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Murdaugh Trial Even Affects Our Jacksonville Family

My Father was born in Hampton, South Carolina. To my knowledge, he nor my immediate family have had need of the Murdaugh legal firm services of Hampton County. That firm has been a mainstay in that area since the early 1900’s with the Murdaugh great grandfather establishing the business. Our relatives have gone to school with the Murdaugh family members and have had various dealings with many associated in this case in terms of living in the same little town.

Norris, Ralph, Gilbert, Joe, Alec(Dad). Vaughan Collection

It’s been a trauma for our own family members as the trial has gone world-wide in coverage; many following every detail of the case from a seat in their living room or watching online using internet connections. By using the internet and their phones or watching by way of television, it has been a huge case and on most people’s evening news programs daily. Being that some members of our family has known them and had close contact makes the case very real.

The personal injury law group was founded by Raldolph Murdaugh Sr. in 1910. He was the first of three generations to hold the elected position of 14th Judicial Circuit Solicitor. For only a decade less than 100 years, the Murdaugh family has had wielding legal powers in and around the South Carolina area. While riding through the town and on its back roads, you see a variety of businesses, unrelated to law firms with the Murdaugh” name painted on signs so that family name has had prominence in Hampton County, Colletion County and elsewhere.

My aunt Urbanna worked for over 50 years at Vincent’s Drug store at 203 Lee Avenue, just around the literal corner from the Murdaugh firm’s brick building. There is no doubt she had interactions with all of the Murdaugh family members in that small, sleepy town. Certainly, she made original fountain drinks, milk shakes, fresh lemonade and more for them at some point, from the old fashioned bar. She more than likely counted out pills, and provided medical assistance at the pharmacy owned by Dr, James T. Vincent and his father. She could have even sold them fire arms as they had a nice selection being out in a rural area where people hunt regularly. They carried guns, pistols and bullets at Vincent’s Drug store.

Murdaugh Firm, Hampton, SC. (Ramey Collection)

The Murdaugh family lived in Hampton for at least 3 generations but in 2012 purchased some 1,700 acres with a home and outbuildings, which has been called the “Moselle home” , outside of Hampton. It became their prime place for living. It is there the murder of the mother and son occurred.

According to reports, the property went up for sale in 2022 for almost $4,000,000.. This, after the loss (killings) of the Murdaugh Mother and son.The Crosby Land Company offers a downloadable brochure of the property which can be accessed online today.

When my sister, and I were recently in Hampton due to the possible sale of our own grandfather’s estate, we noticed the Murdaugh name at every turn. Meeting with our cousin, we parked beside the Murdaugh firm building and ate at a small downtown restaurant. While we were there, we saw what we believed to be attorneys from the Murdaugh firm come in to have lunch as well. One left with a take-out order.

Our visit to South Carolina was to walk our family property, see the “Century Farm” antiquities and reminisce our family heritage. To see a family similar to our family fall completely a part is a sad state.

Our grandfather’s wagon on his Century old property in 2022

Yesterday, Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of killing his wife and son on the Moselle property out by the dog kennels. It is such a horrible and sad situation. Randy Murdaugh, the surviving brother still apparently works at the business. The firm has been, of late referred to as the “Parker Firm” after a legal name change. Apparently those involved are Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Elzroth & Detrick thus, it appears that the surviving brother is still a partner.

This trial has become almost a circus in the Walterboro, South Carolina area where the courthouse is being used and as media tents, trucks and more have been set up in and around the courthouse.

Walterboro Courthouse 2022 (Ramey Collection)

I wonder what my great grandfather, who is buried in Colleton County would think of this debacle. God rest the soul of Maggie Murdaugh, Alex’s wife and his son, Paul who were killed in this horrible event. I just pray that justice is truly served today as the sentencing takes place. Certainly, justice will prevail on Judgement Day.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Category: Family, Random Posts | 1 Comment

March 2

Hoyt E. Thurmond and Purity Cones in Springfield

Born a Georgia boy, Hoyt. E Thurmond had found a wife in Minnie Lee and was living at 425 West 23rd Street in the “Sunshine State” by 1933. Hoyt was born on December 8, 1889. After leaving Georgia, he married Minnie and they moved to the Springfield area in Jacksonville, Florida.

Hoyt and Minnie- Photo-Linda Lee Hollister

Just around the corner in Springfield area in Jacksonville, he opened a cone company supplying fresh ice cream cones to small mom and pop parlours; crispy and fresh . Hoyt’s business license was filed in 1933 with the state of Florida.

Linda Lee, one of his granddaughters says she remembers eating the small broken pieces left inside of the machine from the freshly-made cones. It was “oh-so good” she remembers after reminiscing about her Papa’s cone business. Gail, another granddaughter said they would often ride in a delivery truck being a part of the distribution process that came with expanding the business throughout the city of Jacksonville. That trip always resulted in the treat of “eating a broken cone or two”, she said.

