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Deed:  Charles Patterson Allred (1871-1950) buying the land that became Talladega Speedway
This indenture made and entered into by and between J. Clint Hollingsworth and wife Mattie L. Hollingsorth parties of the first part and C. P. ALLRED, party of the second part.  Witnessth; for and in consideration of the sum of Six thousand Dollars to the parties of the first part in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged of the second part the following described tract or parcel of land lying and being locate in the county of Talladega, Alabama to-wit: All of the North East quarter of the southeast quarter the east half of Northwest quarter of southeast quarter (E1/4 of NW1/4 of SE 1/4; the North third of the East half of the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter(N1/3 of SE 1/4 of SE1/4 of E1/4) all in Section 4 (4) Township (17), Range 5 , also 20 acres of land situated in the Northeast quarter of the Southwest quarter (NW1/4 of SE 1/4) of Section 4 Township 17, Range 5, commencing on the section line dividing the north half and and the south half of said section four at a point 605 yards east from where the above described half section intersects the section line which divides the above section four and section section 5, township 17, thence from such starting point along said half section 495 yards to a point, thence North 195 5.9 yards to the point of the beginning; also twenty eight and three quarters acres, more or less of land lying and being located in South half (S1/2) of section 4 Township 17, Range 5 bounded on the West by the land of L. F. Box , on the North by lands heretofore belonging to grantors herein conveyed, on the south of the big ditch and on the east lands of grantors herein conveyed and being all the lands sold and conveyed to them by these three certain deeds recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate Talladega, Alabama in deeds records 68, page 199, 70 page 191, and page 75 page 88 all hereto referred to and made a part hereof as if fully set out herein.  Said lands herein granted being 130 3/4 acres, more or less. To have and to hold unto the party of the second part, his heirs and assigns in fee simple forever.  Said parties of the first part for themselves, their heirs, executors, and assigns hereby covenant that they are seized of an indefeasible estate in fee simple in and to said lands and have a good right to sell and convey the same, that the same are free from all incumbrances and they do warrant and will forever defend the title of said premises unto said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns from and against the lawful title, claim and demand of any and all persons whomsoever.
Witness our hands and seals this 13 day of September 1919
J. Clint Hollingsworth and Mattie L. Hollingsworth

An Allred Family Moves to Alabama

by Dallas Allred as told to Melvin Alred
Lineage:  Melvin Thomas, Claude Thomas, John Thomas, Louis Patterson, John James, John, Elias, Thomas, Solomon born 1680 Lancashire, England

After the crops were gathered in the fall of 1909, brothers, Charles Patterson Allred (Charlie) born May 9, 1871) and John Thomas Allred (born April 17, 1872) decided to move to Lincoln, Alabama, from Rome, Georgia. They were the sons of Lewis Patterson Allred. Other Allreds were living in that area, so it was not a move to the totally unknown.

Before loading the wagons with all their possessions and heading out, John made arrangements for his wife, Ola Ander Estes Allred (born November 10, 1876) and their three small children, Ada Estell (born November 16, 1903), Charlie Daniel (born February 12, 1906), and Dovie Rovine (born February 14, 1908) to stay with relatives. They were to follow by train a few days later.

John’s sons, Lewis Victory (born November 21, 1895), Lester Lee (born August 3, 1901) were to travel with him, driving the wagons and taking care of the farm animals. Dallas, the youngest son traveling with John, was assigned the task of walking behind the wagons--holding a rope with the family milk cow attached to the other end. Also, he was responsible for milking the cow every morning and night--a job he had performed since he was seven years old. The trip began just east of Rome, Georgia, where they lived at the north end of Van’s Valley.

On the first day, they traveled through Cave Spring, Georgia, to Forney, Alabama, where John’s and Charlie’s father lived. The second day was much longer--making it to Piedmont Springs by way of what is now Cherokee Alabama County Road 29. Leaving Piedmont Springs, they followed what is now Highway 21, stopping for the third night near Jacksonville, Alabama. Breaking camp early, they continued south to the community of Cold Water, Alabama. There, they turned west. After traveling several miles, they made camp for the fourth and final night before reaching Lincoln, Alabama.

John and Charlie farmed for two years before John decided to move back to Rome, Georgia.  While in Lincoln, Alabama, John and his wife, Ola, gave birth to Robert Cecil (born June 12, 1910). Dallas remembers the return trip to Rome at age 11 with him leading and milking the same cow.  Charlie, who married Eula Holder, remained on the farm in Lincoln, Alabama, where many of his descendants still live nearby today. Charlie and Eula had eight children.

If you want to see the Allred farm, travel Interstate 20 between Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia. Exit at Lincoln, Alabama, after exit at Lincoln, Alabama, go South on Highway 77 to Allred Road, turn left on Allred Road and follow the signs marked “Talladega Superspeedway.” Allred NASCAR fans can see a race and also visit an early Allred site.  For many years, Charlie’s youngest daughter, Agnes Allred White, lived in a mobile home at the entrance to the speedway.