James T. Alderman

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5619381/james-alderman

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James Alderman was the fourteenth child of David and Jemima.

James moved to Bulloch County, Georgia in 1815 with his father and the rest of his family. It was there that he met Roxy Holloway. Shortly after their marriage the relocated to Brooks County, Georgia.

James had a twin brother, Timothy, who moved in 1837, to Brooks County, Georgia where he continued farming and cattle raising. He was never a member, but attended Bethel Baptist Church where he and some of his family are buried.

In 1848, James moved again, this time to Hillsborough County, Florida, where he engaged in cattle raising. At one time he had approximately thirty thousand head of cattle.

In James' attempt to conquer a new frontier, he forded the Alafia River, located in Hillsborough County, in 1848 by cutting down trees along its steep banks near where the north and south branches converge. He was the first white man ever to cross the stream at that point. Alderman's Ford, as the site became known, grew into a gathering place and annual political meetings for local residents. It is now a county park and a popular spot for a picnic, bike ride, and campout or canoe trip. Old oaks, heavy with moss, provide shade and some relief from the summer heat.

James and Roxy had fifteen children. Several of his sons and sons-in-law served in the cvil war. During this time, he and Roxy opened their doors to their daughters and daughters-in-law whose husbands were away. In December 1860, Jams signed a petition in Hillsborough County for secession of Florida from the Union, after Lincoln was elected President. However, there is no record that James participated in the Civil War. Ultimately, James is recognized as one of the leading men in pioneer history for the state of Florida.

He and Roxy Anne are buried in Alderman-Pelot Cemetery, Lithia, Hillsborough County, Florida.