The Singleton residence in Union Springs, Alabama, is a beautiful example of how architectural design can encapsulate the spirit of an era. Built in the early 20th century, the home is not just a structure but a piece of art that illustrates the Eastlake style’s attention to detail and craftsmanship. The Eastlake movement, named after Charles Eastlake, an English architect and furniture designer, was known for its rejection of the mass-produced details of the Victorian era in favor of handcrafted ornamentation.
The exterior’s delicate gingerbread trim and elaborate spindlework highlight the meticulous craftsmanship that Eastlake championed. These details, often seen in the porches, gables, and eaves, are signature elements that add depth and texture to the structure. The ornate windows not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also reflect the period’s fascination with intricate and varied designs that were both beautiful and functional.
Bay windows and hexagonal roofs are also standout features of the home, adding to its Queen Anne influences. Bay windows are especially significant as they not only contribute to the exterior beauty but also create delightful interior spaces filled with natural light, offering views of the surroundings. The hexagonal turret, crowned with its original wooden shingles, punctuates the home’s silhouette and provides a visual interest that draws the eye upward, showcasing the verticality and asymmetry typical of Queen Anne style.
Preserving such a home involves maintaining its unique architectural features while ensuring it remains a livable, functional space. This includes the careful restoration of its original elements, like the wooden shingles, which require special attention to protect them from the elements while retaining their historic character.
Homes like the Singleton residence serve as tangible connections to the past, offering insights into the architectural and cultural contexts of their time. They enrich the community, not only through their historical significance but also through their aesthetic contribution to the local landscape. For those interested in architecture and history, the Singleton home stands as a proud reminder of the rich architectural heritage that defines parts of Alabama and the broader American South.
A. E. Singleton, Probate Judge
Alexander Edward Singleton, born on January 2, 1864, in Thomaston, Georgia, was the son of Confederate Civil War veteran Alexander Edward Singleton and Mary Caroline “Carrie” Pierce Singleton. In 1886, he made his way to Union Springs, Alabama, where he began his career as a salesman at the renowned W. E. Mercantile Company, a longstanding establishment in the town.
In 1889, Alexander tied the knot with James Lucas “Jimmie” Powell at the residence of Andrew W. Beverly in Union Springs. Together, they were blessed with eight children: four sons—A. E. Singleton Jr., James Powell, Charles B., and Bennett Powell—and four daughters—Mary Powell, Lucile, Carolyn, and Frances Powell.
Described as having a “genial disposition” from an early age, Alexander Singleton Sr. was deeply rooted in the Methodist Church and was esteemed for his kindness and amiability, both as a husband and father. His wife, Jimmie Singleton, shared his devotion to the church and actively engaged in the civic life of their small town. Notably, she established the Union Springs Magazine Club at their residence in 1896 and was honored as the Honorary Life President of the Women’s Club in recognition of her contributions.
After gaining experience in the mercantile business, Alexander ventured into entrepreneurship by opening his own millinery store on March 30, 1904, following the acquisition of his business partner Bennie Bonnell McAndrew’s interest. Through their dedication to their community and their respective endeavors, Alexander and Jimmie Singleton left a lasting legacy in Union Springs, embodying the values of compassion, dedication, and community involvement.
Political Aspirations and Corruption
A figure of influence in Union Springs, Alexander Edward Singleton ventured into the realm of small-town politics alongside his business pursuits. He assumed the mantle of Mayor of Union Springs twice, in 1900 and 1902, showcasing his commitment to local governance.
In 1904, Singleton set his sights on a new role, announcing his candidacy for Probate Judge of Bullock County. His campaign was marked by his resignation as chairman of the Bullock County Democratic Executive Committee, signaling his full dedication to the electoral race. Despite his popularity and success as a merchant, Singleton secured victory by a narrow margin.
Assuming office as Probate Judge in January 1905, Singleton embarked on his tenure with optimism. However, his administration soon faced scrutiny when discrepancies in the probate court’s financial records surfaced during an audit conducted by Examiner of Public Accounts J. T. Gorman in July 1911. Allegations arose accusing Singleton of misappropriating funds for personal use dating back to 1906.
In February 1913, a county grand jury recommended Singleton’s removal from office over allegations of corruption. Subsequently, impeachment proceedings were initiated by Attorney General Robert C. Brickell in Montgomery. Faced with mounting pressure, Singleton tendered his resignation to Governor Emmet O’Neal, effective immediately. The resignation was promptly accepted, and James Talmadge Norman, an attorney from Union Springs, was swiftly appointed to fill the vacancy.
Tragedy struck the Singleton family later that year with the untimely passing of their second son, 14-year-old James Powell, who succumbed to injuries sustained from a horse kick during a hunting excursion. The family endured further hardships, including financial woes, as Singleton’s shortcomings in managing public funds came to light. Consequently, a bond company sought to recover nearly $6,200 in unpaid debts, leading to the sale of properties owned by Singleton to offset the outstanding amount.
Facing the repercussions of his actions, Singleton opted to sell his home in Union Springs and relocate to Macon, Georgia, in 1916. Despite the setbacks, he persevered and found employment in the brokerage business upon his return to Union Springs. Alexander Edward Singleton passed away on March 29, 1933, at his residence on Blackmon Street, where he was laid to rest following a funeral service. His life was marked by both triumphs and tribulations, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with the fabric of Union Springs’ history.
A. E. Singleton Jr.
Their firstborn, Alexander Edward Singleton Jr., entered the world in 1895 and grew up amidst the tranquil surroundings of Union Springs. He received his education locally before venturing to Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, and later continuing his studies at the esteemed University of Alabama. His artistic aspirations led him to New York City, where he pursued his passion for art at the onset of World War I.
When the war broke out, Alexander Jr. answered the call to duty and joined the ranks of the American Expeditionary Forces. Serving with distinction for 26 months, he participated in six major engagements before transitioning to the Camouflage Corps. Upon the war’s conclusion, he resumed his artistic endeavors, honing his craft at the Art Students’ League in New York City, specializing in portraiture.
Tragedy struck the Singleton family once more with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Alexander Jr. His body was discovered in Lowe’s Creek in Union Springs, a poignant end to a life marked by promise and potential. His passing, attributed to the weight of personal struggles and the loss of a childhood friend, cast a shadow over the family.
In the wake of these losses, Jimmie Singleton, matriarch of the family, passed away in 1938, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and fortitude. The Singleton family found their final resting place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Union Springs, where their memories endure.
Over the years, the residence underwent various ownerships and renovations, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of time. Renamed the Singleton-Powell-Rivers-Jones Home during the tenure of Austin and Agnes Jones in 1992, the house witnessed a revival of its historic charm through meticulous restoration and decoration.
However, the passage of time brought challenges as the property changed hands once again, eventually falling into foreclosure in the 2000s under the ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Whyte. Today, the house stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Union Springs’ history, known to the Bullock County Historical Society as the Singleton-Whyte House. Despite its current vacancy and distant ownership, the house retains its place in the community’s collective memory, a silent witness to the stories of generations past.
Photos By: Abandoned Alabama