 1858: Name Change: On January 22, 1858, the county was renamed Winston county in honor of John A. Winston, the 15th governor of Alabama. The original namesake was John Hancock, the famous signatory of the Declaration of Independence.
  • County Seat History: The first county seat was established at Houston. After the courthouse there burned, the seat of government was moved to Double Springs in 1891, where it remains today.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The mountainous terrain was primarily a hunting ground and border area for the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek nations.
  • Settlement and Economy: The area was settled by yeoman farmers, largely of Scots-Irish descent from Tennessee and the Carolinas, who were drawn to the hilly land that was suitable for small, self-sufficient farms. The county’s geography did not support a plantation economy, and as a result, very few residents were slaveholders.
  • The “Free State of Winston”: The county’s most defining historical event occurred in 1861. With strong pro-Union sentiment, residents held a meeting at Looney’s Tavern and declared their neutrality in the Civil War. This resolution led to the county being dubbed the “Free State of Winston.” While officially neutral, many Winston county men fought for the Union Army, a unique distinction in Alabama.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records specific to Winston county.

  • Courthouse:
    • Winston County Probate Office: Located at 11 Blake Drive, Double Springs, AL 35553. This office holds county records such as wills, estate files, land deeds, and marriage licenses dating from the county’s 1850 formation as Hancock county. For records prior to 1850, researchers must consult the records of its parent county, Walker.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration began in 1908. These records are held by the Alabama Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage records from 1850 to the present are held by the Winston County Probate Office.
  • Libraries with Genealogy Collections:
    • Winston County Archives: Located at the old courthouse in Double Springs, this is a vital resource for genealogical and historical research, holding many original county records, family files, and local publications. The Haleyville Public Library (411 21st Street, Haleyville) also has local history materials.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Cullman county
    • Franklin county
    • Lawrence county
    • Marion county
    • Walker county

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks