USA > Florida > Orange County > Early settlers of Orange County, Florida; reminiscent-historic-biographic, 1915 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
In about the year 1870 she was married to a Mississippi lawyer of high standing, Mr. Henry Gore Fernandez, who lived but a short time, Soon after his death, her daughter, Miss Hallie G. Fernandez, was born, and be- tween whom and her mother subsisted until the hour of her mother's death, the most beau- tiful relations of mother, sister, sweetheart and friend.
Mrs. Duke came to Orange County about 1875, as a school teacher, being principal sue- cessively of schools at Fort Reed and Orlando. After Orlando was founded she made her home here and at length was married to Mr. James K, Duke, a Kentuckian. By him she had two sons, Robert Keith, dying in infancy and Buford Kerr Duke, a fine young man, honest, upright and intelligent and devoted to his mother.
Two years ago, Mrs. Duke's health began to fail, and in spite of the best medical attention in Orlando, she steadily lost ground. At length she went to John's Hopkins Hospital at Baltimore, where for eight weeks she was un- der the eare of two distinguished physicians. She improved considerably and on their advice went to Atlantic City for a change of air, but as soon as she arrived there, she took a turn for the worse, and after one week passed away. Her end was painless and peaceful. "At eventide there shall be light" was fulfilled in her life's close.
Among Mrs. Duke's many ministries was her service to the Confederate soldiers con- fined in Northern prisons during the Civil war. Though living in the North, she was strongly Southern in her sympathies. She and her sister, Margaret, provided many comforts and luxuries for the Confederate prisoners, and the hearts of many poor lonely men were greatly strengthen. Some of the friendships formed during that awful period have survived to the present day.
On the organization of the South Florida Fair Association about twenty years ago, she was appointed Superintendent of the Department of Plants and Flowers, in which position her success was eminent and great crowds gathered daily to admire her handiwork.
During the World's Fair in Chicago, Mrs. Duke was appointed by the Governing Board of Lady Managers without her knowledge as one of the judges of horticultural exhibits. She accepted, being the only woman judge in that department, and gave the greatest. sat- isfaction by her decision.
Above all, Mary Duke was a Christian, not of the protesting, talking type. She lived her religion and all who came in contact with her felt the reality of her faith. She has left the world better for having lived in it, and multi- tudes now that she is gone, rise up to call her blessed.
Entered into rest in Atlantic City. New Jer- sey, July 30th, 1913, after a long illness, one of the most gifted, brightest and kindest of women. She was a loyal friend, a faithful wife, and a loving mother. Interested in art, a student of general literature, and a fine writ- er, she was yet eminently practical in business affairs. One of her most pre-eminent traits was sympathy. If there were any cases of sickness, sorrow or poverty she was always one of the first to bring help. Her general optimism and charm of personality made her a host of friends. Interment was in the Kerr lot, Mt. Olivet cemetery, Nashville, Tenn., August 2nd, 1913.
12
EARLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
Three Generations of Woodruffs in Orange County
ELIAS WOODRUFF
The original Orange County Woodruff was born in Elizabethtown, N. J. His father, Seth Woodruff was one of three brothers who came over to New Jersey from England.
Elias, of adventurous spirit, decided to look the country over a bit before locating for good, and amid his wanderings made his way to the newly constituted Mississippi territory, where, in Pike County, he settled upon a farm at China Grove. He married Miss Ailsey Collins, of Columbia, Marion County, and had eight children, six daughters and two sons, W. W. W. and Seth W.
Elias Woodruff was a soldier in Jackson's army, serving in the battle of Chalmette, New Orleans, La., 1815.
After many years spent in the quiet of home, the lure of adventure again possessed him, and his family now grown. he traveled to Mellon- ville, Orange County, Florida, arriving in 1844, and settled on Woodruff's Island at the head of Lake Monroe, the island and creek still
bearing his name. Here for years he lived the life of a recluse in a log cabin of his own building, where he cultivated the island, which was remarkably fertile and produced vege- tables of wondrous size and delicious flavor. Later he purchased land at Ft. Reed, where he planted an orange grove. In 1848, he sent to Mississippi for his youngest son, W. W., then seventeen years of age, who came to make his home with his father. They erected a cottage on the Ft. Reed grove, Elias going over to the island for days or weeks together. This house was the third frame house built in Orange County.
