History of the Cannon’s at Liberty Baptist Church
During the Civil War there were many young soldiers who were away from home. Tom Hoodenpyle was one of these young men. He was serving with the Confederate Army in this area. Although he missed his native Kentucky, he fell in love with this northwest section of Alabama and its people. He returned to Kentucky but still thought of Alabama and later was able to move his wife, Elizabeth Virginia and three of their eight children to Threets Cross Road.
Tom and Elizabeth Virginia had one daughter (Blanche) who was married and still living in Kentucky with her Husband Coy Leneave. To Unite his family, Tom offered them half of his farm to relocate here. Coy, Blanche, Elizabeth their daughter, and Cora their foster daughter, loaded all their belongings on a boat and sailed from Trigg County, Kentucky to the present Cannon farm. One sentimental item Blanche brought in her apron pocket were 2 pecans she immediately planted. Today we still enjoy the beauty of her efforts.
Coy and Blanche Leneave moved their church letter to Liberty Baptist on February 19th, 1912, and in November 1912 Coy was elected church clerk and served in that position until August 1917.
In July 1917 Coy was ordained as a Deacon, both daughters, Elizabeth and Cora were saved and baptized as members of Liberty, Elizabeth on July 31st,1921 and Cora on July 28th, 1928.
According to the church minutes, Coy and Blanche served on numerous committees, taught Sunday school and were delegates to the Association. In fact, Blanche taught her class on Sunday May 8th , 1944 and went to be with her for the next Tuesday May 10th 1944. Coy continued in the church where he also led the singing for many years. He died on January 8th, 1965. On a family visit back to Kentucky, Elizabeth Leneave met a young man, fell in love, and on September 3rd, 1927, she married Sam Cannon.
Sam and Elizabeth lived in Kentucky for a short period of time and decided to move here to be with her Liberty family. Sam moved his church letter to Liberty in July 1928. Sam and Elizabeth had eight children that were saved and baptized in Liberty Baptist Church. Sam and Elizabeth were both very active in the church, he taught the men Sunday school classes until poor health forced him to quit. Elizabeth taught different Sunday school classes, was active in the WMU and sang with a beautiful alto voice.
Today the Cannon family legend continues through the family members who still attend Liberty Baptist Church.