Boggy, Florida - through 1910
(A section of the NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Online History Center)
“Man is a history-making creature who can neither repeat his past nor leave it behind.”
Boggy Bayou was in Escambia County when Florida had only two counties, Escambia in the west and St. John in the east divided by the Apalachicola River. Walton County was established in 1824 from portions of Escambia and Jackson counties when Florida was an organized incorporated territory of the United States. Boggy Bayou was then located in Walton County. The first County Seat for Walton County was Alaqua, then Eucheeanna, then DeFuniak Springs.
The earliest account of
Boggy Creek (today's Turkey Creek) is in "John Lee Williams" book,
A View of West Florida written in
1827. "The Chactawhatchee bay is at least
forty miles long, and from seven to fifteen wide. It receives the Chactawhatchee
river through many mouths, at the east end; while on the north side there enters
Cedar creek, the Alaqua river, Rock creek, Boggy creek and Twin creek".
Florida became a state on March 3, 1845.
The 1850 census for Walton County enumerated 267 households.
Boggy Shinglegetters:
Charles Beck (in photo ), Lee Balkam, William Nathey and William Parish,
all at Boggy Bayou were shinglegetters (made and exported house shingles) in the 1860’s.
Some of their descendants homesteaded there.
Nathey Gristmill, built in 1857 on Trout Lake: The Gristmill was located on Trout Lake which is now part of the Eglin golf course. The millstones were presented in 1971 by Eglin AFB to the Historical Society of Okaloosa and Walton Co., Inc. While the millstones are the earliest artifacts for the European settlement of Niceville.
The 1860 census included the Boggy Bayou residents in the Santa Rosa 2-DIVN. Some family names are, Baggett, Allen, Parrish, Weekly, Nathey and Bolton. Richard Burrow attended the gristmill.
Florida seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861.
The Civil War began on April 12, 1861.
Letter from (2nd Lt.) John L. McKinnon (Walton Guards) at Boggy Bayou, Florida to (Rev.) John Newton, April 2, 1862:"Mr. Newton,
Since I wrote to you we have had an attact from the enemy & as I have not sent the letter off yet I have concluded to give you a short sketch of it, in haste. On last Monday morning about day light, when the drum summoning the men all in ranks for Roll call ceased to beat a shell was heard whistling some ten or 12 feet above the heads of the men in ranks it exploded in the woods beyond the Camp. before the men in ranks got orders from the Captain what to do another shell came from the island in near about the same direction it looked like a ball of fire. it exploded over one of the tents killing nor hurting no one in this time every one seemed sensitive of what was their duty i.e. to leave the Camp as quick as posable no one waiting for command from Capt. or any one else. but before all could get off there was several shell that Bursted in the Camp & when they all started off one bursted in the midst of them & killed no one it seemed that Providence was with us. The men went out into the thick woods & remained there until they ceased firing. I did not go out of the Camp any distance I staid where I could see them all the time I was behind a very large tree & feared no danger. I think there was at least 4 or 5 hundred men they had horses & flying artillery. I did not see over 6 or 8 horses carrying their guns After all went out of camp I sent back after a sick man that was behind & I hollered to the Yankees on the island to come over to this side & we would fight them. They said for us to carry over some boats that was on the beach at our Camp & they would. You know we did not comply with this request. Some of us went back as soon as they ceased firing & took out all of our effects & committed all of our houses to the flames, there was but one vessel out side & that was clost in & oposite to our Camp I watched that one all day and the men that was on the island never went aboard of her. They went down the island apiece I don't know how far, we are all nearly satisfied that they came from Fort Pickens. We have been moving every since without any orders. I am completely worn out. I had rather be in Tenn. than to be loafing about like we are now. Brother Charles McCollum and sone 25 men more went to Pensacola on last Thursday & have not got back yet, we fear that they have fallen into the hands of the Yankees. We are now here & are going to move about a mile or a 1/2 mile farther to day and no telling where to tomorrow you must excuse this as I have to sit down on the ground and write in haste. Excuse this. write to me as soon as you can if we move any distance from here I shall write to you again
Yours in Haste,
John L."
May 20, 1862: The Homestead Act secured homesteads to actual settlers on public lands. To qualify, one must be head of a family, at least 21 years old, a U. S. citizen, or filed declaration of intention, and never borne arms against the U. S. Government or given aid and comfort to its enemies. Claim not to exceed 160 acres.
Salt Works in West and Gulf Coast of Florida December 10-19, 1863: (See Topics: Civil War)
Reports of Brig. Gen Alexander Asboth, U. S.
Army
HEADQUARTERS
Pensacola Florida
Barrancas, April 4, 1864
GENERAL:
I have the honor to submit, in connection with my report of March 8,
No. 138, the following additional information in regard to the
affairs in my neighborhood, received from refugees and deserters.
The
rebels have concentrated a considerable force at Pollard, Ala.,
estimated at from 8,000 to 10,000 men, principally re-enforcements
sent during General Sherman’s raid, from Johnston’s army
to Mobile. They are also concentrating a force about 2,000 strong,
infantry, artillery, and cavalry, in Walton County, Fla.,
headquarters at McDade’s Pond, between Yellow and Pea Rivers,
scouting down the Boggy Bayou, opposite East Pass and upward on the
north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Four-Mile Landing. The
Perdido is also more closely guarded at present and an additional
cavalry force stationed at Camp Pond, above Camp Withers, with a view
to prevent deserters from entering our lines and to intercept the
union soldiers who made their escape from the prison at Cahawba, Ala. Since
our reverse in East Florida the rebels have become more enterprising
in their movements and more bitter in their persecutions of all who
show any sympathy for the Union. They take from them everything of
any use to the army and wantonly destroy the rest; they take the
lives of all who attempt to escape from their lines or who assist
others to do so. Mr. Alfred Holly came in yesterday, reporting that
while leaving Boggy Bayou for East Pass in a skiff, with 5 others
(all members of the Bass family, residing there), the rebels fired
upon them, killing 3 and wounding 2, who are now in our hospital. I
have, as already reported, a recruiting officer at East Pass, with a
squad of 10 men, but I have no force to send against these robbers
and no steamer for transportation. To prevent the entire ruin of
these unfortunate Union families and secure us the control over West
Florida, it would be desirable that at the next advance of the
federal forces in East Florida a combined movement be made also in
West Florida, by adequate forces from Barrancas, Boggy Bayou,
opposite East Pass, Washington Point, the head of Choctawhatchee Bay,
and Saint Mark’s, the terminus of the Tallahassee railroad. In
conclusion, I beg to report that Captain Schmidt, Company M,
Fourteenth New York Cavalry, with 30 of his company, had a very
successful engagement on the 2nd
instant with a scouting party of rebel cavalry on the Pensacola road,
4 miles from Bayou Grand, resulting in the capture of 1 lieutenant, 2
sergeants, and 8 privates of the Seventh Alabama Cavalry, with 6
horses with equipments, 21 muskets, and 4 sabers. In addition to this
the enemy lost about 15 killed and wounded. On our side First Lieut.
B. von Lengercke and two men were wounded, and 4 horses killed and
five wounded. The
particulars of the engagement will accompany the report of the
officer in command of the party.
I am, very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
(Camp) Asboth, Brigadier-General.
Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone,
Chief of Staff (Source: The
War of the Rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the
Union by Robert Nicholson Scott US War Dept. Chapter XLVII, p. 385.)
Escape of Alfred Holley from Covington Co. Alabama across Boggy Bayou: "Alfred Holley was probably the most controversial, ambitious and farsighted political leader in the early history of Covington County, Alabama. From a meager beginning he became one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the county, but his strong opposition to the secession of Alabama from the Union in 1860, and his efforts to force Alabama and the Confederacy into submission near the end of the war, cost him his fortune, his political office, many of his friends, and his reputation, yet history has probably proven him correct in many of his beliefs and actions ....In March, 1864 the Confederate Army invaded Covingtion County with the express purpose of arresting Alfred Holley and all the supporters of the Peace Society. Holley was able to escape and he headed for Florida, but while crossing Boggy Bayou in a skiff with five members of the Bass family, his party was attacked by Confederate forces and three members of the Bass family were killed. Holley escaped injury, but from then until the end of the War, he remained at Pensacola and helped recruit a regiment (lst. Florida Union Cavalry) of soldiers from south Alabama and west Florida to serve in the Union Army. About 75 men from Covington County volunteered for service in this regiment including Alfred Holley's youngest son, Calvin, and two sons of George Snowden." (Source: Speech by Dr. Allen Jones, Auburn University, Unionism and Disaffection in South Alabama: The Case of Alfred Holley.)
HDQRS.
Eastern Division, District of the Gulf,
Blakely, March 22, 1865-11.30 a. m.
Colonel George G. Garner,
Chief of Staff, Mobile:
Colonel Spence reports (8 a. m.) that they failed to capture enemy's pickets at
Dannelly's Mills last night, as chain pickets were too close to the main body.