Mr. Woodruff was a great student and the last years of his life were spent quietly in his home with his son, and beloved books and papers.
He died in 1863, and was buried in the old cemetery, near Ft. Reed. Later the body was moved to Lakeview Cemetery, Sanford.
WILLIAM WASHINGTON WOODRUFF
-
W. W. WOODRUFF
The subject of this biog- raphy was born July 10th, 1831, in China Grove, Pike County, Miss. His parents were Elias and Ailsey Woodruff, pioneers of Mis- sissippi. The father, having previously emigrated to Florida, sent for the son, who rode horseback from his Mississippi home to Mellonville, Orange County, after having tried the trip on a former occasion when sixteen years of age and found it at that time too difficult. In 1848 he built a home on an orange grove already established by his father.
Those were very exciting times on account of the
MRS. W. W. WOODRUFF
Seminole Indians, and William W. Woodruff entered the army and fought Indians from 1856 to 1857. In 1860 he married Miss Nannie Galloway, who had come to Florida with her father and lived at Rutland's Ferry. They began housekeeping on the Woodruff grove and kept open house, for Mr. Woodruff was of a generous and hospitable nature, and the visitor
4.3
EARLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
never felt himself a "stranger in a strange land" when in reach of the latch string of the Woodruff home and, in fact, there was seldom a time when there were no visitors there. Naturally a man of this nature early became interested in the public affairs of his county and State and in the convention known as the "Seeession Convention," which met in Talla- hassee in 1861, he was elected a delegate from Orange County, and was one of the seven men of that famous convention who voted against the ordinance of secession. Notwithstanding, while still in Tallahassee, he volunteered his services to the Southern army, but failing to pass the physical examination, he returned to his home in Orange County. As an indication of the method of traveling in those days it is interesting to note that he journeyed mule- baek to Gainesville, and there left the mule for the return trip, took the Yulee railroad to the Capitol.
Later in the strife Mr. Woodruff again of- fered his services to his State, and was ac- eepted, joining the "Home Guards," Captain Watson, the officer in charge. This company had many thrilling experiences, at one time coming so near being captured that they had to abandon their horses while trying to make Cook's Ferry and swim the St. Johns River for safety.
After the war, Mr. Woodruff served his county two terms in the Florida Legislature. In 1869 the brothers and sisters of Mr. Wood- ruff insisted that he return to Mississippi and in response to their entreaties he sold all his possessions and returned there; but so strong a hold had Florida upon him that he eame back within three months, located again at Ft. Reed, and started to make another orange grove, but never very strong, his health began to fail, and he only lived two years after re- turning.
The making of the new home depended largely upon his wife, when he died, February 14th, 1872. Being well educated and gifted with unusual personal ability, she gathered the remnants of property left and so planned, worked and lived to enjoy the income of one of the finest orange groves in Orange County.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff had three children : Seth, Emma and Frank. In 1877 Mrs. Wood- ruff married C. H. Beek and two sons were born. June IIth, 1909, Mrs. Nannie Woodruff Beck died in the home she had made, where her last days were spent in quiet and the en- joyment of her children, all of them residents of Sanford, exeept the eldest, Seth, who has for some years lived in Orlando, the county seat, where official duties demanded his pres- enee.
44
EARLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
SETH WOODRUFF
SETH WOODRUFF
while with precinct and county organization, and is now chairman of the Democratic Exec- utive Committee of Orange County.
The public good has ever been in his thought and he has given unstintingly of his time and talents toward the promotion of many good causes. He was one of the small number who, in 1895, initiated the movement for hard-surfaced roads and now takes pride in the great system of county brick roads, which is the culmination of efforts along these lines.
Hle has encouraged the development of the public school interests into the splendid system now existing. Ile has always been deeply in- terested in legislative affairs and has actively promoted progressive laws for school. road, citrus, trucking and stock interests, and has contributed in service. time and money for every public and civic enterprise.
