Induction Year: 1986

William Albert Bellingrath

  • September 22nd, 2021

Shortly after the tum of the century, William Albert Bellingrath moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where he began to earn his reputation as a pioneer in the Coca-Cola bottling industry and as a leader in the civic and social welfare of Montgomery and the State of Alabama.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 30, 1868, he was the sixth child and fourth son of Leonard and Catherine Jean (McMillan) Bellingrath. In 1882, the family moved to Castleberry, Alabama, where the young Will lived until he sought a livelihood in the retail grocery business in Anniston. By 1901, the young man had become manager of the commis­saries of the Woodstock Coal and Iron Company.

In this position, he noticed a growing demand among the workers for a new beverage and he developed a keen in­terest in the future of Coca-Cola.

The young Coca-Cola Company of At­lanta, owned by Asa G. Candler, had esta­blished a policy of leaving the bottling and distribution of Coca-Cola to local companies under a franchise. Recognizing the possibilities in the field, William A. Bell­ingrath and his brother, Walter D. Bell­ingrath, turned their eyes to Montgomery where the Coca-Cola franchise had been granted to Rainey and Cole in 1902. By 1903, the brothers were able – based on their honesty and the faith of a friend – to obtain a loan from the First National Bank of Montgomery in order to complete the $5,000 purchase of the Montgomery fran­chise. (William Bellingrath later became a director of the bank and helped establish its importance in the economic life of Montgomery.)

Exercising extraordinary business abilities in times of economic stress, the Bellingraths were able to pay off their indebtedness within a few years and purchase the Mobile franchise. Walter D. Bellingrath assumed ownership of the Mobile operation. William A. Bellingrath remained in Montgomery where he devoted the rest of his life to the development of his business and the community.

Will Bellingrath became known as a pioneer in the Coca-Cola bottling industry be­cause of his farsightedness. He was among the first to use automobile trucks and to make store deliveries. He installed the first modern machinery in a bottling plant in the South. By 1926, he had made his bottling plant into a modern model plant. Always active in the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Associa­tion, he served as its president in 1916.

Though he devoted much of his effort to the Coca-Cola business which first brought him real success, he extended his activities in the business world to many other businesses and industries which meant much to the de­velopment of his home city and the state.

This student of men and affairs, who lacked complete schooling in his early days, had a peculiar faculty of using his store of personally acquired knowledge to the fullest extent, not only for himself but also for others. He became known as a man who could be relied on for sound counsel and advice. His unerr­ing honesty, calm judgment, and far-sighted vision brought him to elected leadership in civic affairs.

For many years, he served as a director of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, and at the time of his death, was the only Montgornerian to have served four terms as presi­dent of this organization. Under his leader­ship, the Chamber was able to help implement the establishment of the tactical school at Max­well Field; to encourage the development of dairy and poultry production and of meat and processing plants; to facilitate the establishment of Kilby Prison and of manufacturing plants.

According to a close friend, Will Bellingrath rarely took credit for his achievements. But “the smokestacks of Montgomery, improved agricultural conditions of Central Alabama, growth of financial institutions in Mont­gomery, the development of better markets in Central Alabama, and many other pieces of evidence of progress (were) but measures of the activity and intelligent efforts of a splendid, forthright citizen who, though a civic leader, was always willing to give credit to others for achieve­ments that were largely results of his endeavors.”

William Bellingrath was also a quiet philan­thropist. He was generous to institutions and to local charities, but his individual charity ex­tended beyond the knowledge of even his inti­mate friends. On record are his and his wife’s (nee Mary Nesbitt Elmore of Montgomery, whom he married in 1906) contributions to Huntingdon College of Montgomery where a building bears the name Bellingrath Hall. A deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church, he gave generously of his time and means to the church and to the Presbyterian Horne for Orphans at Talladega. He was a contributor to and a trustee of Agnes Scott College in Atlanta. But he also gave much to young people seeking an education – gifts which were heard of only when the recipients or his friends spoke of them.

At the time of his death on March 11, 1937, William A. Bellingrath was described as the “First Citizen of Montgomery … ” “a deacon and elder of the Presbyterian Church … who walked daily in the faith of a living God … ” a man who “walked unafraid through a long and useful life.”

