Indian River Country : Volume 1 1880-1889

By Bonnie Garmon and Jim Garmon

A collection of articles from the Florida Star newspaper. This newspaper was published in Titusville, Florida from 1880 to 1914 and served the people of the central east coast of Florida from New Smyrna to Ft. Pierce and Port St. Lucie. These articles tell the story of the Indian River inhabitants and how they lived and worked in this new frontier of the United States in the last part of the 19th century. Genealogists, historians, and lovers of history will discover a rich source of information about the ordinary, and not-so-ordinary, people who made the Indian River Country their new home. This volume covers 1880 through 1889 and includes an every-name index.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 31, 2011
• ISBN: 9781257331345

Book preview

Boonstra

INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME 1, 1880-1889

This is a collection of articles from Titusville‘s Florida Star newspaper, chosen be-cause of their genealogical and historical value. These articles chronicle the people and locations of Brevard County in the late 1800‘s and early 1900‘s. We tried to select articles with lots of names and locations, articles which would be of interest to those researching their Brevard County, Florida ancestors. A few articles were selected simply because they tell an interesting story of this period in the history of the county and appealed to us as we read them.

The Star was edited and published by Ellis B. Wager from 1880 to 1914 and carried stories from up and down the Indian River country from New Smyrna in the north to St. Lucie in southern Brevard County. It was not just a local paper, carrying Titusville stories only, but had correspondents all up and down the Indian and Banana Rivers. These correspondents were, I suspect, unpaid or lowly paid, for they are often chided for not passing along any news from their localities.

These stories were collected as we indexed the Star, compiling a list of all births, marriages, and deaths reported by the newspaper. This index will be published at a later date, and will be posted on the Internet.

We must acknowledge the efforts of Neva Gael Brandon and her keen eyes as she compared our draft copy to the original newspaper article. Thank you, Neva, for your help in making this a true and accurate transcription of the articles.

Jim and Bonnie Garmon

Cocoa, Florida, April, 2009

INTRODUCTION

This is a collection of articles from Titusville‘s Florida Star newspaper, chosen for their value to genealogists and local historians. These articles chronicle the people and locations of Brevard County in the late 1800‘s and early 1900‘s. We have selected articles with lots of names and locations, articles which would be of interest to those researching their Brevard County, Florida ancestors. A few articles were selected simply because they tell an interesting story of this period in the history of the county and appealed to us as we read them.

The Star was edited and published by Ellis B. Wager from 1880 to 1914 and carried stories from up and down the Indian River country from New Smyrna in the north to St. Lucie in the south. It was not just a local paper, carrying Titusville stories only, but had correspondents all up and down the Indian and Banana Rivers. These correspondents were, I suspect, unpaid or lowly paid, for they are often chided for not passing along any news from their localities.

These stories were collected as we indexed the Star, compiling a list of all births, marriages, and deaths reported by the newspaper. This index will be published at a later date, and will be posted on the Internet.

We must acknowledge the efforts of Neva Gael Brandon and her keen eyes as she compared our draft copy to the original newspaper article. Thank you, Neva, for your help in making this a true and accurate transcription of the articles.

Jim and Bonnie Garmon

Cocoa, Florida, April, 2009

1

Description of a Portion of City Point—A Trip Down the Indian River

Part of a series of articles by Veronica

[This may have been a four part series. The issue of the Florida Star for the previous week, April 3, is missing. This article seems to begin abruptly and may be the second of the series.]

Florida Star, April 10, 1884, Page 1

Monday evening, at 9:30 your correspondent jumped from the good substantial wharf of Mr. C. L. Faber on board the sloop Arrow, which is too well known on Indian River to need commending and her tidy and capable captain, Tony Canova has won the championship with his Arrow. The genial Charley and his wife were not at home as we departed and our farewell was made to Dr. G. W. Holmes and family, and Mr. Westerfield and his amiable wife, the father and mother of the highly-esteemed Dr. Holmes. The doctor has a young grove of healthy trees and his building is one of the landmarks to the mariner as he sails this lovely Indian River. A few weeks since said mariners with their wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts and cousins to the number of 85 surprised the doctor and wife by visiting them on the anniversary of their happy wedding. The affair was a most pleasant one and we wish they may celebrate their golden wedding. Directly north of the Doctor’s is the fine grove of Albert Faber who is just about moving into his new house erected by that good builder Mr. H. S. Black, a naturalized citizen who lives on the beautiful Highlands ¼ mile west of the river. The approach to his house is by a cow-path which seems more desirable than roads in this locality. The wind being fair we pass in rapid succession the residences of the following parties owning fine orange groves, who have just finished sending of their fine fruit which has brought big prices; fruit in other portions of the state having been injured by frost. Mr. Enoch Hall has a fine grove and a new house. L. B. Dennison has fine grove of healthy trees well pruned; needs a new house. Rev. W. A. Simmons comes next and has made conspicuous and costly improvements in two new houses built on the river bank in front of his young and prolific grove. Sailing south we pass the school-house and church and imagine we hear that sprightly little body Miss Hamilton, so gifted and popular, at her task teaching. City Point has reason to be proud of her schools.