He was among the few who organized the Orlando Driving Park Association, out of which has developed the Orange County Fair Association, and the holding annually of a Sub-Tropical Mid-Winter Exposition, embrac- ing four counties. lle was president of the Fair Association during the first and second years and at the recent annual meeting in July, was again elected to that responsible po-
Seth, the oldest of the third generation of Orange County Woodruffs, was born at Mellonville ( Ft. Reed) . March 10th, 1862. He attended the county schools, upon paying tuition, the schools of that time being free only to those unable to pay. lle entered the Preparatory Department, Erskine College, Due West, South Carolina, in October, 1877. took the six years' course in five years, graduating in 1882 with A. B. degree and honorable mention in all branches of study. Upon returning home he entered upon a busy life of orange growing, trucking, cattle raising and mercantile business, which he followed for ten years, and during a part of the time engaged in public business, serving as clerk and assessor and tax collector and treasurer of Sanford, and as assistant tax asses- sor of the county.
In 1892 he was elected tax collector of Orange County and served in this capacity until 1904.
Upon terminating this public service he returned to his profitable business of cattle, trucking and orange growing. The writer could stop right here and enough would have been written to fill one man's busy life-time, but Mr. Woodruff has continued to crowd in many other things. A Democrat in politics, he has been actively connected practically all the sition. He was president of the Orlando Board of Trade during 1911, and again ir 1914, the rules of the board making the presi- dent ineligible for a successive term.
He served as city alderman for some years and as such was a careful and energetic city councilman.
He endorses all legitimate sports when con- ducted in a clean way and contributes to rac- ing, baseball and polo, and is identified with . social affairs and a stockholder in the Orlando Country Club. He is a hearty believer in fraternal organizations, and is a member of nu- merous fraternal orders.
Mr. Woodruff was happily married in 1896 to a native Florida lady, who was born and raised in Tallahassee, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Agnes Shine.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff enjoy a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and with true Shine and Woodruff spirit, "the latch string" to their home always hangs on the outside. Seth enjoys and prizes the distinction of being . a genuine "Florida Cracker," and while he does not recall having been consulted as to just where he should first see the light. he is per- fectly satisfied that he should first have seen it among the orange groves, lakes and pines of old Orange County, Florida.
EARLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
45
FRANK L. WOODRUFF
FRANK L. WOODRUFF MRS, WOODRUFF
FRANK LEE, JR.
JOHN DEVLIN RALPH GALLOWAY HARRY SHINE
Mr. Frank L. Woodruff is the youngest son of Wm. W. Woodruff and Nannie J. Galloway .. Was born at Fort Reed, near Sanford, Orange County, February 26th, 1871. Mr. Woodruff was educated in the Public Schools of Or- ange County, after which he spent two years in Erskine College, Dule West, S. C., where he met Miss Minnie Elizabeth Devlin, and they were married January 11th, 1897. Mr. Woodruff has been actively engaged in busi- ness in the county of his birth since 1892, and has held positions of trust and responsibility in the county of Orange and the city of San- ford, Fla. From 1896 to 1908 he was a mem- ber of the Democratic Executive Committee of Orange County. In 1910 he was elected County Commissioner for Orange County
from the Sanford district. In 1912 he was re- elected, and in 1913, when Orange County was divided and Seminole created, he was appoint- ed County Commissioner by Governor Park Trammell, and was elected chairman of the Board of County Commissioners in Seminole County. He has served on the Board of Al- dermen of the city of Sanford three terms and was elected Mayor three times, 1903-1904- 1906.
Mr. Woodruff is now engaged in business in Sanford, Seminole County, being the senior member of the firm of Woodruff & Watson, also being interested in the fire insurance and real estate business, also a director in the Seminole County Bank, and vice-president and director in the Peoples Bank of Sanford, Fla.
46
E.IRLY SETTLERS OF OR.INGE COUNTY
WILLIAM BENT HULL
WILLIAM BENJ, HULL
William Benjamin Hull and his wife, Emily Harriett Hull, arrived in Orange County, Dec. 25th, a glorious Christmas day, 1855. Coming from Cobb County, north of Atlanta, Ga,, they first located at Ft. Reid and a year later moved to the neighborhood of Orlando and there made their home for the balance of their lives.
The original trip from Georgia was made by wagon and they were accompanied by a party of thirty-four persons. a part of whom were negro slaves, and this influx of new settlers, it is said, nearly doubled the popula- tion of Orange County.
In 1862 Mr. Hull joined Captain Joshua Mizell's company of "Home Guards," and went to Tallahassee, where the company was mus- tered into the regular army and they were quickly hurried to Virginia, where they soon saw service, Mr. Hull was twice wounded slightly by partially spent balls and later sus- tained a badly sprained ankle which sent him to the hospital. Reporting again for service he was captured at the first battle of Gettysburg and was taken to Ft, Delaware, where he spent twenty-three months, when the war closed and he came home.