And sixteen years after his death when the Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Company celebrated its 50th anniversary, The Alabama Journal ran a special article about Will Bellingrath’s contributions to the economic, religious, cultural, and social life of the city. The article quoted the obituary from the March 12, 1937, Montgomery Advertiser:

“The city and county knew him as a leader in the field of industry and business, also a philanthropist and a Christian gentleman, always kind and considerate of his fellow man. Mr. Bellingrath’s altruism and generosity ex­tended to charitable organizations, his church, to worthy individuals, and to the development of the community.”

William Bellingrath is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Elmore Bellingrath Bartlett (Dr. Haywood), Mrs. Jean Bellingrath Lane (McMillan), and Mrs. Suzanne Bellingrath von Gal (George, Jr.).

In addition to his daughters, he is survived by ten grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. (The primary source of this biographical in­formation was an article in The Montgomery Advertiser, by Jesse B. Hearn, long-time asso­ciate of William A. Bellingrath, as reprinted in the Coca-Cola Bottler, in April 1937.)

General. John Coffee

  • September 22nd, 2021

General John Coffee epitomizes the type of dependable, public-spirit­ed private citizen who contributed substantially to the development of the frontier regions of Tennessee and North Alabama in the early 19th century.

Throughout his life as a frontier merchant, a soldier, a promoter, and a planter – he seemed to display physical and mental qualities which made other men instinctively trust him and turn to him for advice and counsel.

Born on June 2, 1772, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, John Coffee was the son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Graves) Coffee. The family subsequently moved to Granville County, North Carolina, and to Rockingham County, North Carolina, where he grew to manhood. When his father died in 1797, John Coffee took steps to assure that his mother would be well provided for.

Noting the opportunities in agriculture, commerce, and land speculation in a newly opened region in Tennessee, he purchased land on the Cumberland River in Davidson County and in 1798 moved with his mother to this thriving frontier section near Nashville. Here the Coffees established direct contact with a group of families whose names are well known in the history of Tennessee and the United States – among them Andrew Jackson. John Coffee was to become closely associated with Andrew Jackson, not only as a neighbor, but also as a business associate, a relative by marriage, an officer serving under Jackson’s command, and a friend and confidante.

When the family farm no longer demanded his undivided attention, the young man sought new horizons as a frontier merchant. After several unsuccessful ventures in the mercantile business, caused primarily by the economic and political situation of the times, John Coffee turned to survey the unoccupied lands of middle Tennessee in order to recover his fortune and repay his debts. Ironically, the depressed market which brought financial loss in the mercantile business brought financial gain to John Coffee during the rest of his life. He was able as a surveyor, land agent, and speculator to profit from the ensuing westward movement.

Between 1807 and 1812, John Coffee, along with John Drake, became surveyors and locators for William P. Anderson and John Strother, one of the partnerships which sprang up after the passage of an act in 1806 which settled a long-standing dispute (North Carolina vs. Tennessee vs. U.S. Government) about ownership of land in Tennessee. Such partnerships and land companies sought warrants for unoccupied lands in order to sell the property. Coffee and Drake, as surveyors and locators, were to receive one-half of any cash and lands Anderson and Strother might receive. During this time, John Coffee also formed an in­ dependent partnership with John Drake. He was also called upon by many leading men of the state to give advice and to assist in their purchases.

In October 1809,  the bond already existing between John Coffee and Andrew Jackson was strengthened when Coffee married Mary Donelson, niece of Mrs. Jackson. Mary received a plantation as a wedding gift, and there at Jefferson Springs on Stone’s River, Coffee built a home called Sugar Tree Forest and briefly turned his attention to developing the plantation.

In 1810, in order to settle affairs with Anderson, Strother, and Drake, he agreed to act as agent in surveying and laying off the townsite of Huntsville, Alabama.

He was also instrumental in persuading territorial officials to select Huntsville as the county seat of Madison County. After the completion of this work and the settlement of his affairs with Anderson, Strother, and Drake, he seemed to be in a position to devote his time to the plantation. But in 1812 came the call to military service to defend the frontier.