Discovered only infantry as yet; no force has landed on bay shore. Dispatch from
Davenport that this force is Sixteenth Army Corps, under Steele. Colonel
Armistead sends dispatch from Canoe Station, 5 p. m. yesterday, that his scouts
saw enemy's column on Monday on Pensacola and Pollard road, and forces have been
moving from navy-yard to Boggy Bayou for some time, and that a column will move
from that place. From the mass of reports received by me I endeavor to select
for your information the most probable and reliable.
ST. Jno. R. Liddell,
Brigadier-General, Commanding. (Source: War of the Rebellion, Official
Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Correspondence, Etc., Series I,
Vol. 49, Part II, page 1142.)
Some Boggy area residents that served in the Civil War and their Confederate and Union units are:
Isaac Spence enlisted 03/02/1862, age 19
First Florida Vols. Co. E
(Confederate unit formed at Camp Walton, FL)
Severely injured and captured 08/26/1864 Dalton, GA.
P.O.W. at Ill., Released 06/09/1865
Boggy resident on 07/30/1909 when filed for pension.
William Nathey enlisted 04/09/1863
6th Reg't Alabama Cavalry, Co. I
(Confederate unit formed in Santa Rosa Co., FL)
Simeon Wilder Burlison
enlisted 12/13/1863
First Florida Vols. Cavalary,
Co. A
(Union unit formed at Fort
Barrancas, FL)
d. 02/05/1907
Buried at Rocky Memorial Cemetery, Niceville
James T. Bolton enlisted 01/19/1864
First Florida Vols. Cavalry, Co. B
Union unit formed at Fort Barrancas, FL)
d. 01/13/1925
Buried at the Dorcus Baptist Church Cemetery (picture
right).
John Bolton enlisted 01/25/1864
First Florida Vols. Cavalry, Co. B
(Union unit formed at Fort Barrancas. FL.)
William Nathey, enlisted by Captain J. C. Keyser "For the War", 6 Reg't Alabama Cavalary, April 9, 1863.
The first mail service to Boggy Bayou established 1868: The request for a two-horse hack line from Marianna in Jackson County to Vernon in Washington County, then to Knox Hill, Eucheeanna, and Freeport in Walton County, then by steamer to Alaqua Bayou, then to Boggy Bayou and Rogersville in Walton County, then to Live Oak and Town Point in Santa Rosa County, then to Pensacola, the terminus, the total distance being about 180 miles was established on July 21st 1868. ***
Before that date, a one-horse mail line established from Marianna to Pensacola by way of Vernon in Washington County, Knox Hill and Eucheeanna in Walton County, and Milton in Santa Rosa County was as close as a route came to Boggy Bayou. It was inadequate to the wants and needs of the people of West Florida. Almost 1,000 citizens lived along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay without any mail facilities and the citizens of Pensacola could receive their mail from Tallahassee two or three days sooner by establishing the two-horse hack line. It would not only be beneficial to the citizens of the section through which it passed as a mail facility, but also in many other respects. (Source: Florida. Laws, statutes, etc. Acts and Resolutions adopted by the Legislature of Florida. No. 16, pages 190-191.)
"The population of Walton County in 1880 was 4,201; 3,685 were white, and 516 were black. The county contained 1,360 square miles - Woodland, all. Oak uplands, 75 miles square / swamp, 75 square miles. Tilled lands; 9,373 acres. Area planted in cotton 1,437 acres; in corn 6,025 acres; in oats, 1,091 acres; in rice, 120 acres; in sweet potatoes, 304 acres; in sugar cane, 153 acres. Cotton production: 382 bales; average cotton product per acre, 0.27 bales (short staple) 378 pounds seed cotton, or 126 pounds cotton lint.
A line of sand hills running approximately east and west, though near the center of Walton county, divides the waters which flow southward into Choctawhatchee Bay from those which fall into Shoal Creek on the North. This ridge is more than 30 miles long, is generally sandy, and the ferruginous sandstone of the stratified drift covers many of its high points. Toward the North and South its sides are steep and cut up into deep revines; toward the west it slopes off gradually into low pine barrens; toward the east, however, it subsides in a series of detached peaks or hills, among which are the headwaters of Shoal, Alaqua and Euchee Creeks (Williams). Northwest of these hills the country is generally undulating, with sandy soil, and is covered with a growth of long-leaf pine and wire grass, rising gradually toward the Alabama line.
Along Yellow Water Creek, near the northern part of the county, are tracts of very good land, not confined to the immediate vicinity of the river, but extending out several miles.
The sand-hills above mentioned may be looked upon as marking nearly the southern limit of the high lands, for below them the country slopes off gradually toward the Gulf.
Limestone appears to underlie the whole county, but it comes to light only near the eastern edge, where it has been laid bare by the waters of White Creek, and in the Euchee Valley; but the presence of this rock elsewhere is suggested by the circumstance that Alaqua, Twin, Boggy, and Rock Creeks, which rise at the foot of the sandhills above named, receive the waters and increase their volumes rapidly from several large springs, 'some of which are large enough to turn mills at their source". (Williams View of West Florida, 1827, p. 21).
"Cotton is shipped from some parts of the county by water to New Orleans; from other parts by rail to New Orleans and other markets." (Source: Census reports Tenth Census. June 1, 1881, Volume 6 By United States Census Office. 10th Census, 1880, Francis Amasa Walker, Charles Williams Seaton, Henry Gannett)
The 1880 Census for Boggy, Florida, Election District #9 had about 124 households. The primary occupation was “Farming” There were also “Laborers”, “Sailors” and a “Chair maker”, and a school teacher. Elicia Marlow was the Miller. Some family names are: Alford, Allen, Beck, Bolton, Burlison, Brown, Crawford, Davis, Edge, Jordan, Hart, Hodges, King, Lancaster, Moore, Nathey, Parish, Parker, Pippin, Saunders Shaw and Ward.
In
1881 these Florida Laws were established effecting life in Boggy
Bayou:
1-
No. 40 Giving Concurrent Jurisdiction to the Courts of Walton and
Washington Counties over the Waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. (Florida
Law Chapter 3258 01/27/1881. Office of Secretary of State,
Legislature Attorney General)
2
- No. 4 The Establishment of Certain Mail Routes therein mentioned:
from Mary Esther, in Santa Rosa county, to Boggy Bayou, in Walton
county, a distance of twenty miles.
3
- No. 12 To establish a Lighthouse at the East Pass Entrance to
Choctawhatchee Bay, and a Beacon Light at the Entrance to Santa Rosa
Sound from Choctawhatchee Bay. Whereas, The increasing trade of
Choctawhatchee Bay and river require the usual aid from the general
Government to facilitate exportation.
4
- No. 17 An Appropriation for Cleaning Out and Making more Navigable
the Choctawhatchee River, in the State of Florida.
5.
- Chapter 3310-No. 92: The First Congressional District was formed
with the counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Holmes,
Washington, Jackson, Calhoun, Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Wakulla,
Leon, Jefferson, Taylor, Lafayette, Levy, Hernando, Hillsborough,
Manatee, Polk and Monroe, shall form the First Congressional
District. (The Acts and Resolutions Adopted by the Legislature of
Florida Office of Secretary of State, Eleventh Session 1881,
Legislature Attorney General)
The 1882 map (on this website) of the G. W. & C. B. Colton and Company map shows the Florida Transit and Peninsula Railroad and its connections. The bay is Choctawhatchee with the Santa Rosa Inlet (East Pass). Boggy is on this map. The creek at the head of Boggy Bayou is Juniper Creek.
In 1883 the Louisville & Nashville Railroad completed a 170-mile rail link from Pensacola to Chattahoochee, Florida. (Note: This opened the interior to widespread logging and the naval store industry, ended the need to ship goods down the Choctawhatchee River and on the Choctawhatchee Bay to Pensacola, brought in the tourist and opened the Bay area for speculation and development.)
On June 3rd 1887, the Florida Legislature passed Act No. 5 to establish a Mail Route from DeFuniak Springs in Walton County, Florida, to Boggy Bayou via Alaqua, in Walton County, Florida, a distance of 45 miles. (Acts and Resolutions Adopted by the Legislature of Florida page 295) The first mail service to Boggy Bayou had been established in 1868.