We sail past the new house of Mr. John Sanders which stands in front of his excellent grove. He is one of the successful in orange grove culture not withstanding his attacks of stingrays. Dr. C. A. Hentz has a very cozy place and fine residence with an abundance of room which is utilized when the Literary society meets. The Dr. will make one of the most attractive places on the river. His young grove looks fine and will bring fruit next year. Directly we approach Mr. Blethen whose family has rendered much in getting up the entertainments at the sociables, Mr. B. being a fine debator [sic], and his wife and daughters spicy contributors in assisting pleasing programmes. His is a young and healthy grove just about ready to bear. Our old reliable George E. Chester comes next, and he has an attractive new house. We are now at Rockledge, and to-morrow will continue on our trip toward Key West.

VERONICA

2

Veronica’s Description of Indian River—A Trip down the Indian River

Part of a series of articles by Veronica

Florida Star, April 17, 1884, Page 3

After examining all most of the groves, we find but little die-back or rusty fruit and there should be flush times on this river from now on as the fruit properly handled is bound to realize fancy prices. Dr. Moon’s net for fruit shipped to N. Y. will be about $4 per box and perhaps more. S. Rider has a fine large building hotel and store combined and topped with a fine cupola which lighted makes many a wind-tossed sailor glad when sailing at night. He carries a large stock and has the reputation of being obliging to guests and boatmen, directly south of Ryder’s possessions is located the celebrated Rockledge House owned by Mr. H. P Wilkinson, he is another careful packer, and has realized fine prices for his fruit. Merit has its reward.

Rockledge is rightly named as there are numberless large rocks extending along the whole river front and the water is deep, affording fine navigation for large craft, the banks are very thickly covered with palmettos, live oaks and hickory the two latter being enveloped in rich foliage of waving moss, the beauties of nature having been lavishly showered in this noted hammock, and no one should leave Florida with out seeing it. On the east bank of this beautiful river can be seen the residence of Mr. Cleveland who has a large guava grove and extensively manufactures guava jelly of a very superior quality now finding a large sale in New York and other northern cities. Before leaving this interesting locality, we will say that its inhabitants are quite enthusiastic over the prospects of having a new Senator in their towsman [townsman?], Lyman Barnes who has built the most expensive as well as attractive dwelling on the river, directly north of Mr. Harrison’s.

Parties can make requisitions on the finny tribe easily and thus be amply supplied. Tourists have doubtless observed the scarcity of the real estate agent, so frequently met on the St. Johns, and often to their sorrow; I do not remember having seen a placard for sale or rent, there are more buyers than sellers. Major C. B. Magruder living in the lower end of this hammock has some very desirable property to dispose of in lots to suit parties wishing to buy; 5 or 10 acre lots with young healthy orange trees, just beginning to bear. His prices may be considered high but there is a fortune in them is clearly seen by looking at the grove of Mr. Jos. Paxon. I have seen none better in the State. Fourteen hundred boxes shipped from the Rockledge young groves by Mr. Wilkinson is an attest to what competency is in reach by a little investment, aided by judicious muscle. To arrive at the political aspect of our party a canvass was made and a vote taken which resulted unanimously for Mr. Barnes.

As 8 a. m. Tuesday the 8th inst. we bid adieu to Rockledge and with a light fair wind sailed on our trip, calling at Mr. Paxon’s for a supply of his delicious oranges. As we are out in the middle of the river and look back towards Rockledge the view is grand. Archie Baker reports gain in the flesh and his cheeks and spirits are brightening. We continue on our way to Georgiana and hail Mr. Allen who has a large new house well arranged and very roomy. Georgiana is presenting quite the appearance of a settlement. New and fine buildings have been erected by Mr. Hughes, Mr. Munson and Mr. Lyman. The Island though not possessed of an extra amount of fertility, abounds in acres of fine guavas and pine-apples. Looking south west from Merritts Island we see a new house built by Mr. Dearborn, situated on a high bluff immediately north of Mr. Moses; turning our eyes eastward we see patches of fine hammock land which is owned by James and Charley Stewart and G. F. Ensey who are cultivation acres in pine-apples. Nearing Eau Gallie the wind freshened and we met and rapidly passed the sloop Lida who reports the Anna at Capron.

We all hope she may be at Capron when we get there so we may have company to Key West. Gleason’s college is occupied by families who are waiting for lumber to build houses on land they have bought. Mr. G. is an enterprising man and has done a great deal for Florida. We stopped at Melbourne for dinner and had a pleasant chat with Mr. Hector, he is a host in himself and has been a benefit to all, he is a native of Melbourne, Australia and gave this name to the town and post-office, he keeps a tidy stock of goods and has a fine trade, he has a beautiful location and fine patch of pine-apples started; the citizens all pull together here, and times are prosperous. Mason has sold out to a Mr. Adams from Ohio. And Mr. Goode has sold to an accomplished English lady by the name of Campbell, who has three hardy fine looking boys. Mr. Goode we hear is to erect a hotel near Hector’s. The settlers mostly are from the north, and are very thrifty and social and are about to build a fine church and school house.

