History of Huntsville Comes Alive

Part 3: Mollie Teal, Mary Chambers Bibb, Unknown Solider

More of this Feature • Part I:Cemetery Stroll • Part 2:Leroy Pope Walker/others • Part 3: Mollie Teal/etc. • Part 4: Thomas Freeman/more • Part 5: Clement Comer Clay and others • Part 6: Dr. Burritt, Leroy Pope, more • Part 7:Gypsy Queen/others • Part 8: Howard Weeden/Tullulah/more Join the Discussion "Whether its food, talk, or traditions, there are certain things that only a true Southerner knows or understands about the Old South." Huntsville Related Resources •Maple Hill Cemetery •Dogwoods in Maple Hill •Genealogy Research in the Cemetery •TimePiece From Other Guides • Social Studies for Kids •Cemeteries •Hollywood Cemeteries Elsewhere on the Web • Cemetery History & Preservation •Cemetery Junction •Cemetery Records Online

Mollie Teal (1852-1899) was a popular "madam" in Huntsville. She gave her large Victorian home to the city of Huntsville to be used as a hospital. It was the first public hospital (104-1926) until the present structure built for Huntsville Hospital. Mollie is portrayed by Tish Stevens.

Thepart of Mary Chambers Bibb (1816-1835) is played by Lorie Gill. Mary was the wife of William D. Bibb (son of Gov. Thomas Bibb), daughter of Dr. Henry Chambers. She died shortly after her marriage from a poison that her nanny had accidentally given her, mistaking it for medicine. She was buried in her wedding gown and legend says she was interred sitting up in a rocking chair. Her mausoleum was the first built in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Kevin Alspaugh portrays the "Unknown Solider" in the Confederate section of Maple Hill Cemetery, honoring 200 unknown Confederate soliders.

One of the most popular sites on the Cemetery Stroll was the Confederate section, complete with flags and entertainment by Kevin Alspaugh.

All photos © 2001 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com.

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