/ Copyright 189 1 by J. O. D. Clarke. A SKETCH P OF ITS HIS- TORY : RES- IDENCES : : BUSINESS INTERESTS : ETC. : WITH ILLUSTRA- TIONS OF PICTUR- ESOUE SCENERY AND PORTRAITS OF LEADING CITIZENS J. O. D. CLARKE. r^ Wa' New York The REruHLic Press 1891 PREFACE HE object of this book is to answer clearly and completely every reasonable inquiry about Ocala and its environs. Believing that this purpose would be completely lost by depart- ing from the truth, the author has prepared the accounts of climate, soil, mineral and manufactured products with conscientious accuracy, paring away unnecessary adjectives and avoiding the flowery and highly colored descriptions which usually characterize books of this kind. In the effort to portray Ocala as it is, the book has been pro- fusely illustrated with reproductions of actual photographs. By this method no distortion of facts is possible; whereas, in the use of pen and ink work or wood cuts, the reader has no proof what- ever that the attractive scenes on the paper before him have any existence except in the vivid imagination of the artist or engraver. To this proof of good faith, the writer needs only to add, that falsehood or hyperbole about such a favored region as this would be "a wasteful and ridiculous excess." The men who are described and the interests they so success- fully conduct are here to speak for themselves, and Ocala is to-day Florida's most prosperous and progressive city. ^" "J. O. D."' Ocala, Florida, July ij, i8gi. FLORIDA O State in the Union possesses a more interesting, romantic and diversified history than Florida. From her discovery, early in the sixteenth cen- tury, her history has been a continuous chapter of romantic occurrences, in which mystery and tragedy play ever important parts. First came the discovery by De Leon, while in quest of the far-sought " Fountain of Perpetual Youth;" then the ill-fated expedition of Narvaez, searching for the fabled "'treasures of Apalache;" next the long march of the intrepid De Soto, resulting in the invaluable account of the early inhabitants of Florida; the early Spanish settlement followed; then the " Minorcans" in Florida; the Huguenots in Florida; the "War of the Exiles;" the Seminole War, and the long train of minor and more recent events. The mysteries of the Everglades are yet to be fathomed, the subterranean caverns explored, and from the rivers of Florida, her mineral springs, rich mineral deposits, fossil remains of pre- historic birds and animals, will yet come a story to rival with its record of wealth and power, the picturesque and exciting incidents of the peninsula's early history. A SKETCH OF FLORIDA'S EARLY HISTORY. When De Soto landed on the shores of Tampa Bay in 1539, there lay before him a region unexplored and unknown to Europeans. Florida had been discovered some years before by 6 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF EARLY FLORIDA. Ponce de Leon,* and later De Narvaez made an ill-starred expe- dition to the new country ; but it remained for De Soto to pene- trate the peninsula and give to the world an account of the region and its inhabitants. THE EARLY PEOPLE OF FLORIDA. De Soto found in Florida a race akin to that found in Mexico and Peru at this period — a race far in advance of the North American Indians. The country was divided into provinces, each ruled by a "cacique," who exercised despotic control over his subjects. Under the cacique was a head man or councillor; then came the nobles, commanding the army; then the warriors, and last the vassals, who tilled the fields and performed menial ser- vice. Each province had its capital or chief town, which was named after the cacique, as was also the province. These capitals were built as follows: In the center was an immense mound upon which stood the Temple, in which the entire populace worshipped the sun and moon, and performed funeral and other rites under the direction of the head man, who had charge of the edifice. Upon this mound also were the dwellings of the cacique and his retinue, and that of the head man. Around the mound were clus- *JuAN Ponce de Leon was a soldier noble of Spain, who had won distinc- tion in the Moorish wars in Granada. He accompanied Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, and for gallant service was made commandant of a province of Hispaniola, or St. Domingo. Later he was made governor of Porto Rico, where he amassed great wealth. While at Porto Rico he was informed by the natives of a wonderful country to the northward, "abounding in gold and all manner of delights, but, above all, possessing a fountain of such wonderful virture that whosoever bathed in it would be restored to health and youth." The Indians called this wonderful land " Bimini." This statement so impressed De Leon that he resigned his governorship, and, fitting out three ships at his own expense, he proceeded with a company of kindred spirits in quest of his wonder- ful "Fountain of Youth." He landed at or near the present city of St. Augustine on March 29th, 1512, [the year is given by different historians as 1509, 1512, 151-3, and 1521. but 1512 is generally regarded as correct], and named the land Florida, after the day of discovery, which was Pasciia Florida (Palm Sunday). De Leon did not penetrate into the interior. He cruised along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the Peninsula, until June 14th, and then returned, disheart- ened, to Porto Rico, leaving an officer — Juan Perez de Ortubia— with one of the ships, to continue the search for Biiiiiiii. Ortubia, upon his return to Porto Rico, HIS'lORICAL SKETCH OF KARLV FLORIDA. 7 tered the dwellings of the subjects, and beyond the well-tilled fields, where the natives cultivated maize, vegetables, fruits, etc. L)e Soto mentions the following provinces encountered m his march between his landing-place (Tampa Bay) and Apalache (Tallahassee) : 1. Hirriga or Hirrihigua. 2. Mucoco. 3. Urribaracuxi or Hurripacu.xi. 4. Ocuera. 5. Ocaly. 6. Ochile. 7. Vitachuco. 8. Ossachile. At Mucoco, De Soto found a Spanish prisoner named Juan Ortis. TALE OF ORTIS. Ortis had accompanied the Narvaez expedition. With three companions he was captured by Harriga, cacique of the province of that name. His companions were at once put to death by Harriga, but Ortis was reserved for torture. After undergoing the most fiendish cruelties Ortis excited the sympathy of Harriga's claimed to have found Biiiiiiii, which he described as a "large island, verdant, and covered with beautiful groves, abounding with crystal springs and limpid streams, which kept the land in perpetual verdure, but none capable of restoring youth." " Bimini" is supposed to be what is now known as Providence Island. This ended Ponce de Leon's quest for the chimerical " Fountain of Youth." In 1 52 1 De Leon fitted out two ships and again sailed for Florida, which he now knew to be not an island, but the main land. In attempting to land, he was attacked by natives and driven back to his ships, which returned to Cuba, where De Leon died soon afterward from an arrow wound received in the battle. De Leon died at the age of 72, bereft of fortune and friends, and broken-hearted at seeing the fruits of his discovery given to others. The following epitaph was inscribed upon his tomb: ''Mole sub hac f ortis rcqiiicscunt ossa Leon is Qui vicit factis no/nina /ungna suis." This epitaph was thus paraphrased in Spanish by Juan de Castellanos: "Aquesfo /u_L;'(rr estiwlui Es st'pidii-o del 7'aroii Que en el nomhre fue Leon y niueho mas in el heelio." 8 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF EARLY FLORIDA. daughters, who interceded for him and induced the cacique to forego further torture. Harriga then made Ortis guard over the dead, enclosed in rude caskets and supported on frames in the edge of the forest, where lions and other wild beasts came nightly to rob the coffins. Ortis, armed only with "three darts," was required to fight off the lions, the crafty Harriga expecting to thus get rid of him and elude his promise to his daughters to spare his life. One night a lion made off with the body of an infant. Ortis, believing he would be killed in the morning when the absence of the body was discovered, determined to pursue the lion into the forest and at all events die fighting. He came up with the lion in the act of devouring the body, and by a lucky cast of one of the "three darts" killed him. Killing a lion with a dart was regarded as a wonderful feat, and Ortis at once became a hero with the natives, excepting Harriga, who, enraged at his escape from the lions, determined to put him to death secretly. Harriga's oldest daughter, learning of this, planned Ortis' escape. She was engaged in marriage to the cacique, Mucoco. Giving Ortis a message to Mucoco, begging his protection and kindness for her protege, she assisted him to escape in the night from Harriga's capital. Ortis reached Mucoco's capital, where he was treated kindly by the cacique. De Soto* secured the release of *Hkrnando de Soto was the son of a Squire of Badajos, Spain. He came to the Spanish Indies early in the Sixteenth Century, and was made a captain in the service of the then Governer of the West Indies, Pedro Arias de Avila, whose daughter he afterward married. He won distinction in the Spanish invasion of Nicaragua, and later with Fernando de Pizzarro in the Conquest of Peru (1532). In the latter conquest he won high office, and secured much treasure, which, on his return to Spain, he loaned to the Emperor, thus winning his favor. Upon his marriage with Donna Isabella de Bobadilla, daughter of Pedro Arias de Avila, Earl of Punno in Rostro, the Emperor made him Governor of the Isle of Cuba and Adelantado of Florida, with the title of Marquis of such part of the land as he should conquer. De Soto reached Cuba in 1538, with a fleet of ten fine ships and a brilliant following. After establishing his government, which he left in charge of his wife. Donna Isabella de Bobadilla, he refitted his ships, and, taking on board 1,000 men and 250 horses, sailed for Florida. He left Havana May 12th, 1539, and reached Florida on May 25th, coming to anchor in a deep bay (Tampa Bay), which he named Espirito Santo, in honor of the day of arrival, which was the day of Pasco de Spirito Santo. The route of De Soto is best given in Shipp's " De Soto and Florida," which HISTORKAL SKETCH OF KARLY FLORIDA. 9 Ortis, whose woodcTaft was subseciuently of much service to liini. It is interesting to note that at Hurripacuxi a feast was given by the Spaniards and natives combined, each party contributing its native viands. Tlie Spaniards contributed bread (pan), the Indians a pottage of meat, fruits and vegetables, called l)y them "Soff-Kee." This is supposed to have been the origin of the name of " Panasoffkee ;" also presumed to be the site of the feast. THE rROVIXCE OF OCALY. In the early Summer De Soto came to a " deep river with steep banks, the height of two pikes," not far from which was a well- built village of 600 houses. The river was the Withlacoochee and the village Ocaly, capital of the province of that name. De Soto goes to some length to describe this province, which he regards as superior to any province encountered in his march from Tampa Bay to Apalache. He found here '' no bad lands or defiles, and the country was higher, more fertile and more highly cultivated." Ocal\\ the capital city, was much larger, more populous and bet- ter constructed than those of other provinces. The mound in the center of the village was of great size, with high and steep sides, the only way of getting to the top being by broad, well-con- account, being based upon careful comparisons of, and deductions from, those of "Biedma," " Garcilasso de la Vega," the " Elvas Narrative," and other historians, is most authentic. According to this account, he landed on the eastern arm of Tampa Bay, May 25th, 1539, "a large artificial mound marking his landing place." He then marched inland to the Indian capital, called IJ iirripacitxi , situated about 28 miles from the coast. From there he proceeded to Apalache (at or near Tallahassee), about thirty miles from the coast, where he spent the Winter of 1539-1540. .-://(?/(7(7/t' is described as a village of fifty or sixty houses. In March, 1540, he proceeded northward to the country of Altapalia, near where Augusta, Ga. , now stands; thence to Giiachoulc, which has been located in Bartow County, Ga., on the Chattahoochee River, near Cartersville, by the ruins of a temple on a mound surrounded by a deep ditch, from which was dug up in the early part of the present century a granite idol. De Soto continued north to the village of Chialia, in the mountains of Georgia. He then came south to Ac It us sc (Pensacola Bay); thence westward to C/iicaca, " a village of 200 houses, on a river (Tombigbee), where was passed the Winter of I 540-1541." Leaving Chicaca in April, 1541, he marched northwest to A/ilhiiiio, on the Tallahatchee river; then west to C/iisca or Quiz-quiz, " on the great river" (Mississippi). {Quiz-quiz was located near Delta on Friar's Point.) De Soto went as far north as Casquin (presumably St. Louis), then back to lO HISTORICAL SKETCH OF EARLY FLORIDA. structed steps, with side rails, which could be defended readily from attack. The Temple, the cacique's dwelling and the dwellings of his retinue and the head man of the village, on the mound, were large and well built, as were also those of the subjects surrounding the mound. The houses were all of slabs and boards, chinked with clay; the roofs covered with bark, shaped like the scales on a tur- tle's shell, the roof taking the form of a turtle's back. All about the village were well-tilled fields, in which were grown maize or corn and various vegetables. De Soto mentions particularly find- ing here "an abundance of vegetables, dried grapes, nuts and fruits of all kinds." Of the people, the men were tall, well-formed and muscular; the women fair and of fine figure. The men all wore a kind of chamois or dressed-skin breeches, over which was worn a robe of dressed skins, beautifully painted or embroidered. The cacique, head man, and nobles were distinguished by head-dresses of plumes fashioned from birds' feathers. The women were "dressed modestly in a graceful garment of coarse linen or grass cloth, beautifully painted or embroidered at top and bottom." Both men and women wore moccasins, some being elaborately decorated. These natives were well advanced in civilization. They wor- shipped the sun and moon under the guidance of the head man or hight priest of the village, and had a code of laws for their gov- ernment, which were strictly enforced. The marriage laws were very strict. Adulteresses were punished much the same as with Antiamquc, at the mouth of the Arkansas river, where he spent the Winter of 1541-1542. De Soto died at Guaclioya, on the Mississippi, just below the mouth of the Arkansas, May 21st, 1542, of fever. He was 42 years of age when he died. His companions, wishing to conceal his death from the natives, first placed the remains in a trench over which horses were driven to prevent the grave being dis- covered. Mistrusting, however, that they were seen by the natives, they dug up the remains again, and, placing them in the trunk of a tree hollowed out for the purpose, sunk theip in the mighty river (Mississippi) which he had discovered. After the dfeath of De Soto his followers "made their way, amid great dangers and losing many of their number in battles with the Indians and by hunger, south into Me.xico." The survivors were found, in 1543, at Vera Cruz, by one of the vessels sent out by De Soto's wife to search for him. She is said to have died of grief soon after learning of his fate. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF EARLY FLORIDA. II the New Engiand Puritans {vide Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter"). The woman accused of this crime was brought before the caci<|ue and his council, in the presence of all the people of the village. If the crime was proven, the cacique and council so announced; the woman was then " stripped naked and shaved with a kind of razor of flint by her husband who then left, taking with him her clothes to show that he repudiated her." The woman was then lashed and jeered out of the community by the villagers, after which her parents took her home and kept her out of sight while she lived. 'J'he daughters, wives and mothers who remained vir- tuous, however, were treated with all respect and consideration, and never, as with the Texas tribes, like slaves. The food of the natives was chiefly corn or maize, vegetables, fish, fruits and nuts. They also ate meat of animals fit for food killed in their hunts, but when they did so, wanted the meat well- cooked. The Spanish habit of eating rarely cooked meats they regarded as inhuman. The cacique's army was composed of well-drilled warriors armed with the same weapons used by the Spaniards, with the exception of the cross-bow and arquebuss or musket. The army was commanded by the cacique with the nobles as officers, and until De Soto convinced the cacique of his peaceful intentions, it was quite ready to fight to the death, notwithstanding the Spaniards were regarded as of supernatural origin and power. The natives had considerable skill in dressing and embroider- ing the skins of animals for clothing, and the women wove a kind of grass cloth, which they used for clothing and various purposes. In addition to worshipping the sun and moon these natives had certain carved idols, to which they made sacrifice of fruits, animals and various treasures. They also had certain festivals, which all united in celebrating, such as the anniversaries of suc- cessful wars, harvests and the like. One of these festivals, called the " Festival of the Virgins," is thus described by De Soto: "A circle was marked out on a plain, round which were driven posts each about a man's height, after the manner of Roman termini. These posts were surmounted by the head of a woman with a vail (veil) hanging from her brow down both sides of the face. The inhabitants having all assembled in gala garb, each according to his rank and quality, the young ladies ranged themselves around 12 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF EARLY FLORIDA. the circle, all clad in fantastic dress, and began a rude dance with weird gestures. In the center of the circle were placed the three virgins of the most exquisite form and beauty, in attitudes similar to those with which the ancients represented the ' three graces. ' The other young ladies executed a circling dance around the 'three virgins," to rude music furnished by gourds filled with pebbles and shells beaten together. The dance was followed by a feast, of which all did partake." De Soto crossed the Withlacoochee east of Dunnellon and " C^v?/)' "' is supposed to have been located in the vicinity of the "Big Hammock." south of Ocala, where are traces of an Indian mound; and ancient pottery, weapons, etc., have been found. The Province of Vitachiico, north of " Crrt-Zy, " was the largest province encountered by De Soto, being " 200 leagues in extent." This province was divided between Vitachuco and his two broth- ers, Ochile and Ossachile, "Vitachuco having five parts, Ossa- chile three parts and Ochile two parts." Ochile and Ossachile submitted to De Soto, but Vitachuco resisted all advance and gave De Soto the hardest battle of his march. In this battle, which took place in the vicinity of Micanopy, it is presumed, Vitachuco was killed and "above 200 warriors were driven into a pond — • — Lake Tuscavilla (?) — where they did remain for 24 hours, swim- ming and fighting, before they would surrender." This ancient race, with its caciques and citadels, has long since become extinct. Traces of them are still found, however, in the mounds which they erected, from which are dug up ancient weapons, ornaments, pottery and parts of skeletons. Several of these mounds are in the vicinity of Ocala, which city is within the limits of the Province of Ocaly and preserves its name. From the time of De Soto's famous march through Florida, but little was known of the interior of the peninsula beyond the fact of its Indian occupation, down to the period of the Spanish grants. These grants were made during the latter part of the F,ighteenth or early part of the Nineteenth Century, and consisted of gifts by the Spanish Crown of large tracts of land to certain subjects who had become distinguished in war or otherwise. These grantees were astute chaps, as they always selected the most valu- able lands. The grants were all sustained by the United States IIISTOKUAI. SKETCH OF KARLV ILORIDA. 