Schooner Bera Attious Built at Boggy: Among the sailing vessels built at Boggy in 1888 was the Bera Attious, a schooner with a gross tonnage of 15, a net tonnage of 14 and a length of 41.4 and breadth of 15.0, and depth of 3.7 Its home port was Pensacola. (Merchant vessels of the United States (including yachts) By United States Coast Guard page 75)
"The registry of every vessel included her length and breadth, together with her depth and the height under the third or spar deck, which was determined in the following manner: “The tonnage deck, in vessels having three or more decks to the hull, shall be the second deck from below; in all other cases the upper deck of the hull is to be the tonnage deck. The length from the fore part of the outer planking on the side of the stem to the after part of the main stern-post of screw steamers and to the after part of the rudder-post of all other vessels on the top of the tonnage deck shall be accounted the vessels length. The breadth of the broadest part on the outside of the vessel shall be accounted the vessel’s breadth of beam. A measure from the underside of the tonnage - deck plank, amidships, to the ceiling of the hold (average thickness), shall be accounted the depth of hold. If the vessel has a third deck, then the height from the top of the tonnage-deck plank to the under side of the upper-deck shall be accounted as the height under the spar deck. All measurements to be taken in feet and fractions in feet; and all fractions of feet shall be expressed in decimals.” (1918 Merchant Vessels of the United States (including yachts) Statutory Length, Breadth, Depth and Height of Vessels. Revised Statutes, Section 4150.
Perhaps the railroad did not always mean progress for communities that depended on water transportation as this account of Freeport not far from Boggy indicates. “Previously to the building of the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad the town of Freeport was the port of entry for a large portion of country surrounding it, and contained seven flourishing stores, and considerable commerce passed through LaGrange Bayou, but since the completion of the railroad most of the territory formerly supplied through Freeport now draws its supplies by way of the railroad and the Choctawhatchie River. The town of Freeport at the time of the examination contained but one store, and its commerce is carried on by one small schooner, which made irregular trips between it and Pensacola.
"The census of 1880 gives for the counties bordering upon LaGrange Bayou, within the limits of the improvement, a total assessed value of real and personal property amounting to $244,506 and a total taxation of $3,362.” (Annual Report of the Secretary of War, Volume 2 By United States. War Dept. page 1375)
The River and Harbor Act of July 13, 1892 allowed for Choctawhatchee Bay and the Santa Rosa Sound to be dredged making transporting products for export to Pensacola more accessible. In addition to lumber, considerable cattle, wool, wood, sheep and cotton was brought from the lower Choctawhatchee River and Bay districts to Pensacola on schooners and on barges towed by tugs. Pensacola was the distribution point of supplies for the LaGrange Bayou, Lower Choctawhatchee River and all districts bordering on, and adjacent to, the waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. The commerce passing through Santa Rosa Sound was estimated at $800,000 annually.
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1898 - Annual report of the Light-House Board of the United States to the Secretary By United States Light-House Board p. 131 #910. Choctawhatchee Bay (front) Beacon, Florida. - This beacon, built by contract, was completed about the middle of February 1898, and is of the following description: A fixed red lantern light 30 feet above mean high water, on a square red pyramidal structure of horizontal slats, on four piles standing in 6 feet of water on the southerly side of the westerly end of Choctawhatchee Bay. This beacon, with the rear beacon described below, was erected to serve as a range for entering Choctawhatchee Bay from Santa rosa Sound through the Narrows, and also to serve as a guide for coming through the East Pass entrance to the bay from the Gulf of Mexico. #911. Choctawhatchee Bay (rear) Beacon, Florida. - This beacon was completed by the contractor in the middle of February and the light was first exhibited on March 7, 1898. It is of the following description: A fixed white lens-lantern light 40 feet above mean high water, on a square white pyramidal structure of horizontal slats, on four piles standing in 6 feet of water on the southerly side of the westerly part of Choctawhatchee Bay and 3,300 feet east (magnetic) in rear of the front light.
The 1900 Census for Boggy was taken June 1st with 26 enumerated households and a population of 130. Some of the men were at the sawmill and are listed as a separate household and counted twice. Some family names and occupations are: Armstrong, Allen, Davis, Edge, Ervin, Howard, Nathey, Sweeney, Stark, and Willingham as “Day Laborer”. Households of Allen, Brown, and Burlison are listed as “Sailor” and Spence was listed as “Sawyer”.
Brown Homestead. On January 27, 1900, Allen Brown, Jr. homesteaded Lot 3 of Section 7 and Lot 2 of Section 18 in TIS of R22W containing 159.59 acres. This land is along the water on the west side of Boggy Bayou.
Armstrong Homestead. On March 17, 1900 Warren Armstrong homesteaded Lot 4 SW ¼ of SE ¼ Section 6 and Lot 2 Section 7 TIS of R22W containing 153.30 acres. The land is located along the Northeast side of the water of Boggy Bayou and Niceville. The Nathey Gristmill location was on this property.
Simeon Burlison (Resident Boggy, Walton Co.), July 5, 1900: Declaration for Increase of Federal Civil War Pension.
Edge Homestead. On April 9, 1901 Elizabeth Edge received Homestead No. 15161 for Lot 1 of Section 13 in TIS of R23W containing 138.25 acre. On August 6, 1901 she sold her homestead to John F. Allen. This land is along the water on the west side of Boggy Bayou.
Nathey Homestead. Photo below of homesteader William John Nathey and his wife, Mary Jane (Bolton) Nathey.
On June 1, 1903, William John Nathey received his Homestead Certificate (No. 16688) for Lot numbered 7, and the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 1, in T1S, of R23W, of Tallahassee Meridian, containing 142.75 acres at the head of Boggy Bayou in Niceville.
The 1903 Boggy, Florida school photo.
Lancaster Homestead. On August 30, 1904, Samuel Lee Lancaster received Homestead #17147 for Lot 4 and the N ½ of Lots 5 & 6 of the N ½ of SW ¼ Section 15 TIS R22W, containing 149.77 acres on Rocky Bayou.
Alfred Destin of the City of Key West in the County of Monroe in the State of Florida, for $240 paid by W. M. Marler of Destin, Fla., "One house situated on land owned by the United States of America at Destin, Florida, in the County of Washington, said house is on land known as Moreno Point and is the same house that was bought by me from Robert Sinclair." (Warranty Deed 09-03-1904)
"Alfred Destin of the City of Key West in the County of Monroe in the State of Florida, for $120 paid by Edward Woodward of the same place of the second part, have bargained and sold and by these presents do grant and convey unto the said party of the second part, all my interest in the estate of my father and mother, Leonard and Martha Destin, and known as the Destin homestead situated in the County of Washington, State of Florida and being on Moreno Point near Destin in above mentioned County and State, said property consisting of one house and three dingies and one sloop boat." (Warranty Deed 09-03-1904)
Andrew Destin sold to Edward Woodward "All the right, title and interest in and to the buildings and houses at Moreno Point in the County and State aforesaid known as the Destin Estate and all interest which the party of the first part may have in said Destin estate." (Warranty Deed 12-07-1904)
Burlison Homestead. On December 20, 1904, Simeon W. Burlison received Homestead #17306 for Lots 3 & 4 Section 9 TIS R22W for 149 acres on Rocky Bayou.
Pensacola News Journal (January 15, 1905): Murder of Allen Brown
Pensacola Journal. (February 10, 1905)
Pensacola News Journal (April 7, 1905): Arrests in alleged murder of Allen Brown
Bolton Homestead. On June 30, 1905, James T. Bolton received Homestead #17655 for Lot 3 Section 11 T1S R22W for 48.18 acres on Rocky Bayou.
In 1905, a turpentine lease was signed September 30th from Francis C. and Mary Eaton to McKenzie and Rose, for the following land located today in Valparaiso, Eglin and Shalimar. 465.20 acres on Eglin South of Weekly Bayou on Choctawhatchee Bay; 80 acres (Juniper Creek runs through this land and is just North of the Nathey Homestead.); 40 acres (on Eglin); 39.98 acres (on Eglin - North gate on this property); 40 acres (in Valparaiso, FL and Eglin); 40.25 acres (on Eglin just West of Valparaiso, FL); 40.11 acres (On Eglin, Tom’s Creek runs through it); 360.56 acres (Eglin Blvd. runs thorough it on Eglin); 120 acres (on Eglin on Choctawhatchee Bay); 168 acres (on Eglin on Choctawhatchee Bay); 240.45 acres (Port Dixie - East of Shalimar); 165.75 acres (Snug Harbor, Shalimar). In all 1800.30 acres. (521.12 acres in today’s Santa Rosa County). Also all of the timber, except the cypress and juniper timber upon 119.97 acres, an additional 119.97 acres, 400 acres, 379.80 acres, and 40.08 acres. This land lies just North of Valparaiso and Nathey Homestead in Niceville. Eaton’s land was on either side of Juniper Creek (today’s Turkey Creek). Today this property is on Eglin. In all 1179.79 acres. The total sum containing 3,501.21 acres lying and being in the Counties of Santa Rosa and Walton, State of Florida. “Together with the right to cut and remove the said timber, box, chip, scrape and work the same for turpentine purposes at any time prior to the 16th day of February 1911, as well as the right to ingress and egress in to from and on the same for the purposes of constructing any buildings, roads, and ditches that may be necessary for the proper marking and removing the said timber. This instrument is intended to be and is a transfer of all the right, title and interest in and to the lands, and timber hereinbefore described and which more conveyed by R. G. Peters and the L&N Railroad Company on the 16th day February 1901 to the Jernigan Lumber Company and by the said Jernigan Lumber Company to the said F. C. Eaton on the 20th day of April, 1904. This instrument is made subject to a lease granted by the said Jernigan Lumber Company to Allen B. Brown on the 12th day of June 1903 in which the right is given to remove at any time within four years from the date of said lease certain dead pine and oak wood from the said Sections 30 T1S R22W (South of Weekly Bayou on Eglin on Choctawhatchee Bay) and these parts of Sections 25 (just North of Section 36), 35, and 36 of T1S R23W (on Eglin on Choctawhatchee Bay).”
