Hello Is there anyone in Escambia,AL or Jack Springs area of Escambia that knows anything about this prison as it was when it was called Jack Springs Moffett prison farm??? Is there pictures any where around to be seen of this prison as it was in 1930? Where would a person find records of prisoners of that time? If there is anyone that reads this message board that might have information about this place PLEASE contact me. I am just one of several people interested in this prison.

Sincerely
Carolyn Lindsay

THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION,CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR REQUEST;

I grew up in Atmore and we were very aware of the Prison as it was on the way to my grandfather's farm in Huxford. It was always called the "Atmore State Prison Farm". I do not know what the State of Alabama called it. I never heard of the "Old Moffett Prison " but that does not mean it was not named that in the 20's and 30's....I was not born until 1935. The prisoners used to grow their own food and citizens could buy vegetables there for their freezers. Do as suggested...contact the Alabama Department of Corrections in Montgomery, Alabama or contact Lowell McGill at the ATMORE ADVANCE in Atmore< Alabama. He does a Historical column for the newspaper and can find the info for you.

Hello thanks for the info on the prison farm. I have tried getting info from the DOC of AL. I have exchanged email several times with Brian Corbett (Public Information Manager) He says he and his department is to busy to do any kind of geneology research for the public?????? Do you know how to reach this Lowell McGill at the ATMORE ADVANCE. Does he do any research for people? I would like to contact him to see. You can contact me direct at lindsaybnc@bellsouth.net
I do appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks
Carolyn

I have tried contacting Brian Corbett (Public Info Manager of AL) He let me know he and his dept. doesn't have time to look up records for genealogy purposes for the public.
Thanks
Carolyn

Carolyn,

I am also looking for inmate information from Old Moffett Prison Farm. If you acquire any leads please let me know and I will do the same. My email address is sherry.hansel@earthlink.net.

Kind regards,
Sherry

I wish my father was still living. He was a deputy in Escambia County for many years and knew everyboody in the county. The last sheriff that he worked under is still living and I would imagine that he would know. Try to contact Scotty Byrnes (He was sheriff at one time) in Brewton, Alabama or James Taylor (He was a deputy) in the Brewton/ Atmore area. James might know. Most all of the older folks who would know have passed away....

I wish my father was still living. He was a deputy in Escambia County for many years and knew everybody in the county. The last sheriff that he worked under is still living and I would imagine that he would know. Try to contact Scotty Byrnes (He was sheriff at one time) in Brewton, Alabama or James Taylor (He was a deputy) in the Brewton/ Atmore area. James might know. Most all of the older folks who would know have passed away....

Suzy,

Thank you so much for the information.

Sherry

On March 13, 1928, a 3,600 acre farm in Escambia County was purchased and Moffett State Farm was built to receive the final movement of convicts from the mines on June 30, 1928. Similar to road camp construction, Moffett had wood-framed barracks with concrete foundations with baths and toilets on each wing. More land was purchased for a total of 8,360 acres, and Moffett, also referred to as the Atmore Prison Farm, became a demonstration farm for the state. Buildings were also constructed for the wardens and guards; a cold storage plant, a canning plant, and a 42 mile railroad. The total cost of Moffett State Farm was $452,544.90 with a capacity of 850 convicts. Provisions were also made for showing movies, radios, baseball and football outfits, and other amusement/recreation facilities.

A complete list of the 800+ prisoners, and prison officals can be seen on the 1930 US Census, Escambia County, Alabama. The best way to find it is to type in Benjamin W. Jackson's name. He was the first prisoner listed on page one and the lists goes on page after page.