1$ (lovernmLMil when Florida was ceded to tlie United States. The grants in the immediate vicinity of Ocala are: The Sanchez grant. The Alvarez grant. The Perixdl grant. The Catilina de Jesus Hijuelos grant. In a few instances the owners of these grants established plantations thereon, but, as a rule, they remained without habita- tion other than by Indians until after the Indian wars. Some of them are still unsettled, while others have been cut up into sec- tions and sold to more enterprising owners. CHAIN OF FORTS. After the "Exile War," which was between fugitive slaves, who had escaped from Georgia and intermarried with the Florida Indians, and their former owners, who sought to recapture them, the United States Government established a chain of forts with garrisons extending from Tallahassee to Tampa, and connected by a well constructed military road, over which supplies were transported. This was about 1S35. One of the most important of these forts was Fort King. This fort was situated about three miles east of the present town of Ocala. It was a fortified and well-garrisoned outpost, and for a long time marked the frontier line between the white settlements and the Indian country. It was at this fort that Col. Thompson, then the commandant, was ambushed and slain by Osceola, the Seminole chief. During Osceola's im- prisonment, his wife, described as a beautiful half-breed (negro and Indian blood), was seized and sold as a slave. Osceola held Col. Thompson personally responsible for this, and determined to be revenged. One day Col. Thompson, his wife and a lieutenant at the fort, started for an after-dinner walk. They were am- bushed by Osceola, who shot the colonel and the lieutenant, but spared the colonel's wife. Nothing now remains of the fort but a few traces of the old earthworks. Its site was upon an eminence commanding an ex- pansive view of the surrounding country. It is one of the favor- ite picnicking resorts, reached by a delightful drive from Ocala, and forms an interesting reminder of the troublous times in the pioneer settlement of this section. OCALA MARION COUNTY. ARION COUNTY was set off from Alachua in 1843. Its extent from north to south is 38 miles, and from east to west 54 miles. The area is 1,645 scjuare miles. It contains 1,043,840 acres of land and 12 square miles of water, embraced in 45 1-2 townships. The northern boundary is 29 degrees, 15 minutes. Marion is aptly termed the "banner'' county of Florida. It has higher hills, richer lands and more wild and "sweet bearing" orange groves than any other county in the State. As a purely agricultural county, in the yield of cotton, corn, peas, potatoes, sugar, syrup and other products per acre, it has long enjoyed the reputation of excelling all other counties. It is also one of the richest in deposits of phosphate, kaolin, ochre, lime, brick-clay, etc., and the operations in phosphate and lime to-day exceed those of all other counties combined. The output of phosphate is prob- ably greater than in any other county in the world. iNlarion County is in the center of the Florida peninsula, and forms a portion of its water shed, to the ocean on one side and to the gulf on the other. It can therefore boast of higher altitude, natural drainage, milder climate and exceeding healthfulness. The first Marion County Commissioners were : J. M. Mcin- tosh, cx-flffi c io ?in(l President; Thos. P>arnes, Abraham Geiger, S. F. Halliday, John Morrison. The first Treasurer was John G. Reardon, Esq., father of the present Ocala lawyer of that name. Up to 1846 all the county business was done at Fort King, which was at this period a trading post with quite a settlement around it. In this year the County Commissioners located the county site or seat, securing for the purpose a section of govern- l6 OCALA, FLORIDA. meat land near the center of the county, not included in the Spanish grants. The new town site was given the name of Ocala, and this was the origin of the present flourishing city of that name. Dcala is a modification of the ancient Indian name "Cr<7/v," meaning '' fair country " or Land of Plenty. Up to 1S50 Ocala remained a mere village, comprising a court house, which, as now, stood upon the public square; one church, a jail, some ten or twelve residences and a couple of stores located around the square. About this time a number of wealthy planters came down from South Carolina and established plantations around Ocala. These plantations, located within a radius of eighteen miles, were among the largest and finest in the South. Each had its cotton gin, sugar mill, etc., which, with the family mansion, overseer's house, quarters of the hands and other plantation buildings, constituted quite a village by itself. The planters, among whom were such names as Marshall, Owens, Keitt, Waldo, Broome, Martin, Gary, Vogt and others, were eminently representative of the ante-bellum wealth and culture of the South, and the plantations were the scenes of many gay fetes. Likewise in town there was a con- tinuous round of society events. In 1858 Ocala was in the zenith of her aiite-hcUinn fame. She had a resident population of 1,200 to 1,500, and was one of the leading social and business centers of Florida. The aggregate business of Ocala at this period probably exceeded that of any other town in the State. Besides being a source of supply for the plantations and a shopping depot for the planters' families, she had a general trade, extending from Gainsville to Tampa and throughout South Florida. Ocala was not materially effected by the Indian war (i855-'7), the scene of which was farther south. A company from here, however, took part in the war, one of the officers being the present member of Congress — General R. Bullock. But the Civil War virtually ruined Ocala, although no fighting took place in her im- mediate vicinity. During this period nearly all the able-bodied men were in the army, the plantations grew up in weeds, business was destroyed, and the town was practically depopulated. The Ocala of to-day, therefore, dates from the close of the war. In 1868 the population was about 200, and some idea of prop- erty values at this date may be gathered from the fact that a ITS RISE AND PROGRESS. 1 7 corner lot on the scjuare was considered dear at $18.50. 'I'he same lot to-day would be cheap at $i 0,000. In 1876 the popula- tion had increased to 400, or thereabouts, business was prosjierous and increasing, and a new era of progress and prosperity had begun. TRANSPORTATION PRIOR T(J 'Si. Up to 1 88 1 Ocala had to depend for trans])ortation upon the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha steamers to Silver Springs, thence four miles by a steam tram-road to town. FIRST RAILROAD. In 1 88 1 the Peninsular Railroad — now the Florida Central and Peninsular — was completed to Ocala, and in 1883 the Florida South- ern Railroad reached town. This gave Ocala ample communica- tion with the outside world, and removed the last obstacle in the way of her speedy development into a great inland commercial mart. THE BIG FIRE. But in the latter part of this year a severe blow came. Early on the morning of November 27th a fire broke out, which con- sumed nearly the entire business portion of the town. Four blocks of buildings were burned, including two fine hotels recently com- pleted, the court house and all the principal business houses located about the square. To add to the disaster, much of the property was uninsured. But the people were quick to recover, and the work of rebuilding was soon begun. The fire proved a blessing in disguise, as, in place of the old-time wooden buildings there were erected fine brick structures, which are to-day the pride of the city. In 1885 Ocala received a city charter. In 1889 phosphate was discovered. This was the most impor- tant event in Ocala's history, and to the immense business subse- quently accruing therefrom may be largely ascribed her present commercial wealth and importance. Ocala has been aptly named THE CHICAGO OF FLORIDA. In 1880 Ocala was an isolated village of possibly 500 souls. To-day, with a population of 5,000, she is the great inland commer- cial center of Florida and ranks among the most progressive and prosperous cities of the South. This phenomenal growth has been 38 OCALA, FLORIDA. due to no "boom" or other unstable inHuence, but rather to natural and accrued advantages, aided by the conspicuous enter- prise of her citizens. A PICTURESQUE CITY. Ocala is one of the best-planned and most picturesque cities of the South. In the center is the public square, a well-kept stretch of greensward with shade trees on every side, upon which stands the Countv Court House. Around the square are located the EAST Sl.lUARE. banks, hotels and business blocks, all handsome modern stuctures of brick, stone and plate glass, and beyond are the churches, schools and other institutions. Leading from the square are broad suburban avenues, with rows oi majestic trees, whose wide spreading branches form a leafy canopy over roadway and pave. These avenues are lined with beautiful homes, whose spacious, well-shaded and handsomely laid out grounds make a charming perspective. Surrounding the town are magnificent orange and lemon groves, fruit orchards, vineyards and some of the richest truck farms to be found in the South, forming an admirable and exceedingly appropriate setting for the " Brick City." Ocala possesses in a marked degree all the elements and ad- ITS RISF, AND PROGRESS. I9 vantages of the modern metropolitan community, and in a general Avay is in advance of most cities of much greater size. PAVED STREETS. The city streets and suburban avenues are broad, well graded and paved with lime rock, of which there are large deposits in the vicinity. This material is comparatively soft when taken from the beds, but becomes hard with use and makes a durable and most excellent pavement. STREET RAILWAY. Ocala has a well-equipped street railway, running to all desira- ble points within the city limits and to the Exposition grounds. The railway company is soon to adopt the electric motor, and will extend its line to Silver Springs via Silver Springs Park, and to other desirable points. ELECTRIC LIGHT. Ocala has a first-class electric-light plant of the latest and best improved type, which supplies public and private illumination, both the arc and incandescent systems being used. The plant also furnishes electric motive power for manufacturing and other purposes. WATER SUPPLY. Ocala has one of the finest water-works systems in the South, which supplies an abundance of pure water for all purposes. The city water has been subjected to a critical examination by Dr. R. R. Snowden, analytical chemist, who pronounced it remarkably free from all objectionable properties and thoroughly wholesome and desirable for drinking, toilet, laundry and other uses. [A full description of the water-works will be found elsewhere. ] SEWERAGE. Ocala has a natural sewerage system, which partakes of the phenomenal. Beneath the town, at an average depth of So to loo feet, is a swiftly-flowing under-ground river. Connection with this river is obtained by natural "sinks" and bared and piped sewer wells. The town sewage is carried off by two "sinks" or natural sewer wells, one of which is located on the northeast, and the 20 OCALA, FLORIDA. Other in the southwest part of the city. The former is in the shape of a deep grotto in a ledge of lime rock, through a fissure in which the sewage passes to the river mentioned. The south- west "sink" is in a natural depression, where is a good-sized natural well, through which all drainage flows into the river, at this point probably 75 feet below the surface. Besides the city "sinks" there are three private sewer wells located, one each at the jail, Ocala House and Montezuma Hotel. These wells are fitted with a four-inch pipe, and so great is the sue- ^ i' J T MAGNOLIA STREET. tion of the river, at this point 100 feet below, that each well carries off readily the flow from two six-inch sewer pipes. This subterranean river was discovered about ten years ago in boring for a well. The town sinks were known and used for years before, but no particular thought was given to the phenomena until the discovery above mentioned. Since that date, however, it has been utilized for a sewerage system with signal success, one of the most remarkable results being the total absence of sewer gas. Nothing definite has ever been developed concerning the source of the "river," but it is supposed to have an outlet in the Ockla- waha river. 1 »*r ^S" P* A ITS RISE AND I'ROCRESS. rhenomena of tliis character are by no means unusual in this huul of weird wonders. At or near Wakulla the St. Marks river is more subterranean than surface, being, in fact, a succession of small lakes at various distances apart, each with a whirlpool and strong current in the direction of the flow of the river. The ex- tensive caverns recently discovered near Leroy is another of the many instances that could be cited in this connection. POLICE DEPARTMENT. Ocala is policed by the City Marshall and a corps of experi- enced and capable assistants, who have no difficulty in maintain- ing law and order in the community. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Ocala has the best-equipped and most efficient Volunteer Fire Department in the State. It has participated in a number of State tournaments and other competitions, and won many prizes, of which the members are justly proud. The composition is as fol- lows : Chief. — J. T. Lancaster. First Assistant. — R. E. Yonge. Second Assistant — Maurice Rheinauer. Marion Hose Co., No. i.— Foreman, F. G. B. Weihe; number of members, i8; "Hand Reel." Protective Hose Co., No. 2. — Foreman, R. S. Clark; number of members, 12; "Horse Reel." Young America Hose Co., No. 3. — Foreman, Otto Mente; number of members, 16; "Hand Reel." Ocala Hook and Ladder Co.— Foreman, Alonzo Walker; num- ber of members, 14; " Hand 'Lruck." The equipment embraces three hand reels, one horse reel, one hook and ladder truck, and 1,800 feet of rubber hose. The ap- paratus is of the newest and best improved type; inch nozzles are used, with patent cut-off, Siamese couplings, etc. The alarm is sounded by a 1,500 pound bell in a tower near the center of the city. There are 85 city hydrants, from which, with the natural pressure (50 pounds), a stream can be cast perpendicularly 65 feet. With the forced pressure (100 pounds) a stream can be thrown over any steeple in town. The department, upon several occa- 22 OCALA, FLORIDA. sions, has demonstrated its ability to cope successfully with any fire at all likely to occur within the city limits. CITY MARKET. The City Market is one of the finest institutions of its kind in the South. The market house is a fine modern brick structure, conveniently located on Main Street. It was erected in 1888, is 50x100 feet on the ground and open to the roof, with a relative height of two and a half stories. The floor is of cement, light and ventilation are abundantly supplied, and the facilities for flushing, refrigeration, handling and display of meats, produce, etc., are first-class in all respects. The market is an important factor in the preservation of the health of the city, and a convenience alike to marketmen and their patrons. NEWSPAPERS. As far back as 1847 Ocala had a newspaper — The Ocala Argus. There are to-day six papers published in the city, as follows: The A^ew Capital — J. W. Harris, editor and proprietor; F. F. Harris, city editor. The Ocala Banner — F. E. Harris, editor and proprietor; C. L. Bittinger, local editor and business manager. The Marion Free Press — Wm. K. McDonald, editor and pro- prietor. The Plain Dealer— Vi. W. Chandler, editor; R. R. Robinson, proprietor. The Ocala Ledger — R. B. Brooks, editor and proprietor. The Baptist Witness — Milton F. Hood, editor and proprietor. The New Capital is a six-column, four-page morning daily, with a double-size Sunday edition. The Banner is a nine-column, four-page weekly, with a daily evening edition during the Winter season. The others are weekly issues. CHURCHES. Ocala is well provided with places of worship. There are ten churches in the city, as follows: Grace Church (Episcopal). First M. E. Church, South. First Presbyterian Church. ITS RISE AND PROGRESS. 23 First Baptist Church. St. Church (Roman Cathohc). Synagogue. "Church of the Disciples," or Christian Church. Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (colored). M. E. Church, North (colored). A. M. E. Church (colored). SCHOOLS. The educational advantages of Ocala will compare very favor- OCALA UIC.H SCHOOL. ablv with those of any city of her size in the country. The prin- cipal institutions of this character are: The Ocala High School. — Principal, Prof. J. M. Streator, A. M. Assistants — Miss E. E. Zeigler, Miss Effie Sells, Miss Fanny Clark, Miss Annie Sharpe, ?^Irs. E. E. Streator, Miss Hattie Spiro. Eleven grades, 340 pupils. The Howard Academy (colored). — Principal, Prof. W. H. John- son, A. M. Assistants — Prof. J. W. Alexander, Miss J. K. Burge, Mrs. A. A. Johnson, Miss S. F. Johnson, Miss S. L. Hunt. Eight grades, 325 pupils. The Glen Mary Female College. — This is^a primary school for children, and finishing school for young ladies. Principal, Miss 24 OCALA, FLORIDA. Nannie Clements. Assistants — Miss Louise Manly, Miss Minnie Nash. The college has recently received from Mrs. S. M. G. Gary the gift of a beautiful park in the aristocratic residence quarter of the city, upon which will soon be erected handsome school buildings. When the proposed plans in regard to build- ings and grounds are carried out, the college will have one of the finest school properties in the South. There are also several private schools, including Mrs. Aukie Parker's Music and Kindergarten School. Prof. Brooks' Dancing Academy furnishes excellent instruction in the terpsichorean art. MARIOX OrERA HUUSE. OPERA HOUSE. The Marion Opera House in Ocala is admirably arranged, has a full complement of scenery, a well-appointed stage and all the modern improvements in lighting, ventilation, exits, etc. The house has a seating capacity of i,ooo, and the auditorium can readily be transformed into a ball-room. IHE EXPOSITION. The Florida International and Semi-Tropical Exposition is an institution projected, completed, owned and conducted by the citi- ITS RISK, AND PROCRESS. 25 zens of Marion county, a fact sufificient in itself to establish the energetic, prog'ressive character of the people inhabiting the ban- ner county of the Floral State. Commenced at anything but a favorable time (1888), it has, nevertheless, been a success from the start, and now justly ranks among the prominent institutions and nK)St important factors in placing before the world the great resources and natural advantages of Florida. The Exposition buildings, constructed and arranged especially for the purpose, are eligibly located on Broadway, a short dis- tance from the square, with ample transportation by street cars, stages, etc. The main building, an imposing structure of symmetrical pro- portions, {8350x150 feet on the ground, with several wings or extensions which materially increase the floor area. With the spacious and beautifully designed grounds the Exposition covers forty acres. A tour of the buildings is both interesting and in- structive, and an inspection of the many tastefully arranged and comprehensive exhibits supplies a better knowledge of Florida and her extensive and varied productions, than could be gleaned from years of ordinary tourist's travel in the State. The gigantic gen- eral exhibition of fruits and products, decorative woods, manu- factured articles and materials for manufacture, native flora, etc., etc., would be bewildering but for the patient courtesy of the at- taches of the Exposition, who are ever ready to guide and explain. The gentlemen having the enterprise in charge can be aptly described as the " right men in the right place." Their manifold duties are zealously performed, and they are continually introduc- ing novelties in the amusement line. Colby's Exposition Band, led by Prof. C. H. Colby, musical director, discourses first-class music during the day, and also plays for the tri-weekly Exposition Hops, the dancing fioor being the largest in the South. There are frequent ''special days," devoted to counties, schools, societies, etc., which keep up the enthusiastic interest in the Exposition and bring thereto large excursions from all over the State. The Exposition is open from January to April each year, the opening taking place with appropriate ceremonies, civic and military parade, speeches, grand ball, etc. The officers of the ITS RISE AND PROGRESS. 27 Exposition are George W. Wilson, President; J. O. Clarke, Sec- retary; , Director-General; Prof. C. H. Colby, Musical Director. THE OCALA RIFLES. This crack military organization is enrolled in the State Militia as "Co. B, 2d Florida Battalion." Its membership is composed of the representative young society and business men of Ocala, and it is one of the best-eciuipped and best-drilled companies in the State Militia. The pcrsoiiicl of the company is as follows: Captain, R. B. McConnell ; First Lieutenant, P. E. Williams; Second Lieutenant, J. R. Martin; Sergeants, i, R. E. Davidson; 2, J. E. Raysor; 3, George L. A^an Echop; 4, S. R. Birdsey; 5, Neil Allred; Corporals, i, B. F. Perry; 2, Gibson McRae; 3, C, L Bard; 4, Morris Stearns; 34 privates. THE OCALA RIFLE CLUB. This excellently conducted social organization is an auxiliary of the Ocala Rifles, and is governed by the officers. A portion of the armory is utilized for the club rooms, which are handsomely furnished with billiard tables and all the equipage of a first-class club. The Governing Board is composed of Captain R. B. Mc- Connell, First Lieutenant P. E. Williams, Second Lieutenant J. R. Martin, Sergeant George L. Van Echop, Privates R. P. Izlar, J. E. Bugbee, S. Bernhardt, George Mackay. THE OCALA GERMAN CLUB. This distinctly social organization takes a leading part in the social life of Ocala. The fortnightly "Germans" of the club, dur- ing the winter, in the Ocala House parlors, are the society events of the season. The officers are: President, W. C. Koehnle; Vice-President, E. C. Hood, Jr.; Secretary, E. T. Helvenston; Treasurer, W. E. Wendt. Executive Committee: Albert Birdsey, O. M. McAulay, R. E. Davidson. THE OCALA TENNIS CLUB. The Tennis Club has fine grounds on Ocklawaha avenue, with all the requisites for an enjoyable game. 28 OCALA, FLORIDA. The officers are: President, George Robinson; Vice-President, E. C. Hood, Jr.; Treasurer. C. H. Lord; Secretary and General Manager, Lon Green. LODGES. Marion Lodge, No. 19, F. & A. M. Ocala Lodge, No. 62 (colored), F. & A. M. Lodge of Perfection, Scottish Rite. Ocala Chapter, No. 13, R. A. M. Harmony Lodge, No. 24, L O. O. F. Tutula Lodge, No. 22, L O. O. F. Southern Standard Lodge, No. 27 11, G. U. O. of O. F. Marion Lodge, No. 3378, K. of H. Ocala Lodge, No. 2, A. O. U. W. Ocala Lodge, No. 14, K. of P. Fort King Division, LIniformed Rank, K. of P. SOCIETIES. Woman's Christian Temperance LTnion. Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Society. Society of Christian Endeavor. RAILROADS. There are now three railroads entering Cicala, viz. : the Florida Southern Division of the " J. T. and K. W. System" (Cuban Mail), the Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad, and the Silver Springs, Ocala and Gulf Railroad. The first two give direct and fast service to all j^oints in the north and west and throughout Florida, including gulf and ocean ports as far south as Tampa. The S. S., O. and G. road starts from Ocala, and with its various branches traverses the phosphate region and orange belt, and is the direct line to Homosassa-on-the-Gulf. Beside the above-mentioned, the following roads are now under construction or soon to begin: The Florida, Georgia and Western Railroad, via Tallahassee and Gainsville to Ocala, thence to Punto-Gordo-on-the-Gulf ; the Palatka and Auclote Railroad, Pa- latka to Auclote-on-the-Gulf, via Ocala; and the Florida Orange ITS RISE AND PROGRESS. 29 Canal and Transit Company's road, which will give direct com- munication between Inverness and Ocala. WA TKR ROUTE. Ocala has also a water route furnished by the Hart Line of Ocklawaha river steamers, which i)ly between Silver Springs and Palatka, connecting at the latter point with the St. Johns river steamers. BUSINESS ST A TITS. Ocala has to-day in successful operation two national banks, one banking loan and trust company, one iron foundry and ma- chine shop, two carriage manufactories, two saw and planing mills, two cigar factories, two lime industries, a ten-ton ice factory, six hotels and between fifty and sixty mercantile houses, one of them the largest in the State. MARKET TOWN AND SHIPPING POINT. Ocala is located in the center of one of the richest agricultural and mineral districts in the South. Surrounding the city within a radius of thirty miles are hundreds of acres of orange groves, in all stages of bearing, while peach, pear, apricot, pineapple, guava, grape, plum, and all semi-tropical fruit culture is carried to the highest degree of perfection. Within this district are grown over one-f/iird of the oranges shipped from Florida to /lortheni markets. Here also are some of the largest and most highly cultivated truck farms to be found in the State, besides the most valuable de- posits of phosphate, kaolin, ochre, lime rock, brick clay, etc., which are now or soon to be extensively worked. Ocala is the market town or shipping point for all this incom- parably rich district, and the immense volume of business accru- ing therefrom constitutes a leading factor in her commercial wealth and importance. The city is the financial and business center for the phosphate industry, the interests here represented in this connection being the most extensive and valuable in the 7vorld. Ocala is situated upon the central ridge or "backbone" of the peninsula, which at this point is no miles wide. To the north is Orange lake, to the east the "Silver Springs " and Ock- 30 OCALA, FLORIDA. lawaha river, to the south Lake Weir, and to the west ''Blue Springs " and the Withlacoochee. The high dry land is entirely free from malaria and the refreshing breezes from the ocean and gulf combine to produce a mild, equable and healthful climate. The mean temperature in winter is 60. 69*^ F. This is milder than in any other region in the United States. The equability is also greater than in any section east of the Rocky Mountains, and there are more clear, fair days than in any other State on the Atlantic seaboard. During the Summer the range is from 75" to 970 F. (rarely over 90°). But there are conditions which render this temperature much milder than these figures would imply. During the rainy reason, which begins early in July and lasts until the end of September, there are daily showers which serve to cool and freshen the atmosphere. Then there is nearly always a strong breeze and in passing from the sunlight into shade one experiences a change of from 12" to 15^. But the most important feature is the cool nights. After sunset the temperature falls to 65^ or 70*^ F., and throughout the Summer, nights are rare when bed covering is not required. A HEALTH RESORT. Ocala is remarkably free from sickness of any sort. The city has never been visited by yellow fever or other plagues common to a warm climate, and pulmonary complaints, sunstroke and rabies are unknown. Ocala is commended by the best medical authority as a resort for those suffering with all pulmonary or throat diseases, chronic rheumatism, gout and senile debility or enfeebled nervous system, the warm dry air and resinous odors from the piney woods having a wonderful remedial effect. In 1885, according to the census reports, Marion County numbered but 45 deaths out of a population of 17,365, showing the smallest death rate of any county in the State. In Ocala can be found a delightful home the year round. It is a refuge from the cold blasts of Winter in the north and the oppressive Summer heat of the far South. Here are combined with modern metropolitan advantages the best features of country life. A few minutes' walk from the square in any direction brings one into a region of delightful suburban avenues, with charming ITS RTSE AND PROGRESS. 31 villas and cottages and magnificent bearing orange groves, fruit and truck farms, etc., on either hand. The gulf and ocean coasts are sufficiently near and convenient of access to admit of a day's outing, with bathing, boating, fish- ing, etc., at their best. LANDS IN THE VlCIXirV OF OCALA. The lands in the vicinity of Ocala are first and second class "pine" and "hummock." The first-class pine lands are covered with a dark vegetable mould, several inches in depth, beneath which, to a depth of sev- eral feet, is a chocolate-colored sandy loam, mixed with limestone pebbles, resting upon a sub-stratum of marl, clay and limestone. The fertility and durability of these lands is suggested by the fact that they have been known to yield for thirty years of successive cultivation, without the aid of manures, 400 pounds of (lint) sea island cotton per acre. The second-class pine lands, although not equal to first-class "pine," are made valuable and productive by a proper system of cultivation. They afford a natural pasturage, are heavily timbered with the best species of yellow pine, and are generally, high, dry, rolling, healthv and well watered. It is in these lands that are usually found the valuable deposits of phosphate, lime rock, ochre, kaolin and brick clay, for which this region is famous. The hummock lands are the best lands, and Marion County has 100,000 acres, some of the finest tracts being within a short distance of Ocala. In these lands the orange tree grows indigen- ously. They are high, indulating, and perfectly dry lands, are covered with a rich vegetable mould, and have an enormous growth of hardwood trees. Yields are reported from these lands of forty bushels of corn and three hogsheads of sugar per acre without fer- tilizing. Planted to bearing orange trees, these lands are priceless. The prices of lands range as follows, 5 to 20 miles from Ocala: First-class pine, $5 to $10 per acre; second-class pine, $2.5010 $7.50; hummock, $25 to $100; mineral (phosphate, kaolin, ochre, etc.), from $500 upwards— as high as $1,000 per acre refused. AGRICULTURAL. In earlier times, when the region of which Ocala is the center was occupied by large, well-cultivated plantations, the staple pro- 32 OCALA, FLORIDA. ducts were cotton and sugar cane. The cotton raised was the " long staple " or "sea island" grade — the finest known. The sugar cane was also of the highest grade. Each plantation had its cotton gin and sugar mill, in which the crops were prepared for market, the cane crop being transformed into crude sugar, syrup, molasses, etc. In addition to the above, corn, oats, and the various vegetables were raised for home use. During and immediately following the Civil War, new sources of supply for cotton and sugar were developed, and with the con- sequent fall in prices, added to the increased cost of production, through the loss of slave labor, the planters could no longer raise these crops to advantage. Subsequently, for a goodly period, the productions of the plantations comprised chiefly the ordinary field crops — oats, corn, some rice and vegetables — for home consump- tion. Cotton and sugar cane were not abandoned, however, and are still grown, although to nothing like the former extent. The cotton now produced is principally of a coarser grade, the "sea island" variety being no longer a profitable crop. Meanwhile, the planter, through extensive experimenting, had found that choice varieties of early vegetables could be most successfully produced; but, being without railway facilities, they were unable to get their crops to Northern markets in time to compete success- fully therein. In 1881 this handicap was removed by the comple- tion of a railroad to Ocala, and since this date the growth and marketing of early fruits and vegetables has steadily increased, and now constitutes a representative and highly prosperous farm industry. ORANGE CULTURE T is the popular supposition that the orange was first introduced into Florida by the Spanish conquerors early in the sixteenth century. There is as good reason, however, to believe that they found the orange under successful cultivation here. De Soto speaks of finding a "great profusion of fruits in the Province of Ocaly, " and why not the orange among them ? At this period the modern sweet orange was unknown, the varieties then under cultivation being the "sour" and "bitter- sweet" only. The early settlers of the region about Ocala (which is within the limits of the ancient Province of Ocaly) found here many wild groves of sour and bitter-sweet oranges ; but so little value was attached to them that, as late as the "sixties," they were destroyed to make room for cotton planting, as they occu- pied nearly always the most valuable lands. The ancient Ocalians were proficient horticulturists for their time and quite probably cultivated a fruit so thoroughly adapted to their soil and climate. The advent of the modern sweet orange in Florida is difficult to date but is said to have been brought about in this wise: Planters returning from some orange market brought the fruit with them and from curiosity planted the seeds in boxes. The seeds developed into trees, which were subsequently trans- planted and in time bore fruit. This very probably was the origin of the first Florida sweet groves. Prior to 1835 the culture of the sweet orange was extensively carried on at St. Augustine, and large shipments of the fruit were annually made. These were also grown at Mandarin on the St. Johns River. In 183S the "orange coccus," or scale insect, appeared at Mandarin, and two years later at St. Augustine, practically de- y ajgjriw /J^vrtKTJ-n-jM'jmirajiaaijao oran(;e culture. 35 stroying the groves at both places. By 1855 this pest had spread over the State, with equally disastrous effect, and the primal Florida sweet orange industry received practically its death-blow. There are to-day in Florida a few groves said to be fifty years old, including the widely known ''Hart Grove," at Palatka; but the majority are not more than half as old, ami the orange industry, as now constituted, dates back not more than fifteen years. The first grove in Marion County was started in 1850. In the spring of this year. Col. Adam L. Fichelberger planted in his gar- den near Ocala fifty sour stumps procured at Orange lake. At the end of two years these stumps were "budded" with sweet buds. In 1855 the little grove was attacked by the scale insect, but, under the best of care and fertilization it survived, although its growth was retarded. In 1868 this grove came into full bear- ing, and in the size and cpiality of the crops demonstrated the adaptability of Marion County, and this section (Ocala) in particu- lar, for successful orange culture. Col. Eichelberger now con- cluded to go into orange culture on a large scale. To this end he planted the seed from four barrels of "Parson Brown," "Velvet Reel," and other choice varieties of oranges. He also set out 4,000 sour stumps, 1,000 of which he "budded" in Octo ber. In December of that year (1868) a serious freeze killed the budded and sour stumps; but the seed plants survived, and in the following spring were transplanted. They were given proper fertilization and care, and have now grown into the famous "Eich- elberger grove." The success of Col. Eichelberger induced his former skeptical neighbors to embark in the industry, and Ocala was soon sur- rounded by orange groves in various stages of growth. The com- pletion of the railroad into Ocala in 1881 gave the needed im- petus to the industry, and the growth and shipment of oranges to-day is a leading interest of the county. There are three methods of starting an orange grove, viz. : the "seed," "budding" and "grafting" methods. FROM THE SEED. This method, while the longest, is considered the best. The seed from selected choice fruit is planted in properly prepared land. At the proper time the young plants are transplanted in 36 OCALA, FLORIDA. rows (Quinceux order is the best), the trees being not less than twenty-five feet apart; thirty feet apart is better, and some plant- ers insist upon forty feet as the proper figure. With proper care, fertilization, etc., the grove will in twelve years be in partial bear- ing and self-supporting. In fourteen years it will yield a bounti- ful, well-paying crop, and at twenty years will be in full bearing. BUDDING. By this method "sour" or "bitter-sweet" stumps from wild groves are set out in symetrical rows, twenty to thirty feet apart. These stumps are budded with selected sweet buds. Bud- ding consists of making a slit in the bark of the stump and insert- •.ng a bud, the junction being covered with wax and bound. The time for budding is in April or October. If in October, which is preferred, the tree remains dormant until the following spring (April), when it is topped or cut down to the bud. A budded grove bears a paying crop in five years, and is in full bearing at ten years. GRAFTING. This is the old process known to fruit growers everywhere. The method of planting and periods of bearing are the same as in. " budding." COMPARATIVE VALUE OF GROVES. A sweet seedling grove of ten acres will have about 700 trees. At twelve years old the yield should be three to four boxes, at fifteen years eight to ten, and at twenty years fifteen to twenty boxes per tree. A budded grove of five-year-old sour stock with three-year-old sweet buds should yield at five years seven to eight boxes, and at ten years ten to twelve boxes per tree. The budded grove is quicker to come in bearing, but more susceptible to cold. The possible yield is also less than with the sweet seedling grove. The average price of Florida oranges last season (i 890-1) was $2 per box. Deducting estimated expense of handling from tree to car of fifty cents per box, and there remains a net profit of $1.50 per box. Thus a sweet seedling grove at fifteen years or budded grove at ten years, will yield from 700 trees ten boxes per tree, or 7,000 boxes, at $1.50 net, making $7,350. Deducting $i,2co for ORANGE CULTURE. 37 fertilization and care of grove for the year, it would yield a net income of $6,150. At $1,000 per acre such groves are manifestly profitable investments. VARIETIES. Regarding varieties of the oranges raised in Florida, they are simply too numerous for classification. The orange industry in Florida is not above fifteen years old, yet in this period more progress has been made in accpiiring a thorough knowledge of the ■orange and its characteristics than anywhere in the world in the same time. The scale insect and other dangers encountered here- tofore in orange culture are no longer to be feared, safeguards having been discovered for one and all. Extensive hybriding, fertilizing and selection and zealous care of groves have resulted in the development of a class of fruit which stands pre-eminent in the market to-day. The orange product of Florida in 1SS9 was 2,664,791 boxes, of which 364,776 boxes were grown in Marion County. The in- dustry is increasing, and the aggregate production of Marion County will soon be greatly in excess of the above. OCALA AND VICINITV FOR FARMERS AND FRUIT GROWERS. Marion County, with her great diversity of soils, from the light loom to the deep clay lands, giving plant food adapted to every variety of the vegetable kingdom that grows in the temperate and semi-tropical zones, offers superior advantages to settlers. Here are ample facilities for rapid transportation of products for mar- ket, and a large home demand for the surplus, and the amount of cultivation required in other sections here bestowed upon farms and groves will give a profit beyond comparison. Experience has shown that the following can be successfully grown in Marion County: Field Crops. — Cotton (Sea Island), cotton (upland), corn, hay, rice, field peas, sugar cane, tobacco, peanuts, oats, sweet potatoes. ]'ci:;ctahlcs.— \n<~\\ potatoes, beets, beans, cabbages, tomatoes, water melons. Fruits. — Oranges, lemons, pears, peaches, grapes, strawberries, pine apples, guavas. Z/V'6' Stock. — Horses, mules, goats, hogs. Poultry, etc. — Turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, eggs, etc. 38 OCALA, FLORIDA. Dairy Products. — Milch cows, milk, butter, cheese. Miscellaneous. — Wool, wine grapes, honey. The above list only includes what are already raised here, and by no means limits the possibilities of this region in this connec- tion. There is in the vicinity of Ocala and throughout the coun- try a wide field for farmers and small fruit growers, the attention of the present settlers being so largely given to phosphate mining and orange culture. COST OF BUILDING. Lumber at the mills is from $12 to $15 per thousand feet, and houses of any sort cost fully one-third less than at the North. People here do not go in for expensive houses, being content with comfortable homes and leaving display out of the consideration. LABOR. The hire of farm hands ranges from $12.50 to $15 per month and board; orange grove hands from 75c. to $1.25 per day, and house servants from $6 to $10 per month and board. Mechanics get from $2 to $3.50 per day. Ocala offers rare opportunities for business establishment. The growth of the city in a general way is steady and substantial, the population is increasing, new enterprises are continually starting, and city and suburban property, while not held at exhorbitant prices, shows hardening figures in keeping with the general advancement. PHOSPHATE, |HE commodity commercially known as "phos- phate rock," "bone phosphate," "natural phosphate," or plain "phosphate," is bone phosphate of lime {tricalcic arthophospJiate) in ct)mbinati()n with varying percentages of silica, magnesia, iron, alumina, carbonate of lime, etc. Phosphate appears in various forms. When occurring in prisms more or less transparent it is called apatite. This name is given toother forms also, including a soft, granulated substance resemb- ling pure sand and known locally as "sugar phosphate." When occurring as the fossilized excrements of animals and birds, phos- phate is known as coprolitcs or petrified guano. It is usually m the shape of small white nodules imbedded in a buff, plastic and chalky matrix, the matrix being also phosphate, but of a lower grade. Deposits also occur where the nodules are not distin- guishable from the matrix, the whole appearing as a compact, homogeneous mass, ranging in color from buff or tan color to pure white. This form is unctuous, soft and plastic, or hard and tenacious, according to the water action or atmospheric exposure to which it has been subjected. Another and distinct form is the "pebble" or "bone pebble" phosphate. The color is bluish gray, dark blue and blue black, the amorphous nodules ranging in size from a pea to a walnut. This form is found in great quan- tities in river beds, intermingled with teeth, tusks, bones and scales of prehistoric animals. The "apatite" form is found chiefly in Canada, the South Carolina phosphate is of the nodular form, while in Florida are found the coprolite, nodular and pebble forms. The Florida phos- phate belt is about 300 miles long, extending in varying quantities and qualities from Fort Myers to Tallahassee; the course being 40 OCALA, FLORIDA. from southeast to northwest. The " Ocala "" or hard rock phos- phate region is fifty to sixty miles long and one to five miles wide. It crosses the Withlacoochee river at Dunnellon, where are the most extensive and richest deposits. This phosphate is found in boulders, from pebble size to loo tons' weight. It is hard, soft and laminated rock, and at times has a flinty appearance. The phosphate occurs chiefly in pockets, the best of which are often found out-cropping in immense boulders on the highest ground in the region. These pockets are scattered more or less thickly throughout the hard rock region. There are pockets at Dunnellon 50 to 100 feet in depth and covering several acres. I'he phos- phate here found is hard masses and boulders, intermixed with soft phosphate and occasionally clay or sand. A great feature of the Dunnellon phosphate is the small per- centum of iron and alumina found therewith, cargoes having been shipped which contained less than two per cent, of iron and alumina combined. Phosphate in other sections of the State is often rendered valueless for export by showing too great propor- tion of iron and alumina. There are several theories as to the origin of phosphate, but all agree that the process of formation began at a period ages ago, when, according to science, the entire continent was sub- merged. The most popular theory heretofore has been that Florida, being the lowest part of the continent, received the animal and bird deposits, bones, etc., which in the process of disintegration became phosphate. In the Ocala phosphate region, however, there is a conspicuous absence of fossils, bird or animal excrements, etc. This fact, in connection with other logical reasons, has led to the following and seemingly correct theory by a world-famed chemist and phosphate man : Ages since, Florida consisted of soft coral and lime-stone reefs, which served as a roosting place for myriad flocks of birds, sea fowl, etc. The excrements of these birds leaching through the soft lime-stone converted the carbonate of lime by some pro- cess of nature into phosphate of lime. In time sand accumulated around these reefs and the land, making into ocean and gulf, formed the peninsula of Florida, leaving the reefs, now phosphate TIIK I'HOSI'IIAIK INDUSTRY. 