Mr, Hull and wife were conducting a hotel in Orlando upon the outbreak of war and Mrs.
Hull continued the hotel during her husband's absence, and also acted as post mistress for the mail that arrived once each week, With the help of a faithful negro boy and girl, Mrs. Hull carried on a farm and probably the battle against starvation was never more energetical- ly waged. Many times provisions ran very low, but soldiers' wives had a good friend in Capt. Mízell's father, who, too old to go to war, would, upon calling at the postoffice, make diligent inquiry as to the supply of food, and when Mrs. Hull was out of meat, "Uncle Dave" would butcher a beef and take a quarter to her,
The hotel had few guests during the war, but when court was in session, Mrs, Hull furnished dinner to every man in the county, The original dining table, somewhat reduced in size, is still doing service at the Hull home, southeast of the city.
Mr. Hull arrived home in July, 1865, having walked with a companion from Palatka, that being the terminus of the Federal boat line, Emacíated and foot-sore, he was in no condi- tion to take up the battle of life, but this was no time for idleness, and as his companion during imprisonment was the fortunate owner of a blind horse, between them a cotton crop
EARLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
47
THE HULL SISTERS
was grown of fifteen hundred pounds, and the price at that time being a dollar per pound, Mr. Hull's half interest brought $750, which enabled him to buy the property now occupied by Mr. W. L. Dolive as a home, besides other lands on which he moved. The following year he received $900 for his cotton crop, the price having dropped to fifty cents. This favorable price for long staple cotton soon enabled the thrifty soldier to rebuild his home, so long neglected.
Politically, Mr. Hull was a democrat, but was too modest and busy to take a very active part ; with the exception of serving one term as county commissioner, although he did show considerable interest during the exciting days of "Carpet Bag Rule," in wresting the State
from the hands of negroes and Carpet Baggers in 1876.
Mr. Hull was among the first to set out an orange grove and in 1875 proudly consigned his first crop of three barrels, from which he never received a report. In 1882 he sold his grove and moved across what is now the Con- way brick road, where he spent the remainder of his life.
In early manhood Mr. Hull united with the Missionary Baptist Church, and his wife, who was a Presbyterian, joined with him, both be- coming charter members of the First Baptist Church in Orlando. The recently completed Baptist Temple has a beautiful memorial win- dow in memory of its last departed charter member, William B. Hull.
THE HULL BROTHERS
18
EARLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
R. P. JEROME
HOME OF R. P. JEROME
The late R. P. Jerome came to Orange County, Fla., in 1886, arriving from the neigh- boring State of Georgia, where his earlier life was spent. He was an old Confederate soldier, having served from 1861 to 1865, with honor to his State. In the mercantile business at Blufton from 1865 to 1881, and upon moving
to Florida he engaged in orange growing un- til the time of his death in 1913, at the good old age of 73.
Five children, three daughters and two sons, survived him. H. Jerome and his brother are engaged in the orange business.
E.IRLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
49
R. EDGAR D.LAN
R. EDGAR DANN
For many years a stranger coming to Or- lando would almost be sure to meet at the railroad station a jovial-faced man with glad hand extended, whose name was "Edgar Dann." For not only among the people of Orange County was this man well known, but far and wide he was remembered as the town booster and advertiser.
He was born in Ocoee, Orange County, and came to Orlando when fourteen years of age. His first occupation was night watchman for Mr. Monroe Mathews, retaining that position for ten years, then entering the transfer busi- ness on Church street, in which he became widely known, largely by reason of his annual booster publications which he sent broad-cast over the country. About two years prior to his death he became connected with the Dann Real Estate Agency, his brother being part- ner.
He was at one time assistant deputy sheriff under Sheriff Kirkwood.
One has written of him thus:
Big of body, big of heart, he was the friend of the old, the young, the great, the small. The writer knew "Big" Dann, as his friends affectionately called him, for a number of years, and enjoyed his friendship to the fullest. He was frequently thrown with him and he
never saw a more even-tempered man, nor one whose heart was more easily moved. He gave of his means, but not of his anger, real- izing no doubt that it is more blessed to give than to receive and that harsh words are not soon forgotten, but carry sorrow that lingers long.
