In that same year, 1869, formal education began in Selma. A small private school was started in a shanty on the corner of what is now Massey and Anderson Streets, the present location of the James Person home. In 1871, Professor John C. Scarborough was in charge of the school, assisted by his wife. Within a short period of time several other private schools began operation. Dr. Wade Atkinson's mother, Mrs. Tom Atkinson, taught in a building where Charlie and Ellen Talton lived on the corner of S. Sumner and Noble Streets. Miss Margaret Etheredge was a pupil there at one time.
The year 1872 saw Selma developing as a real town with the chartering of the First Baptist Church (white). The 'name later was changed to the Selma Baptist Church. This first church was located on the corner of Watson and Sharp Streets. I n that same year came the chartering of the Masonic Lodge and further growth of businesses in the area; including barrooms, a government distillery located west of town, and a township clerk, Simon Godwin. Other firms and persons listed in the 1872 Directory were E. S. Moore, lawyer; W. H. Avera, S. H. Hood, and J. Rains and Brothers, general store merchants; C. H. Harriss and J. W. Vick, physicians; W. H. Avera and W. J. Barrow Co., turpentine distilleries; James H. Sasser, Primitive Baptist minister; Ray Phillips, Free Will Baptist minister; William B. Harrell, Missionary Baptist minister. The Selma Academy was also listed.
It must be noted here that when the original townships were formed, Selma Township included parts of Pine Level, Micro and Wilson's Mills. Therefore the names of merchants and farmers in these areas often are included in early township records.
From the History of Selma - Centennial Program.
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