4I deposits, in the interior. An En.iiiish .o;entlenKin, prominently identilied with Floritla phosi)hale, and who has ^^iven the subjeet nuich tht)Li-ht and study, gives it as his opinion that there was a seeond inundation or submersion of the peninsula, and the sea, making breaches through the deposits before they became strati- fied or hardened, formed the pockets above mentioned. He accounts for the " pebble " formation upon the supposition that the wash of the sea dislodged fragments of the great deposit which became "drift," and eventually lodged in depressions in the low lands, river beds, etc. The lower grade of these " pebbles" would follow from action of the water and atmosphere, evapora- tion, etc., reducing the amount of phosphoric acid. DISCOVERY. Phosphate is the basis of all fertilizers, and the discovery of Florida's immense deposits — the most extensive and richest in the world — ranks with California's gold and Pennsylvania's oil dis- coveries, and like them was discovered by accident. The true history of the discovery and primal operations is as follows: In May, 1889, Mr. Albertus Vogt, while digging a well on his place — "Rose Bank" — in Dunnellon, discovered a stratum of chalky substance similar to lime or marl. Shortly before this, Col. Adam L. Eichelberger had discovered a bed of gypsum in his orange grove on the Withlacoochee river, not far from Dunnellon. Mr. Vogt, thinking he might have found gypsum also, brought specimens of his find to the Hon. John F. Dunn at ( )cala. ^[r. Dunn sent the specimens to Messrs. Regis, Chauvenet i.\: pjro., chemists of St. Louis, for an analysis. He also gave a sample to Dr. R. R. Snowden of Ocala for the same purpose. Dr. Snowden ])rononnced it not gypsum but phosphate, as did also the St. Louis firm, both analyses showing it to be exceedingly rich in phosphoric acid. His interest excited by these reports, IsL". Dunn paid a visit to Mr. Vogt's place and made a thorough examination of this and the adjoining property. He also secured samples of the deposits in the vicinity, w'hich he sent to prominent chemists in St. Louis and New York; also to the Shepard Laboratory at Charleston, S. C. In due course the several analyses were received, and all con- firmed those previously made. Now^ fully satisfied as to the value of the discovery, Mr. Dunn purchased a half interest in Mr. \'ogt's 42 OCALA, FLORIDA. place, containing the well, together with several adjoining tracts, and engaged Messrs. Albertus and John Vogt as prospectors, and Dr. R. R. Snowden as chemist, to assist him in the purchase of phosphate lands, giving them for their services a goodly share in all lands secured. In a few weeks a wide section had been pros- pected, and about 8,000 acres of choice phosphate lands secured. Messrs. S. W. and F. A. Teague now joined Mr. Dunn, and the holdings were increased to 13,000 acres. Next, Capt. John L. Inglis joined the party, followed later by Messrs. Dutton and Lawtey and Alexander Wyllie of Scotland, and although a number of capitalists examined the land, these gentlemen were all who were willing to invest in the enterprise. The organization of the Dunnellon Phosphate Co., with a capital of $1,200,000, was the next move, and this, coupled with Mr. Bradley, head of the great Bradley Fertilizer Co., taking an interest and becoming an active member of the company, drew general attention to Florida phosphate, and started many former skeptics to prospecting and buying here, there and everywhere. By this time, however, Mr. Dunn had purchased, ostensibly for the Dunnellon Company, about 80,000 acres, which, with the pur- chases of the Messrs. Bradley, gave the company upwards of 90,000 acres of first choice phosphate lands, probably the largest holding of any phosphate company in the world. Charleston phosphate runs from 52 to 65 per cent, phosphate, 25 to 26 per cent, phosphoric acid. Florida phosphate shows 55 to 87 per cent, phosphate, and 32 to 42 per cent, phosphoric acid. Add to this the fact that the deposits found are practically inexhaustible and conveniently mined, and it is not unreasonable to assume that Florida's phosphate fields are the richest in the world. GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY. Within the past two years the marvelous richness of the Florida fields has become world-famed, and capitalists and phosphate men from all over this country and Europe have come here and made investments. There are to-day represented in Ocala eighteen phosphate companies, with an aggregate capital of nearly $29,000,000, as follows : THE PHOSPHATE INDUS'IRV. 43 Coiiipaitic-s. Capital. Anglo-American $250,000 New York 4.000,000 Dunnellon 1,200,000 Early Bird 500,000 Eagle 2,000,000 Globe 5,000,000 Ocala & Blue River 3,000,000 Peninsular 200,000 Netherlands 820,000 Panassoffkee 100,000 Standard 2,000,000 Withlacoochee 400,000 Marion & Citrus 200,000 Marion 5,000,000 Florida 210,000 Albion 300,000 Zeigler 200,000 Boulder 1,000,000 SCENIC BEAUTIES, SILVER SPRING. HIS world-famed "sight " of Florida is located about five miles east of Ocala. It can be reached by train, or, what is better, by a delightful drive through ever-changing and always-beautiful semi-tropical scenery. The "head spring " or " pool " is a large and deep basin from which the waters flow through "Silver Spring Run," which is six miles long, to the Ocklawaha river, which is a tributary of the St. Johns. Both streams are navigable for steamers, a line of which makes daily trips between Silver Spring and Palatka. Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe called a trip up these streams a visit to "Fairy Land." Of her fellow-passengers she said " they returned from their trip fairly inebriated with enthusiasm and wild with inherent raptures. They had seen Europe, Italy, Naples and the Blue Grotto, but never, never had they in their lives seen aught so entrancing as this. It was a spectacle weird, wondrous, magical — to be remembered as one of the things of a lifetime. " Of her own impressions of the Ocklawaha, she says: "The boat glides on from hour to hour as the river winds and turns and doubles upon itself, with still the same flowery solitudes, reverb- erating with the same wild cries of birds, glittering with slanting sunbeams, festooned with waving garlands that hang from tree to tree." Of her entrance into Silver Spring, she says: " We seemed floating through an immense cathedral where white marble col- umns meet in vast arches overhead and are reflected in the grassy depths below. The dusky plumes of the palmetto waving above, lit by torchlight, looked like fine tracery of a wondrous sculp- tured roof. The brilliant underwhite of the bay leaves, the transparent red of the water-maple, and the soft, velvet feathers 46 OCALA, FLORIDA. of the cypress, had a magical brilliancy as our boat passed through the wooded isles. The reflected fire-light gave the most peculiar effect. The gray moss that streamed down seemed like draping veils of silver and was of wonderful profusion. Clouds of fra- grance were wafted to us from orange groves along the shore ; and the transparent depth of the water gave the impression that our boat was moving through the air. Every pebble and aquatic plant we glided over, seemed, in the torchlight, invested with prismatic brightness. What a sight was that ! There is nothing on earth comparable to it!" The waters of the spring begin to rise about the middle of the season of Summer rains, and attain their maximum height about its termination. The maximum depth of the water in the "pool " and adjacent springs is from sixty to ninety feet. There are sev- eral deep basins known locally as the "Head," "Bridal Chamber," "Bone Yard," etc. The "Bone Yard," located about two miles below the " Head," takes its name from the finding of mastodons' bones therein. The most remarkable phenomenon in connection with these springs is the extraordinary transparency of the water, sur- passing anything that can be imagined. On a clear and calm sunny day, the view from the side of a boat floating on the surface is beautiful beyond comparison, and well calculated to make a powerful impression upon the imagination. Every feature and configuration of the bottom of the springs is as distinctly visible even at this great depth (sixty to ninety feet), as if one were gaz- ing through a clear atmosphere only. The bottom is in some places covered with a luxuriant growth of fresh water algK. At other points it is wholly clear of vegetation and composed of lime- stone and white sand. Here the water can be seen boiling up through fissures in the limestone. These fissures are filled with sand and comminuted limestone, and the springs are indicated by the agitation thereof by the ascending currents of water, which produce a milk-white appearance about the crevices. Gazing into the depths below from a boat, one seems suspended in air, with beneath an ever-changing panorama of subaqueous vegetation waving to and fro, boiling springs, swaying algffi, etc. ; while the numerous fish swimming above give life to the scene. Each object in the sunlight is tinged with prismatic hues and by some strange, weird, magnifying property of the waters, objects are SCl.NIC HKAUIIE- 47 AI.ICK SI'KIM;, I;1.UK hPUINGS. > ^«^f f?/%.^ locixim; down i;ia'e rh'^r 48 OCALA, FLORIDA. enlarged, and their seeming nearness makes it hard to realize the actual depth of the basins or pools. Great amusement is obtained by dropping a dime or other bright object into the springs and watching it slowly settle in the depths, with prismatic changes and flashings of light, and seemingly growing larger as it sinks. Silver Spring has its Indian legend. It is as follows: Oka- humkee, one time King over the tribes of Indians which roamed and hunted about the northwestern lakes, had a daughter called Wenonah, whose rare beauty was the pride of his life. She had a wealth of raven tresses which fell about her beauteous form like a silken robe, reflecting" back the sunlight with wondrous effect. Wenonah was in truth a forest belle, and chiefs and warriors vied with each other in the performance of brave feats in the hope of winning her hand. But Wenonah had meantime seen and loved Chuleotah, the renowned chief of the tribe which dwelt among the wild groves of Silver Spring. Chuleotah was a magnificent type of physical manhood, and his intelligence and bravery added to his attractiveness. Moreover, he was a famous chief, and under other circumstances would have been a most desirable "parti." But between the tribes of Okahumkeeand Chuleotah there existed a deadly feud. No sooner did Okahumkee hear of his daughter's love for the hated chief than he gathered his warriors and marched forth to give him battle. In the fight which followed, Chuleotah was slain, and by the father of Wenonah. Upon the death of her lover Wenonah flew to the Crystal Fountain, which had been a favorite trysting place, and upon the still bosom of which the pale ghost of Chuleotah stood beckoning. With the cry upon her lips, "Yes, my own, my loved one, I come!" she plunged into the crystal waters and joined her lover in the spirit land. From the white sands in the bottom of the spring, long green filaments ot moss and fresh water alg?e wave to and fro in the sunlight, which they reflect in many bright hues. These are the loosened braids of Wenonah's hair, whose beauteous reflections of sun and moon- light are the chief glory of the spring. The transparency of the springs continues the length of the "run," which, flowing between deeply wooded banks, mingles with the dark waters of the Ocklawaha six miles below. This stream teems with fish of all sizes, which can be seen darting to SCENIC BEADTIKS. 49 and fro about the boat, and now and then an alligator is discerned asleep on the bank or swimming' lazily close by. Silver Spring' has lon<4- been a noted tourist resort, and a visit to Florida without the trip up the Ocklawaha to Silver Si)ring is like the play of Hamlet with Hamlet left out. There is an ex- cellent hotel at Silver Spring, kept by Messrs. Proskey l^ros., who are also proprietors of the Bay House, a noted Summer resort at Bellport, Long' Island. The register of this hotel is an interesting' study, as in it will be found autographs of many noted personages of this and other countries. During the period between now and Fall great improvements are to be made at Silver Spring, includ- ing the erection of what will be one of the finest hotels in Florida. The " Springs " is now a popular resort for Ocalians and picnic, fishing and boating parties are of daily occurrence. BLUE SPRINGS. The far-famed Blue Springs {/as ac/uas az//U)o is a sight to de- light lovers of the "weirdly beautiful." This phenomenon has its origin in a large pool or basin, known locally as "The Head." This pool is fed by numerous small springs, bubbling up from crevices in the white sandy bottom with a never-ceasing flow and in great aggregate volume. From the "Head" abroad stream, known as the Wekiwa or Blue river, winds, in graceful curves, for a distance of six miles through a region of rare scenic beauty, its waters finally mingling with those of the Withlacoochee at Dunn- ellon. The waters of both pool and stream are of crystal-like clearness, the marvellous transparency being enhanced by a pro- nounced bluish cast, from which the distinctive appellation is de- rived. There is also a weird, magnifying effect, and any bright substance dropped from the side of a boat seems to grow in size as it sinks slowly into the depths, flashing back, meanwhile, in prismatic hues the rays of sun or moonlight. Boating adown this magic stream is a veritable trip through wonderland. From the "Head" to the Withlacoochee there is an ever-changing panorama of tropical forest and glade, magic pools in shady nooks, etc. ; and while floating dreamily on, alter- nately in sunlight and shadow, myriad fish of all sizes flash to and fro in the crystal tide. "Tropical Park" and "Alice Spring" r// nu/A', embody the grand and romantic beyond description, and 5° OCALA, FLORIDA. "the head," blue springs. BOATING ON THE BLUE RIVER, BLUE SPRINGS. SCENIC liEAUTIF.S. 5 1 there are many scenic gems which must be seen to be fully aj)- preciated. There is a line hotel at "The Head," called the Blue Springs Inn. It is liuilt in the form of a hollow scjuare, with a large cen- tral court, in which is a fountain sui'rounded by an artistic arrange- ment of flowers and greensward. There are wide balconies along the front and court side of the building, upon which all the rooms open. The hotel grounds, a rare combination of grassy lawn and shady park, descend in a graceful slope to the shores of the head spring or pool, the board walk around which affords a delightful promenade. Here also are bath houses and a fleet of launches, wherries, punts and other craft for boatmg and fishing. There is plenty of game to be found in the vicinity, and the sportsman will find abundant employment for his rod and gun. The Blue Springs property was recently purchased by Mr. A. Mclntyre of Ocala, and is now undergoing extensive improve- ments, which, when completed, will make it one of the best appointed, as it is one of the most delightful, Florida tourist resorts. Blue Springs is less than an hour's ride from Ocala, via S. S. O. & G. R. R. , which has a station at the grounds, and its many attractions and accessibility make it equally delightful for a day's outing or lengthy sojourn. HOMOSASSA-ON-THE-GULF. This widely popular Winter resort is situated about midway of the gulf coast on and near the mouth of the Homosassa river. It is forty-five miles from Ocala, via S. S. O. & G. R. R., of which it is a main line terminus. There is also a steamboat line to Cedar Keys, and it can be easily reached from all points. Homosassa is one of the most charming spots in Florida at which to pass the Winter. The climate is delightful at all times, and the region abounds with semi-tropical scenery of the grandest description. Here boating, fishing, bathing, hunting, etc., are found at their best and amid scenery rarely to be found even in Florida. There is a first-class hotel, "the Homosassa Inn," kept by Capt. A. E. Willard. Horses and carriages are kept for riding or driving amidst the romantic scenery of the riverside, and ham- mocks and row-boats, sail-boats, steam launches, tents and other ■camping equipage are furnished to guests. A number of elegant scKNu: r.KAU'riKs. 53 villas and cottai^'es have recently been erected in this Arcadian retreat — the cotta^^ers includin.u- Messrs. Hoii.u-hton and Dutton, the well-known IJoston merchants, and lloniosassa is fast becom- ing the St. Augustine of the gulf coast. DUNNELLON. Dunnellon is situated at the junction of the Wekiwa and With- lacoochee rivers, and is one of the most picturesque localities in Marion County. It is on the line of the S. S. ( ). -.K: ('.. R. R., twenty-five miles — about one hour's ritle — from Ocala and four- teen miles from Crystal river on the gulf coast. In and about Dunnellon there is much to amuse the visitor, and the region offers unusual opportunities for the artist or"Kodaker. " The junction of the two rivers and Dunn's Bluff, a romantic spot •opposite and commanding a fine view of these streams, has been recently placed on canvas by a noted artist with grand effect. Dunnellon, within the past two years, has become famous the world over through the discovery of her vast phosphate wealth, and the mammoth enterprises at present engaged in its develop- ment. LAKE WEIR. Lake Weir is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful, of Florida lakes. It is situated in the southern part of Marion County, on the " central ridge," midway between ocean and gulf, and is eighteen miles south of Ocala, on the main line of the Florida Southern Railroad, which furnishes excellent transportation facilities. In ante-bellum days Lake Weir was a favorite resort, famed for its healthfulness and mild and equable climate. Here wealthy planters had their villas and cottages, and during the Summer months passed the time in delightful dolee-far-/iie/ite, with unri- valled facilities for fishing, hunting and bathing. Within the past decade Lake Weir has more than regained its old-time prestige as a health resort, and in addition has acquired a goodly and fast-in- creasing permanent population. Lake Weir is about seven miles long and four miles in width. It is fed by springs, with bottom and shores of hard, white sand, and its waters are of crvstal-like clearness and free from all im- 54 OCALA, FLORIDA. purities. Tlie surrounding country is higii and rolling, often ris- ing abruptly from the beach twenty to thirty feet, thence continu- ing in gradual ascent to the hill-tops, some of which reach a height of eighty to one hundred feet. The region about the lake is a charming vista of wooded hills and semi tropical vegetation, inter- spersed with magnificent country homes, highly cultivated orange and lemon groves, grape vineyards and the like. This section of the country is peculiarly adapted to successful orange and semi- tropical fruit culture, as also for truck farming. The lake affords reliable protection from frost, and the fertile soil and salubrious LAKESIDE HOTEL AND BLUFF SOUTH LAKE WEIR. climate still further conduce to the eminently successful prosecu- lion of enterprises of this character. An instance of what may be accomplished in orange culture is shown in the fine grove of Mr. F. C. Buffum, a gentleman late of Westerly, R. I., but now, and for some years, a prominent resi- dent of "Stanton-on-Lake-Weir. " Mr. Buffum's grove is twelve years old. It covers ten acres, upon which are 700 trees, every fourth row being lemon, and the balance orange of the famous "Parson Brown" variety. The net proceeds from this grove last year amounted to $8, 000, and its limit of profitable productive- ness is still well in the future. Mr. Buffum's beautiful home (see illustration) is one of the many to be seen about the lake. There SCKNIC BEAUTIKS. 