A student of history, Walter E. Henley of Vestavia Hills is passionate about the history of Jefferson County and Alabama and, in particular, the McAdory, Owen and Sadler families as early settlers of the Alabama Territory. Their historic plantation houses are located along Eastern Valley Road in Bessemer and McCalla (Jefferson County) and are owned by the West Jefferson County Historical Society.
Walter is a member of one of Birmingham’s old families. An Episcopalian, he was raised at St. Mary’s on the Highlands in Birmingham. A good, solid, decent man, Walter is a member of the Historical Society and is committed to the restoration of the historic McAdory House. The house and two other cabins are in dire need of repair.
A semi-retired Spanish medical interpreter, Walter spent five years working in the Republic of Honduras in Central America. He is of the opinion that it is most important to be judged on results after you have accomplished something.
How did you become familiar with the McAdory House?
Walter: At the age of 13, my father, John Henley, III, took me to a McAdory House Christmas event in 1963. Several months ago, I was returning to Birmingham and decided to stop by the McAdory House on Eastern Valley Road. I was shocked to see the poor condition of the house and decided to get involved.
Tell me about the McAdory House?
Walter: The McAdory House was built in 1840 by Thomas McAdory, Jr., of hand-hewn heart of pine timbers, notched and pegged together, and the log substructure was put together with wooden pegs.
The original house consisted of only the two front rooms with an open breezeway known as a dogtrot. Hand cut stone was used in building the two chimneys.
What is significant about the former cotton plantation?
Walter: The 1,000-acre property was the home of Robert McAdory, first mayor of Bessemer, Thomas McAdory Owen, founder of the Alabama State Department of Archives and History, and Jefferson County Superintendent of Education Isaac Wellington McAdory.
Is there a quote that is important to you?
Walter: Ronald Reagan said, “It is amazing how much you can get done if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
How can the public assist the McAdory House restoration?
Walter: Tax deductible donations can be mailed to P. O. Box 184, Bessemer, Alabama. 35021.
Tell me about your family?
Walter: I was born at South Highlands Infirmary in 1951, the middle child of six siblings to the late Harriet and John Henley, III.
Do you have a favorite historical figure?
Walter: Yes, sir, Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was a printer like my family who today continues in the printing business. As a matter of fact, three generations have been printers. A statesman, Franklin elevated the founding ideals of the nation.
What is your favorite meal?
Walter: I enjoy a traditional Southern meal, especially meatloaf with creamed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, Silver Queen corn, green beans, slaw, and for dessert a slice of lemon ice box pie.