Ponce deLeon - Special to the Journal. "Mr. M. Masters of this place in company with Hon. W. T. Bludworth of Westville made a business trip to Boggy Bayou this week." (Pensacola News Journal April 24, 1906)
Pensacola News Journal (May 11, 1906): An Old Relic
Pensacola News Journal (June 14 1906): Juniper for sale
Land around Boggy Bayou owned by the United States was designated railroad property. In 1906, The J. I. Kelley Company sold more than 10,000 acres for $4,000 to D. P. McKenzie, S. S. Spence, and William Crawford, a partnership doing business as the Boggy Mill Company. On February 16, 1901, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company had sold this land for $4000 to the Jernigan Lumber Company and on the 26th day of July 1905 the Jernigan Lumber Company sold to J. I. Kelley Co.
On September 8, 1906 A.L. and Oma Langlellier of Watseka, Illinois (as promoter of the Michigan Syndicate Timber Lands, later Peters-Langellier Land Company) regarding purchase from the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company; management and sale of 600,000 acres of west Florida timber lands located in Wakulla, Taylor, Washington, Walton, Santa Rosa and Calhoun Counties) sold more than 3220 acres to D. P. McKenzie and E. P. Rose doing business under the firm name of McKenzie & Rose. “This deed is made subject to the taxes on said lands for 1906 and subsequent years; and is also made subject to a timber lease or contract held by H. Jernigan and Sons, or their successors or their assignees”. Today this land is south of Weekly Bayou and 252.50 acres at near Garnier's Bayou and some land north of Rocky Bayou, and some land north of Nathey Homestead. A. L. and Oma Langlellier of Watseka, Illinois sold to D. P. McKenzie, S. S. Spence and William Crawford, doing business as Boggy Mill Company about 6,444.66 acres in Boggy and East of Boggy.
CRESTVIEW - Special to the Journal - Mr. D. P. McKenzie, a turpentine man at Boggy Bayou, Fla., was in town Saturday on business. (excerpt from The Pensacola Journal, Sunday morning, September 2, 1906)
D. P. McKenzie, of the naval stores firm of McKenzie and Rose, of Boggie Bayou, was among the many business visitors in the city yesterday. (The Pensacola Journal, Sunday morning, September 9, 1906)
D. P. McKenzie, of Boggy, was in the city yesterday. McKenzie is a naval stores and mill man and he has many friends in Pensacola. (Tersely Told. The Pensacola Journal Wednesday morning, September 26, 1906)
Bolton Post Office Request: A Post Office for Bolton, Walton County, Florida was requested December 26, 1906. “The nearest mail route to proposed office is from Pensacola, Florida to Boggy, Florida, three times a week. The nearest railroad is the Louisville and Nashville 18 miles North. The nearest station is at Deerland, Fla., 24 miles North and the nearest post office not on route is Boggy Fla., 6 miles West. Total population to be supplied with mail: 200. Post Master: James T. Bolton - Bolton, Fla.”
Boggy and Bolton Post Cards Below:
Rebecca Bolton Burleson (Resident Boggy, Walton Co.), February 5, 1907: Widow's Application For Accrued Civil War Pension.
Pensacola Journal. (February 12, 1907) -see Civil War Pension Increase Application, July 5, 1900, and Widow's Application for Accrued Pension, February 7, 1907 above.
Turpentine Lease February 15, 1907:
This lease between
William John Nathey and his wife Mary Jane Bolton Nathey with D. P. Mckenzie &
E.P. Rose was their homestead at the head of Boggy Bayou.
GARNIER - Special to the Journal. The schooner Grady S is in our bayou this week with supplies for the McKenzie still. Messrs. Spence and Eaton of Boggy, were callers here Sunday. Jas. Gereld, of Boggy, visited at E. A. Mooney's Monday. (excerpts from Pensacola Journal February 22, 1907)
Harbor, River and Marine News - Shipping Transactions and Notes of Interest Along the Bay Front. The launch Ruth, Capt. Witherall, arrived yesterday from Boggy Bayou, Mary Esther and other points, bringing a cargo of chickens, gophers, and produce. She had three passengers. The vessel encountered a severe squall in the forenoon when passing through the Narrows, which while doing no damage to the Ruth caused very rough weather for a short time. (excerpt from The Pensacola Journal Wednesday morning, June 12, 1907.)
D. N. Nicholson is home from Boggy where he installed a 25,000 foot capacity saw mill for the Boggy Mill Company. He was engaged just 60 days on the job. (excerpt from the Pensacola News Journal, Thursday morning, June 13, 1907)
GARNIERS: Mr. T. C. Brooks has received his commission as post master for the new post office of the new town on the narrows, Camp Walton. As soon as he receives his supplies, he will be ready to enter upon his duties. The new village of Camp Walton, on the narrows, is progressing nicely. There will be several new residences built soon as material can be obtained. Mr. Bard opened his new store, and is ready to accommodate the purchasing public. Mr. Carl Burleson and sister Miss Linnie and nephew, Master Oscar Burleson of Rocky Bayou, spent last Saturday at J. N. Sanford's.
CRESTVIEW: Mr. D. J. Perryman, a popular flagman on the railroad, is taking a vacation with home folks. The new telephone company has finished erecting the poles for the line from here to Boggy and will soon have the bay country in connection with the world. The line has long been needed and should be a big success. (excerpts from Pensacola Journal June 14, 1907)
(The
Pensacola Journal, Saturday morning, July 19, 1907)
Messrs. Cawthon and Co., recently placed 800 head of cattle around Freeport, Rocky and Boggy Bayou, Fla., which they will fatten and kill for the local trade. They brought 200 to Florala. (Florala News - Panama City Pilot July 25, 1907)
GARNIERS - The sale of the personal property of the estate of F. E. Robinson last week was very well attended, but the property did not bring a very high price, thirteen head of oxen bringing $250 and 35,000 feet of lumber was resold to Mr. McKenzie of Boggy. (excerpt from Pensacola Journal July 26, 1907)
Early Homestead. On August 9, 1907, Jacob E. Early received Homestead Certificate # 18431 for Lot 4 of Section 19 in T1S of R22W containing 111 acres. This land is on Weekley Bayou and Boggy Bayou.
The schooner Norwich will leave today for Boggy with a full cargo of freight and several passengers. (The Pensacola Journal. Saturday morning, August 10, 1907. (Also see the new schedule for Capt. Fritz below)
Steamer Capt. Fritz
In 1907, The National Forests formed when the United States bought land from lumber companies who did not want to pay property taxes. The land would have been worthless to them after the trees were removed.
Pensacola Journal. (August 23, 1907)
Pensacola Journal. (September 6, 1907)
Panama City Pilot. (September 19, 1907)
In
1908, a Contract and Agreement signed between the Dunwoody-Aiken Tow
Boat Company of Pensacola, Florida and J. J. McCaskill Company of
Freeport, Florida stated: “The Dunwoody-Aiken Tow Boat Company
agree to lighter and tow as per orders of the J. J. McCaskill Company
to be given from time to time during the term of this contract the
entire lumber products except what may be lightered by the Schooner
“Stella E.” of the said J. J. McCaskill Company mill at
Ship Yard point on LaGrange Bayou the Jolly Bay Mill, on Jolly Bay,
and the Kelley Mill at Portland, now under contract to the J. J.
McCaskill Company, and any future contract whereby they control the
output of these or any other mills on Choctawhatchee Bay now erected
and operated, or to be erected and be operated and delivered same to
Pensacola, Florida, as hereafter specified.”
Parrish Homestead. On January 13, 1908, George W. Parrish received Homestead Certificate # 18488 for the SW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 8, the West ½ of the NW ¼ of Section 17, and Lot 1 in Section 18 in T1S of R22W containing 147.31 acres (in Niceville).