55 is also a fine hotel, with all the adjunctive features of the best Sunmier resorts in the sluii^e of l)eautiful ^'rounds, commanding an expansive view of the lake and surrounding' rei^ion, steam launches, sail and row boats, water [)avilion, bathing-, fishing, etc., etc. There are many delightful rambles and drives in the vicinity, and the woods, teeming with game, present a veritable sports- man's paradise. The social atmosphere in this delightful region leaves nothing to be desired. The settlers about Lake Weir are people of education and refinement, who have been attracted hither by the scenic, climatic and other advantages. They have a "Chautauqua Society,"" with a fine building on the lake shore, constructed for the purpose, which has a seating capacity of 2,000. During the Summer months, the hotels and cottages are filled with guests, antl there is plenty of social entertainment. It is, in fact, an advanced and progressive community, which is ever ready to extend a cordial welcome to newcomers capable of ap- preciating its superior advantages. The accompanying illustrations will give an idea of this Arca- dian bit of Florida, but a visit will be necessary in order to fully appreciate its many and varied attractions. OCALA DIRECTORY. Coutit^ (3ov>ernmcnt. Sheriff, . Clerk, Treasurer, I'ax Assessor, Tax CoUeetor, County Judge, - Supervisor of Registration, E. T. Williams. D. G. Miller. - r:)R. S. W. Moody. James W. Matthews. H. T. Wartmann. Richard McConathy. E. M. Gre(;g. JGoarD of County Commissioners. Meets first Monday of each month at Ocala H. W. Long, Cliainuan. L. M. Ayer. John W. Stevens. W. P. Williamson. Sol. Benjamin. Count\2 JGoarD of ipublic flnstruction. Meets first Monday in each month in Ocala. a\I. L. Payne, County Superintendent. F. E. Harris, Chainiuui. G. G. Matthews. G. R. Grifein, Isaac Stevens. DIRECTORY. 57 Counts JBoarD of IRoai? Supervisors. R. L. McCi.iKK, Chainiiaii. J. G. Drigckrs. J. M. T. Carter. J. W. Williams. F. F. Fripp, Clerk. Counts J6oar& q>1 IF^ealtb. T. P. (lARV, iM. D., President. D. A. Smith, M. D. E. 15. RjciiARnsdN, Dickson Erwix. Counts JuDiciarS' CIRCUIT COURT— Fi fill Judicial Circuit. Spring Term, Third Tuesday in March. Fall Term, Second Tuesday in October. Judge, ----- J. J. FiNLEY. States Attorney, . . . . \\ . H. WiGG. Sheriff, - - - - - E. T. Williams. Clerk, - - - - - D. G. Miller. CRIMIXAL COURT OF RECORD. Term, Second Tuesday in February, April, June, August, October and December. Judge, - - - - - W. S. Bullock. .Solicitor, ... - EinviN Badger. Clerk, . . . - - L. DoziER. PROBATE COURT. County Judge, - - - Richard McCox-vlhy. ^S OCALA, FLORIDA. COURl' OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. Justice of the Peace, - - - JOHN CoRDERO. Cits Government. J/AVO/^. R. L. Anderson. CI TV COUNCIL. F. A. Teague, President. E. L. Root. E. W. Agnew. P. B. Dukes. Wm. Fox. B. A. Weatheres. R. E. Yonge. G. A. Carmichael. H. W. Chandler. CITY CLERK AND ASSESSOR. W. L. Jewett. CITY TREASURER AND COLLECTOR F. P. Godson. CITY ATTORNEY Otis T. Green. I)1RECT()R\'. MARSHAL!.. ]. 1). WlIJ.IAMS. 59 SAXl'J'AK y [XSPF.C'I-OR. H. C. Gat IS. .V TREE r SI '/'EA'/X TEXDEXT. S. S. (OHNSTON. REPRESHNTATIVE MEN OF OCALA. HON. JOHX F. DUNN. HERE are few men of Florida so widely known to-day as Hon. John F. Dunn of Marion County. Mr. Dunn was born in South Carolina in 1844. In 1852 he came to Florida, and at the age of 16, enlisted in the first company from his county (4th Florida Regiment, C. S. A.), to engage in the war. After twelve months' service in this, he re-enlisted in the 7th Florida Regiment, with which he served to the end of the struggle. To this record he owes his widely recognized title of " Private Dunn." * Mr. Dunn came to Ocala in 1872. Having prepared him- self by a course at Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeep- sie, N. Y., he began the study of law in the office of Col. S. M. G. Gary, a prominent Ocala practitioner, taking care of the office, and doing clerical work as required, to pay for the use of the library. He was admitted to the bar in 1S73, and subsequently for six years practiced in co-partnership with his former employer, under the firm name of Gary & Dunn. In 1882 he abandoned his profession to take the presidency of the new Bank of Ocala, which he had been chiefly instrumental in organizing. It was a private institution with a capital of $30,000, and was also the first bank organized in the county. In 1887 this bank was reorganized and nationalized under the title of the Merchants' National Bank, Mr. Dunn becoming the President, an office he still holds. In 18S9 Mr. Dunn purchased the property and erected the elegant brick structure in which the bank has since been located. The building, which occupies the most eligible site in the city, was subsequently purchased by the bank, and is counted among its most valuable assets. (32 OCALA, FLORIDA. Mr. Dunn has ever been a firm believer in land investments, and for years has been judiciously purchasing as opportunity offered in this connection. As a consequence, he is probably to-day one of the largest citizen land-holders of Florida. Of his upwards of 60,000 acres of Florida lands, 400 acres are in and about Ocala, including "Dunn Park," one of the most valuable pieces of city realty, and large and very valualile holdings at Lake HON. JNO. F. DUNN. Weir. The above acreage is exclusive of his immensely valuable interests in phosphate lands. Mr. Dunn organized and is President of the Heather Island Orange Company, capitalized at $200,000, and owning a 5,000 acre orange grove in Marion County, and was the leading spirit in the formation, and is Treasurer of, the Belleview Company, which founded the thriving town of Belleview; the Homosassa Company, owning a popular resort on Crystal River near the Gulf; and the Withlacoochee and Wekiwa Land Company, which founded the town of Dunnellon, named for Mr. Dunn, as was also "Dunn's Bluff," at the junction of the two rivers. He is also the founder and largest stockholder in the Dunnellon Phosphate Company, and in point of fact, there are but few great enterprises in this ^(v- n ^1 REPRRSKNTATIVE MKN. 6^ section that do not owe to liini their formation and successful operation. Mr. Dunn has always had the best interests of his adopted city at heart, and has ever been prominently identified with their pro- motion. To him is due the introduction of electric light, the water works, paved streets, the market house, and many other modern advantages, which have greatly increased the wealth and prosperity of the city. His efforts in behalf of the city have won for him the highest esteem, and he is generally recognized as a leading spirit, and his opinions sought and respected in every- thing pertaining to the public weal. He has been repeatedly elected Mayor, President of the Council, etc., whenever he would accept the office, in fact — and in iSSS was elected to represent this district in the State Senate, receiving over three-fourths of the votes cast, and being the first Democrat elected in the district since the war. ' A little incident, which occurred soon after the phosphate dis- covery became public, will show the high estimate and apprecia- tion of Mr. Dunn's value to the town. Amazed at his daring operations, and fearing that he, gone daft on the subject, was going to smash, some of the prominent men of the town essayed to remonstrate with him, saying that his services were too valuable, the city couldn't afford to have him go down, etc., etc. The reply was characteristic of the man: " Gentlemen," said he, " I may be wrong, but if the ship goes down, it will be with colors flying, and I'll be at the flag-staff." As a matter of fact, Mr. Dunn, instead of wild-cat specu- lation, was making the investment of his life, with a thorough knowledge of the immense value represented. In Mr. Dunn are combined the qualities of a genial, courteous gentleman, and a shrewd, able and progressive business man. He is the type of man that can successfully conduct a dozen different enterprises representing millions of capital, conceive and carry out original projects for promoting the interests of his town, and deliver from the floor of the Senate a speech so logical, penetra- ting and conclusive as to carry his point in debate. There was one trait of character brought out during the "phosphate epidemic" which shows Mr. Dunn, although a practical business man, to be anything but sordid in his dealings. During the excitement, all 64 OCALA, FLORIDA. the small homesteaders were anxious to sell, and quite content with a moderate advance upon the old value estimate of their holdings. To a number of these, Mr. Dunn said: " Keep your place; it will never be worth any less, and if it increases in value, you should reap the benefit." Several thus advised have since disposed of their lands for many times the price at which they were then willing to sell. Mr. Dunn is to-day one of the most influential and prominent men in Florida. Although not the first to find the deposit, to Mr. Dunn belongs the distinction of giving it to the world, making commercial value, in fact, of the discovery of phosphate. The first specimen was brought to him, he secured the first chemical analysis and determined its value, and the subsequent extensive prospecting, purchase and development of phosphate fields was done by him or with his moral and financial support. This, in connection with his extensive and valuable phosphate interests, has given him the not inapt title of the " Phosphate King." E. W. AGNEW. E. Walter Agnew was born in South Carolina in 1847, but re- moved with his parents to Florida in early boyhood. His father was for years a leading merchant and closely identified with the material progress of Ocala and Marion County. Soon after leav- ing school young Agnew began his business career as junior clerk in his father's store. In 1870 he became a co-partner, and upon the retirement of his father, in 1884, became the head of the lead- ing mercantile house in its line in Florida, and one of the foremost in the South. Mr. Agnew has always taken an active interest in and given his hearty support to any project tending to promote the best interests of the commonwealth, and his great wealth and equally important influence have been generously devoted to this purpose, with great and manifest benefit to the town and county. In 1885 he organ- ized the First National Bank of Ocala, and erected the handsome building in which the bank is located. He has been the President of this institution from the start, and owns the major portion of its stock. He also organized the Ocala Company (see sketch, etc.), of which he is the Treasurer and Manager; owns and ope- rates the Marion Lime Works ; was a leading spirit in the forming REPRESENTA riVF. MEN. 65 of and a prominent officer and stockholder in the Afarion Phos- phate ComiKiny ; owns the " Agnew " and " l-'irst National Bank " blocks, and has other and extensive and vahiable interests, all of which conduce in an important det^ree to the material development and prosperity of the city and county. Personally considered, Mr. Agnew is a practical, shrewd and progressive business man, while yet preserving the high-bred cour- K. WAI.l 1-,K A(,.\K\\ tesy and hospitable manner of the true Southern gentleman. His generosity and w'illing aid to the ambitious and deserving are pro- verbial, and many of his former clerks and townsmen, to-day in prosperous business, owe their success largely to his financial and moral support. COL. ADAM L. EICHELBERGER. Col. Eichelberger is a native of Newberry County, S. C. In 1849 he caught the "gold fever, "and went to California. Shortly after, he went South into Mexico, and later to Panama. While in these countries he became deeply interested in the orange family, 66 OCALA, FLORIDA. and made a careful study and acquired a comprehensive and valuable knowledge of its nature, growth and culture. He now resolved to return to the " States" and engage in orange growing. Believing Florida to be best adapted for this purpose, he removed hither, and, after due consideration of the site question, located near Ocala. In 1850 he set out the first orange grove in Marion County. It was small, consisting of only fifty budded sour stumps set out in his garden, but it formed the nucleus of what is now a representative and eminently successful county industry. After passing through various trying stages, including the " scale insect " plague of '55, the young grove in 1868 came into full bearing, and yielded a fine crop of high-grade oranges. Satisfied with the success of his experiment, Col. Eichelberger abandoned the mer- cantile business, with which he had been prominently identified for some years, and embarked in orange culture upon an extensive scale. Here success attended his efforts, and Eichelberger's " Banana Hill Grove " to-day is known far and wide as one of the highest cultivated, most successful and generally finest, orange groves in Florida. Col. Eichelberger may be aptly termed the " Father of Orange Culture in Marion County." A pioneer of the business, he has in subsequent years given the subject of orange culture careful study, and as a result of extensive experimenting in fertilization, irriga- tion, hybriding, etc., has evolved and given freely to his neighbors much and valuable information tending to the successful cultiva- tion of orange groves. An instance of Col. Eichelberger's skill was displayed in 1855, when he successfully fought the "scale insect " and saved his grove, when nearly all others in the State were killed. Col. Eichelberger is also extensively engaged in grape culture, and from his large vineyard of choice "scupper- nongs " produces a wine of unrivalled excellence. In the early part of 1889 Col. Eichelberger discovered a deposit of gypsum underlying his grove. This gave him a keen interest in Florida's mineralogy, and when in a subsequent search for gypsum, phosphate was discovered at Dunnellon, he secured and took to Dr. Snowden the first specimen, the analysis of which determined the character and value of the discovery. Col. Eichelberger was one of the founders and is now an officer of the Withcacoochee River Phosphate Company. He has REPRESENTATIVE MEN. 67 ■Other and extensive interests also, in this connection, and is num- bered among Ocala's representative "phosphate men." F. A. TEAGUE. The subject of this sketch was born in Newberry County, S.C., in 1853. He was educated at Furman University, and subse- quently became a cotton planter in his native State. In 1884 he came to Ocala and entered mercantile life, which he abandoned three years later to engage with his brother in the real estate busi- ness, Mr. Teague has been prominently identified with phosphate since its discovery. He was a member of the Dunn syndicate which prospected and purchased the first choice phosphate lands, and was one of the founders, and since its inception has been the Secretary, of the " Dunnellon Phosphate Company," the first- established and most prominent enterprise of the "hard rock region." Mr. Teague is an extensive owner of real estate in and about the city, together with valuable grove and other lands in this and adjoining counties. He has had charge for several years of the largest estate in the vicinity, and is an authority upon realty value. Mr. Teague is President of the City Council, President of the Ocala Company, Secretary of the Dunnellon Phosphate Co., Di- rector of the Bank of Brooksville, head of the drug house of F. A. Teague & Co., and member of the real estate firm of S. W. Teague •'cs of selected highest grade phosphate lands is greatly to be preferred to a much greater acreage of mixed lands. It is the purpose of the Globe Company to develop and mine these lands and send the product to the markets of the world. The Globe Company's lands are located chiefly along the eastern side of Citrus County, which has been pronounced by no less an authority than the Hon. Abram S. Hewitt, " ///f richest eouiity in the world." Valuable tracts are also owned in Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties, and all the company lands are con- tiguous to river or railroad transportation. The company is now making preparations for mining on a most extensive scale, and will soon have in successful operation one of the finest equipped and best located phosphate mining plants in Florida. The Globe Company's lands are located in the center of the Florida phosphate fields, and the phosphate deposits thereon are among the richest yet discovered., convenient for mining, and practically inexhaus- tible. 86 OCALA, FLORIDA. Dr. Lupton, in his work on Scientific Agriculture, page 59,. gives the best grade of South Carolina phosphate as follows: Moisture 7-79 Organic Matter 4-f>o Silica IO-35 Calcium Carbonate §• 20 Bone Phosphate 61. 89 Earthy and Alkaline Salts 7-17 100.00 The following is an average of "Globe" hard rock phos- phate : Moisture i^-45 Bone Phosphate of Lime 82. 50 Oxide of Iron and Alumina i- 40 Organic Matter • 2. 10 Silica 7-03 Earthy and Alkaline Salts 5-52 100.00 Select samples from the " (llobe " lands run as high as 87 and seldom lower than 60 per cent, in bone phosphate. Of ninety- four samples sent to the Rev. Dr. James P. De Pass, Experiment Station of Florida, the percentum ranged from 52 to 87.97 phos- phate of lime, and fifty-five samples contained 81.97 per cent, bone phosphate. (See Bulletin No. 10.) The officers of the company are: President — J. R. Biggs. First Vice-President — L. C. Cotton. Second Vice-President and Business Manager — T. J. Cochran. Third Vice-President — J. W. Williamson. Secretarj' — Walter S. Turner. Treasurer — C. S. Young. Corresponding Secretary — Geo. W. De Muro. Directors — Dr. V. M. Metcalf, C. S. Young, E. W. Priest, Geo. W. De Muro, J. W. Davis, Dr. V. M. Metcalf, Civil and Mining Engineer. Mr. Biggs is an ex-physician of Chattanooga, Tenn., and a prominent Florida land owner. Messrs. Cotton and Davis are representative Florida farmers; Mr. Cochran, formerly a Ken- tucky farmer, is now one of the leading men of the new and thrivino- town of Inverness, Citrus' county seat; Mr. Williamson IJUSINKSS INTERKSTS. QJ is editor and proiM-ietor of 7'//r Phosp/tatc Field at Inverness; Dr. Turner is a prominent Florida pliysician ; Mr. ^^)ung• is Director- General of tlie Senii-Tropical Exposition at Ocala ; Mr. ]_)e Muro is a representative Citrus County orange grower; Mr. Priest is a Citrus County man, and a large land-owner, and Mr. Metcalf is one of the foremost civil and mining engineers of the State. The business ofifice of the company is at Ocala, Fla. There is now a limited amount of the stock for sale, and parties seeking investment in this connection will do well to write at once or call for particulars, maps, etc. ORANGE GROVES. FERNWOOD. GROVE OF D. G. EICHELBEKGER. NE of the finest orange groves in this vicinity is that of Mr. D. G. Eichelberger, called " Fernwood. " This grove comprises six and one-half acres and is very desirably located just outside of Ocala. It is now in full bearing, and the product includes the choicest varieties of early Florida oranges. Mr. Eichelberger is a native Floridan, and was educated at Roanoke College, Virginia. He has been identified with orange culture nearly all his life, his father having been the pioneer, and is to- day the foremost exponent of this pursuit in the country. Besides his home grove, Mr. Eichelberger owns loo acres of grove in various stages of bearing in Marion and Sumter counties. THE BANANA HILL ORANGE GROVE. COL. A. L. EICHELBERGER, OWNER. This magnificent grove is located a short distance south of Ocala, on Orange avenue. It comprises forty-five acres of the richest grove land in Marion County, all of which is under the highest and most successful cultivation. There are 4,000 bearing trees of the finest varieties of the orange family, and the fruit pro- duced by the Banana Hill Grove has a standard value in the mar- kets. The owner. Col. Adam L. Eichelberger, was the pioneer in the orange industry in Marion County. [See portrait and sketch elsewhere.] THE FORT KING GROVE. J. T. LANCASTER, OWNER. The Fort King Grove occupies a beautiful site on Fort King avenue, one mile east of the city. This avenue, long a favorite drive, is soon to be macadamized to the grove, by popular sub- scription of property-owners and residents en route. go OCALA, FLORIDA. The Fort King Grove comprises 22 86-100 acres, upon which are about 1,200 sweet seedling trees. These trees range from ten to fifteen years old, are just coming in full bearing, and repre- sent the choicest varieties of the orange family. This is one of the most picturesque groves in the county. From the street there is a gradual rise to the center, thence a gentle slope to the back of the grove. A broad avenue leads up to this central ridge, where is a fine park of moss-draped live-oaks, overlooking the entire grove and commanding a magnificent view of the surround- ing country. This park is a natural mansion site, and there is only needed one of those commodious, deep-galleried Southern houses to complete what may well be termed an ideal Southern gentleman's home. The Fort King Grove has been kept under a high state of cul- tivation and the healthful growth of the trees has been carefully fostered. It is symmetrical in the true alignment, the fruit is of the finest and earliest varieties, and no more picturesque, prosper- ous and in every way desirable piece of grove property is to be met with in this section. Mr. j. T. Lancaster, the owner, is a prominent Ocala real estate and phosphate man. He is secretary of the Ocala & Blue River Phosphate Co., and chief of the Ocala Fire Department. Bulletin of Special Bargains offered by L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCAI.A, FLORIDA. ^-Q. I. — 400 acres of land, iS acres in grove, 500 trees now bearing, had crop of 400 boxes of oranges last year, will have large crop this year. One mile from station on S. S. O. & G. R. K. ; 2^-. miles from village of Crystal River, and H mile from river, I'ji miles from salt water. Plenty of oysters, game, etc. Price, $10,000. Ko. 2. — 170,^- acres, all hummock land. 120 acres cleared, balance heavily timbered hard wood, rich rolling land. Seven miles south of Ocala, and 2,^-j miles due west of Santos, on F. C. & P. R. R. Price, $1,250. No. s. — 5-acre orange grove, near Anthony, on F. C. & P. R. R. Price, $2,000. Kg. 4. — 33 acres near town of Yulee in Alachua Co., on F. C. & P. R. R., mostly cleared, 100 orange trees, 40 bearing, a number of peach and other fruit trees bearing, four-room dwelling with necessary out-buildings. Price, $1,000. No. 5. — 120 acres of land with good four-room house, kitchen and dining room in rear, 3 acres in orange trees: crop in 1S89, 12 boxes. Nursery of 10,000 budded and sour trees, which has and will pay 15 per cent, on investment. Small orchard of peach, pear, medlar, strawberries, nuts, etc. Titles perfect. Price, $1,500. No. 6.