During the campaigns against the British and the Indians, John Coffee led a regiment of cavalry as part of Andrew Jackson’s force of Tennessee volunteers. His astute leadership and unerring courage soon brought him the rank of Brigadier General. His feats during the Battles at Horse Shoe Bend and New Orleans are a well-known part of history.

When General John Coffee returned from military service in 1815, he used the knowledge gained during the campaigns to extend his land interests into a new region. By 1817 he had been appointed surveyor-general of the newly created political unit called the Alabama Territory. His first task was to oversee the survey of the region North of the Tennessee River. When the work was completed, he established a land office at Huntsville, where the necessary plats and descriptions were prepared for use in the opening sale of land in the new territory.

In his capacity as surveyor general, he was able to profit, as was the custom of the times, from his or his clerk’s dispensing of information that enabled persons to buy land in the district.

He also participated in the organization and direction of stock companies in which problem region. One of the companies was the Cyprus Land Company which promoted the town of Florence. That his activities as a speculator were not construed by federal authorities as inconsistent with the duties as Surveyor of Public Lands is indicated by the fact that General Coffee was reappointed by each successive presidential administration from Monroe to Jackson.

By the end of 1817, John Coffee had decided to settle in Alabama. He bought a choice tract of 1,280 acres near Florence where he built a new home, which he named Hickory Hill. In 1819, he leased Sugar Tree Forest and moved his family to Alabama.

John Coffee shifted his major interests to the plantation and to his family and friends. The plantation became known as one of the most perfect plantations in North Alabama – fairly managed and expertly productive.

That John Coffee also found time to serve the interests of the Florence Community is evidenced by a resolution drawn up by city authorities after  General  John  Coffee’s  death on July 7, 1833, stating “a due sense of general moral worth,  feeling a general lively gratitude for his public services and revering him for his upright work as a private citizen, (who gained) by his kindness and benevolence  to  the poor, and by his honesty  and  integrity  the  respect and confidence of every class of the Community.”

General John Coffee was given a military funeral, and as Andrew Jackson later said, “The vast concourse of people who attended … show how firmly he was fixed in the affections of his fellow citizens.”

(The information in this biographical summary was derived primarily from “The Life and Activities of General John Coffee,” the dissertation presented to the Graduate School of Vanderbilt University by Gordon T. Chappell in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1941.)

William P. G. Harding

  • September 22nd, 2021

William P.G. Harding made an enduring contribution to the forma­tion of our nation’s unique form of central banking – the Federal Reserve System.

This native Alabamian served on the Federal Reserve Board from the day it was formed on August 10, 1914, until the expiration of his eight-year appointment on August 9, 1922. During

the last six years of his term, he was the Board’s Chief Executive Officer (then known as Governor) through the trying times of World War I and the troublesome post-war period. His book, The Formative Period of the Federal Reserve System, published in 1925, is still one of the best ac­counts of how the U.S. finally established a more lasting central banking system.

William P. G. Harding was born in Greene County, Alabama on May 5, 1864 – son of Horace and Eliza (Gould) Harding. Soon after the War Between the States, the family moved to Tuscaloosa, where young William received his early education under well-known local tutors. The family’s home was not far from the campus of The University of Alabama, which he entered in 1878. He received an AB degree in 1880 and an AM degree in 1881. At the age of seventeen, he was the youngest student to have received that degree. After graduation, he took a brief course at a business college in Poughkeepsie, New York, before returning to Alabama.

In 1882, he became a clerk and bookkeep­er for a private bank in Tuscaloosa – the J.H. Fitts & Co. (now First Alabama Bank).

In 1886, he moved to Birmingham to work as a bookkeeper for Berney National Bank. Promotion came slow­ly, but by 1893 he had risen to the position of Cashier. In 1895, he married Amanda Moore, daughter of Sydenham and Mary Moore, who had mov­ed from Eutaw to Birmingham. In 1896, William P.G. Harding moved to the First National Bank of Birmingham as Vice President. By 1902, he had become President of First National, which was then the largest financial institution in the state with one­seventh of all the deposits of all national banks in Alabama.

