Athens in Limestone County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
James Edwin Horton, Jr.
1878-1973
Judge Horton's decision to order a new trial for Patterson was a resounding blow to Jim Crow justice. Although northern newspapers called him "Lincolnesque,” Horton simply believed he was doing his sacred duty by upholding the dignity and integrity of the court.
Horton faced threats on his life and his name became a lightning rod for supremacists who labeled him a traitor for overturning the verdict.
[Reverse]
James Horton was born Jan. 4, 1878. In 1922, Horton married Anna Hobbs. He served as Judge of Alabama's 8th Judicial Circuit from 1922 until 1934.
Even though his ruling meant the end of his public career, Horton spent his remaining years farming and raising award-winning Aberdeen-Angus cattle. In 1938 Horton moved the family's home from Athens to Greenbrier, Ala.., and named his farm "Macedon" after their three sons: Mac, Ed and Don.
NBC's 1976 movie, “Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys,” highlighted the judge's role in the case.
Horton's judicial philosophy may be summed up in a phrase he learned at his mother's knee:
Erected 2016 by Horton Descendants; Limestone County Historical Society; and Athens/Limestone Tourism Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is June 22, 1933.
Location. 34° 48.173′ N, 86° 58.314′ W. Marker is in Athens, Alabama, in Limestone County. Marker is on North Jefferson Street north of West Washington Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located west of the Limestone County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W Washington St, Athens AL 35611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Judge David Lee Rosenau, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Limestone County Courthouse Bell (a few steps from this marker); A County Older Than the State (within shouting distance of this marker); Athens First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Courthouse and Poor Farm Fence (within shouting distance of this marker); West Side of Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Athens Sacked and Plundered (within shouting distance of this marker); Athens, Alabama (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Also see . . . James Horton, Jr. Biographical entry in the Encyclopedia of Alabama. (Submitted on August 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 3, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.