— An island in the mouth of the Crystal river on the public highway of boats. Old house, 7 acres cleared, suitable for watering place, furni- ture factory or canning factory. In all, 102.35 acres at $25 per acre, or would sell one-half interest to right party. No. 7. — 10 acres of land all cleared, fenced and under cultivation, 2 acres in grapes (9 varieties), also variety of peach and other fruit; house of three looms, flower garden, barn, horse and wagon. Price, $1,200. No. 8.— 73-2 acres of land, all cleared, rail fence, iSo budded trees, 2 years old; muck pond on place. Price, $350. Lot adjoining above, improved, mild land, two large muck ponds. Price, $400. No. 9. — Tract of 79 acres, one acre in grove, 1,000 nursery trees, dwelling-house of two rooms, with kitchen, etc., good fence. Pit showing hard and soft phosphate. Price, $8,000. No. 10. — Lot of 5 acres, two-room house, kitchen and dining-room attached, cel- lar, barn and out-buildings, all frame, under good fence; 125 orange trees beginning to bear, 14 fine Le Conte pear trees, some bearing; 25 Kelsey Japan plums beginning to bear, 17 Champion "I" seedlings and Concord grapes, Scuppernong grape and other variety of fruit trees and flowers, on Lemon avenue, four miles south of Ocala. Price, $750. Bulletin of Special Bargains offered by L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCALA, FLORIDA. No. II. — 20 acres mixed land iV miles from Belleview, iS acres cleared and set to trees, but has been neglected. This property cost $1,400 three years ago. Price, $1,100, Also, lot 22, block 172, Silver Springs Park. Price, $30. Lot 4, block 26, Belleview, three minutes' walk from depot. Size of lot 100x150. I'rice, $70. No. 12. — Tract of 160 acres pine land, 2 acres of bearing orange grove, etc., new house of four rooms, cost over $600, three good wells of free stone water, 60 acres under good rail fence, two miles from Eureka on the Ocklawaha river. Has good range for stock raising. All high, dry, rolling pine land. Price, $2,000. No. 13. — 93}-<^ acres high, dry, rolling pine land m good locality, five and a half miles east of Ocala. Price, $900. No. 14, — 20 acres high, rolling hummock land, beautifully situated, one and a half miles west of Santos on F. C. & P. R. R. Price, $800. No 15. — 8SM acres of land on line of Marion and Lake counties, one and a half miles from Pittman on F. S. R. R. in Lake County; 25 acres cleared and under fence, 10 acres set to orange trees (900 trees), some bearing, and all will bear soon. Crop last year, 50 boxes; crop this year will be 100 boxes. Good spring of water. Price, $5,500. No. 16. — 1 20 acres east of Anthony. New two-story dwelling, 50 acres in culti- vation, muck pond and good deposit of phosphate on place. Price, $4,000. No. 17. — 160 acres pine and hummock land situated near Orange Home, Sumter County, 32 or 40 acres in grove just coming into bearing, crop last year, 1,000 boxes; beautifully situated on Lake Deaton, one mile from railroad depot. Price, $25,000. No. 18.— Lots 3 and 4, block '"I," and Lot 1 of block " M," of Highland Park, addition to city of Ocala. Lot 3 has six-room dwelling, with kitchen, servants' room, etc., earth closet, good fence, etc.; Lots 3 and 4 have had variety of orange, pear and other fruit trees bearing; situated in one of the most desirable parts of the city of Ocala. Price, $3,500. If vou don t src -,'//,!f von -a'aa/ on tliis list, -.crih- for it, as ivc are constantly i-c'ceivinx' ne-io lia/^ains. No. 19.— Weir Park Hotel, situated on Lot 84, containing iM acres of the plot of Weir Park, on north side of Lake Weir. Price, $4,000. BANKS. merchants' national bank of ocala. HE Merchants' National Bank of Ocala was origi- nally established as the Bank of Ocala in 1882, this being the first bank started in Marion County. In 1887 the bank was reorganized, nationalized, and the present title adopted. The bank building, at the southeast corner of the square, is one of the finest business merchants' national bank block. edifices of the city, and the bank premises are a model of elegant appointment, thorough equipment and systematic and convenient arrangement. All business pertaining to a first-class metropolitan bank is carefully and skilfully executed by a corps of experienced clerks, under the supervision of astute and able officers, and the large, liberal and highly desirable patronage of the bank distin- guishes it as one of the most popular as well as successful institu- tions of its character in the South. At its inception in 1887, " The Merchants' National" had a 92 OCALA, FLORIDA. capital of $50,000 and deposits aggregating but $60,000. In Jan- uary, 1891, the capital was increased to $100,000, the deposits had grown to $380,000, and $15,000 of surplus and undivided profits had been accumulated ; truly a most prosperous career, and one suggesting conservative methods and sound financial and execu- tive ability in the management. The officers are : President — Hon. John F. Dunn. Vice-President — H. C. Wright. Cashier — R. B. McConnell. MERCHANTS NATKINAL l;ANK — INIKKIoK. Directors— J. F. Dunn, H. C. Wright, R. B. McConnell, Charles Rheinauer, William Anderson, J. A. Rowell, L.M.Thayer, E. P. Dismukes. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OCALA. The First National Bank of Ocala was incorporated in 18S6, with an authorized capital of $150,000, and the following officers, who are still in charge, viz. : President — E. W. Agnew. Vice-President — W. H. Couch. Cashier — A. Mclntyre. BUSINESS INTERESTS. 93 Directors — Iv W. Agnew, W. H. Couch, Ed. Delouest, A. Mclntyre, D. C. W. Smith. The bank began business with its present working capital of $50,000, and its career from the start has been one of uninter- rupted prosperity and progress. The first statement made June 3d, 1886, gave deposits subject to check, $37,866.65. At the last annual statement (February, 1891), the aggregate of deposits had increased to $329,306.28, and the bank had accumulated a surplus of $30,000. The bank building is one of the architectural features of the city. It is a handsome modern brick of three stories, standing at the southwest corner of the square, at the junction of Magnolia and Exposition streets. The bank premises are spacious, system- atically arranged, and fitted up in a style which embodies the best modern ideas of utility, convenience and attractiveness. In ad- dition to the ordinary banking methods and appliances, the equip- ment includes the largest and finest depository safe in the State. This safe was built expressly for the bank, and represents the highest degree of perfection attained in this connection. It con- tains 147 private boxes, each with patent lock, etc., and every 94 OCALA, FLORIDA. effort has been made to make it absolutely fire and burglar-proof. The safe is a great convenience to the bank's patrons, and adds materially to the metropolitan completeness and general first-class modern equipment of the institution. The " First National" does a general banking business, for the execution of which it has an experienced clerical force under the careful supervision of astute and able officers. Its numerous patronage is drawn from the most desirable custom of the city and county, and it ranks to-day among the soundest, ablest con- ducted and most successful financial institutions of the State. THE BUFFUM LOAN AND TRUST COMPANY. One of the prominent and successful financial enterprises of Ocala is that conducted under the title of "The Buffum Loan and Trust Company." This company was incorporated under the Florida State laws in 1888, with a capital of $200,000, and its business, which was begun in the same year, has been characterized by a steady and substantial growth from the start. The company occupies spacious and elegantly appointed premises in the Ocala House Block, which are fitted up in modern bank style, and supplied with all requisite business facilities. The business of the company is extensive and comprehensive. Loans are made and negotiated upon all recognized forms of investment security, real and personal property, notes, bonds, mortgages, stock, etc., are purchased, sold, exchanged and otherwise disposed of, moneys and other deposits are received, and debenture bonds are issued, based upon securities held by the company, with pay- ments of principal and interest; also collections guaranteed. From its inception the company has maintained a conservative policy in its extensive dealings. Only strictly first-class securities of recognized market value are handled, thus insuring to its many patrons safe as well as profitable investment. The company does a general business, which distinguishers it as one of the foremost institutions of its kind in the State. fhe official management is composed as follows: President — Frederick C. Buffum. Vice-President and Auditor — Edward H. Buffum. Secretary and Treasurer — Claude E. Connor. BUSINESS INTERESTS. 95 Finance Committee — Frederick C. fjiilTum, Edwartl H. lUilTum, Robert L. Anderson. Board of Directors — Frederick C iiiilTum, Stanton, l^'lorida; Edward H. Kuffum, Ocala, Florida; Claude E. Connor, Ocala, Florida; Horace L. Cilley, South Lake \\'eir, Florida; Robert L. Anderson, Ocala, Florida; Franklin Metcalf, Carolina, R. I.; E. K. Pray, South Lake Weir, Florida. Company's Attorney — Robert L. Anderson. Ocala, Florida. GROVE OF F. C. KUFFUM RESIDEN'CE OF F. C. BUFFUM STANTON-ON-I,AKK-\VEIR. The Messrs. Buffum are natives of Westerly, R. L, but have been located in Florida for the past ten years, where they are re- spected and prominent in all circles. Mr. Connor came here from South Carolina four years ago. He is Secretary and Treasurer of the Marion and Citrus Phosphate Company, and a financier and business man of recognized ability. Mr. R. L. Anderson, the company's attorney, is Mayor of the city and a leading Ocala lawyer. PHOSPHATE BROKERAGE. V,. ARENTZ & CO., BROKERS AND DEALERS IN FLORIDA I'HOSI'HATE ROCK. N important business enterprise in connection with tlie Florida phosphate industry is that of Messrs. B. Arentz & Co., brokers and dealers in P'lorida phosphate rock, with offices in the National Bank building. This well-known and prominent concern does an extensive business in the purchase and commission handling of the products of the phosphate mines in this and adjoining counties, and contributes in an important degree to their successful marketing. Messrs. Arentz & Co. buy and ship largely to the European trade, with which they have cable communication (address *' Arentz ") and all other requisite facilities. The extensive and valuable trade connection of the house and its prompt and satis- factory business methods have won for it the substantial regard of the leading phosphate companies, as well as individual miners, and the patronage received is both large and liberal. Messrs. Arentz <& Co. have recently perfected arrangements by which they have become sole agents in the State of Florida for the widely known house of Chas. Page & Co. of London and Liver- pool. This house has agents in all European localities where fertilizers are manufactured, and has long been a leading supply depot for this industry. With this connection Messrs. Arentz ..\: Co. estimate that their shipments for the current year will aggre- gate fully 40,000 tons of high grade (70 to 85 per cent.) rock phosphate. They will also control the entire output of several of the largest hard rock phosphate companies in Florida. Mr. B. Arentz is a Norwegian by birth, but has been many years in this country. He was formerly identified with the ferti- lizer business in New York and Baltimore. Six years ago became BUSINESS INTERESTS. 97 to Florida, and since the discovery of phosphate has been promi- nently connected with the industry. For several years he was a prospector, from which occupation he drifted naturally into the present business, for which wide experience, comprehensive knowledge and a wide acquaintance with the trade had eminently qualified him. Mr. Geo. Hollingshed is a native of Enoiand but came to New York in 1866, where for a number of years he was with H. B. Claflin, and later (eight years) with H. J. Libbey & Co. He •came to Florida in 18S1, locating at Leesburg. In January, 1891, he removed to Ocala and embarked in the present co-partnership with Mr. Arentz. Mr. Hollinshed has been for the past three years in charge of the mortgage business in Florida of Messrs. John Stuart & Co., a prominent banking house of Manchester, England, and is an extensive land owner in Lake County. 98 OCALA, FLORIDA. OCALA HOISK. ICAI \ llMi ,|. — (iM'ICK REAL ESTATE. THE OCALA COMPANY. kEPRESENTATIVE corporate enterprise of Ocala, and one that from its inception has exerted an important influence in the city's material growth and ]:)rosperity, is that whicli ■ forms the immediate subject of the present sketch. The Ocala Company is a regular incorporation under the laws of the State of Florida. Its capital stock is $500,000, divided into shares of $100 each, and is non-assessable. ()f this amount, $150,000 is preferred and $350,000 common stock. The company owns the Ocala House, one of the finest hotels in the State (see description, illustrations, etc.,) and valued at $150,000; also, 4,000 acres of valuable land located in and adjacent to the city, and known as West End, Ocala. This tract, as will be seen by the map on another page, is carefully platted and laid out in town lots, with broad streets and avenues. The land is high and dry, there are no swamps or otiier objectionable features, and it is, in fact, most desirable for both business and residence location. In the past two years Ocala has had a growth unprecedented in the State, which still continues. West End, Ocala, is in the direct line of this growth, and is being steadily and substantially bene- fitted thereby. Upon this tract are now the Exposition buildings. United States Experimental Station, city electric light plant, and a number of residences, stores, etc., with many others either build- ing or soon to begin. The street railway already runs to the Exposition grounds, with an extension of the line at an early date in contemplation ; two railroads pass through the property, and Exposition street, a broad, well-kept boulevard, extending from the city square to the western limit of the tract, is one of the popu- lar drives. West End, Ocala, is, in fact, one of the most valuable sections in this vicinity, and no realty interest offers better oppor- 1 liUSTNESS INTERESTS. lOI tunities to capitalists, business men or home-seekers for safe and profitable investment. The Ocala Company was or,L,^anized, not, as is generally the case, solely as a speculative enterprise, but with a view to pro- moting the best interests of the commonwealth by bringing to the city desirable citizens and progressive business men. It is now the purpose of the company to sell 1,500 shares of the common stock, which is offered upon the following advantageous terms: To each and every subscriber of $roo will be issued one share of common stock, together with a warranty deed for ten town lots, 40x100 feet each, in West End, Ocala. The proceeds of this sale will be devoted to cancelling the preferred stock. This will leave 2,500 acres in "West End" town lots and the valuable hotel property clear of all encumbrances, which holdings will then be disposed of to the best advantage, and the proceeds divided pro rata among the conmion stockholders. As the value of the re- maining 2,500 acres must necessarily have been augmented by the stock sale, and as that of the hotel property is steadily increasing with the city's growth, the desirability of the investment will be readily perceived. Subscriptions for the 1,500 shares of stock will be received by the Merchants' National and First National Banks of Ocala, and certificates of stock, with deeds for lots, will be promptly forwarded. The officers of the Ocala Company are: President — F. A. Teague. A^ice-President — Chas. W. White. Secretary and Treasurer — A. Mclntyre. Business Manager — E. \\. Agnew. ; The Ocala House was erected in 1884, and in its construction: are embodied the most advanced ideas in point of safety, comfort, convenience and general completeness. It is an imposing stucture of brick, three stories in height, with a central tower rising above in symmetrical proportion. The premises cover the area of a city block, the building extending, L-shaped, along two sides, while the balance of the square is devoted to the justly celebrated Ocala House Gardens, a charming vista of flowers, parterres, rustic arbors, vine-covered nooks and labyrinthine walks, with a large fountain in the center, serving the double purpose of cooling the atmosphere and giving the requisite artistic finish to one of OCALA, FLORIDA. OCALA HOUSE — PARLOR. OCAL.\ HOUSE — DINING ROOM. r.USINKSS INTERKSTS, 103 the most deli,uhtful scenes in the land of flowers. The .uardens should be seen under the silvery light of the Florida moon to be appreciated. Along the front and rear of the main building — the former overlooking the square and the latter the gardens — also upon the street side of the wing, are broad double balconies. The hotel tower commands an expansive view of Ocala and the sur- rounding country. The interior finish of the hotel is in native woods of rich design, with tinted walls and ceilings, frescoed in harmonious colors. The general appointment and furnishing are of the sump- OCALA HOUSE — FIRE TLACE NOOK. tuous and tasteful character peculiar to the modern first-class hotel. Upon the first floor of the main building are the office, recep- tion and writing rooms, parlors and drawing room, the latter a magnificent apartment opening upon the front and rear balconies with portiere-protected entrances to halls and ante-rooms. Upon this floor also, are five commodious stores, which, from the un- rivalled desirability of the site, are in great demand. The dining hall, to which the greater part of the first floor of the wing is devoted, has a seating capacity of 200, and is one of the best- lighted and ventilated apartments of its kind in the South. Broad, richly ornamented stairways lead to the sleeping apart- I04 OCALA, FLORIDA. ments on the upper floors. Here wide corridors traverse the building, the " Fire Place Nook " (see illustration) at the junction of main and wing halls affording an ideal lounging place. There are 200 sleeping rooms, single and cii si/itc, each provided with fire-place and other accessories of convenience and comfort, with large windows and corridor transoms, which supply abundant light and ventilation. The Ocala House, in addition to being a model of systematic and comfortable arrangement, embraces in its equipment all the modern hotel improvements, including bath and toilet rooms, elec- tric light and call bells, telephone, etc. The cuisine — that crucial hotel test — is first-class in every particular, the service is all that could be desired, and the air of quiet elegance which pervades the establishment indicates a zealous and able management. During the Winter months a fine orchestra gives daily and evening con- certs and also supplies music for the frequent (iermans, hops, etc., held in the hotel parlors. These afl:"airs, to which the hotel guests are invited, are leading society events, attended by the elite of this and the adjoining towns. The Ocala House receives a large and constantly increasing tourist patronage. It is situated about midway between Jackson- ville and Tampa, on the popular route to Key West and Havana, in a city noted for its many and varied attractions. Here is annually held the Semi-Tropical E.xposition. In the suburbs are some of the finest orange groves in the State, with plenty of de- lightful drives amid the perfection of Florida scenery. Ocala also is the one convenient point from which to visit Silver Springs and the Ocklawaha, Blue Springs, and Dunnellon phosphate mines. During the Summer the hotel will undergo extensive improve- ment in all departments, and when the season opens in the F^all it will rank among the best hostelries of the South. THE OCALA BUILDINC; AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. In reviewing the enterprises which have been instrumental in the material growth and development of the " Phosphate City," due mention should be made of the Ocala Building and Loan As- sociation. This estimable organization was formed in December, 1886, and its subsequent career has been one of phenomenal sue- TSUSINESS INTKRKSTS. I05 cess. 