The sloop Edna Greenhut will return to Boggy with a large cargo of brick today. (Pensacola Journal March 19, 1908)
The launch Ruth arrived yesterday from Boggy and way points with a large passenger list and a few return oil drums. (Pensacola Journal March 22, 1908)
The launch Ruth arrived yesterday from Boggy and way points with a small passenger list. (Pensacola Journal March 27, 1908)
The schooner Survive, of Boggy, has discharged a large load of lumber at Tarragona street wharf. She will take a load of mixed merchandise for points along the narrows. The schooner Norwich, from Rocky Bayou, arrived yesterday with a load of naval stores. She had 94 barrels of rosin. (Pensacola Journal, April 10, 1908)
Eaton Land: On May 11, 1908, Francis C. Eaton purchased Lot 6 Section 1 Lot 1 of Section 12 T1S R23W, 205 acres. (at the upper Northwest side of Boggy Bayou).
Willie Railsback left here on Tuesday morning by railroad for Pensacola, Fla., to go on the mail route for Capt. D. M. Witherill, on the route between Pensacola and Boggy Bayou. (Reported from St. Andrew, Fla. in the Panama City Pilot May 28, 1908)
Pensacola Journal, Pensacola and Boggy Bayou Schedule for Mail Launch Ruth: May 30, 1908
1908 Walton County Farm Map shows location of the Boggy Post Office, homesteads, mill company properties and three schools in Boggy.
The Boggy Mill Company: Principal place of business, Walton County at Boggy Bayou, Fla. Capital stock $30,000 Filed May 26, 1908 Letters patent issued July 11th 1908 Affidavit of Treasurer that 10 percent of the capital stock has been subscribed and paid. Filed August 31st 1908 Incorporation, Stockholders: E. V. Crawford, Scarritt Moreno, S. S. Spence and B. S. Spence. Also the Consolidated Land and Lumber Company of Boggy, Florida filed for application for Letters of Patent.
Boggy Mill Company: 1908 Token
Pensacola Journal. (June 11, 1908)
U. S. Mail Launch Ruth schedule: Pensacola, Mary Esther, and Boggy Mail Line. James Jerauld, Captain. Leaves landing Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 a.m., making regular stops at Harris, Mary Esther, Camp Walton, Destin and Boggy. Returning leaves Boggy, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5:00 a.m. arriving Pensacola 1:30 p.m. Passenger and freight service. For rates apply to D. M. Witherill, Contractor and Manager, Landing 713 South Palafax, Phone 680.
Pensacola Journal. (August 4, 1908) -All Around Choctawhatchie - Special to the Journal.
Pensacola Journal. (August 14, 1908)
The Marie S.
CRESTVIEW - Sept. 16 - A petition is being circulated urging the county fathers to have the Cox bridge on Shoal River repaired, as it is considered by some to be unsafe, also to have the swamp bridged. This is on the public road leading to the bay country and is vitally important to the businessmen of Crestview. (The Pensacola Journal, September 17, 1908)
DEFUNIAK. Special to the Journal. F. C. Eaton having sold his mill at Boggy is building a cottage at Camp Walton that he can move into in a few days. Mr. Eaton was one of the early settlers in DeFuniak, and will keep his nice home here to occupy when he and his family care to be gone from the Narrows. (The Pensacola Journal, September 23, 1908)
HARRIS - Special to the Journal - Our line here from Pensacola to Boggy, Fla., is certainly on the boom as there are three launches on the run, our mail launch Ruth, Capt. Jas. Jerauld, the Belle, Capt. J. W. Brooks: and Lenora, Capt. Dm. M. Witherill. The Ruth comes up Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, and the other two on opposite days. (Pensacola Journal October 9, 1908)
Hancock Homestead. On October 26, 1908, Mitchell Hancock received Patent 21687 for Lot 2 and the W ½ of SE ¼ of Section 14 T1S R22W containing 153.52 acres on Rocky Bayou. (Did Hancock sell this before he received it?) Mitchell and Roxanna Hancock of Mitchell County Georgia, sold to B. H. Munn and H. H. Brown co-partners for $2,000 the Rocky Turpentine Company of Walton County Lot 2 and West ½ of the SE ¼ of Section 14 in T1S of R22W containing 153 acres.
The Lima Locomotive Works built for the J. J. McCaskill Co. of Freeport on November 6, 1908 the following described locomotive: Shop Number 2056 Class: B24-2 Trucks: 2 Cylinders: 3-8x8 Gear Ratio: 3.071 Wheel Diameter: 26.5 inches Gauge: std Boiler E.W.T. - 33.5 inches Fuel Type: Wood Fuel Capacity: 1.25 Cords Water Capacity: 850 Gallons Empty Weight: As built 45,000. It became the property of the Choctawhatchee Lumber Co. in Freeport, Florida, February 1911; then sold to the Southern Iron & Equipment Co. Atlanta, Georgia July 1917. It had other owners, the last one in 1937 and was scrapped.
Choctawhatchee National Forest: “Choctawhatchee National Forest is a United States National Forest established by Theodore Roosevelt on November 27, 1908.
BOGGY. Special to the Journal. The Boggy Mill Company is now running its plant on full time, cutting about 21,000 board feet per day. The mill of the Consolidated Land and Lumber Co., will be ready to start up within a short time. Boggy is becoming one of the best towns in this section. The name Boggy signified that it is bogged up with business. There are about ten buildings in the course of construction and everyone is busy. New families are locating rapidly, and at the present time the town has four stores, two mills and two (turpentine stills). (The Pensacola Journal November 25, 1908)
BOGGY, Fla., Special to the Journal. The new church and W.O.W. (Woodmen of the World) hall is progressing nicely under the duirection of B. P. Edge. It is a two-story building, something that has been needed for a long time. Hon. B. H. Sutton, president of the Acme Turpentine Company, of this city is now left alone. His wife is away for a few weeks to visit relatives in Georgia. The launch Swan is now on her regular runs from here to Pensacola. The schooner Evelyn, Capt. J. E. Allen loaded on the teams and other supplies for J. A. Early, who is logger for the Boggy Mill Company, near Hogtown bay. (The Pensacola Journal, December 4, 1908)
Warranty Deeds filed in Escambia County and Walton County on December 4, 1908 was for the sale by Louis Anderson, (Guardian of Edna Brown and Ella Brown, minors) sold to the Consolidated Land and Lumber Company for $800, the property located at Lot 3, Section 7 and Lot 2 Section 18 T1S of R22W, containing 159.25 acres. This property was the homestead of Allen Brown, Jr., and is located along the west side of Boggy Bayou.
The freight schooner Evelyn carrying a large quantity of bricks and a heavy cargo of miscellaneous freight, will sail this morning for Boggy. (excerpt from the Pensacola News Journal Harbor, River and Marine News column December 10, 1908)
On December 11, 1908 H. H. Brown and J. L. Brown sold to B. H. Munn for $3500 all of their “undivided interest in the personal property owned and used by Rocky Turpentine Company in connection with their turpentine business in Walton County, Florida: One turpentine still and fixtures; Seventy five dip barrels; Four head of mules; Three head of horses; Six head of oxen; One log cart and fixtures; Two turpentine wagons and harnesses; One buggy and harness; One Cole saw mill and fixtures complete, including all the pulleys, belting, shafting, sawmill engine, boiler, etc.; One ferry boat and five skiffs. Also all the stock of crude gum as well as all manufactured products wherever located and to that certain lease for turpentine purposes executed by Jernigan Lumber Company to M. Hancock and Sons, dated September 27, 1904 and recorded in Deeds, Walton Co”.
Pensacola Journal. (December 20, 1908)
In 1908 Henry Ford introduced his low-priced, highly efficient Model T. Its widespread popularity created pressure for the federal government to become more directly involved in road development.
Pensacola Journal. (November 3, 1908)
GARNIERS - The McKenzie Mill company of Boggy, is having the mill machinery of the Robinson sawmill brought to the head of Nigger bayou (in April 17, 1957 S. B. No. 394 name was changed to Bayou Chula Vista) for the purpose of carrying it to Boggy, where it will be set up. (The Pensacola Journal Tuesday morning, November 10, 1908)
GARNIERS - Special to the Journal - Capt. W. C. Seranton, of the schooner Grady S. carried a part of the machinery from Littlefield's Landing on (Bayou Chula Vista) to Boggy Tuesday. The schooner Evelyn came in Thursday to take the remainder, including the boiler and engine. Dr. D. M. Ward was called to Boggy on professional business Wednesday. (excerpts from Pensacola Journal November 15, 1908)
Pensacola Journal. (November 22, 1908)
DESTIN - Miss Lillian Eaton of Camp Walton came up on the launch Belle Thursday afternoon. Mr. Smith formerly a fisherman at this place was drowned at Camp Walton Thursday. It seems that he fell overboard and was unable to swim to the shore. The southwest wind we are having makes it too rough for the fishermen. We are glad to say that Robert Williams, who shot himself accidentally Monday last, is imprivong. The bullet is still in his shoulder, but he is getting on nicely. Dr. Diaz, of Boggy, has been attending him. (excerpts from the Pensacola News Journal, Tuesday morning, November 24, 1908.)
