We've done a few quick searches for references to the house in historic newspapers.
But in all the searches, we're still missing a critical reference: the probate records for James Hendricks, the first owner of the house.
His will was probated on August 18, 1856 and the listing ran in the Central Alabamian based in Elyton, Alabama in the following weeks. We have not yet found an archive with that newspaper
Other references to the inn include:
3/31/1881 - Greenville Advocate
The Barclift Hotel, at Blountsville, was struck by lightening last week. "Some of the inmates immediately became penitent."
1/17/1884 - Blount County News-Dispatch
ads for the Barclift Store
12/5/1885 Blount County News-Dispatch
Mr. H.H. Barclift of the Blountsville Hotel; will leave, with his family for Cullman this week. The takes charge of the City Hotel at Cullman. Mr. and Mrs. Barclift are first-class caterers.
....
Mr. E.B. Roberts and wife are going to run the Blountsville Hotel when Mr. H.H. Barclift goes to Cullman.
2/18/1886 - The Blount County News
Ad for The Blountsville Hotel
E.B. Roberts, Proprietor
Table supplied with the best the Market affords. Special attention paid to the traveling public. Feed Stable in connection with the Hotel. September 17, 1885
2/18/1886 - Blount County News - ad for Hotel, EB Roberts, prop.
also ad for Montgomery Hotel in Bville
5/20/1886
Birmingham Age
Blountsville, Ala. May 18
.......Our quiet town was surprised yesterday by a real estate exchange at this place. Mr. J.C. McPherson, one of our prominent merchants, exchanged his residence and lot, except for his storehouse, to Mr. E.B. Roberts, for the Blountsville, Hotel. Today the parties, respectively, took possession, which completed the trade.
5/20/1886 - Birmingham Age
News of the Land swap for the Hotel
1/20/1887 - Blount ND
LIttle Sudie, the interesting 5 year old daughter of Mr. James C. McPherson, host of the Blountsville Hotel, was seriously and painfully hurt one day last week. The horse and buggy had been out, and Mr. McPherson had just driven into the hotel yard. Aleck, the hostler got into the buggy to put up the horse, and Sudie got in with him. The animal became scared at something, and ran helter-skelter through the lot, damaging the buggy and lacerating one of the child's arms terribly. Fortunately no bones were broke and the little sufferer is doing well.
4/28/1887 Blount County News
Ad for Blountsville Hotel, J.C. McPherson, Proprietor
First class board by the mean, day, week, or month. It is within two hundred yards of the business portion of the town.
An excellent Feed Stable in connection with the hotel. January 6, 1887
9/27/1887 - ad for Hotel, McPherson.
3/15/1888 - Blount County News Dispatch
Attention is called to the card of the Blountsville Hotel. Mr. H.H. Barclift, an eminent caterer, has purchased the establishment from Mr. Jas. C. McPherson, and is prepared to accomodate the travelling public. Mr. and Mrs. Barclift have no superiors in the art of hotel keeping.
5/10/1888 - Blount County News Dispatch
MARRIED: on the 6th inst., at the Blountsville Hotel, by the Rev. Thos. B. Nation, Mr. Edward H O'Neal to Miss Julia Haley. The happy couple left on Monday for Birmingham.
6/7/1888 - Blount County News Dispatch
The High School Party at the Barclift Hotel on Saturday night was an interesting affair, but the pleasure of the occasion was marred by the unexpected demise of Miss Janie Westbrook, who had been a pupil of the district High School.
6/17/1888 - Blount County News Dispatch
Blountsville is no longer dry. The water works convey pure, cool spring water through town, supplying the Barclift hotel, the public square, the jail, and several private residences. The credit of the enterprise is justly due to Dr. F.N. Hudson
10/31/1889 - Blount County News Dispatch
ad for Hotel, Barclift, Prop.
10/24/1889: Ad for Blountsville Hotel, H.H. Barclift, Proprietor
First class board by the mean, day, week, or month. It is within two hundred yards of the business portion of the town.
An excellent Feed Stable in connection with the hotel. March 15, 1888
10/24/1889 - Blount County News Dispatch
Ad for Barclift
12/19/1889 - Blount County News Dispatch
Mr. E.B. Roberts has taken charge of the Blountsville Hotel. Mr. H.H. Barclift and family have moved to Cullman where he has charge of the City Hotel.
2/11/1892 - Blount County News Dispatch
Mr. E.B. Roberts and family arrived on Tuesday from Blountsville and took possession of the Magnolia Hotel.
.... When you visit Blountsville stop at the Barclift Hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Barclift know exactly how to treat their guests.
8/10/1893 - Blount County News Dispatch
We had a fine shower of drummers at the Barclift hotel this week.
2/13/1902 - Blount County News Dispatch
Henry Barclift Dead - died at home 2/9/1902 - 74 years - two sons and wife
2/13/1902 - The Southern Democrat
Notice of death of Mr. Henry H. Barclift on Sunday morning at home.
5/15/1902 - Blount County News Dispatch
ad for Blountsville Hotel. Will E. Nation, Prop.
The comfort and interest of travelling men expecially looked after. Table supplied with the best the market affords. Hot and cold baths free to guests. Livery Stable in connection with Hotel
1/3/1907 The Southern Democrat
Wm. Hendrix of Holly Pond has purchased the Barclift Hotel from Mrs. Clara Barclift. Aunt Clara will make her home at Sylacauga with her granddaughter, Mrs. T.C. Moore.
4/25/1907 - The Southern Democrat
W. F. Hendrix, proprietor of the old Barclift Hotel, is painting his chimneys, rebuilding the gallery, and overhauling it generally, which improvement justifies its change of name to The Blountsville Hotel.
7/13/1911 The Southern Democrat
The many friends of Mrs. Clara Barclift will regret to learn of her death which occurred at the home of Prof. T.C. Moore in Gadsden late Sunday afternoon. Her death was die to heart failure, a trouble from which she had been suffering for several momths. She was able to be up and was sitting on the porch with the death summons came. Mrs. Barclift was 71 years of age and until a few years ago resided at Blountsville where she conducted the Barclift Hotel. The deceased was a good christian woman and her death will be deeply deplored by her many friends in Blount.