'I'lie business of the x-Kssociation is conductetl upon a plan which experience has proven to \)v the wisest and best, and, althougli less than five years estal)lished, it is to-(la\' one of the soundest and most prosperous institutions of the kind in the coun- try, havini;- a full membership with no stock for sale. The Asso- ciation has been and is still an impoilant factor in the progress of the town. It has erected upwards of fifty of the finest houses in the town, and has stimulated buiUling of a desirable class. Through its inlluence, habits of thrift and the desire to become home-owners have been encouraged and fostered, and in many other ways its value to the town has been thoroughly demon- strated. The Association is officered as follows, viz. : President — A. Mclntyre. Vice-President — 1). A. Miller. Secretary and 'J'reasurer — P. Fox. Solicitor — John CI. Reardon. Directors — M. Fishel, J. 15rown, A. Mclntyre, L Stearns, S. D. Zacharias, G. A. Nash, H. P. Anderson. All are gentlemen of the highest standing in mercantile, bank- ing and professional circles, and the signal success of the Associa- tion is an honor to their well-directed and enterprising administra- tion of its affairs. L. J. HAISLEV i CO., INVESTMENT AND REAL ESTATE BROKERS. The judicious and spirited handling of its real estate has been and continues to be one of the most important factors in the ma- terial growth and development of Ocala. Pi this connection, as a prominent and popular representative of the business suggested, is mentioned the gentleman whose name appears in the caption of this sketch. Mr. Pouis J. Haisley has been engaged in business in Ocala for the past eight years, as a general investment and real estate broker, and in the interval has reared an enterprise and estal:)lished a reputation second to none in his field of commercial activity. Mr. Haisley does business under the firm title of P. J. Haisley & Co., and occupies commodious, finely appointed, and handsomely io6 OCALA, FLORIDA. furnished offices in the Merchants' National Bank building — one of the most desirable business sites in town. The business is verv comprehensive, embracing the purchase, sale and exchange of phosphate, grove and timber lands, handling and improvement of city and suburban tracts and subdivisions, platting, mapping, etc., and investment of funds. Mr. Haisley has been instrumen- tal in developing what to-day are among the most valuable prop- erties in and about Ocala, and no real estate man in Florida can offer more or better opportunities for safe and profitable invest- I,. J. UAISl.KV. ments in the richest mineral, grove and timber lands, or city sub- divisions and suburban tracts. Features in the latter connection are the "Agnew " and "Dunn" divisions, most advantageous sites for homes or industrial occupation — of which full particulars can be obtained by writing to or calling at the office. He is also agent for West End, Ocala. (See map, etc.) Mr. Haisley has all requisite facilities for mapping of lands, which is a special feature of the extensive general business. He furnished maps for the leading phosphate companies, besides many prominent individual owners of Florida lands, and with his large and experienced force of surveyors, draughtsmen and other assist- P.USINESS INTERESTS. I07 ants, is enabled to furnish pr(_)mi)t!y and aceuratel)' full descriptive maps of townships, with mineral deposits clearly located and designated. Mr. Haisley makes a specialty of investments and sustains an eminent reputation for careful consideration of the best interests of his patrons and wholly satisfactory execution of all commis- sions in this line. .A.n instance of the high repute and wide celeb- rity of Mr. Haisley, as an astute and reliable investment broker, was supplied upon the occasion of the recent bidding for the I'ampa Court House bonds, when he was commissioned by wire to bid for and generally represent a prominent Cleveland (Ohio) banking firm, with which he had no previous acquaintance, in a transaction involving many thousands of dollars. Mr. Haisley numbers among his numerous clientele many of the leading capi- talists and most conservative investors of the North and West, in- cluding Messrs. W. J- Hayes & Sons, prominent Cleveland bank- ers; Capt. Thomas Wilson, the well-known steamboat man and a wealthy capitalist of Cleveland, C). ; Elton Hoyt, Esq., of the Standard Oil Co. ; H. H. Little, a prominent Cleveland capitalist, and others. Mr. Haisley was born in Jacksonville, 111., and at the early age of 12 years started out to make his ow-n way in the world. He began his career as a clerk, and soon won the confidence and esteem of his employer. But this style of life was ill-suited to his ambition and enterprise, and it was only when the great W'estern boom in real estate occurred that he found the proper field for his talents. With other gifted real estate men he went West, and later took an active and important part in the rapid development of Black Hills, Leadville, and other phenomenal town growths throughout that region. In the early part of 1883 he came to Ocala, and so favorably impressed was he with the city and its propects that he concluded to make it his permanent residence. He at once and naturally engaged in the real estate business, for which his abilities and wMde experience had admirably qualified him. Beginning in a moderate way, in accordance with a small capital and little or no acquaintance in the community, he set himself sturdily to work with the determination to go to the front. That he has done so, and by his owm indefatigable efforts, is a conceded fact, as he to-day ranks with the representative, most Io8 OCALA, FLORIDA. successful and highly respected business men in his line in the Floral State. [See Haisley's "Bulletin."] RICHMOND & BATTY, KEAL ESTATE BROKERS. A representative and popular Ocala firm of real estate brokers is that of Messrs. Richmond & Batty, whose firm offices are eligibly located in the Union Block. This well-known firm has been es- tablished since August, 1889, and in the interval has built up an extensive and continually increasing business. Messrs. Richmond & Batty do a general real estate brokerage business, buying and selling, also handling on commission, phos- phate and timber lands, and town and suburban properties. They also make abstracts, locate town sites, inspect, survey, plat and map large tracks of land, and generally represent non-resident owners, whose interests are carefully looked after. Messrs. Richmond & Batty have now for some time made a specialty of phosphate lands, and they to-day own or control some of the richest tracts in the State. Upon their books are to be found opportunities for safe and profitable investments in this connection, also in orange groves, farm lands, etc., full particu- lars of which will be supplied upon application, personally or by letter, to the office. The firm has won an enviable popularity by their prompt and satisfactory execution of all commissions in their line, as their large, liberal and widely extended patronage attests. The wide popularity of the firm is due in no small degree to the courteous attention which they devote to strangers. They are al- ways ready to take visitors for a drive about the country, pointing out and explaining cu route., in an interesting and instructive man- ner, points of interest, scenic, climatic, home and business advan- tages, etc., not, as is usually the case, for the sole purpose of effecting sales, but rather that their guests may "see with their own eyes," and obtain a correct idea of the city and its environment. "In other words," said Mr. Richmond, "we want a man to have a thorough look around first, and then if he chooses to invest, he will have had every opportunity to judge of the present and pros- pective value of his purchase." Mr. S. H. Richmond is a native of Taunton, Mass., and an BUSINESS INTERESTS. IO9 aluinmis of the Massachusetts Ag-ricultural Collei^'e, from which he graduated in the class of '71, with the degree of JJ. S. Adoi)t- ing the profession of Civil Engineer and Surveyor, he soon won an enviable reputation for superior work. In 1881 he came to Florida, and subsequently surveyed or inspected most of the land from the St. Johns river to the gulf coast, obtaining a thorough knowledge of the woods, soil, geological character, etc., of this region. Later he did much and admirable work in his line in Marion County, including all the surveying for the (Jcala Com- pany, besides locating several town sites. In 1888 Mr. Richmond opened an office in Ocala, and in the year following formed the present co-partnership. Mr. Richmond was Deputy County Clerk for six years, under General Bullock, has long held the position of Deputy County Surveyor, and is a Notary Public of the State of Florida. He has made a study of Florida phosphates, fossils, geological formations, etc., and has one of the most complete cabinets of designated specimens in this connection to be found in the country. Mr. Geo. R. Batty is a native of Illinois, but, like his co- partner, has been for sometime located in the " Land of Flowers." He formerly had charge of the abstract books of Marion County, and is an expert in all pertaining to searching titles, making abstracts, etc. Mr. Batty is also a Notary Public for the entire State. Messrs. Richmond & Batty, in addition to their other interests, have charge of the Ocala Bureau of Information of the South Publishing Co., and, by their well-directed and popular manage- ment, have greatly furthered the interests of that concern in this vicinity. S. W. TEAGUE & CO., REAL ESTATE DEALERS. No interest of the Phosphate City has been more directly iden- tified with her material progress than that represented by the judicious handling of her real estate. In this connection, as a representative city firm, is mentioned that of Messrs. S. W. Teague & Co., general dealers in real estate, whose fine offices are located in the Marion Opera House Block. The Messrs. Teague are owners of much valuable real estate in and about no OCALA, FLORIDA. Ocala, besides a large acreage distributed over eight counties and including some of the finest farming, fruit, orange, timber and phosphate lands to be found in the State. They offer most favor- able terms to purchasers upon all the property mentioned, and all in quest of safe and profitable investments in first-class Florida lands will find it greatly to their advantage to correspond with the firm, and secure maps, plans, etc., etc. The firm does an exten- sive and voluminous general business, and counts among its many patrons, leading capitalists, farmers, fruit growers and other in- vestors, to all of whom they have given eminent satisfaction in their dealings. Messrs. S. W. and F. A. Teague, composing the firm, are numbered among the representative business men and citizens of Florida. (See portraits, sketches, etc.) Bulletin of Special Bargains offered by L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCALA, FLORIDA. No. 20. — Natural wild grove of about 5 or 7 acres, all of trees budded, about 300 trees bearing. (I.) This is all choice hummock land between two lakes and one-quarter mile from depot. Price §6.300. (2.) An old-time Florida residence, surrounded by orange trees, and variety of fruit trees, and 15 varieties of grapes. High, dr)- pine land, in view of beautiful lakes abundantly supplied with fish. Price, $2,000. (3.) House and Lot 2, Block 15 in Orange Home. The lot has a few bearing orange trees and other small fruits. Price, $[,000. A~07l' is the time to seleet your tot, while priees are loithin voiir reach. No. 21. — (i.) Soo acres hummock and mixed land southwest of Ocala; about 300 acres have been cleared. Price, $12,000. (2.) One-half interest in 46-acre orange grove, three miles from Brooksville; also 400 acres of hummock land. Most all of this grove is bear- ing. Price, $20,000. No. 22 — Five-acre orange grove, 412 orange and 100 lemon trees over seven years old, considerable fruit on trees, one and one-half miles from station on F. S. R. R., one-half mile from church and school, one-quarter from store and postoftice. This is a desirable piece of property, and in splendid neighborhood. Price, $2,500. No. 23. — About S acres of land, 2 acres cleared and fenced, \^.. acres under culti- vation, 54 4-year old orange trees, Parson Brown variety. House 14 X 26. Price, $600. Oiir Home Capital is at pi-eseiit iii7'esteil in phosphate laihls 7ohich i^ive a good opportunity for ne7o earners to obtain property at a very loio price. No. 25. — Ten acres of land, 3^, cleared and set to orange trees; 200 trees over eight years old, all budded on sour stocks and of standard varieties. All pine land, one and one-half miles from station on F. C. & P. R. R., one-half from school and church, one-quarter from store and postoffice. Price, $2,500. No. 26. — In Dunn's Highland Park addition, 2 acres of land, house of eight rooms, well, cistern, stable, carriage house and wagon shed. 130 bear- ing orange trees, eight years old, have from 3 to 5 bo.xes of oranges each this season. Tangerines, Kelsey Japan plums, grapes, peaches and lemons; city water connections. Price, $6,000. An elegant home and verv leasonable. Bulletin of Special Bargains offered by L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCALA, FLORIDA. No. 27. — 15S acres cleared and under cultivation. 106 2-3 acres woodland. Pine, oak and hickory, land rolling, water good, healthy location, eight miles west of Gainsville, Fla. , county seat of Alachua county. Price, $10 per acre. No. 28. — 20 acres high rolling first-class hummock orange grove, containing 2,000 budded and seedling trees ten years old. Crop of 1SS9 netted clear of all expenses, $5,076.91. The crop of 1S91 will be 3,000 or 4,000 boxes. Dwelling, two stories, good cistern and all convenient out-buildings. Price, $2,000 per acre for one-half or entire property. No. 2g. — 10 acres, has 400 orange trees, three to six years old, and will bear next year. 250 choice peach trees bearing, 200 choice Kelsey Japan plums and 100 Satsuma Blood oranges will bear next year, 30 grape vines, lemon and tangerine trees; one mile from city limits of Ocala on Fort King avenue, first-class high rolling hummock land. Price, $1,500. No. 31. — 46 acres of land, all fenced, 20 acres under cultivation, log house of two rooms, log barn and stable, forage house and smoke-house, two wells with stone curbing, i acre of orange trees, nine to twelve years old, hummock, and mixed oak, hickory and pine. Will sell with crops. Price, $100 per acre. No- 31. — In town of Anthony on F. C. & P. R. K. Store house, 2ox 54 feet, ceiled, two stories, three rooms above, lot 30 x 120 feet. Residence of four rooms, lathed and plastered, with good kitchen detached, good well, lot 60x120, fenced, 3 bearing orange trees, and eight young trees, 2 peach trees. Will sell for $1,200; $600 cash, $600 one year at 10 per cent., or $1,600 on 7 years' time; $200 cash, balance, $200 every year without interest. Will rent for $244 per year. No. 33. — 20 acres three miles east of Anthony. Hummock land on north side of Indian on Forbes Lake, about 3 acres in lake; all cleared and fenced, 60 orange trees, about 30 acres of lake adjoining and 80 feet deep. Price, $560 cash. No. 34. — 115 acres rich hummock land, 14 acres in orange grove of two and three year old buds, four miles from Citra Station on F. C. & P. R. R. . Price, $7,000, or one-half interest for $4,000. No. 35. — Ten-acre orange grove, one-third bearing, balance begirning to bear, 60 pear trees coming into bearing, 150 bearing peach trees. Two-story house, six rooms, lathed and plastered, good barn and carriage house, large packing house, good-sized store-room well located for business, good cistern and well. Located near center of Citra and in a good place for business. Price, $10,000. INSURANCE. 1). W. DAVIS, GENERAL INSURAN'CE AGENT. HE insurance business in Ocala is most ably and popularly represented by Mr. D. W. Davis, whose fine oifices are eligibly located in the Opera House Block. Mr. Davis represents the following well- known standard companies, in which he is pre- pared to place risks upon the most liberal terms and at the lowest rates compatible with safe and reliable assurance : .-Etna of Hartford. Commercial-Union of London. Phoenix Assurance Co. of London. German-American of New York. Niagara of New York. Phoenix of Hartford. American of Philadelphia. Security of New Haven. Providence-Washmgton of Providence. Merchants' of Newark. Pennsylvania of Philadelphia. Sun of New Orleans. Manhattan Life of New York. Travelers' Life and Accident of Hartford. P)V prompt and satisfactory adjustment of losses sustained upon his risks and generally fair and equitable business methods, Mr. Davis has won an enviable popularity among business men, property holders, capitalists and others, and secured a large and liberal clientele, composed of the best city and county custom. Mr. Davis is a native of Louisville, Ky. He came to Ocala in 1885, and in 1887 engaged in the business with which he has since been both prominently and prosperously identified. 112 OCALA, FLORIDA. Upon the organization of the Dunnellon Phosphate Co., Mr. Davis became its Assistant Secretary, which office he filled until February, 1891, when he was obliged to resign in order to give proper attention to his now extensive insurance business. The following resolution by the Dunnellon Co. evidences the esteem in which he was held by its officers, viz. : Ki'soh'id, That the Secretary of the Dunnellon Phosphate Company shall communicate to Mr. D. W. Davis their high appreciation of his services as As- sistant Secretarv, and his devotion to the duties assi.ijned him after the period of RESIDENCE OF F). W. DAVIS. his desired withdrawal, and they also desire to thank him most cordially for the uniform courtesy and readiness with whicti he has met all demands upon him and for the accuracv of the accounts kept by him. And they further authorize the President to present him with a suitable testimonial of our appreciation and re- gard. In addition to his insurance interests, Mr. Davis is agent for much valuable city and suburban property, including the Marion Opera House Block, and he is popularly numbered among Ocala's most progressive and energetic young business men. Mr. Davis owns and occupies one of the finest city homes. PROFESSIONAL SERGE MALYVAN. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS, KAOLIN AND I'HIISPHATE LANDS. HE disco vei'Y and subsecjuent development of phos- phate in Florida has given rise to a large and profitable business in analyzing the various de- posits. A leading and eminently popular exponent of this pursuit in Ocala is the gentleman whose name appears in the caption of this sketch. Serge Malyvan is a native of Nice, France, and a graduate of the Marseilles and Bordeaux Colleges, from which he received the degrees of B. L. and B. S. Mr. Malyvan also perfected himself in chemistry, surveying, mapping, etc., etc., and is an expert at this work. In 1SS7 Mr. Malyvan came to Florida, where he soon found desirable employment for his talents as " Manager of chem- ical work " for the Florida Produce Manufacturing Company, located at Leesburg. He continued with this concern for a year and a half, during which period he won a first premium and diploma at the International and Semi-Tropical Exposition of 1SS9-1S90 at Ocala, for " Finest display of native wines, perfumes and chemical work." Subsequently, at the special request of Gov. Fleming of Florida, ]Mr. Malyvan sent a similar exhibit to the Paris Exposition, which was appropriately honored and excited general wonder and admiration. Upon the discovery of phosphate Mr. Malyvan came to this citv, and, opening his present ofifice, soon found himself in receipt of an extensive and lucrative business, as an analytical chemist, surveyor, draughtsman, prospector, etc. As an indication of his business aggregate — from January, 1889, to March, 1S91, he had made 946 analyses, besides prospecting and mapping some of the most valuable mineral lands in Florida. Mr. Malyvan counts among his most appreciative patrons the leading phosphate and 114 OCALA, FLORIDA. kaolin men — also land owners generally — of the clay. He has done a great amount of prospecting, particularly in Brooks and Baker counties, and has done much to bring forward the mineral resources of the country. One of Mr. Malyvan's most important achievements was the discovery and development of Florida "kaolin" or "china clay." He can be pertinently termed the "pioneer" in this industry, as also its leading promoter, as it was by his efforts as a promoter that is chiefly due the establishment of the factory near Leesburg for the manufacture of tiles, ewers, dishes and other articles from Florida kaolin. Mr. Malyvan has one of the best-equipped laboratories in the South, and is prepared to execute promptly and in the best man- ner all commissions for chemical analysis, surveying, prospecting, mapping, etc. He has received many flattering offers to attach himseif to large phosphate companies as chemist or chemical director, none of which as yet he has found it to his interest to accept. He is respected by all and popularly regarded as one of Florida's most skilful and reliable representatives of his combined professions. D. D. ROGERS. A leading civil, mining and consulting engineer in this city is Mr. D. D. Rogers, whose offices are located in the Opera House Block. Mr. Rogers is a native of Plainfield. N. J., where for a number of years he held the responsible office of City Engineer. He came to Florida in 1874 and for the past 17 years has been en- gaged in mining, railroad, canal and town engineering, building up in the meantime an eminent reputation in his profession. Mr. Rogers was for some years in the employ of the Govern- ment in coast surveying, ship canal and other land work. Later he did much and valuable surveying, platting, etc., in Valusia County in the laying out and locating of towns. He also organ- ized the company and located most of the route of the " Atlantic, Gulf & Havana Railroad, now under construction. Upon the discovery of phosphate, Mr. Rogers came to Ocala and became the pioneer engineer in this field. Mr. Rogers has in his employ a well-drilled and experienced corps of assistants and posses.ses un- rivalled facilities for the prompt and satisfactory execution of all I'.USINESS INTERESTS. 