Pond Spring History

The first land-holding settlers moved into this area of Northern Alabama in 1818.   Previous to this time, the land was part of Indian territory.  John Hickman and Benjamin Sherrod began what would eventually become Pond Spring and the General Joe Wheeler Home.

 

Sherrod Family (1818 - 1865)

Benjamin Sherrod was one of two partners in ownership of the property after the area had been newly opened for formal settlement.  His son, Felix, would improve and grow the operation in the 1830's and 1840's.  His grandson, Ben, would marry Daniella Jones, daughter of nearby plantation owner, Richard Jones.  The widowed Daniella would eventually meet and become remarried, this time to a young Confederate general she had met soon after he crossed the Tennessee River while being closely pursued by Federal cavalry.

 

Wheeler Family (1865 - 1994)

The modern community around the historical site takes its name from this prominent family.  Joseph Wheeler was a soldier (twice for the United States and once for the Confederate States), as well as a statesman.  Not only through Joseph, but also through his family, are the source of the seeds that have preserved the property and legacy of the Wheeler's as well as all of the other people that have shared the historical site over the years.

 

Local History (1818 - present) (additions as information received)

In keeping with the mission of the Pond Spring property to provide a broad look at the history of not only the immediate property and locale, but also the surrounding area, this section will introduce other bits of interesting and connected history.

It is our goal to update and continually build this repository of historical information regarding Pond Spring and the surrounding area.