Purity Cone Truck with Mr. Parker and Hoyt Thurmond. Photo: Linda Lee Holister

The Purity Cone Company of Jacksonville, was located on 20th Street in the Springfield area. Springfield was established in Duval County in 1871 as an actual development of John Norton, builder and financier. After the 1901 fire of Jacksonville, the city expanded its growth and Springfield was one area brought to life to include large stately homes and big beautiful facades and front porches with a variety of businesses to meet the needs of the growing population. It had its own “Main Street” and the area became popular as well as businesses and churches for residents of the city. Lots were small but many homes were grandeur for that day and time. Houses ranged in sizes from two bedrooms to as many as 6 bedrooms. Some homes were two story including a wrap-around porch while others were one level The Thurmond’s lived in a three bedroom home with a nice-sized front porch, on the west end of the street in a very nice single story small bungalow.

Hoyt home on 23rd Street, Jacksonville. Photo- Ramey Collection.

The Purity Cone Company was founded in Minneapolis 1929. It appears Hoyt would contract with the company, get his own equipment and start his company in 1933 selling fresh cones from a batter “ consisting of cake flour, sugar, syrup, vanilla, shortening, and salt”. Cones were made ranging in size from 4 to 5 inches. They were made fresh in the Jacksonville location and distributed city-wide using a truck.

There have been other Purity businesses in the United States related to cones such as the Purity Ice Cream of Ithaca, New York, Tennessee and Minneapolis. The Purity Cone business of Jacksonville appears to be an outgrowth for the cone business and not particularly ice cream. Hoyt and Minnie had three daughters, Wilma Lee Beal, Gladys Elma Weathers, Alice, and two sons, Jones and Tommy, all of Jacksonville, Florida. He died March 26, 1958 and he and Minnie are buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Hoyt and Minne Thurmond-Photo Linda Lee Holister

While currently driving around the Springfield neighborhood, the family home still stands. The Purity Cone Company, a well-remembered memory to the family is gone because of the 20th Street expressway that has taken it’s place. The memories are still there with those who remember. “Cone crumbles are still good” said grandchild, Gail Thurmond.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Category: Business, Neighborhoods | LEAVE A COMMENT

March 1

Jacksonville Police Patrol by Motorcycle Timeline

Prior to Jacksonville’s incorporation, it was settled by British colonists and called The Cowford because near the Bay and Market Street area, the river was used to ford cows across the St. Johns River. At that time, there were more than likely horse-mounted men to keep the peace. (No documented records).

1822- Jacksonville incorporated with the first Sheriff as James Dell. Jacksonville was named in honor of the provisional Governor of Florida at the time, Andrew Jackson. He was sort of a hero in that era. There is no evidence that he ever came to Jacksonville. During this time the Town Marshal would call upon citizens to keep watch of the town.

1861-1865- Civil War years with martial law enacted. Troops kept the peace during this time. Citizens lived under civil war conditions and followed those mandates.

1870- Reconstruction laws were enacted. Dave Pettis became the first Black elected to the Police Board of Commissioners. At this time, according to the Jacksonville Historical article, “Five black police officers two black sailors and, two black constables were also elected.”

1897- The first bicycle squad on the force appeared about this time. Motorcycles would not appear on the scene until after 1900. Honda cycles would not be founded in Japan until 1948.

1908- It is believed the first Harley was delivered to the Detroit police department this year. These first units were like civilian bikes. By 1920 there would be great change.

1911-Early motorcycle police and traffic enforcement began somewhere about 1911. Detroit and California are believed to be two of the first.

Example of an early motorcycle for police. (Florida Memory)

1920- Harley-Davidson created a special division for motorcycles.

1926- While there may be more, there is a photograph of at least 6 Jacksonville motorcycles online with officers all wearing hats, not helmets. There is no documentation as to who or why they are pictured. The photo is taken by Spottswood whose photography collection was donated to state archives. It is believed there was a motorcycle store owned by James T. Flowers at 8 North Newman Street “which appears to be a small parking lot next to the “The Daily Record” building.

1928 – Officer Henry Martin Nissles stands beside his motorcycle wearing a police hat with goggles strapped, his uniform and tall black boots.

1930’s- There had been several 200 mile “endurance runs” in and around Jacksonville by this time so motorcycles were gaining popularity.

1931- Harley Davidson releases a three-wheeled serving-car which police units found helpful. There is one photograph online showing this type vehicle.

Photo: Spottswood Collection(Jacksonville)- Florida Memory

1933- There are 10 motorcycles with offices seated on them wearing regular police uniforms. Behind them stand an officerand 2 civilian-dressed men. They are photographed in front of brick streets. Sometime before 1940 the words “Road Patrol” is anchored on the front wheel. Officers had saddle bags on their cycles and goggles with cloth hats.

