Preserving our Legacy while Restoring our Community
WHO WE ARE
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organization. Contact us to learn more about our mission and vision. As a supporter, find out how you can work with us to make our mission and vision come to life.
JOHN R. SAVAGE
In 1899 John Reuben Savage moved to Nixburg, Coosa County, Alabama with a plan to start a Negro School.
Born in Furman, Wilcox County, Alabama, Savage received an education in 1890 from Burwell Academy in Selma and was in the first 1895 Talladega College class to receive a Bachelor’s degree.
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Community leaders raised money to purchase land for a school and Mr. Savage secured
donations from Booker T. Washington, Mrs. Margaret Washington, philanthropist Seth Low and funding from other outside sources.
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The Cottage Grove Industrial Academy opened in 1899, the teachers were paid $300 for 2 years. They taught agriculture to the girls and boys and farm techniques to other residents. Classes were taught in the school during the day and it was home to Savage at night.
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John Reuben Savage married Urlyne P. Blandon, one of his assistants on March 4, 1901, and they lived in Cottage Grove until Savage passed away October 26, 1910, after a long illness.
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Savage was buried in the cemetery behind the school and will always be remembered as founder and principal of the 1st County Training School for African Americans in the state of Alabama.
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Excerpt from a book by Richard Bailey. Click below for more information on the book
PRINCIPAL
J. D. THOMPSON
Professor James Daniel Thompson, a graduate of Tuskegee Institute served as principal of the Coosa County Training School from 1931 until 1957. He came to Coosa County with his wife Hassie and his son, James Foster from Monroe County, Alabama.
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The Professor was the first Black person that registered to vote in Coosa County. He also founded the Rockford Center located in Rockford, Alabama. As the 12th principal of Coosa County Training School, he was respected by all for 26 years.
During Thompson's tenure, the following buildings were added to the campus: Teachers Dormitory (1938), Junior High Building (1946), Lunchroom (1947), Band Room (1948), Senior High School (1949), and running water was installed. Mrs. Hassie Thompson, wife of Professor Thompson, was the Home Economics Teacher.
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Professor James Daniel Thompson passed away March 24, 1960 after an illness. He is buried in the Historic Peace & Goodwill Baptist Church Cemetery. The school was renamed J. D. Thompson High School in 1960.