Huntsville Families Pursue Justice for Historical Land Theft

News Summary

In Huntsville, the Jones and Matthews families are embroiled in legal battles over alleged historical land theft tied to the University of Alabama’s development. The Jones family seeks restitution for their land lost in 1954, while the Matthews family files a $250 million lawsuit against Madison County for their estate’s forced sale. These cases highlight the systemic injustices faced by Black landowners in Alabama, garnering community support as both families strive for justice.

Huntsville Families Seek Restitution for Alleged Historical Land Theft

In the heart of Huntsville, a significant and heartfelt legal battle is underway as families grapple with the repercussions of what they claim to be historical land theft linked to the development of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). At the center of this conflict are the Jones and Matthews families, each laying claim to their own stories of loss and injustice over their familial lands.

The Jones Family’s Heart-wrenching Tale

The Jones family, proud descendants of landowners since 1870, remember a time when owning land was a rare feat for Black families in Madison County post-slavery. The family asserts that their 10-acre plot on Holmes Avenue was taken unjustly in 1954 after their ancestor, Willie Jones, refused a meager $900 offer for the land. This land wasn’t just any parcel; it held significance as it contained a well that provided drinking water for the family.

When the city deemed the well’s water unsafe to drink, the situation escalated, leading to the construction of a pump house on their property. Adding to their turmoil, the Jones siblings scrutinize the deed that authorized the transfer, citing their father’s illiteracy as an issue. They believe that because their father could only mark his name with an “X,” the deed might have been fraudulently signed.

Since 1995, the family has diligently researched the circumstances surrounding their land, driven by a desire to reclaim what they view as their rightful property. At a City Council meeting in March 2023, Adolph Jones articulated their plight succinctly, acknowledging the impossibility of reclaiming the land but expressing a hope for compensation to address the wrongs of the past.

The Matthews Family’s Struggle for Justice

Meanwhile, the Matthews family is embarking on a colossal $250 million lawsuit against Madison County, alleging that the county facilitated the forced sale of their 22-acre family estate. Over the years, various retailers, including well-known names like Aldi, CVS, and Walgreens, have laid claim on the property, which the Matthews family deems as trespassing on their rightful land.

At the center of their legal claims is a belief that the county engaged in underhanded tactics, involving discussions that undermined their rights. The Matthews family presents a detailed timeline of events tracing back to a 2001 court order concerning their estate following their father’s passing in 1997. The family is adamant that their sister, along with her attorney, was part of a “sham” legal process that led to the unauthorized sale of their cherished family land.

Central to their argument is the alleged role of former Madison County circuit clerk Billy D. Harbin, who they claim contributed significantly to the actions that led to the loss of their family’s property. Legal claims detail numerous procedural irregularities and accusations of ex parte communications, asserting that their due process was trampled upon during the handling of the estate’s management.

Parallels of Injustice

The struggles of the Jones and Matthews families shed light on a larger narrative—systemic injustices that Black landowners in Alabama have historically faced. Drawing comparisons to narratives in John Grisham’s novels, both families feel a deepened sense of purpose and hope as they now seek community support for investigations into their claims and potential compensation for the long-standing injustices surrounding their land.

As the Huntsville community rallies around these families, their stories are resonating far and wide, calling attention to the often-overlooked historical land theft issues that have left many families grappling with the scars of the past. Whether through reclamation or compensation, these families are determined to bring to light the truths of their histories and seek justice for their belonging. With each passing day, the journey continues, a testament to their resilience and enduring hope.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Family Asks Huntsville for Probe Into Alleged 1950s Land Theft
• 1819 News: A Dead Man Cannot Convey Property
• AL.com: Jones Family Takes Fight Over Stolen Land to Huntsville City Council
• Black Enterprise: A Black Alabama Family Claims Their Land Was Stolen
• WSFA: Alabama Has $13 Billion Unclaimed Property