”The next record found is of the incorporation of the Selma Chamber of Commerce, December 7, 1861. Its objects are stated in the power granted to ‘do and perform all proper acts and business in relation to the regulation of commerce in said city, and in the adjustment of all difficulties arising in trade and business between merchants and traders in said city, and such other proper and lawful business and acts, as usually pertain to chambers of commerce in cities.’ It was doubtless modeled on the Mobile organization of 1854, above described. It could hardly be said to parallel the work of the modern commercial body.

Its incorporators were: …H. H. Ware, …”

Reference Data:

History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, Vol. 1, by Thomas McAdory Owen and Marie Bankhead Owen, 1921, page 227