ALBRIGHT FAMILY NEWSPAPER ITEM

Article provided courtesy of Larry Priest

Arkansas Gazette 1928 Biblical Life Span of "Three Score Years and Ten" Means Nothing to Six Brothers and Sisters Who Live at Batesville

Standing -- left to right -- Mrs. Mary Younger, Frank P. Albright, William R. Albright Sitting -- left to right -- Alson G. Albright, Mrs. Nancy Shell, Mrs. Julia Montgomery

Batesville, Nov, 21, -- (Special) -- "The days of our years are three score years and ten," and by reason of strength a certain privileged few are sometimes permitted to enjoy "four score years" in the service of man and his Creator. And, so it has always been and so it is yet. Even those who attain the three score years and ten mark are comparatively few in proportion to the multiplied millions who inhabit the earth. Yet there are six brothers and sisters -- all hail and hearty -- well past the three score years and ten who reside in Independence county, Arkansas and whose ancestry has ever been of such ling life and prominence that this family can easily trace its lineage back to the famous house of Hapsburg and Lorraine, royal families of Europe. The brothers and sisters are members of the Albright family, the Oldest being Alson G. Albright, aged 90, and the youngest, Mrs. Mary Younger, aged 78. Others are Mrs. Nancy Shell, 83; Mrs. Julia Montgomery, 82; William R., 79; Frank P., 76. All reside in Independence county, five of whom live in Batesville, its county seat. Mrs. Nancy Shell makes her home with a daughter, Mrs. Walter H. Denison at Cusiman, 12 miles north of here. Independence county has long been recognized as a heavy contributor to the list of eminent names and coveted traditions surrounding them which fill the pages of Arkansas history. A recapitulation of the Albright family merely serves to enrich those pages already occupied by such figures as the Millers, Baxters, Searcys, Bates, Boswells, Balls, Ringgolds, Sharps, and many others. Came in State in 1852. The Albrights came to Arkansas in 1852 from Carroll county, Tennessee. Parents of the present family were Alvis and Polly Stockard Albright. They migrated to Tennessee from Cheatam county, North Carolina in 1851. Frank P. Albright now lives in the house which his parents first moved upon their arrival in Batesville at the outbreak of the Civil War. The family had lived near Cushman until that time. The American name Albright comes from the German name Albrecht, having passed the transitional stages of Albrech, Albrert and Albert in reverse order. The final change was effected when Hendrich Albrecht and his wife, Anna Folsom, left their Bavarian home and came to America about the year 1725. It is through him that the present generation is able to substantiate its claim to membership in a family of royal dignity. Besides belonging to a family of royal lineage, the Albrights at one time had a coat of arms. John Burke, in his "Peerage" on the nobility of Europe, describes it as follows "Arms; Gules (Red) a Fleut-de-lis or (Gold) Crest; A Dexter hand proper, holding a Fleur-de-lis Or." Francis M. Smith, in the "Journal of American History," contributes a complete explanation. "The Fleur-de-lis points to French ancestry, it being the Lily of France. A hand is the symbol of justice, while the lily, like all flowers in heraldry, means peace and loyalty. The color gules are red symbolizing courage and magnanimity. Gold means generosity and elevation of mind." Their Dominating Characteristics Possibly the most dominating characteristics of the Albright family running through the American genealogy are a sincere conviction for the right of unmolested religious worship, an amazing capacity for growth and culture and a striking fondness for selection of similar vocations. Alson, Frank P. and William R. were merchants in their younger days as was their father and grandfather. A Presbyterian church was organized near Barren Fork, Izard county, by Alvis Albright. Law's church, Stoner's church, Brick church and many others were organized in North Carolina by the older Albrights. Captain William Albright attended the reformed synod in Philadelphia in 1812 for the purpose of obtaining a pastor for Stoner's church. William R. Albright served many years in Sunday school and lay work of the Methodist Church. Frank Albright, son of Alson, thus served several years as president of the men's Bible class of the First Methodist church of Batesville. The family adheres principally to the Methodist and Presbyterian faith. All members of the Albright family are well educated. Many have been teachers. J. G. Albright, son of Alson, is one of the leading educators of the state. He is now county superintendent of education Jackson county. A perusal of the family history reveals the fact that Albrights have served in every war in which the United States has participated. Captain William Albright, great uncle of the present generation, served in the Revolutionary struggle while Omar, son of Alson, was a lieutenant in the late World war. History tells us that Captain Henry Clay Albright, cousin of the present generation, served in the Civil war under General Vance. He went into the battle of Gettysburg with 100 men and came out with only six. A soldier writing home tells of Captain Albright during Pickett's famous charge. "Our regiment entered battle yesterday with 800 men. Today 80 are left. Captain Albright is the only captain left unhurt. For bravery and courage he and his North Carolina heroes compare with Leonidas and his immortals at Thermopalye." He was later killed at Squirrell [sic] Level near Petersburg, being shot through the head. His sword, uniform and blood-stained hat bearing the fatal bullet marks are now in possession of a brother, Dr. Durant Hatch Albright, Snow Camp, North Carolina. Alson Albright was regimental carpenter in General Lee's army and served throughout the war. He was mustered out of service after the surrender at Appomattex. Oscar, son of William R. Albright in the Philippine war. He enlisted at the beginning and was not discharged until several months after its close. Few Were Politician Although intensely interested in the affairs of the government, few of the Albrights have ever tossed their hats into the political arena. Alson, Frank P. and William R. cling firmly to the Democratic party and boast of having voted a straight ticket in the last election. An uncle, William, of Cheatham county, North Carolina, developed into a prominent political figure of that state. He served in both the senate and house of representatives between 1840 and 1850 and is said to be the first candidate in North Carolina who refused to treat voters with whiskey. All of the six surviving brothers and sisters of whom Alson is the oldest, are comfortably provided for during the rest of their days. Only Frank P., however, maintains a home of his own. All have children and grandchildren. Each of their life companions are dead, Mrs. Alson Albright, is oldest, being the last to pass away. She died about two years ago. Alson Albright lives with a son, Frank. He recently made a trip to Little Rock, unaccompanied, to visit his son, Oscar. Mrs. Nancy Shell makes her home at Cushman with a daughter, Mr. Walter H. Danison. She frequently visits in Batesville. Mrs. Julia Montgomery lives with a daughter, Mrs. W. B. Headstrear of this city, but, at present is visiting another daughter, Mrs. O'Wile in Tulsa, Okla. She made the trip unaccompanied. William R. Albright makes his home with son, William F. Albright, upon who Batesville depends for its daily supply of bread. Frank P., although maintaining his own home, spends much time in Little Rock with his only daughter, Mrs. Nathan A. Adler. Mrs. Mary Younger makes her home in this city with her brother Alson. She is spending the winter, however, in Little Rock with a daughter, Mrs. Nathan H. Hardister. Annual reunions are held by the family and many stirring incidents of war time and reconstruction days are always recited. All retain a large measure of their youthful native wit which is a family characteristic at adds to the well known ability of each as an interesting conversationalist.