W. H. Flowers, Sr.----Men who leave the impress of their characters upon a 
community for good are always honored by a grateful public, and as the frosts 
of many years gather upon their heads, their children rise up and call them 
blessed. In the category of such worthies, in Butler County, the name of 
W.H. Flowers is especially deserving of mention, a name which for over 
thirty-five years has added luster to the community in which he has resided.

Rev. Drury Flowers, father of W. H., was a native of South Carolina, born 
May 1, 1780. He was a farmer by occupation, and for a number of years a 
preacher of the Methodist church, the interests of which religious body he was 
largely instrumental in promoting throughout many sections of the South. 
February 15, 1801, he married Catherine Sullivan, and in 1826 emigrated to 
Georgia, settling in Jasper County, thence in 1833 moved to the county of 
Henry, and in 1844 became a resident of Fayette County, Ga.  Subsequently, 
about 1859, he removed to Randolph County, Ala., and died there in August 
of the same year. His wife survived him only a short time, dying in May, 1860.

Of the large family of children born to Drury and Catherine Flowers, but 
three are living at this time, namely:  W. H. Flowers, Benjamin J. Flowers, of 
Polk County, Fla., and Evaline Flowers, wife of Daniel Johnson, of DeKalb 
County, Ala.

W. H. Flowers was born in Darlington District, S. C., January 7, 1813, and 
on attaining his majority began life for himself as a farmer, in his native 
state. January 5, 1837, when twenty-four years of age, he was married in Henry 
County, Ga., to Sarah T. Thomas, daughter of Rev. William Thames, and in 1840 
moved to Fayette, County, Ala., where he followed his chosen calling until 
1857, at which time he became a resident of Butler County. He lived for some 
years in Greenville, but after Mrs. Flowers' death, which occurred on the 7th 
day of October, 1885, he moved to Bolling, where he has since made his home. 

In 1860, Mr. Flowers embarked in the milling business, which he has since 
carried on with a large measure of success, being at this time the executive 
head of the Milner, Caldwell & Flowers Lumber company, one of the largest and 
best known manufacturing establishments of the kind in  the state.  Mr. Flowers 
is the father of twelve children, as follows: John J. Flowers; Cassie Flowers, 
wife of Charles H. Chandler; Lizzie Flowers, wife of A. Hamil; William M. 
Flowers; James D. Flowers; F. A. Flowers; Mary Ellen Flowers, died in infancy; 
Josephine Flowers, wife of J. Reed; Mrs.Susie Vinson, deceased; Sarah Flowers, 
died at the age of fifteen; Joseph H. Flowers, and Emma Flowers, wife of Dr. 
Perry.

Mr. Flowers is a Methodist in his religious belief, belongs to the
Masonic fraternity, and in politics has always been an earnest
supporter of the principles of the democratic party. He came to Butler 
County a poor man, but by honest work and honorable dealing has succeeded in 
accumulating a handsome fortune, besides rearing a large family, every member of 
which reflects credit on the name an is an honor to the community. As a  
citizen, Mr. Flowers has ever stood ready to aid and encourage every worthy  
enterprise; in all transactions with the world, none have ever accused him of a mean 
or unworthy act, and his integrity has always been above reproach. His business 
career knows no stigma, his moral character is without blemish, and to posterity 
he will leave a name worthy of emulation by the wisest and best of mankind.