Pensacola Journal. (November 25, 1908)
GARNIERS - The schooner Evelyn carried away the frame of the Robinson mill to Boggy Wednesday. The new Brooks launch Swan, that will ply between Boggy and Pensacola as a passenger and freight boat, arrived in Camp Walton from Mobile Wednesday. She is pronounced by those who have seen her as a "beauty". She is 68 feet long from stem to stern and is driven by a 50 horse power engine. J. W. Sweeney was scaling the logs that Mr. Littlefield has on the beach for the Spence Mill Company of Boggy, Thursday. (Pensacola Journal November 29, 1908)
DESTIN - Special to the Journal. Gaines Destin went to Boggy Friday night for the dance. There was not much doing down here on Christmas, owing to so many of the people being away. The Christmas tree at Woodward's was well attended by all the young folks and Santa Claus was very happy. Miss Ellen Destin came home Thursday to spend the holidays. Misses Ada and Ida Destin went over to Boggy Friday on the Ruth. (The Pensacola Journal, December 30, 1908)
Pensacola Journal. (January 10, 1909)
GARNIERS - P. L. Hand and A. Tierce went to Boggy Sunday, where they will put down piling for a lumber bed for the McKenzie lumber mill. D. P. McKenzie, wife and baby of Boggy, spent Saturday night and Sunday at the head of Garnier's. A tow of logs for the McKenzie saw mill at Boggy was taken out Saturday morning from the head of Garnier's bayou. (Pensacola Journal January 19, 1909)
GATTIS - W. R. White is doing some brick work at Boggy for D. P. McKenzie. (Pensacola News Journal January 31, 1909)
Mrs. D. P. McKenzie of Boggy Bayou, was brought here Monday on the launch Swan for medical treatment. She was carried from Baylen street wharf to a local hospital in an ambulance. (The Pensacola Journal February 17, 1909)
DESTIN - William Marler, Charles Swinney and Joe Marler went over to Boggy Thursday after posts and lumber for Mr. Marler's wharf. D. P. McKenzie was a passenger on the Ruth Wednesday, bound for Boggy. (Pensacola Journal February 23, 1909)
GARNIERS - Mrs. P. L. Hand and children spent Sunday with her husband at Boggy going Saturday on the Swan and returning Monday in the same way. (Pensacola Journal February 23, 1909)
GARNIERS - Mrs. D. P. McKenzie returned to her home in Boggy Saturday last from Pensacola where she had been for treatment for typhoid-pneumonia for the past two weeks. She came on the Swan and was met by Mr. McKenzie on the mail launch Ruth when about half way from Camp Walton. Her friends will be overjoyed to learn of her recovery. Mrs. Margaret McKenzie, of Pekin, NC came up from Pensacola on the Swan Saturday to be the guest of her son, Mr. D. P. McKenzie of Boggy, whom she had not seen for six years. W. J. Hailey, who has charge of the commissary department of the Consolidated Land and Lumber Co., at Boggy, returned to Boggy Saturday after a two week's visit to his house in Pekin, NC. (The Pensacola Journal March 2, 1909)
(The Pensacola Journal, April 2, 1909)
MOSSY HEAD - J. M. Johnson, of Boggy, President of the Mossy Head Turpentine Company was in town Tuesday. (The Pensacola Journal April 29, 1909)
Allen Homestead. On May 7, 1909, Elisha J. Allen received his Homestead, the East ½ of the SE ¼ Section 6, Lot 1 of Section 7, and the NW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 8 in T1S of R22W containing 160 acres on the water on the East side of Boggy Bayou.
Pensacola Journal. (May 16, 1909)
GARNIERS - Special to the Journal. William Hand and John Stanford attended the exhibition and dance at Boggy Friday night returning Sunday morning. Mrs. P. L. Hand returned to Boggy Saturday on the Swan after being home for a couple of weeks. Mr. Pierce is at work in Boggy for the D. P. McKenzie Company. H. L. Scranton took the Olive to Boggy last week for the purpose of having her pulled out and painted. (The Pensacola Journal May 21, 1909)
Schooner Norwich from Boggy Bayou: The schooner Ruth from Gason (Garcon between Escambia and Blackwater bays) Point with 96 barrels of rosin and the Schooner Norwich from Boggy Bayou with 190 barrels arrived here yesterday their cargos being unloaded at Jefferson Street Wharf. (Note: The Jefferson Street Wharf was an open platform pier of pile construction used mainly for docking small bay and river vessels while discharging naval stores.) (Harbor River and Marine News Shipping Transactions and Notes of interest Along The Bay Front. The Pensacola Journal May 29, 1909)
John H. Kohler, secretary-treasurer and manager of the Consolidated Land and Lumber Company of Boggy and G. C. Brevat, of Freeport, arrived in the city yesterday and will remain until Wednesday. (Tersely Told Column, The Pensacola Journal June 1, 1909).
DESTIN - Special to the Journal - The Marie S. came over from Boggy Sunday with quite a crowd on board. Carl Burlison was over on his launch Sunday. Mr. Morris and Edward Bedsole went to Boggy with fresh fish last week. The Dolphin went to Pensacola Sunday to get ice to go snapper fishing. Mrs. S. T. Marler and children spent Sunday with the Woodwards. L. Destin and L. D. Woodward each caught three hundred pounds of pompano yesterday. There is to be an ice cream social Thursday night for the benefit of the church. The affair will be on the church grounds in the evening and all are cordially invoted to be present to help out the good cause. The Ora passed through here Saturday bound for Boggy. Several of the fishermen are breaking up camp. Mr. Robinson came over Saturday. He is stopping at L. Destin's. A party of Pensacolians were up Friday in the Lotus. George Woodward went to Boggy Monday. L. Destin and crew went to Pensacola Monday morning. (Pensacola News Journal June 2, 1909)
Pensacola News Journal. (June 23, 1909)
HOWELL - A large crowd from here attended the picnic at Boggy Saturday. Henry Hawkins from Boggy, was a business caller here Friday. (Pensacola Journal June 30, 1909)
DESTIN - Miss E. Destin attended the W.O.W. (Woodmen of the World) picnic at Boggy Saturday. George Marler and family went to Boggy Saturday and report a splendid time. (Pensacola Journal June 30, 1909)
Pensacola Journal. (July 23, 1909)
Pensacola Journal. (July 30, 1909)
Isaac Spence, Resident of Boggy, Florida July 30, 1909 Civil War Pension Claim - pages 2 and 3 (floridamemory.com):
GARNIERS - William Hand was at home Sunday from Boggy. The launch Marie S. of Boggy was up the bayou Tuesday for a boom of logs. Dr. H. M. Ward is in Boggy this week looking after a child that was seriously injured by having its leg lacerated between two logs. The schooner Juliette came in from Boggy Bayou yesterday with 70 barrels of naval stores.(Pensacola News Journal August 7, 1909)
On
August 12th 1909, Charles E. Cessna of Cook County,
Illinois purchased 3,237 acres from The J. J. McCaskill Company:
(1)
For $2,400 for all of Section 26 in T2S of R20W (640 acres).
(2)
For $2,400 all of Section 22 T2S of R22W (640 acres).
(3)
For $2,400 all of Section 27 less the West half of the West Half T2S
of R20W
(640 acres).
(4)
J. J. McCaskill Company to Charles E. Cessna: Lots 1, 2 and 4,
Section 21 consisting of 140 acres; fractional section 13 consisting
of 20 acres; the east ½ of Section 23 consisting of 320 acres;
lots 1 and 2 and the SW¼ of Section 14 consisting of 302
acres, and lot 1 and the SE¼ of NW¼ and West ½
of NW¼ and South ½ of Section 24 consisting of 535
acres all of which is situated in T2S R20W (1317 acres). At the time
of sale, the land was in Washington County, today it is in Walton
County.
