Moments in the Life of Chief Micanopa

This document from Alachua County’s Ancient Records Deed Book B, dated May 6, 1834, records a transaction in which Micanopy, Chief of the Seminole tribe, conveyed a young enslaved girl named Catherine to John and Susan Paine. Catherine, identified as the daughter of the Paines and born in March 1829, was to remain under their guardianship until she reached the age of twenty-one, at which point she was to be granted her freedom. The deed, witnessed at Fort King and recorded by local officials, raises questions about the personal, legal, and cultural complexities surrounding slavery, guardianship, and Native leadership in territorial Florida.

Moments in the Life of Robert E. Arnow

On June 18, 1921, Alachua County Deputy Sheriff Robert E. Arnow was fatally shot in Micanopy, Florida, while attempting to arrest Jim B. Bowyer for carrying a concealed weapon. Bowyer, who had previously worked for Arnow, opened fire when approached, striking the deputy four times. Despite a widespread manhunt, Bowyer evaded capture until later that year in Georgia. He was extradited, tried, and convicted of first-degree murder in a one-day trial held in Gainesville. Bowyer was executed by hanging on February 24, 1922. The case drew public attention for its swift legal proceedings and the circumstances surrounding the crime and execution.

Moments in the Life of John H. McIntosh Jr.

The document recounts the emancipation of three enslaved sisters—Bella, Maria, and Sue—by John H. McIntosh Jr. in Florida, dated October 11, 1833. McIntosh declares that these children are to be manumitted and acknowledges their emancipation, intending this act to be permanent for them and their descendants. The transaction involved a nominal payment of one dollar, highlighting the historical significance of this act during a time when enslaved individuals had considerable financial value. The call for additional information on John H. McIntosh Jr. suggests a quest for further insights into his life.

Moments in the Life of Joseph Valentine

In 1862, Joseph Valentine, a free man of color in Alachua County, voluntarily sold himself into slavery to Philip Dell, which was documented in the local court’s judgment book. The court affirmed his choice was made without coercion. Fast forward to 1871, a Joseph Valentine is found serving as a County Commissioner for Alachua County and is mentioned in the census as a literate black man living in Gainesville. His story raises many questions about the nature of his freedom and choices, leaving historians curious about his life after this controversial decision. What became of Joseph Valentine remains unknown.

Moments in the Life of Moses Elias Levy

Moses Elias Levy Sign

The document presents a historical account of Moses Elias Levy, a planter in Alachua County, East Florida, beginning with a deed from January 1826 involving a loan from Seraphina Chaventeau secured by extensive land parcels. It details various land transactions, demonstrating Levy’s dealings across locations such as Paris and New York, and highlights significant amounts of land acquired through grants. The narrative shows Levy’s financial struggles, reliance on loans, and connections with various parties, culminating in the recording of multiple indentures and acknowledgments of debts. Ultimately, Levy emerges as a pivotal figure in Florida’s land history, illustrating the complexities of 19th-century property transactions.

Biographies of Gadsden Men from Memoirs of Florida

These biographies of Gadsden County men have been transcribed from the Memoirs of Florida. Surnames of biographical sketches include Broome, Davidson, Dismukes, Hinsey, Martin, Mitchell, Philips, Stockton, Thompson, Wilson, and Wyatt.

History of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Quincy

St Paul's Episcopal Church in Quincy, Florida

St. Paul’s Church in Quincy, Florida, has a rich history dating back to its organization and election of the vestry on December 7, 1838. The parish was quickly integrated into the Diocese of Florida during the Diocese’s Second Annual Convention in January 1839. Officially incorporated on February 28, 1839, by an act of the Territorial Legislature, the church was originally served by the rector of St. John’s Church in Tallahassee, beginning in 1834. Despite challenges, including periods without a rector and the use of the building as a Confederate Army hospital during the Civil War, St. Paul’s has persevered. This history was written in 1958 in preparation for St. Paul’s 125th anniversary.

Antioch Church Cemetery, Wetumpka

Antioch Church Cemetery was surveyed on April 21, 1957; therefore, burials after this date are not included here. Directions: Leave Quincy going south on Pat Thomas Parkway (Hwy. 267 South). It’s about 9 miles to Wetumpka. Continue south past intersection with Old Federal Road (Hwy 65B) to the top of the next hill. Turn left on McCall Bridge Road (Hwy. 65C), and the church and cemetery are within sight on the right. The cemetery covers about three acres. Surname Given Birth Date Death Date Comments on Stone ALDERMAN Bulah ? Eulah 2-20-1889 Living   ALFORD Authur J. 7-5-1892 2-3-1955   … Read more

Alexander “Sandy” Love Cemetery

The Alexander Love Farm was located 5 miles west of Quincy on Highway 90 at Douglas City. The cemetery is located just north of the road at the Y. Alexander “Sandy” Love was born in 1800 in N.C. the son of Edward Love and Elizabeth Curry. His family was very instrumental in early Gadsden Co.

St. Nicholas Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida

A bird likes to sing but cannot write the song for future reference. Some animals fly and cannot write down the process which he transports from one place to another. We have heard and seen the talking bird, but we have not seen his written conversation. Man is unique in many behavioral patterns. It is an intelligent thing to put down parts of information until we come to a more valid and conclusive bit of evidence that can be checked until we find real truths that exists behind an important community place or project. The difference between man and the … Read more