The 1850s Brownfield House in Opelika, Alabama
This letter was written by Dr. Robert Styles Brownfield (1826-Bef1900), one of the first physicians in Opelika, Alabama. He was the son of John Brownfield (1789-1853) and Elizabeth Barnett (1779-1851). Dr. Brownfield later entered into the Dry Goods Business and kept a store in Opelika in 1870. Robert married Rebecca Eleanor Watson (1835-1913) prior to 1861.
Dr. Brownfield directed the letter to Col. David Wood Bozeman (1814-1887), the son of Nathan and Harriet (Knotts) Bozeman. He married Ann English Browning (1817-1905), of Lowndes County, Alabama, April 12, 1832. “Col. Bozeman lived near Benton, and afterwards in Coosa county, for many years, 12 miles north-east of Wetumpka, Alabama. In 1853 he was beaten for the State Senate only by the chicanery it is said, of his wily opponent who hired a man to run for the same office that received only the votes which would have been given to Col. Bozeman. In 1860 he was a delegate from Alabama to the noted Baltimore Democratic Convention that nominated John C. Breckenridge for President of the United States.
After the Civil War, Bozeman moved to Milam County, Texas. He owned a large estate of lands and was an excellent financier. Positions of trust in moneyed corporations, and of honor in State sought his valuable services.
Though not a member of any church he is a thorough Baptist in sentiment, and loves to attend the house of God. He is temperate, moral, industrious, public spirited, tall, having very black hair and eyes, an olive complexion, a model foot, and is very popular with the ladies. Great firmness and quietness marks his dealings with children, servants and men.” Source: Family notes.
Stampless Letter
TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Col. David W. Bozeman, Wetumpka, Alabama
Opelika, Alabama
November 14th 1853
Dear Sir,
1853 Letter
I was over in Coosa [County] some weeks since but was so much pushed for time and having no conveyance, I had no opportunity of calling on you, which I very much regretted. John proposed leaving our papers and matters in your hands two which I consented and I suppose he has done so although I have heard nothing at all from him since I left there. I also left a small note on bales for rent of land & directed him to hand it over to you. I was thinking that if you ginned the cotton which was made on the place that you could secure it. In case it is not paid, you will if you please commence suit forthwith and have the cotton attached.
We have no news here of much interest. Our town is improving some in view of the completion of the Columbus Railroad. Since the frost my practice has been rather dull. I lost some practice by being absent. I will be over again about Christmas when I hope to see you. Give my respects to Mrs. B. Write early and oblige. Yours very respectfully, — Robt. S. Brownfield
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