GARNIERS - Those enterprising gentlemen, Witherill Bros., have placed another new boat, the Donna, on the line from Pensacola to Boggy for the accommodation of the traveling public. She is a trim built launch of 51 feet in length and 9 feet in width, and a speed rate of 11 miles per hour and has a seating capacity for 50 passengers. (The Pensacola Journal September 18, 1909)
Pensacola Journal. (October 1, 1909)
The Swan
Pensacola Journal. (October 8, 1909)
GARNIERS - Special to the Journal - William Hand and Mr. Stewart went to Boggy one day last week to put in another bridge. They had completed the one on Gap creek. (Pensacola Journal October 14, 1909)
The Pensacola Journal 12/05/1909
BOGGY - Special to the Journal - The many friends of Capt. Tugwell of the launch Donna are glad to know that he is still going to be with us as captain on the motor boat Swan. Mrs. D. P. McKenzie and baby returned from Harris on the Swan, being at the bedside of her sister, Miss Alice King, who has been very sick. She is now improving. Mrs. T. C. Brooks of Camp Walton was a visitor in our city last Saturday. The Boggy Mill Company recently bought by the Consolidated Land and Lumber Company, started up Monday. H. H. Dryer of DeFuniak formerly of the Consolidated Land and Lumber Company is in the city for a few days. The Boggy Mill Company and the Consolidated teams locked horns for a fine game of baseball Sunday afternoon. The score was 9 to 3 in favor of the latter. Frank Thomas killed four turkeys and one deer Saturday last. Game seems to be numerous of all kinds. P. A. Dawson has been on the sick bed for the past few days. Mr. Waller, saw filer, took his place as sawyer. D. P. McKenzie returned from DeFuniak and Pensacola Friday on his launch, the Marie S. (The Pensacola Journal December 7, 1909)
P. A. Henderson, of Boggy, with the Consolidated Land and Lumber Co. is in the city, enroute to his home at Muscogee, to spend Christmas with his people. He will return Monday. (The Pensacola Journal, December 25, 1909)
On
March 31st 1910, more than a thousand acres of land was
transferred from the McCaskill’s to Charles E. Cessna of the
City of Chicago. This was a fee simple transaction for the following described
property (for the development of Santa Rosa Beach). Has caused the
above property to be replatted, which plat is on file and recorded in
the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at Vernon, in the County
of Washington, State of Florida, and is a true representation of the
above described property. And I do hereby donate and dedicate all
roads as indicated to said plat to the public use, reserving,
however, the right at any and all times hereafter to construct,
maintain and operate upon said roads hereby dedicated, street cars,
electric light, telephone and telegraph wires, gas, sewer or other
pipes and drainage lines and such other public utilities as the
dedicator may elect to construct and operate in said street and
alleys, the grant and dedication hereby made being subject to the
foregoing reservation.
The
dedicator further reserves the right to sell and convey to any firm,
person or corporation, the right to use the foregoing reservation.
This 31st day of March 1910. Charles E. Cessna.
The
Consolidated Land and Lumber Company sold to G. W. Soule of Florida
for $1,375.00:
All
of Sec. 30 T1S
R22W Acres: 465.20
S
½ & SE ¼ of NE ¼ Sec. 25 T1S R23W Acres:
360.56
Lot
1 Sec. 35 T1S R23W Acres: 120.00
Lots
1 & 2 Sec. 36 T1S R23W Acres: 168.00
Total:
1,113.76
These
1,113.76 acres are along the Choctawhatchee Bay just south of Weekley Bayou.
Advertisement - For Rent - Our two-story hotel at Grayton Beach. Now is the time to open up the summer hotel and if you are interested please write us at once. The J. J. McCaskill Company Freeport, FL (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 05/12/1910)
Walton County Voting Precincts: Knox Hill, Eucheeanna, Sandy Creek, Limestone, McDades, Yellow River, Shoal River, Alaqua, Boggy, Portland, Freeport, Mossybend, Bruce, DeFuniak, Crestview, Mossyhead, Ealum, Laurel Hill, Moores and Gaskin. (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs June 9, 1910)
The
1910 Census taken for Boggy, Florida in June. It shows an increase in
population from 26 families reported in 1900 to about 155 families in 1910 with a
population of about 725.
The shipyard, sawmills, shingle mill and turpentine stills were the
major employers. These are occupations for some of the residents:
William Harley - Merchant, General Store
Sarah Howell - Saleswoman, General Store
J. Homer Johnson - Salesman, General Store
Brick
P. Edge - Postmaster
Amy Edge - Assistant Postmaster
Dr.
James C. White - Physician
Captain
of Schooners: John Early, Frank Thomas, Noah Burlison, Charles Burlison, James
Burlison, Tolbert Parish, John Grantham. James Parish was Captain of
Motor Boat
Sailors: Henry Davis, Jacob Early, Thomas Hudson and
Fate Thomas
Shipyard Carpenters: John Sanders, John Day and Robert
Parish
House Carpenters: Frank Davis, Frank Early, John
Radford and James McClancy
Fishermen: Samual Lancaster, Elijah Lancaster, James
Rooks, Alexander Howell, Garner B. Anchors, Horace Johnson and Aaron Howell
Elijah
R. McKee - U. S. Forest Ranger
Alexander
Browne - U. S. Forest Guard
Daniel
P. McKenzie - sawmill Manager
Mack
Archibald - sawmill Engineer
William Patterson and George Allen - sawmill
Bookkeepers
Joseph Allen - sawmill Stenographer
Fredrick
Garfield - sawmill Millwright
James
Smith - sawmill Fireman
Rafting logs for sawmill - Henry Edwards
Some of the sawmill laborers: William Ervin, John
Ervin, John Nathey, Sylvester Spence, Joseph Dasinger, Jeff Allen, Joe Allen,
Lon Allen, Lawrence Allen, Warren Armstrong, Mat Davis, Charles Ingram, Alonzo
Hicks, John Hicks, Charles Dell, George Dell, Benjamin Dell, Jesse Rooks,
Benjamin Spencer, Henry Crawfore, Burl Spence, John Pryor, James Ramer, Oscar
Burlison, Edgar Burlison and Henry Copeland.
Boyd
H. Munn, Turpentine Still Manager
Simon
Balentine - Turpentine Still Owner and Manager
Jack
Conger - Turpentine Still Manager
Haywood
Sutton - Turpentine Still Manager
Steam mill laborers: Arthur Brown and Walker Brown
Laborers in shinglemill - Carrie Allen, Lee McClancy,
Alexander Davis, Orville Fisher
Some turpentine laborers: James F. Edge, James
P. Edge, L. Edge, Albert Edge, Robert Edge, William Bolton, Benjamin C. Allen,
Charlie Allen, George Allen, Vander Hallstead, Willis Wright, Henry Allen, Gus
Richardson, Henry Richardson, John Lawson, Charlie McCray, John Hall, George
Davis, Jim Neel, Syl Henderson, Fredrick Albritton, John Stevens, James Cauley,
Jesse Stanley, Henry Neel, James Nowling, Joe Brannan, Sidney Sutton, John Neal
and Amos Neal.
Laborers, Public Work: James Corrida and Ellison
Nathey
John
F. Allen - Proprietor of Boardinghouse
Joe
Rushing - Fish Dealer
Jesse
Edge - Miller
Among
those living on their “Own Income” are: James T. Bolton,
James Rooks, John Pryor, Clark Stevens, Isaac Spence, William Sanders, William J. Nathey
and George Parish.
The Damascus Baptist Church, Niceville. Constituted 1910. Services held in a school building until present, rectangular, white frame building was erected and dedicated November 1911. A quarter-time church, meeting 2nd Sunday. Present membership, 106. Active organizations, Sunday School, Baptist Training Union. First settled pastor, Rev. Dan Anderson, 1910; common school education. Present pastor, Rev. C. L. Perry, 1939 - , Baker. Church Records, 1915 - , 2 vols. Showing minutes of meetings, register of members, baptisms, deaths, financial records. Custody of clerk, Miss Bertia Senterfeitt, Niceville. Sunday School Records 1937 -, 1 vol. Showing membership, attendance, collections. Custody of secretary, Miss Ruby Helms, Niceville. Woman’s Missionary Society Records 1938 -, 1 vol. Showing minutes of business meetings, roll of membership, reports of attendance, collections. Custody of secretary, Deliah Senterfeitt, Niceville. (West Florida Early Baptist Churches - Nancy S. Bell Inventory of the Church Archives - Pensacola Public Library)
Church Charter Members: R. F. Senterfitt, G. W. Pippins, William Pippins, William Padgett, Mrs. Mary Pippins, D. A. Hicks, Mrs. Nancy Hicks, John Dashinger, Lawrence Allen, Mrs. Lou Armstrong, Mrs. Alice Allen, Mrs. M. S. Edwards, F. L. Garfield, Mrs. T. C. Pippins, J. S. Senterfitt, Mrs. Ada Senterfitt, H. S. Edwards, Grover Dashinger, Mrs. M. M. Dashinger, Mrs. Arkie Allen, Lon Allen, Mrs. Lila Davis, Berket Earley, Mrs. Minnie Garfield and Mrs. Lucy Earley.
