Documents

1837 Record of Willis Johnson as the 1st stage coach rider of the US Mail to arrive in LaFayette, Chambers County, Alabama

"Nothing created more excitement in LaFayette than the first day in December, 1837, when the first stage coach came dashing into town with the words "United States Mail" emblazoned on the bright glided panels. Prior to this date, the eastern mail arrived by rider on his way to an over night stop at Tallassee, via Dudleyville and Dadeville...The much envied driver of the first stage to arrive in LaFayette was Willis Johnson. His salary was listed at $5.00 per month, plus board.

Source: The Reason for the Tears by Bobby L. Lindsey, 1971, pg. 104.