Spottswood Collection(Jacksonville, Fl)- Florida Memory

1937- John P. Ellis was on his last watch September 11, 1937 after losing his life in a motorcycle crash. Clarence Ballou was on his last watch October 15,1937 when he had a motorcycle accident.

1939- The Florida Highway Patrol Department was established under the direction of Colonel H. Neil Kirkman. There were troopers who patrolled using motorcycles during this time.

1940- Advancement in radios and engine technology on motorcycles.

1947- The Harley Davidson Sales co. was located at 1067 West Forsyth in Jacksonville and became a place for purchases. In this same year, Fred Higginbotham was on his last watch August 8, 1947 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident.

1950- Black officers were hired on the force: Henry Harley, Edward Hickson, Alvin Jame Beamon Kendall, Marion Massey and Charlie Sea. It is not known if they were a part of the motorcycle unit.

1950- Special unit squads set up now were given a unit a name. Bill McCart was one serving on the the Jacksonville Road Patrol in 1955.

1955-Charles J. Scriven, a black officer in the “Negro precinct” and according to him only worked in the Black community for the Jacksonville police force. It is not known if there was a motorcycle unit for this area.

1958 -J.L. Suber, J. H. Britts, J. Taylor, and seven others served on the force. At some point Bill McCooley served as well as Officer Phillips.

Robert Fisher Collection, Jacksonville, Fl Memory

In 1959 when John F.. Kennedy came, the Jacksonville Road Patrol gave him a motorcycle escort as he sat in an open -opped convertible car on Forsyth Street in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. By this time, offices are wearing helmets with shields.

1960- Earnest C. Register was on his last watch April 20, 1960 when he had a motorcycle accident.

1961- A photo is taken of seven officers with their motorbikes in front of the doors of the Civil Auditorium. In 1962 there are at least 11 officers on road patrol as photographed beside the I-95 silver bridge. Officer Jake Edwards, Officer Malcom , Officer Gilbert, Officer Abbey, Officer Glen Rainey, Officer B. Brantley and Officer Ray are serving around this time. One of the first Black officers, Officer Wiggins takes to the bike around this era.

1962- Adamec Harley-Davidson was still located at their first location at 7622 North Main Street with two other motorcycle businesses of some kind at 1038 Kings Street and 1037 Hendricks Avenue according to staygreasy904 blogger.

1962- William E. McCooley was on his last watch September 5, 1962 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident.

1964- Civil Rights Act regarding non-discrimination is enacted which affected hiring of officers.

1965- Lou Ritter was Mayor of Jacksonville at this time and recommended a $40 pay raise according to the JaxDailyrecord. com article., effective July 1 of that year. Pay raise would go from $396 to $436 a month. At that time, there were approximately 400 officers on the Sheriff’s department force.

1965-Also, during the administration of President Lyndon Johson Affirmative Action was established by executive order that prohibited “ employment based on race, color, religion, and national origin”.

1968- Jake B. Edward was on his last watch when on February 1, 1968 he lost his life in a motorcycle accident.

1970’s-Harley was the main distributor of motorcycles for police units but in comes Kawasaki. By 1972 there are 13 all White officers on the motorcycle patrol.

David H. Reese was on his last watch when on February 28, 1970 lost his life in a motorcycle accident.

1974- Officer Glen Rainey was killed while he was on patrol when a woman turned in front of his motorcycle. The end of his watch was August 23, 1974.

1979- Due to a lack of diversity among the ranks, there was a “consent decree” to hire more minorities and women on the force.

1987- Jeffery Norman Ritchey, a U. S. Navy veteran serving with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s department for 18 years was on his last watch when he lost his life in a motorcycle accident escorting a funeral procession February 23, 1987.

1987. Officers named on the motorcycle force: Officer T. Chafin, and Officer Milford,

1988- Officer Charles R. Shinholser, Jr.(1958-1988) was on his last watch when he lost his life in a motorcycle accident December 14, 1988.

Jacksonville Police Patrol-1995- Ramey Collection

2004- “Operation Safe Ride” was established during this time.

2009- There are at least 20 all White, all male officers on road patrol in Duval County with Officer Causey being one of them. There is no evidence of a woman patrol officer but there could be?

2010- Officers P. T. Williams and others from Jacksonville, Florida compete at the 5th Annual Palmetto Police Motorcycle skills Competition.

2016- Officer Jack Adams Jr. visits birthday party of young Jacksonville citizen “Athena”. The motor patrol seeks to be a part of engaging with the public more.

2023- FREE motorcycle “SMART classes on motorcycle safety.(NE Fl Criminal Justice Training and Ed Center.)

2023- The Sheriff’s office is located at 501 E. Bay Street. It boasts 2,082 police officers, 950 corrections officers and 800 civilians. T. K. Waters is serving his first term as Sheriff.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: LEORF, staygreasy904, Jacksonville Daily Record, Police Memorial, Dale Carson history, Bob Morgan photographs( little or no commentary) Florida Memory.

