PROCLAMATION 

WHEREAS, we believe that LUCINDA JANE BOONE PLESS may have personally saved Dadeville from destruction by invading Yankee General Lovell Rousseau and his “Rousseau’s Raiders.” It is an accepted historical fact that although Rousseau tore up cities and towns the entire length of his march from Huntsville to Opelika, including the tax-in-kind stores at Youngsville (Alexander City), he mysteriously spared Dadeville and passed on through inflicting only minimal damage.

 When Lucinda Jane heard about Rousseau’s coming she walked 12 miles from her home to Stowe’s Ferry where Rousseau was crossing the Tallapoosa River. She pleaded with him to pass on through and spare her home,  her neighbors, and the town of Dadeville. Rousseau was so impressed that he not only agreed to her request, he even sent soldiers back with her to serve as guards in case any renegades came along.

 During this time, her husband, James Monroe Pless, who had been serving with the Alabama 34^th, had already been captured at Chicamauga and had died at Camp Douglas, Illinois. Lucinda Jane went to her grave in 1913 never knowing what happened to her husband.

 WHEREAS, now that her story has been made known to the general public, we resolve to give LUCINDA JANE BOONE PLESS the credit she is due. By honoring her we honor all our ancestors and city founders, both known and those not known, for their integrity, courage, and resolve.  LUCINDA JANE BOONE PLESS represents the  parents and grandparents of all of Dadeville, Alabama.

 NOW THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Dadeville, Alabama officially declare LUCINDA JANE BOONE PLESS to be a heroine of Dadeville, Alabama and proclaim August 3, 2002 as “LUCINDA JANE BOONE PLESS DAY.”

Signed by the Mayor, all five Councilpersons, and the City Clerk.

 Joe L. Smith, Mayor

Charles Hunt, Councilperson

Brent Sturdivant, Councilperson

Charles Henderson, Councilperson

Wayne Smith, Councilperson

Faye W. Tinsley, Councilperson

 I hereby certify that within Proclamation was adopted by the Mayor and City Council of Dadeville, Alabama.

Ann McKelvey, City Clerk

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