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The Surveyor – Part 1

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The year is 1871, and one of the most important surveyors in Florida history has a new contract from the Federal government, to survey all the land between Miami and St. Lucie

Marcellus A. Williams

Marcellus A. Williams

– that last frontier of America called South Florida. Marcellus A. Williams was born in North Carolina in 1818, and lived with his wife and nine children on Amelia Island. This story is so good that I’m going to write it as a “serial” story over the next few weeks, so that you will read glimpses from some of the first people who set eyes on this unspoiled paradise.
Stay Tuned!

Marcellus Williams' house on Amelia Island in the Fernandina Beach Historic District. Courtesy Florida Memory.

Marcellus Williams’ house on Amelia Island in the Fernandina Beach Historic District. Courtesy Florida Memory.

1912 Death Certificate - Marcellus Williams

1912 Death Certificate – Marcellus Williams

The Shopkeeper

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As I was looking through the past issues of The Historian newsletter, I came across a photo that I found fascinating. Sometimes a photo can truly show us how much the world has changed. The photo depicts Terrance Ward in his small grocery store. If you look carefully, there is much detail in the picture, and a few mysteries! What is hanging on the post in the middle of the picture – bananas? On the back shelf we see some good old-fashioned galvanized wash tubs and several neat rows of canned goods. On the counter to the right we see a scale and more stacked cans, and several open bins with produce. Near Mr. Ward’s feet we see some open crates with what look like apples.

What other details do you see?

Terry Ward in his grocery store.

Terry Ward in his grocery store.