Santa Rosa - Dr. Cessna is expected here today with his new launch. In 1900, Charles E. Cessna a Real Estate Developer and Medical Doctor was living in Chicago with his wife Sarah and their daughter Evelyn. Her parents were born in Germany. Charles’ brother was William, a real estate and loan broker. (1900 Census records for Chicago) The A1A Guide to Chicago described the Charles E. Cessna House. It is #56, located at 524 N. Park Avenue, built by Architect Eben E. Roberts. “Roberts indulged in rich materials; clay tile for the roof, a brick base, stone trim and brackets, and dazzling art glass. The emphasis on the horizontal is greatly exaggerated by the generous hipped roofs. The dormers are so deep that they subvert their function of admitting light into the attic space, much as the cavelike porch darkens the living room. A small price to pay for such a grand house.” (The Breeze 06/30/1910)
Local News - Santa Rosa: Mrs. Dora Powell left last Sunday for Boggy to open her school Monday. Mr. Arthur Brown of Boggy was on our streets Monday. Dr. Cessna and family arrived Thursday from Chicago in their beautiful new launch, Santa Rosa. The launch, Eagle, of Freeport brought over Will Davis and Will Stubbs.” (The Breeze 07/07/1910)
The McCaskill Mill Sold: “The Deal Includes the Extensive Cypress Holdings of the McCaskill Co. The deal which has been pending some time of the J. J. McCaskill Co’s big mill at Freeport together with all their cypress lands was practically closed this week, the purchasers being a syndicate headed by Herbert L. Baker, of Plattenville, La., and while the exact figures were not made public, it is understood that it beats a quarter of a million dollars. The new company take over the mill and mill property, the cypress timber and cypress lands as well as all options and timber contracts for cypress, but none of the extensive pine land holdings of the McCaskill Co. are included. The purchasers are among the largest cypress manufacturers in the country and it is understood that they will run the plant to its full capacity, and there are a number of other important matters which have been held in abeyance pending the settlement of this deal which will now be pushed through, and these will be published as soon as they have reached that stage when they may properly be made public. The disposition of this property will enable Mr. J. J. McCaskill to retire in a measure from the active business life of Walton county in which for more than a quarter of a century he has been one of the most prominent factors, and during which time he has done so much for the development of this section of the state. While regretting to see Mr. McCaskill thus getting out we extend to the new people a cordial welcome.” (The Breeze 07/14/1910)
Boggy
News:
“Sheriff
Bell was transacting business here Thursday.
Mrs. M. King, of Harris, is the guest of Mrs. D. P. McKenzie this week.
James Gerald, engineer of the mail launch, Ruth, is taking his annual vacation and is here this week with friends.
Mr. Rawls and family of Enterprise, Ala., came in Wednesday to make this their home. We welcome this estimable family to our midst.
Mrs. P. A. Dawson was called to the bed side of her father, who is seriously ill.
Mrs. B. H. Sutton left Wednesday on the “Swan” for Eastman, Ga., where she will spend the summer with friends.
Miss Theda Hicks left Thursday for Graceville, to visit friends. She will be missed by her many friends here.
The Ladies Aid gave a Box Supper Saturday night and a neat sum was realized. Wedding bells will soon be ringing around Boggy.
B. H. Sutton and J. T. Browne left Friday for Laurel Hill to visit home folks.
Josh Jordan, of Auburn, is the guest of B. P. Edge and family this week.
(Note: Photo on left of young Supervisor Inman Flower "Cap" Eldredge. of the U. S. Forest Reserve)
Supervisor Eldredge, of the U. S. Forest Reserve, was transacting here and at Rocky, Saturday.
The government boat which will be used in the Forest Service is in Pensacola and A. G. Browne has gone to bring it in the first of the week.
Ralph Williams and family have moved from Destin to the east side of the bayou.
Henry Daniels, of Freeport, was here on business Thursday.
Mrs. George Parish returned home from Destin Saturday where she has been visiting relatives. She was accompanied by her granddaughter, Priscilla Marler, who will remain here for some time.
The many friends of Mrs. B. P. Edge will be glad to note that she is speedily recovering from a severe illness.
Miss Alice King, of Harris, was here Saturday visiting friends and relatives. Miss Alice has a host of friends here who are always glad to see her.
Mrs. John Allen returned Friday, after several days visit to relatives at Crestview.
Our Sunday school continues in attendance and we hope not to lose our efficient Superintendent and Secretary from our midst.
Rev. Stock, of Destin, will fill his regular appointment here Sunday. All are cordially invited to attend each service.” (The Breeze 07/14/1910)
Advertisement:
Grayton Beach Hotel
Opens
For the Season July 25, 1910
Under
the Management of Mr. and Mrs. J. Baxter
Good
Bathing: Good Fishing; Good Boating
Fish
and Crabs Served in Any Style. Rates Reasonable. Conveyances Meet
Launch at Pt. Washington.
Boggy News:
“Jerry
Jordan, of Garniers, spent Saturday and Sunday here with relatives.
W. J. Halley left Friday morning for New York and other northern points.
Carl Burlison left Saturday for Illinois to join his wife. He hopes to find her strong enough to return home soon.
We are sorry to note that Mrs. Nora Brown is quite sick this week.
A. G. Browne and J. I. McKee made a trip to Freeport Sunday on the Sylvia.
The many friends of James Gerauld will be glad to know he is again on the “Ruth” as engineer.
Mr. and Mrs. Mac Archibald left Tuesday morning for Pensacola where they will spend the week with friends.
Richard Williams and mother, of Destin, visited friends here Monday.
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Hicks died Friday morning and was interred in the Boggy cemetery (today this is Sunset Cemetery). We extend our sympathy to the bereaved parents.
Dr. Huggins, of Camp Walton, visited friends here Sunday. Rev. Bunkenmyer filled Rev. Stocks’ place here Sunday at each service.”
Boggy News:
“Mrs.
J. P. Rawls and children leave this week for Enterprise, Alabama
where the children go to enter school.
W. J. Hailey returned Saturday from a month’s vacation in New York and Washington.
Mrs. Mary Destin, Misses Ellen Destin and Clara Woodward, of Destin, Fla., were pleasant visitors here last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Spence, Capt., T. T. Parish and wife, Miss Ella and James Parish were visitors to Destin the first of the week.
Lon Hicks and family, Henry Copeland spent Sunday at the gulf.
Messrs. Bowers, of Opp, Ala., were here Monday and Tuesday fishing.
The steamer, Belle, made its first trip in the bayou Monday, it will make two trips each week to Pensacola.
Mr. Pippins and family, of Portland, moved here this week.
B. H. Sutton left Wednesday, for Eastman, Ga.
Mrs. Dora Powell returned Monday from DeFuniak.
Miss Dolly King, who has been visiting Mrs. D.P. McKenzie left Monday for Harris.
E. R. McKee and P. D. Edmunds made a trip to Freeport Sunday on the Sylvia. Supervisor Hill of the U.S. Reserve is spending the week with E. R. McKee.” (The Breeze 09/15/1910)
Boggy
News:
W.
H. Hally and Joe Stewart visited Harris Sunday.
J. M. Jordan, mother and sister, of Crestview, are visiting relatives here this week.
F. T. Browne and W. Bolton are hunting at Big Hammock this week.
Mrs. Mary King, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. D. P. McKenzie, left Wednesday morning for Harris.
Jesse Edge visited friends at Mossyhead last week.
E. R. McKee and supervisor Hill were business visitors to Freeport this week.
B. H. Sutton returned from Eastman, Ga., Thursday.
Capt. T. T. Parish and wife and sister left Saturday morning for Tampa for several months visit. They will be missed here by their many friends.
Miss Thelma Dawson, who has been visiting relatives at Manistee, Ala., returned home Saturday evening to the delight of her many friends.
Mrs. J. P. Rawls and children left Saturday for their home at Enterprise, Ala.
Mrs. F. T. Tugwell spent Saturday and Sunday here.
Misses Mary and Ellen Destin visited their aunt, Miss Ella Parish here Friday.
W. D. Reddick, of Portland, was a pleasant visitor here Sunday. Jim Helms, of Holt was visiting his brother, Oscar Helms Sunday. (The Breeze 09/22/1910)
McCaskill
Motor Car Company
R.
E. L. McCaskill, President K. E. McCaskill Sales Agent
Agents
for Halladay Motor Car of Streator, Illinois
30
to 50 Horsepower 7 different models
$1,125
to $2,750 can make terms DeFuniak Springs, FL Pensacola, FL (The
Breeze Advertisement 10/01/1910)
“Said to be a reliable automobile because it finished a 250 mile endurance race at Atlanta in 1910. It was chosen to be the press car for the 1911 Glidden Tour. About 300 Halladay automobiles were made by The Streator Motor Car Co. from 1905 to 1912”. (american-automobiles.com)
Name Boggy Changed to Niceville: On November 5, 1910 Boggy, Florida became Niceville, Florida. Bricknal P. Edge, Postmaster.
Note: Surely someone familiar with Nice, France on the Mediterranean Sea had influence in renaming the city.
"The bulk of the State of Florida is like a long, fat thumb, pointing down in to the Gulf of Mexico. Westward from the base of that thumb there is a strip of the state about 175 miles in length and averaging about 40 miles in width. This Western portion of Florida, lying as it does for its whole length along the Gulf of Mexico, has been named the Riviera, because of its likeness to the world famed play ground of Europe, lying along the Mediterranean Sea on the northwestern part of Italy and southern shores of France. It will be observed that this district lies unuaually high above sea level." (The Road to Health Happiness Prosperity by the R. E. L. McCaskill Company)