Beulah B. Bird,
Jefferson County Historical Association
Contributor
As we all hopefully observe an “abundance of caution” and “shelter in place," the Jefferson County Historical Association would like to use this time to acquaint you with some facts and stories of our county's history.
Today Jefferson County is known as the county that holds the panhandle to the rest of Florida. It is also known as the Keystone County, as it is the only county that connects Georgia to the Gulf and our western counties to the rest of the state. Our county once had the distinction of being known as the Watermelon Capital of the State and remains the only county in the state without a “Stop Light."
Jefferson County occupies a unique place in the history of Florida. Early settlers of the county had an eye for history.
When the county was created in 1827 it was named for President Thomas Jefferson. The county seat bears the name of Jefferson’s home, Monticello, and the court house is said to be fashioned after his residence. Later Jefferson’s grandson, Thomas Jefferson Eppes became a resident of Jefferson County.
Jefferson County was also the home of William Dunn Moseley, the first governor for the State of Florida, becoming elected after Florida became a state in 1845. Besides the first state governor, Jefferson County can claim other “Firsts”:
• The first brick schoolhouse in the state was built in 1852 and was called Jefferson Academy. It was constructed of handmade bricks which were made on the George Taylor Plantation. The cost of the construction was raised by citizens of the community and spearheaded by the Masons and Odd Fellows organizations.
• The first organization of Florida’s Masons in 1834.
• The first democratic senator, Edward Bailey of Jefferson County, was elected to return to the carpetbagger held legislature.
• The first pipe organ in a Florida Methodist Church was installed in Monticello.
• The first and only legislator to serve four terms as head of a Florida Legislative body was Abram Bellamy of Jefferson County. He was president of the Territorial Council from 1825 to 1832. Bellamy also represented Jefferson County at Florida’s first Constitutional Convention in St. Joseph in 1838.
• The first annual Convention of Episcopal Diocese of Florida was held in Monticello on May 27, 1868.
• The first reported use of quinine to treat malaria was by Dr. Theodore Turnbull of Monticello.
• The first constitution for the State of Florida was drawn up by the 1885 Constitutional Convention. This convention was led by Samual Pasco of Jefferson County, who was the convention's president. He was Speaker of the Florida House in 1887, United States Senator for 12 years and namesake of Pasco County. This original constitution was used in Florida until 1969.
Other important happenings and interesting facts that can be associated with Jefferson County are:
• One of the original members of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of Washington D. C. was a Monticello native, Mary Simpkins Denham. These ladies purchased the Mount Vernon property from George Washington’s nephew, who was in desperate financial straits at the time. The association raised money to restore the house and property and they still retain ownership of the property. (Credit should be given to Elizabeth Smith and H. G. Davis, Jr., “Magnolia Monthly”. Florida Times Union)
• The 666 Tonic was created in Monticello by Dr. Dabney Palmer. The company later moved to Jacksonville but retained the name, Monticello Drug Company.
• Early in 1929, the Ebenezer Baptist Church was founded at Casa Blanca Plantation, home of Joseph and Florida White.
Do you know an interesting historical fact that is not mentioned here? The Jefferson County Historical Association is always looking for interesting tidbits of local history. If you know a historical fact that you think would be of relevance and interest to the association, you are encouraged to write to: JCHA, P.O. Box 496, Monticello, FL 32345.
You can also send an email to: claudettemcrae@gmail.com.
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