Feel free to use this timeline with credits to: Ramey Collection or Jacksonville Blogger. All photos are in public domain. As always, use credits beneath them. If we have used any information or photos incorrectly, please let us know immediately for correction.

Category: Government | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 27

Car Tags, Cheap Labor, Chain Gangs and an Inmate Cemetery.

According to Google’s question area, Florida inmates still make license tags. Their labor today is not so much “car tags, cheap labor and chain gangs” like it once could have been but prisoners still make tags that ride on the back of today’s autos. And upon their death, a tag is placed on their tombs. The prison system as we know it began after the Civil War somewhere about 1868, long before autos but the basic human behavior has stayed consistent. Man needs limits.

As Florida began to grow, workers were continually needed and the prison was a crowded place where businesses went to “lease laborers”. In 1877, Florida Governor George Drew and the first President of Jacksonville’s board of trade, ensured a leasing program whereby private businesses and industries could get the workers needed to move forward their workforce. To lease workers they would need to house them, feed and clothe them.

In 1911 the legislature began providing funds for establishing an actual prison farm which was completed in 1914. Prisoners were leased out to help build the new Florida growth. By 1915, prisoners grew crops on the prison farm, tended to animals and more. The prison was a working Florida farm. Men tended to harder labor and women to cooking, gardening and sewing.

According to Scott Winters’ article, “Do Prisoners Really Make License Plates?”, the answer is that about 80% of plates made in the U.S. are made by about eight prisons.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicates that “its first motor vehicle registration certificate” was on August 1, 1905. With popular demand, over the years the department has “developed ways to regulate the motor vehicle industry”. From paper file to micro-film and now online

With the onset of the new automobile, a man from Jacksonville and also the 19th Governor of Florida, Napoleon Bonaparte Bowden signed new laws requiring residents to pay a $2. registration fee to register their vehicles. The first tag was made of leather and issued in 1906. Some people made homemade tags at the onset but by 1915 certified tags were required and by 1907 Florida had 132 automobiles registered.

In the 20th century it is said that the early prison system could be harsh and unreasonable to inmates so by 1923 reforms were made. In 1927 the Florida Department of Corrections built an auto tag plant thus giving inmates clear work schedules and ways to pay their debt to society. Over the years there have been continued reforms for inmates but making tags is still an option.

The PRIDE(Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversity Enterprises) program began in 1981 and a rehabilitative program for prisoners. For years, prisoners made license plates for PRIDE’s prison work program and they were sold to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Scott Winters of FGR radio, says when he was small “his parents would tell him that if he didn’t behave he’d end up having a life in prison making license plates”. I’m glad to see he must have paid attention being at a broadcasting business when his article was written.

In 2013 a program run by Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversity Enterprises ( PRIDE) continues to organize work efforts for inmates and tag making is one of the tasks. On their website it says: “PRIDE is a self-funded enterprise whose mission makes a positive difference in Florida. We make communities safer and save taxpayers money by training eligible inmates in vocational skills and transitioning them into the job market upon completion of their sentences. This job-centered approach lowers the number of repeat offenders and reduces criminal justice costs for all citizens.”

One of the few women inmates at Raiford Cemetery

When an inmate dies in the Union County prison, a tag is made for the tomb stone of the inmate. The cemetery is located on the grounds of the prison just down the road from the front gate to the prison. The tag is simple, has the name of the inmate, the inmate’s prison number and DOD (Date of death).

There are some former Jacksonville residents buried there such as Frank Johnson, Will Champion, Roy Dunwood, John Simmons, and Lloyd Odell Salter, to name a few; all convicted criminals. Donald Davidson died at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford this week. There is no word if a tag was made for his grave. If and when it will say “Donald Dillbeck, 068610, DOD-2-23-23 (DOD-date of death).

Tags that were detached from graves. Raiford

At the time of death, nothing matters but the relationship to one’s Maker. Of course, we hope rehabilitation for each person in the cemetery has taken place with God. May we all realize- “There go I save the grace of God”. Trust Him today.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

“Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. Exodus 23:7”

“Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13

Sources: Bible, Florida Department of Corrections , Rob Goyanes, Wikipedia, dc.state.fl.us- Personal visit.

Category: Government, History, People, Random Posts | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 25

I can neither confirm or deny the existence of the places discussed and photographed in the article

Top Secrets for Jacksonville’s Military

From watch towers and double gates to electric fences, and serious surveillance, the Yellow Water Weapons Storage area was real. From 1952 until the closing of the weapons area of the Yellow Water compound in October of 1993, this was a seriously hush-hush place out Normandy boulevard in Duval County, Florida.

The area was so top secret that when weapons were moved along roads, those in cars would be asked to stop, get out of their autos and look the other way, wrote a blogger on a chat link. Yellow Water Storage facilities were decommissioned officially in 1993. Before that time, it was so top-secret that special clearance was necessary to travel on North side of Cecil Field base but no one would confirm or deny as to why.