Soon after his elevation to the Presidency, the young Hardings moved to the “most fashionable neighborhood in town.” Their neighbors were another Tuscaloosa family who had moved to Birmingham – the Rob­ert Jemisons. Years later, Robert Jemison, Jr., who called Harding a close personal friend, provided an insight into the char­acter of Alabama’s first central banker, when he recalled:

Unfortunately, very few people knew and appreciated Mr. Hard­ ing, particularly as a good citizen because he was not the type of person who knew how to ‘sell himself,’ or mix with people in a gracious and cordial manner. He was essentially a student and would often let his mind drift into thoughts and ideas while in the presence of people with whom he should be interested in what they were discussing at the time.”

William P.G. Harding became a strong figure in the economic life of Birmingham, the State, and the region. He served on the Board of Directors of the Birmingham Rail­way, Light and Power Company. He was the primary motivator behind three well-known Birmingham landmarks -Elmwood Ceme­tery, the Tutwiler Hotel, and the City of Fair­field. His astute financial advice enabled others to make these projects succeed. In 1908, bankers in the State acknowledged his abilities by naming him President of the Alabama Bankers’ Association. In 1913, he served as President of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Then in 1914, William P.G. Harding was chosen as the South’s representative on the first Federal Reserve Board. About his ap­pointment, he later wrote:

“I felt complimented upon my selection to be a member of the Federal Reserve Board, a body about which there had been so much talk for several months. I had no idea, however, at first of accepting the offered appointment. I was a native of Alabama and had been for twenty-eight years a resident of Birmingham. I had seen the place grow from a town of ten thousand to a city of more than one hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, and had been promoted from a bookkeeper’s desk to the presidency of the largest bank in the State.”

But a letter from President Woodrow Wil­son convinced William P. G. Harding to accept the eight-year appointment. He accepted the “great opportunity to serve the country” and made “the sacrifices necessary to accept.”

He divested himself of all business ties in Alabama, including that of the bank, and agreed to serve at a salary of only $12,000 annually. When he was sworn in as a member of the first Federal Reserve Board on August 10, 1914, he became Alabama’s first central banker.

During the next eight years, William P.G. Harding, as a member of the Board, assumed an enormous amount of work and responsibil­ity. The Board had to supervise the creation of the twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks, the selection of their directors, and the appointment of their staff. Even the construction of the buildings to house the banks was a massive undertaking.

The greater burden of the Board arose from the start of World War I, which put enormous pressure on the financial system of the United States. Harding served as Governor of the Federal Reserve Board during this time. He also served -without any additional pay – as Managing Director of the War Finance Cor­poration, created by Congress to finance the United States’ participation in the war.

A post-war recession brought controversy about the Federal Reserve System and even bitter attacks on Harding from a senator from Alabama on the floor of the Chamber. Because of the controversy and the fact that William P.G. Harding had no close relationship with the newly elected President Warren P. Hard­ing, it was not surprising that the President chose not to re-appoint the Federal Reserve Board’s Governor. In 1923, William P. G. Harding accepted an appointment as governor of the Regional Federal Reserve Bank in Boston.

Through the years, Harding received hono­rary degrees in recognition of his accomplish­ments. In 1916, The University of Alabama conferred an L.L.D. and for years after contin­ued to feature him at commencement services. He also received honorary degrees from Har­vard and Columbia Universities in 1922.

William P.G. Harding died in Boston on April 7, 1930. At his request, he was buried in his old hometown of Birmingham in Elmwood Cemetery.

Those who knew him best have said that he “loved Alabama and he loved Birmingham. He was one of Alabama’s and Birmingham’s most loyal citizens.”

(Biographical information derived primarily from a paper by Philip C. Jackson, Jr.)

Herbert Clark Stockham

  • September 22nd, 2021

The story of the life of Herbert Clark Stockham is closely interwoven with the phenomenal growth and development of Stockham Valves & Fittings, Inc. in Birmingham into one of the world’s largest producers of pipe fittings and valves.

Born in Chicago on March 24, 1888, he was the oldest son of Kate Frances (Clark) and William H. Stockham. In 1903, the family moved to Birmingham where William Stockham founded Stockham Pipe & Fittings Company. Though only fifteen at the time, young Herbert joined his father and a crew of five in setting up shop in a rented car barn. He continued to work every minute he wasn’t in school at Chicago English High and the University of Illinois Preparatory School.