Mr. Dann was the biggest "booster" Orlando had. He talked her advantages in season and out and showed the faith that was in him by putting every dollar he could into Orlando property. He proved his words by his deeds. lle was the best posted man on the doings of the city that we can recall, and probably knew more people by their first name than any other man in Orange County. The tour- ist. the townsman, the "Cracker." were all alike to him. His big warm heart made him love them all and he showed his good feelings in a manner that no one could mistake.
Coming of parents who were not blessed with this world's goods, Mr. Dann not only brought himself up, but was a great help to. the younger members of the family. lle was one of those self-made men who did a good job of the making.
We regret that he is no longer among us and sorry that there are not more like him.
50
E.IRLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
COL. JOHN NEILL BRADSHAW
Among the
citizens of
Orange Coun- ty from the years 1885 to 1904, the years of his connec- tion with the Orange Coun- ty courthouse, perhaps there was no man in the county better known than John N. Bradshaw.
Whole- souled and generous to a fault "Colonel Brad," as he
COL. J. N. BRADSILAW
was fondly called by the boys, was a friend in need and a friend in- deed to all who applied.
This is no obituary, but a bouquet thrown at him while still living.
John N. Bradshaw was born October 20. 1862, in Covington, Georgia, and came to Orange County, Florida in the first full flush of virile manhood, on January first, 1883-just at the time when the eyes of the country were directed to the wonderful possibilities there were bound up in the orange industry. He first located in Apopka, Orange County, where his two older brothers, one of them now the Mayor of St. Petersburg, had settled in 1873.
It did not take so very long 'ere Mr. Brad- shaw fitted into the active affairs of the county, for in November of the same year he removed to Orlando, where he occupied the position of deputy clerk of the Circuit Court of Orange County, under T. J. Shine. Cirenit Court Clerk.
Occupying this place and coming into con- tact with the majority of the citizens of the county, among them many of the incoming settlers, he formed a large acquaintance, which in many instances ripened into friendships.
In July, 1887, he was appointed clerk of the Criminal Court, being the first clerk of the court.
At the Democratic primary, September 27th, 1800, he was nominated clerk of the Circuit Court, and took office in November, 1890, suc- ceeding Shine.
He became a very popular officer and held this office for fourteen consecutive years, dur- ing which time he was conceded to be the best posted man in Orange County, politics -being acquainted with almost every foot of land and with the men living upon it.
In September, 1904, a complete reorganiza- tion in his affairs occurred, when after all these busy years in Orange County, he left the scene of his activities and many personal friendships and removed to Cameron, Texas, to settle a family estate of magnitude. Here he became president of the First National Bank of Cameron and continued as such for four years, when he sold his interests and removed to Amarillo, Texas, where he arrived in 1908 and engaged extensively in real estate.
Col. Bradshaw always said that when he got ready to really live he would certainly re- turn to Orlando, and in December, 1911, his promise was fulfilled, for on that date he re- turned and found a partnership with Mr. Charles Lord in the real estate and fire insur- ance business, which he continues to this date.
Col. Bradshaw's military records is well known to the older citizens of Orange County, having served in the National Guard of Flor- ida for nineteen continuous years.
He enlisted as a private in 1886, soon rose to lieutenant and then was elected captain of the crack company of the State. He went into the Spanish-American war as captain of com- pany "C" Ist Regiment Florida Volunteer In- fantry and left Orlando with 121 men and brought back every man alive at the close of the war.
The company was mustered out at Talla- hassce. Florida, December 4th, 1898.
Captain Bradshaw's next promotion was that of Major 2nd Regiment Florida National Guard, and shortly thereafter Colonel of the same regiment.
On March 6th, 1905, after his removal to Texas, he was placed on the retired list with the rank of colonel. This in brief, completes his official and military record, but there is another side to the colonel's story, and that is his home life.
On Feb. 28th, 1905, he was married to Miss Elise Alexander, of St. Augustine, Fla., the loyal lady who followed his fortunes to Texas, and now happily lives with him on East Pine Street, Orlando, Florida.
51
EARLY SETTLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY
JUDGE J. M. CHENEY
JUDGE J. M. CHENEY
Judge Cheney is in no sense a man whose usefulness has been confined to Orange County, Florida. His work has been State-wide and of such magnitude that only the fate of the political cards prevented a life tenure on the bench for the United States Southern District of Florida, where merit alone had placed him.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.