Yellow Water Bunker with grass and trees covering and 3 foot walls. The doors were stolen.

As of today, the Sheriff’s Department has “No Trespassing” signs along the old entry points. There is a walking and biking trail that can be taken, which along the way, some of the old cement storage buildings can be seen but they have little or no signage to indicate their purposes although the word “warning” appears from time to time. While many barricades are broken in areas, the old fencing is a reminder that visitors not allowed back there-even as late as 2023.

This area is monitored by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Dept.

According to many who have worked onsite, there were nuclear weapons for aircraft carriers, F-18 bombers and P-3 Orion submarine hunters. The military has never confirmed or denied that this is true though. The closest this has been confirmed is by the updates of the repurposing of the area going forward. The epa.gov site says, “The official mission of NAS Cecil Field was to provide services for the operation and maintenance of naval weapons, aircrafts and other units of the operating forces.”

Anyone can go on the walking/riding trail out Normandy Blvd and see this storage area.

Back-in-the-day, Cecil Field was the largest land area for military acreage anywhere near Florida. Within miles, three military bases were ready to have use of the weapons should they be needed: Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Cecil Field; all in and around Jacksonville, Florida area.

Per the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, Naval Air Station Cecil Field has been closed now since September 30 1999. The Naval Air Station has been repurposed and called Cecil Field Commerce but the weapons area across the street has been left abandoned although there has been some activity indicating of late as reports that new things are coming.

Twenty-four-seven motion detectors, double door metal enclosures and grass and trees growing atop igloo-shaped cement bunkers once disguised the whereabouts even now covered building from drones, planes or even balloon surveillance.

The inside of one of the many bunkers at the former Yellow Water Nuclear Storage Area

In years past, the compound had available, a firing range which is now under water and overgrown by trees, small bridges connecting one side of small tributaries to others, a huge swimming pool, larger than an Olympic sized pool and exercise equipment for those in the military to stay in shape. It also had its own fencing, water treatment plants, cisterns and large water tanks for fresh water.

Oversized swimming pool at the former Yellow Water Weapons Storage area.

The compound began in 1952 and had an official end day of October 1, 1993. It was abandoned by 1999 while Cecil Commerce Center began a new life of its own with businesses including air craft and continual use of flight towers. Military installations are still present on base as they continue to use some of the buildings such as Army Aviation Support Facility #1, and the Florida Army National Guard.

Alec P. Vaughan, Jr. who worked as a Civil Service Administrator in the 1970’s had occasion to go across to the weapons area with special clearance for that occasion only. He talked about riding a train while on the North side of Normandy Blvd. Those who know the property, say the tracks have been pulled up but indicate there once was a train system there at a back entrance way.

Former entrance to the Cecil Field Naval Air Base

Over the years, urban explorers have gone into the facilities, trashing them, spray painting walls and floors and leaving messages indicating they have been there. Bats, rodents, and wild life of almost every kind have taken over the once heavily guarded secret compound dedicated to keeping the Nation safe and ready to defend should there be a need during the Cold War.

Online, there are a variety of “Abandoned” videos and stories about the now defunct storage areas. Before seeing any of these current discoveries, Jacksonvillians did not even know the Yellow Water Weapons Area was across the street from the Cecil Field Naval Air Base all of these years.

Yes, I thought these were nuclear buttons. NO! Water tank operation system.

I purchased a set of “Leatherneck” magazines which in the 1983 edition mentions the Yellow Water surveillance, ammunition, bunkers and more so “Leatherneck” outed this unit back in the mid 1980’s.

Just like the Navy, I did not confirm or deny what the authors of this magazine wrote in that piece. I cannot confirm or deny what is written here even if I may have seen it with my own eyes.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Appreciation to all who assisted in this research and information, Leatherneck Magazine, Navy.mil, Googe, Call Box( Florida Times Union), AbandonedFl, epa.gov, personal experience.

I can neither confirm or deny the existence of the places discussed in the article.

Category: Buildings, Military, Random Posts | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 24

Trusting Jesus is the Better Decision Than the Method of Execution

The Florida Electric Chair and Other Methods

On May 1 1924, the Jacksonville Journal, former “Metropolis”, printed the first known picture of the first electric chair in Florida. It was on display at 10 Newnan Street, Jacksonville, Florida where both White and Black people dropped in to view and “discuss among themselves”.

Newnan Street, Jacksonville, Florida (Ramey Collection).

It is said to have been built by inmates of the Florida State Prison. According to Wikipedia, the “electric chair was the sole means of execution in Florida from 1924 until 2,000 when the Florida State Legislature, under pressure from the Supreme Court, signed lethal injection into law”. Because of sparks emitted by the chair when being used from time to time, it caused great controversy and was named “Sparky”. A new chair was put in use in 1998 but no one has been executed by the chair in Florida since 1999.