After his studies were completed, he returned to the plant to work wherever he was needed – learning everything he could about the foundry business. He advanced to assistant secretary, secretary and was vice president at the time of his father’s death. He then became president. As president from 1923 to 1953 and Chairman of the Board from 1946 until his death, Herbert Clark Stockham was “the chief architect in Stockham’s rise through growth and expansion.”

During the early years of Herbert Stock- ham’s presidency, the company experienced growth. He initiated plant mechanization and the establishment of a warehouse in Houston, Texas, the company’s third.

Though the Great Depression brought two years of serious losses, the company survived – not only because of careful management but also because of the progress that had been made in employee relations.

Following the “Stockham credo” – the Golden Rule in action the company had begun to raise working standards long before the depression. The company was among the first in Birmingham to install facilities for inspirational and recreational activities. It also began to provide free medical and dental care, safety programs with group insurance, group hospitalization, pensions; higher pay, and shorter hours swiftly following.

In 1935, the company launched the product of one of its most outstanding research programs – the Bronze Valve. By 1941, the company had developed Iron Body Valves, but the entrance of the nation into World War II delayed the full development and production of the valves. The company geared itself to the needs of the Army and the Navy for munitions and cast steel fittings for warships. In 1942, the company received the first of three Army-Navy “E” production awards.

After the war, the company began an all-out program of reconditioning, modernization, and expansion. Production of valves began in earnest. The success of the valve production and sales is reflected in the change of name in 1948 from Stockham Pipe & Fittings Company to Stockham Valves & Fittings, Inc. By this time, the company had also established warehouses and sales offices in many of the major metropolitan areas in the nation.

The essence of Herbert Stockham’s qualities as a leader is reflected in the Preface he wrote for Links to Better Living, 1903-1953: The Story of Stockham, 50 Golden Years:

“Stockham is land, buildings, and equipment. But those are only a min­or factor. Primarily Stockham is peo­ple. Not the faceless, anonymous mass sometimes described as capital and labor, but proud and accom­plished artisans, eager, enterprising, fresh, warm, and friendly people with personalities to express and ambitions to fulfill. People with skills to merge in making the products and supplying the service on which Stockham reputation is built.

“Stockham is a successful enter­prise. My father furnished the vision and high principles that bred that success. The progress through the years we owe to many people. Especially do we feel a deep sense of gratitude to the loyal friends and customers who are the backbone of any business.”

A champion of the Free Enterprise System, Herbert Stockham was active in various pro­fessional organizations which fostered its growth. He was an original organizer, the first vice president, and the second president of Associated Industries of Alabama, as well as a member of AIA’s Board for many years. He­ was a president and member of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Fit­tings Manufacturers. He also served as re­gional vice president of the National Associa­tion of Manufacturers and a member of the board for Alabama.

Carrying on the tradition of community ser­vice set by his parents, Herbert Stockham gave of his means, his time, and his energy to civic, religious, educational, and charitable activi­ties. He was a member and a president of the Birmingham Sunday School Council, which bestowed upon him life membership in recog­nition of his service. A devout church worker, he was a steward and Trustee of the Highlands Methodist Church in Birmingham and a member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Christian Advocate. He was elected and served as a director of the Board of the Community Chest.

He was a member of the Executive Commit­tee of Birmingham Southern College (which awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws de­gree in 1949). He was tapped for ODK in recognition of his leadership and service. He also served as a representative of the State of Alabama on the Board of Trustees of Tuskegee Institute. In 1949, he was selected as “Alabam­ian of the Week” in recognition of his promo­tion of good race relations.

After Herbert Clark Stockham died sudden­ly on January 24, 1958, one well acquainted with him wrote:

“… In almost fifty-six years of ser­vice – through his ability, energy, and integrity of character – he con­tributed greatly to Stockham’s growth and progress … Herbert Clark Stockham was a leader – in industry, in church, and in the state … The memory of him shall stand as an inspiration to all of us.”

At the helm of the family firm, today is Herbert Cannon Stockham – son of Herbert Clark and Virginia (Cannon) Stockham. The Stockham’s daughter – Virginia Lee (Mrs. George Ladd) – also resides in Birmingham.

The “Stockham credo” and Stockham products continue to exert an influence in Birmingham, the State, the nation, and the world.

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