VERONICA

3

From Melbourne to Jupiter—A trip down the Indian River

Part of a series of articles by Veronica

Florida Star, April 24, 1884, Page 1

Left Melbourne at 1:30 p. m. with a light S. W. wind, Tony at the wheel and Baker and Bush putting the sloop in order. This was our first meal aboard and all relished it, the wind changed to the S. E. at 2:30 and we had a strong breeze. Forest fires have burned the country all over near Mr. Frank Smith and the palmettos present a reddish color from severe scorching. At 5:30 we came to anchor in St. Sebastion river, Tony and Mr. Bush prepared the supper which was good. Your correspondent had a severe headache supposed to be caused by too many Boston baked beans and Florida oranges, no censure meant for Mr. Hatch or Paxon.

Fourth day out, we all had a fine sleep and nothing to mar the solitude of repose save the splashing of the ocean waves, we never can stop the billows roar nor drive true love from a maiden’s door. Took a before breakfast walk through the pine-apple grove, which will yield between thirty and forty thousand of choice varieties to ship north in a few weeks. Would think this Eden Hotel would be desirable as a winter quarters. Our young acquaintance from South Carolina Mr. G. C. Cameron came here a few weeks since in poor health, and now his eye is bright, cheeks red, and spirits lively, he reports this the finest spot for fishing he has ever visited, going through our morning devotions we up anchor and sail for Jupiter Inlet at 8:10, wind fair, soon the river front becomes lower and scrub largely predominates. The highlands are back and we see through the foliage patches of sand white as snow, and on an elevated bluff there is a very high pole raised by surveyors. The country now looks very poor for agriculture. At 9:20 we pass Life Saving Station No. 2 which shows off finely from the river, shortly we come to St. Lucie river the longest fresh water river that empties into the Indian river, it is about half a mile wide at the mouth and has high commanding bluffs thickly shadowed with palmettos and other tropical trees, scenery here is lovely in the extreme and on the northern bank would be a charming place for a large hotel, the St. Lucie is navigable for large steam ships 25 miles and its waters alive with fish and turtle. This fine site is owned by some Grant and for this reason is unoccupied, and thus the most superb spot on our river not available as a resort, plenty of water here for sailing. At 9:50 we enter Jupiter narrows with a fair 5 knot breeze. It is hard to fine words to express our ideas of nature’s lovliness [sic] here. Beautiful, beautiful, romantic, romantic! The palmetto ceases here and the river is most charmingly bordered by verdure of thickly clustered mangrove bushes, which the boom of the swiftly gliding Arrow nearly brushes. At 10:10 we meet the sloop Reckless, owned by Peter Whitney of St. Augustine, the Arrow is continually jibing as we are varying our course.

What a place this would be to obtain views and it seems strange they have not been taken, a splendid view would be from the river to Peck’s Haulover, where is lying the government boat, the Steadfast. Nearly half way through the narrows we pass a small bunch of palmettos trees which shade the Indian Camp Ground, at 12:10 we were sailing past Indian Creek and a little Indian mound, and quickly sail into Hope Sound. Leaving the narrows the view is beautiful and elegantly prospective, water deep ‘till we strike the oyster beds about five miles distant. Very high bluffs on the right of white sand slightly covered with shrubbery, on the left there is fine hammock land from one quarter to half a mile in width running to the ocean beach. In the rich hammock about 4 miles from the lighthouse, Mr. Armour is starting a cocoanut and banana grove, rocky banks healthy locality, and good soil. At 1 p. m. we sight Jupiter Light House, high ocean bluffs covered with scrub palmetto. Made fast to Jupiter Light house wharf at 1:45, found the Anna tied at the wharf having just arrived. Captain Armour has good quarters, but not so fine as at Cape Canaveral. Took in a good supply of water after dinner, and at 4 o’clock we sailed to the south of the Inlet, and Baker and Bush sauntered round gathering shells by the sea shore. Decided to wait ‘till morning before going to Lake Worth as the wind was light, Tony took his cast net and caught us some small mullet and we used them for bait and had all the sport we could ask, hauling in the Bass, Snapper, Cavalli and Sergeant fish, just before sunset we sailed back to the Light House wharf and had a good fish supper, after supper Baker, Bush and Tony went up in the top of the light house to write letters to their wife and sweethearts, there being no lights to be seen in the dwelling houses, the writer as usual being the first to retire and the gang return from the tower at 11 p. m. and turned in, mosquitoes having just found out we were here.

VERONICA

4

General Babcock Drowned At Mosquito Inlet—Lighthouse Repair Attempt Results in Death of Four Men

Florida Star, June 12, 1884, Page 1

Reprinted from June 5, 1884 Daytona Journal

Sunday the government schooner Pharos employed in the work of the Light House