Jacksonville Journal, 1924 (Ramey Collection).

Funds for the first Florida State Prison Farm, as it was known, were provided by the Florida Legislature in 1911. The very earliest days of the prison system is sketchy but in 1877, lawbreakers were a part of a “convict leasing program” whereby corporations leased their services having to also “clothe, feed, house and provide medicare for the prisoner”.

After 1913, prisoners were housed at the often called “Raiford Prison”, located northwest of Jacksonville, Florida in a small town named Raiford. It became a place where prisoners were used to build bridges, field crops, dig ditches and more. Women inmates sewed, made clothing, gardened and cooked. The inmate leasing program ended in 1923.

On February 23, 2023, Donald Dillbeck, the convicted killer of a precious soul, Faye Vann was executed by lethal injection, although he could have chosen the electric chair. Lethal injection was passed by the courts in January of 2000, however the choice of that or the alternative of the electric chair at the execution chamber would be that of the inmate.

The last chair was built in 1998 was a three-legged chair made out of solid oak. Hangings, which waere the means for execution in early 1800’s have not been used since the April 18, 1927 where a “large crowd gathered.” In South Florida. Schools were closed for the day and it is said “onlookers stood on rooftops”. The gallows were built behind the jail in Volusia County. While the Florida State Legislature had changed the methods for executions after 1924, “ a surprising Florida Supreme Court ruling called for one last local hanging” according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.”

The first inmate executed by chair was in 1924. This chair, that sat at 10 Newnan in Jacksonville was taken to Raiford and used for many years. There is quite of list of inmates who used that practice and others.

The most recent execution was that of Dillbeck who was the 100th prisoner executed since the death penalty was reinstate in Florida in the mid 1970’s. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant and though his attorneys tried to stop the execution, the Supreme Court declined the request. Dillbeck declined use of the electric chair which was one of his last decisions. In all sincerity, I hope he decided to trust Jesus, a decision we all must make. That would be the decision of true life or death.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Sources: Wikipedia, dmarlin. com, Jacksonville Journal,

Category: Cemeteries, Government, History, Random Posts | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 23

French Explorer Made a Difference. You Can Too.

If you travel to Fort Caroline, near the mouth of the River, off the coast of Mayport, in Jacksonville, Florida, you can see the Fort Caroline monument “, Standing tall in the sand, it marks the spot on which Jean Ribault, became the first Protestant to set foot on American soil. The marker was unveiled “with appropriate ceremonies” by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

1924 Jacksonville Journal. Photo O’Brien E. Watt via Ramey Collection

That same week, there were festivities throughout the city of Jacksonville to celebrate this obviously exciting event. Gatherings and street parties were had with a “most brilliant close” to the placing of this historic monument according to the Jacksonville Journal. At the closing event held at the Mason Hotel Mason, Mrs. W. S. Jennings opened “with grace and charm”. The Honorable Mayor John T. Alsop of the city, expressed his “pleasure at having in Jacksonville a distinguished gather and welcomed the guest.” Also at the event was T. C. Imeson, chairman of the city commission, Dr. R. H Carswell, Mrs. Florence Murphy Cooley, and others. Mrs. James A. Craig thought it important to introduce her children and quoted Longfellow’s poem, “Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime and departing leave behind us footprints in the sands of time”.

I highly recommend that you take your families to see the monument and while you’re there remind them that they too can make a difference for Christ.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Kingsley Plantation, Mayport documents, Jacksonville Journal, Personal visit.

Category: Faith, History, Parks | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 20

The Moulton & Kyle Funeral Home Entry

It is unclear when this tile flooring was put down at the address of 17 W. Union in Jacksonville, Florida. It could have been when the building was built in 1914. The ground tile remains even today in 2023 after the 2021 demolition of the downtown property once, a two-story, approximately 9,000 square foot funeral parlor.

Entrance to old funeral home demolished 2021- Ramey Collection

Robert Peeples, Jr. owned the building and property which he bought in 1992. His current funeral home is located out North Main Street. Moulton- Kyle caught fire in January of 2021 and was removed shortly after. Hauled away also was a black 1967 hearse.

The building had been one of Jacksonville’s oldest which was once the funeral home business of Calvin Oak. It was later owned in 1909 by Harry S. Moulton and Samuel A. Kyle funeral home establishment .

Built in 1914- S. A. Kyle- Moulton & Kyle- Photo- Florida Memory

H. S. Moulton died on October 21, 1939. S. A. Kyle in 1969.

William F. Miller & Co did the tile work.

All that’s left of the once brick building is a line of brick bounding part of the old structure and the front entrance decorated tile floor. I wonder if the new builder will preserve it?

