A Message from the Owner:
Working this farm has been a great part of my life and livelihood, and it has been an honor and privilege to continue protecting this farm just as my friend Mr. Joe would have done. When I think of the family who farmed this ground before me, it reminds me of this quote.
“Let the farmer be forevermore honored in his calling, for those who labor in the earth, are truly the chosen people of God.” — Thomas Jefferson
Early in 2019, I began restoration of the original Nathan Bryan Whitfield, Sr. home at The Cedars. It was my vision to return this historic farmhouse to a public place for sharing its beauty, family history and its agricultural significance with the community and others. It was a labor of love for me and I am proud to say the home opened as an event venue and short-term rental home in 2020.
My wife Tiffany and I are passionate stewards of land and its legacy. We first met through the rural agricultural leadership program, ILAC. We share a deep commitment to preserving agricultural heritage. Together, we own adjoining historic properties – I own The Cedars, the original Whitfield family farm, while Tiffany owns the Foscue House. We’re working together to reunite these properties back into one farming operation, honoring both the Whitfield and Foscue family legacies while creating spaces where others can experience the beauty and history of Demopolis and west Alabama.
I hope everyone who visits appreciates the commitment of the Whitfields, the Foscues and our own dedication to protecting and preserving such beautiful pieces of our state’s heritage.
-Richy Naisbett, with gratitude
February 11th, 2020
The History of the Cedars:
Since 1834, the Whitfields have been prominent residents of Marengo County. Major General Nathan Bryan Whitfield (1799-1868) was the first to acquire land here, with a vision to return to Demopolis to farm and raise livestock after the Civil War ended. Major General Whitfield’s most notable legacy in Demopolis is the magnificent Gaineswood Mansion.
His son, Dr. Bryan Watkins Whitfield (1828-1908), practiced medicine in Demopolis for forty years while continuing to manage his family’s cotton and cattle operation just west of town. The local hospital was named in his honor, recognizing his tremendous impact on the community.
By 1890, Dr. Whitfield’s son, Nathan Bryan Whitfield (1866-1944), had married and needed to establish his own homestead. He built The Cedars, naming it for a grove of cedar trees that grew between the home and the road, which is now U.S. Highway 80. Constructed in the Greek Revival Farmhouse style, it still sits in its original location today. Nathan found great success in agriculture, farming cotton, raising cattle, and growing vegetable crops.
The neighboring Foscue House was built by Augustus Foscue, and the properties became connected through marriage when Augustus’s daughter, Mary Alice, married into the Whitfield family, linking these two historic farming legacies.
After Nathan’s death, only one of his four sons, Asa Hatch Whitfield (1901-1962), chose to continue the farming operation at The Cedars. Asa remained on this farm until his passing in June 1962. Over the years, the land passed to Asa’s nephew, Joseph E. Whitfield Jr. (1936-2013), fondly known as Mr. Joe. Since 1990, under Richy’s ownership, the farm has continued in agriculture. Now current owners Richy and Tiffany Naisbett operate the adjoining properties as part of a larger cattle operation, working to restore the original farm unity.
In 2006, Mr. Joe and Richy worked together to enroll 97% of the remaining 440-acre original farm into a conservation program that keeps The Cedars protected, ensuring it will remain in production agriculture forever. In April 2009, Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Commissioner of Agriculture Ron Sparks designated The Cedars as an Alabama Century Farm—a recognition meaning the farm has operated as a family farm for over 100 years and has played a significant role in Alabama’s history. Mr. Joe accepted this honor on behalf of himself and the family members who had farmed this ground for over 180 years.
A note from the “true owner”:
I happened upon this place while it was under renovation and decided it would be wonderful location to raise my family. It has been amazing of them to restore such a lovely property for me and my young’uns. Unfortunately only one of my kids, The Boy, stayed home with me to work the farm and protect it from any undesirable varmints. We love having company and look forward to meeting you!
Mama Kitty