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Category: Buildings, Cemeteries, People, Random Posts | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 19

“Click” – John Gordon Spottswood, Photographers

The name “Spottswood” can be seen on the back side of a variety of old Jacksonville photographs dating back to 1915. John Gordon Spottswood Jr.(1890-1950), also known as “Jack” had a studio on West Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville according to a Florida Times Union article. His archives are plentiful. When he died, his son J. Gordon Spottswood III(1924-2009) would take over adding even more photographs to the thousands taken.

Spottswood Photo Business on West Ashley- Florida Memory

Just in looking at the John Gordon Spottswood (Jack-1890-1950) collection there is great variety from Ariel photographs of hundreds of views of Duval County to the complex including trial images and the simple such as a Black boy leaning on a fence. John Gordon Spottswood took hundreds and even thousands of photographs in and around the Jacksonville area. His son would follow in his footsteps adding even more to the Spottswood collection which can be viewed on the Florida Memory archives site.

Spottswood Collection, 1900- Florida State Archives

J. Gordon Spottswood III,(1924-2009) according to Legacy. com, was a lifetime member of the Professional Photographer Society of North Florida. Spottswood, was a well-known Jacksonville photographer including forensics. In the Florida Times article it mentions he and his wife Judy photographing crime scenes where Spottswood III would testify in cases.

Mailerfert Trial, Jacksonville, Spottswood- Florida Memory

The Spottswood collection can be found in the State Library and Archives of Florida and is said to include over 52,000 images including 50,000 negatives dating back from 1916-1967 according to writer, Jessie-Lynne Kerr. The Spottswood photographer founder of the business was born in Waycross, Georgia on September 1890 and died on April 18, 1950. His photography business was located in downtown Jacksonville where his son John Gordon Spottswood III would take over continuing history by documenting it in film.

Spottswood III attended Bolles school at a time that it was an all-boys military school. After graduating in 1943, he enrolled in the Navy “during World War II where he was in charge of a photography lab in Jacksonville”.

Spottswood at Bolles School-Spottswood Collection- Fl Memory

Over the years he was involved in a variety of organizations including the Ponde Vedra Golf and Country Club, and the Florida State Bowling Association.Spottswood was a member of Baymeadows Baptist Church where his funeral service was held.

John Gordon Spottswood, Sr.(1850-1923), John Gordon Spottswood Jr.(Jack) (1890-1950) and John Gordon Spottswood III(1924-2009) are all buried at Evergreen Cemetery.

Spottswood Collection- Florida State Archives

Make a difference today everyone. The Spottswood family did.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Oh, Interesting to me, there are no photographs of the founder of Spottswood Photography…. Why?

Sources: Florida Times Union, Jessie-Lynne Kerr, Legacy.com, Evergreen Cemetery, Find a Grave.

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February 11

First Woman Funeral Business Owner, First Black Funeral Director, First Hearse(Well Second)

Jacksonville celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022. The beginning of the city was documented as being platted in 1822 only a year following Spain releasing Florida to the United States. The Sesquicentennial booklet of 1972 indicates there were “ fully 250 people up and down the river in 1821”. They were called “Inhabitants of the St. Johns”. The land of Cowford, on the Northside where Jacksonville was to grow was owned by Lewis Z. Hogans, John Brady and Isaiah D. Hart.

A town was laid out at the insistence of Isaiah David Hart. “They came by covered wagon and boxcar, bumping along the Kings Road from Georgia, filtering down from the Carolinas and Virginia. They came too by sailboat or sloop, or simply in a jammed-packed canoe” writes the author of the booklet.

With 250 people along the St Johns River, there was a need for caring for the lost, dying and the dead. That ’s where the hearse was established. The hearse would carry the dead through the stages of loss to their resting place. The word hearse is a “middle English word and became associated with a horse and carriage transporting the deceased”. Early on, the horse-drawn carriage was used to carry the sick and the dead from place to place. Doctors traveled with a flat-back buckboard used to carry patients and people when needed. Over time, it was customised to meet the need and eventually was specific to funeral home use.

The Florida Morticians Association indicates that the first Black-owned funeral director and home in Jacksonville was run by Japhus M. Baker in 1895. It was located at 767 W. Beaver Street in Jacksonville according to reports. Wyatt Geter, his nephew was born in 1883, is said to have become the first Black man to become a licensed undertaker. His home was at 441 Beaver Street was occupied by his wife, Alice, Mother, Fannie Presley and brother Frank. Geter is listed in the 1940 census as being 83.

Wooden pews were used in many of the early funeral homes. Hillman-Pratt Walton Funeral home where one of the first Black licensed funeral directors once served still has those pews according to Anthony Walton who runs the business. It began in 1900 and has the original curtains and Bible from the days of Pratt. Pratt, according to Walton built his own caskets and had a factory on the 2nd floor of the funeral home. The Pratt family, according to Florida Memory, also lived on the 2nd floor. According to the Daily Record the business began in 1900 by Pratt and “operated in the 400 block Broad Street until moving into the building at 527 W. Beaver street in 1915” . It closed in 2019. The new owner, Eric Adler wishes to preserve the history. Pratt is also the founder of the Florida Negro Embalmers and Mortician’s Association Dan McDonald reported.

Early on, Jacksonvillians used wagons of sorts for carrying the deceased. By 1909, H. D. Ludlow of Chicago was credited as having used a “rebooted Cunningham horse-drawn hearse body remounted on a Thomas bus chassis by Coey’s Livery Company” for an actual funeral procession; the first of its kind. There is believed to be the birth of the funeral carriage.

According to the Begg’s Museum in Madison, Florida, Jacksonville’s Samuel Allen Kyle of Moulton- Kyle Funeral Home, a Jacksonville undertaker ordered, along with T. J. Beggs, Sr. the first two Dodge hearses in Florida. The first one was delivered by train to Beggs in Madison, Florida distinguishing him as the “first” to own a motorized Hearst in Florida. S.A. Kyle’s motorized hearse was delivered to Jacksonville second being the first in Jacksonville but the second in Florida. The Begg’s hearse has been remodelled and is on the floor in their museums. Seeing it, we can get an idea of what was used in our city by S. A. Kyle Funeral Home in 1919.

Beggs Hearse ordered along with one by S. A. Kyle of Jacksonville, Fl-Photo-Beggs Museum

Looking back at the first funeral homes in Jacksonville, one is documented to 1851, when Calvin Oak, known as a “gunsmith, funeral director and watchmaker” moved his family from Vermont to Jacksonville for health reasons. He would live some 30 years building several businesses in the city including a gun factory which manufactured barrels, cartridges and all things related to guns. He owned and operated a jewellery store on Bay Street. In 1856, he and his son Byron Edgar, opened a funeral home business which was eventually was owned by Harry S. Moulton and S. A. Kyle and of the Moulton and Kyle Funeral Services. Calvin’s son, Byron and brother would continue with his businesses even adding tomb stones being a “marble cutter” at 25 Laura Street by 1870. Oak who died July 26, 1881 and was carried by horse and wagon to the Old Cemetery for burial. Byron died October 28, 1889 and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Oak family-Mortuary and Stone business-Florida Memory

The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission documents a sketch of the early design of the Moulton-Kyle funeral home. It was located west of Main Street and on the north side of Union Street.The 1914 drawing by architects Earl Mark and Leroy Sheftall would come to fruition over time. In 1976, the First Baptist of Jacksonville, Florida would have a block-size parking lot built across from it.

Entrance of the funeral home- Video grab- Channel 4

Over the years there were several owners until it closed in A brick garage was added in 1926. Harry Moulton died in 1936. The business fell to different businesses and finally closed in the 1960’s. It fell into disrepair and burned in 2022. The most recent owner of the building was Peeples Funeral Services, J. Robert Peeples, President, now operating a funeral home on Main Street of Jacksonville. A 1976 hearse was said to have been removed.

Moulton-Kyle hearse removed 2021- Credit-AbandonedFl S.E.

Moulton- Kyle Funeral Home: Library of Congress

Moulton & Kyle Funeral Record- AbandonedFl-SE

An interesting document found by “Abandoned Southeast”, an urban explorer in the defunct Moulton-Kyle funeral home was the information for the wife of William W. Adams who died on March 2 1914. It seems her body was prepared and she was shipped or sent by train to her hometown in Steuben County, New York. Her husband, William W. Adams would also be buried in NY beside her in 1931.

Both William and his wife Francis were buried in NY.

In 2009, Navy pilot Scott Speicher and graduate of Forrest High School and FSU was stationed at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fl. when he was the first American commit casualty of the Persian war. His plane was shot down in Iraq and when his remains were found 18 years was later met with crowds of people lining the streets to welcome him home in a bittersweet tribute.

Nancy Scott Speicher carried in closed hearse with Navy Seal on side-(US. Military Photo-Chief Specialist A. C Casullo)

Jacksonville Memory Gardens now has a fleet of hearses . Ramey

In February 2019, the following was posted about Sarah L. Carter with Sarah L. Carter Funeral Home: “Ms. Carter is the first African American woman in the state of Florida to open a funeral home from start-up and has marked her 17th year in the business as an independent owner.” Ms. Carter has a degree in Mortuary Science and a bachelor’s in Biblical studies.

Photo Credit: Sarah L. Carter Funeral Service website

Sarah L. Carter Funeral Home- New Kings Road

Sarah. L. Carter Funeral Home Fleet of hearses

Different hearses are used by various funeral homes. The services for police officer Jimmy Judge was honoured in 2023.

There are those who provide horse and buggy services even today. When I went to give my support and regards to the family of Queen Elizabeth II, a horse and carriage carried her to a hearse where she was taken to Windsor Castle to be buried. “God Save The Queen” was sung by her people as the coffin rode past. It was quite moving.

Queen Elizabeth II honors in London-2022- Photo:Ramey

See you tomorrow,

Nan

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