115 work in Iiis line, a specialty bein^- made of pr()s]:)ecting and mining of phosi)hates and transportation therefor. Mr. Rogers is the inventor and patentee (January 21st, 1890) of a leveling, grading and ditching instrument, which has been pronounced by the best judges to be the simplest, most accurate and reliable appliance for the purpose yet invented. This instru- ment (see cut) is to be used in combination with graduated rods and targets, and will be found of unrivalled utilitv for farmers and ROGERS LEVELIXC, GRADING AND DITCHING TARGETS. contractors. The idea of such an instrument was suggested to jNIr. Rogers by the difficulty of keeping " to grade " with ignorant laborers. The new method simpHfies the old principle of grade leveling and makes it intelligible and practicable to the most ignorant laborer. Sighting through the leveling instrument, the targets can be rapidly set, also the slope stakes, and there is henceforth no trouble in keeping accurately to grade. By the new " Rogers" method a boy can do as accurately and much quicker the work formerly requiring a regular engineer. A detailed de- ii6 OCALA, FLORIDA. scription of this new instrument and its mode of operation, with illustrations, etc., will be forwarded upon application to Mr. Rogers. OTTO GROTHE, PH. D. , CHEMIST. Dr. Grothe was born in Germany and educated at Kiel Univer- sity, from which he was graduated with the degree of Ph. D. in iSSo. He has been a practical chemist since 1S75, in Germany and this country. He came to Ocala in 1890, soon after the dis- covery of phosphate, and has since been prominently identified with the industry in his professional capacity. Dr. Grothe has what is probably the best equipped and most complete laboratory in this part of the country. It is supplied with the newest and best appliances, including special apparatus for sampling, etc., operated by steam power. Dr. Grothe up to date has made upwards of 1,000 quantitative phosphate analyses. His services are in continuous demand as an BUSINESS INTERESTS. II7 analytical chemist and technical adviser for most of the large com- panies, and he is numbered among the foremost exponents of his profession in the phosphate region. \1C1'()R LA FOSSE, M. I). The medical, like all other professions, is ably represented in Ocala. A noted specialist to be mentioned in this connection is Dr. La Fosse, whose fine apartments are conveniently located in the First National Bank Building. ])r. Victor La Fosse was born in Belgium twenty-eight years ago. He was educated professionally at the Brussels Medical Institute, graduating with the degree of M. D. Subsequently for four years he was assistant to Dr. Delstanche, a leading exponent of the Belgian School of Medicine. Dr. La Fosse also spent some time in the Laboratory of Dr. Pasteur of Paris, where he ac- quired a valuable knowledge of PJacteriology, and was also for six months with Dr. Charcot, the noted expert on nervous diseases. His courses of study under Dr. Politzer and Dr. Fuchs, the former a leading ear specialist and the latter ec]ually famous as an eye specialist, familiarized him with these important branches of his profession, and taking into consideration his long service as "Literne" of the Brussels hospitals, and post-graduate course in the Paris and A^ienna Listitute, it is safe to say that few physicians are better prepared for successful practice. Dr. La Fosse has been in Ocala since March last, and has already won an enviable professional reputation. He has an elegant suite of offices, and his professional instruments are among the finest in America, hav- ing been made by European prize winners at the Paris Exposition of 1889. Dr. La Fosse is an adept in the application of the cele- brated "Koch Lymph," and gives special attention to the treat- ment of the eye and ear, all nervous diseases, etc. He is a mem- ber of the " French Society of Ophtalmology, " and has fulfilled all requirements of the Medical Board requisite for becoming a practitioner in Florida. Dr. La Fosse has a desirable and in- creasing practice and enjoys the highest esteem in medical circles. JAMES CHACE, DENTIST. Dentistry, like most other branches of professional industry, is ably represented in the "Brick City," and, in this connection. Il8 OCALA, FLORIDA. as a leading and deservedly popular exponent of the art, is men- tioned Dr. James Chace, whose fine dental offices are centrally located on the second floor of the First National Bank building. Dr. Chace is a native of Florida, and one of her most skilful and best-known dentists. He has been in continuous and success- ful practice for a period of twenty-two years, with locations in the interval at Cedar Keys, Key West, in the Bahamas and this city. He came to Ocala two years ago, and, by superior work, has added materially to an already eminent professional reputation. Dr. Chace occupies commodious and sumptuously fitted-up offices, thoroughly equipped with the latest dental appliances, and the best methods are employed. Everything pertaining to modern scien- tific dentistry is executed in the highest degree of artistic and mechanical perfection, a speciality being made of "crown" and "bridge" work, and the general popularity of the doctor is shown by the large and liberal practice which he receives — not only from the city, but from all about the county. Dr. Chace was the founder, and is still a prominent member, of the State Dental Association, also a member of the Dental Ex- amining Board, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all circles in the communitv with which he has wisely cast his lot. Bulletin of Special Bargains offered by L. J. HAISLEY & CO.. OCAT.A, FL()R1I>A. No. 36.— A good town site, situated on the F. C. .V 1'. K. R., consisting of post- office, tliree stores, saw-mill and dwelling-houses for ten inhabitants, one of the most successful shipping stations in the county. There are 20 acres of this town site unsold; will take for the whole $2,500; or, if the right party will take hold with owner, will take $1,000 cash for half interest. This is (we consider), a great bargain. Phosphate lands bought and sold or inspected and pitted and reported for non- residents. Ko. 37.— 2}.2 acres in Lot i. Block i, with dwelling, four rooms, good cistern, storehouse 20 x 60, well of water at store. Eight miles south of Ocala and a good point for business on F. C. >.\: P. K. R. Orange grove of 65 six-year-old trees, will bear next year. Price, §2,000. ]S-o. 38.— House and lot, lo-acre orange grove, 600 trees (300 sweet oranges and 300 tangerines), city water supply, good cistern, twelve-room two-story cottage, splendidly finished. Just out of city limits. Price, $16,000. No. 40.— 95 acres mixed land, one mile from Martin Station. This is Ai farming land. Price, $7 per acre. jso. 41.— So acres rich hummock, two miles from Flemington. This is good land and very cheap. Price, $8 per acre. ]S;o. 42.— Tract of 260 acres hummock land, six miles southwest of Ocala; So acres improved. This is very rich land and a bargain. Price, $10 per acre. >'e and witlcly extended patronai^'e, and does a general busi- ness of most prosperous annual aggregate. The firm make it a point to keep their stock up to the highest standard in point of quality, variety and completeness, and the establishment is a favorite source of supply in its line for the city and surrounding trade. Mr. S. R. Birdsey is a native of North Carolina, but has been long a prominent figure in Dcala business circles. He has served as a member of the Board of Aldermen, and has ever been |:)rominently identified with the promotion of the best interests of the commonwealth. Mr. Birdsey, Jr., like his father, is generally respected in the community, and ranks among the representative young business and society men of the " Phosphate City." Y FRED. G. i;. WEIHE, Y WATCHM,A.KER, JEWELER AND OPTICIAN. The jewelry trade, like all other branches of mercantile in- dustry, is ably represented in Ocala, a widely known and popular establishment in this line being that of Mr. Fred. G. B. Weihe, watchmaker, jeweler and optician. The store, located in the Opera House Block on the public square, is one of the attractive features of this great shopping district. It is a spacious and well-arranged corner apartment, with handsome plate glass front, while the interior appointment embraces all the elegancies and conveniences of the modern first-class metropolitan jewelry estab- ment. The stock, so attractively displayed, is one of the best- selected and most complete to be met with in the South. Here can be found gold and silver watches in great variety of design, representing the best home and foreign makes; the newest novel- ties and most e.xtiuisite designs in jewelry and silver ware, gold pens, optical goods of every description, society emblems; in short, everything pertaining to a strictly first-class establishment in its line. Manufacturing and repairing of all kinds are executed in the highest degree of artistic and mechanical excellence, and in all respects it is a house to do credit to any city. The estab- lishment is liberally patronized by the best city and vicinity cus- tom, and the general business is both extensive and prosperous. Mr. Weihe is a native of Louisville, Ky., and an expert jeweler, watchmaker, etc., of twenty years' experience in the 140 OCALA, FLORIDA. business. He came to Ocala six years ago to take charge of a store for an Ocala and Leesburg jewelry firm. In 1885 he bought out and has since conducted the business in an eminently success- ful and popular manner. Mr. Weihe makes a specialty of fine diamonds, and carries one of the finest assortments of these goods to be met with in the Southern trade. Mr. Weihe is foreman of Marion Hose Co., No. i, a crack company of the Ocala Fire Department, M. FISHEL, DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, STAPLE AND FANCY GROCERIES, ETC. One of the most popular general stores of Ocala is that of Mr. M. Fishel, dealer in dry goods, clothing, staple and fancy groceries, notions and fancy goods, in the Agnew Block on Magnolia street. The store, 25 x 150 feet in dimensions, is fitted up in a style of convenience and attractiveness combined, and the large, compre- hensive and complete stock of goods displayed embraces every- thing desirable in the several lines above mentioned. A corps of experienced and courteous clerks is in attendance, and the wants liUSINESS INTERESTS. 14I of the numerous patrons are carefully considered and promptly and satisfactorily supplied. 'J'he store is a favorite purchasinij depot for a lar.u,e country trade as well as for a most desirable city custom, and the general business is [n-()S[:)erous and extensive. Mr. Fishel, the proprietor, is a gentleman long and promi- nently identified with the business in hand. He first established himself in Alabama in 1S76. in 1S86 he came to Ocala and founded his present fine enterprise. Mr. Fishel is a director of the Ocala Building and Loan As- sociation and the Semi-Tropical Exposition, and a leading member of the Ocala Lodge of K. of H. He owns considerable valuable property in the city, and is one of the indjlic-spirited and highly respected citizens of ( )cala. A. E. DELOUFST. GENERAL H.-VRDWARE, FARMING 'rOOLS, >ni,L SUI'I'LIES, ETC. Prominent among the large and well-conducted mercantile enterprises of the "Brick City " will be found that of Mr. A. E. Delouest, dealer in general hardware, etc., etc. The store is on Magnolia Street, facing the Plaza, in the heart of the business section of the city. It is a spacious apartment, 30 x 125 feet in dimensions, arranged in a systematic and convenient manner, and embodying in its general appointment the best modern ideas of utility and attractiveness. Here can be found in great variety everything in the line of shelf and heavy hardware, also sash, doors, mixed paints, pumps, wagon materials, pipe and fittings, farming tools, mill supplies, etc., etc. Besides the large display in the store, Mr. Delouest has commodious brick warehouses, liter- ally packed with the staple commodities above enumerated, and no house in this line in the South is better prepared for supplying promptly and satisfactorily all wants of the trade in this connec- tion. The establishment is a favorite source of supply for a voluminous and extensive country trade, in addition to a very large and desirable local custom, and an exceedingly prosperous general business is done. Mr. Delouest is a native of France, but came to New York in early boyhood, forty years ago. He has been in the hardware trade for the greater part of his life, his connection therewith ranging from junior clerk to proprietor. He embarked in the 142 OCALA, FLORIDA. present enterprise in 1882, and is to-day one of the foremost and most highl_v respected city mercliants. Mr. Delouest's residence (see illustration) is one of the finest in town. OCALA NEWS DEPOT, I. ISRAEI,, I'KOPRIETOR. Among the representative mercantile establishments of Ocala will be found that of Mr. I. Israel, proprietor of the (3cala News Depot. This business was founded by Mr. Israel in 1881, and under the influence of an able and popular management, has developed into the proportions of a representative local enterprise. The store, 25 X 100 feet in size, is fitted up in the tasteful and elegant style which distinguishes the modern first-class metropolitan book store, and the general stock is correspondingly large and varied. Here can be found everything in the book line, from the rarest scientific work to the latest popular novel; also, newspapers, peri- odicals, school supplies, stationery of all kinds, holiday goods, games, bric-a-brac and an innumerable list of useful and ornamen- tal articles known as fancy goods. The establishment is a favorite resort for the literate of the city and vicinity, and a popular pur- chasing depot for everything in its line of trade. It is a credit to the city. Mr. Israel is a native of Philadelphia, where, for some years, he was a salesman in the same line. He came to Ocala in 1S81, and in the same year embarked in the enterprise with which he has since been both prosperously and popularly identified. Mr. Israel is a director of the International and Semi-Tropical Exposition, has served as a member of the Board of Aldermen, and ranks among Ocala's most successful and highly respected merchants. PETER INGRAM, MERCHANT TAILOR. The merchant tailoring trade, like all other branches of staple industry, is ably represented in the Brick City, and the society or business man can obtain as stylish and well-made garments here as he could in New York. A leading Ocala tailor is Mr. Peter Ingram, whose large and attractive store occupies a desirable business site near the center BUSINESS INTF.RKSTS. 143 of the city. Mr. Inorain carries a fine line of imported and domestic suitings, overcoatings, trouserings, fancy vestings, etc., and is prepared to make up everything from evening dress to a shcKjtmg jacket in first-class style. His numerous patronage is composed of the cn'iuc dc la cre/nc of the city custom, and his work is of the highest order of excellence. Mr. Ingram makes it a point to keep thoroughly posted as to prevailing fashionable styles, and has unrivalled facilities for securing the latest European novelties in business, half-dress and other suitings, and conducts in every respect a hrst-class metropolitan merchant tailoring establishment. Mr. Ingram is a native of Scotland, where he early learned his trade. Later, he was for some years in London, with " Poole's" and other celebrated Bond Street tailoring houses. In 1881 he came to Chicago, where for nine years he conducted a prosperous business. He has been established in Ocala for the past three years, and is popularly recognized as the leading tailor of the city and one of the best in the South. Mr. Ingram is a firm believer in the future of Ocala and this section generallv, ;vnd since coming here has made extensive and valuable investments in city and urban realty. Among his most valued holdings is a tract upon the lines of the F. C. & P., F. S. and S. S. O. c\: G. railroads, but a short distance from the city, upon which he has built and owns two fine cottage residences. Mr. Ingram resides in a handsome cottage located on Powers near Eaton street — one of the best residence districts of the city — which he erected and owns. He is now building a fine store and residence combined on Maine street, upon property included in his city holdings. During his sojourn in the Prick City Mr. Ingram has made a careful study of realty values, and is to-day one of the best-in- formed men upon the subject hereabouts. He is ever ready to furnish reliable information and advice in this connection, and parties seeking investments for residence, business, or other pur- pose, will find his sound judgment and integrity of great advantage in making their selections. THE ANTI-MONOPOLY DRUG STORE. A well-appointed and well-conducted drug store is an impor- tant acquisition to any community, its province being to expedite 144 OCALA, FLORIDA. and augment the work of medical practitioners in the preservation or restoration of the health of the populace. A representative and deservedly popular Ocala establishment to be mentioned in this connection is that familiarly known as the Anti- Monopoly Drug Store. This fine establishment occupies an eligible site on Magnolia Street near the Post Office, and in close proximity to the Plaza or public square. The business was established in 1886, and its subsequent career has been one of continuous and well- merited prosperity. In October, 1890, Mr. H. C. Groves became the proprietor, and by his well-directed management has already materially advanced its popularity. The salesroom, 30 x 72 feet in dimen- sions, is furnished in that degree of elegance peculiar to the modern first-class metropolitan pharmacy, and the stock of drugs, medicines, surgical appliances, toilet and fancy articles, etc., corresponds in point of size, variety and general excellence. The drugs used are the purest and freshest, and in the finely equipped laboratory in the rear of the store the most difficult prescriptions are carefully and skilfully compounded. Experienced drug clerks — all graduates m pharmacy — are employed, and the "night bell " indicates that the services of the establishment may be secured at all hours. The attractiveness of the store is materially added to by an elegant soda fountain, the finest in town, in fact, from which is served, in the highest degree of excellence, soda of all flavors, together with mineral waters and all the late popular drinks. Mr. Groves, the popular proprietor, is a native of Illinois, and a graduate of the Northwestern University in chemistry and botanic science. He came to Ocala several years ago and served as clerk in the fine establishment of which he is now the successful proprietor. Mr. Groves is a member of the Committee on Trade Interests and Legislation of the Florida Pharmaceutical Association, and one of the ablest city exponents of his profession. R. E. YONGE & CO. PRACTICAL TINNERS, PLUMllERS AND GAS FITTERS. Among the well-conducted and prosperous enterprises which form the basis of the trade wealth and importance of this progres- HUSINF.SS INTERESTS. 145 sivecity, will he found that of Messrs. R. E. Yonge\:Co., practical tinners, plumbers and gas fitters, also dealers in tinware, sheet metal, basins, hot water boilers, pipe, hose and fittings. The spacious premises are well located for business, the site on Main Street opposite the Montezuma Hotel being one of the best in town. The establishment comprises a commodious and well- arranged store, heavily stocked with everything pertaining to the trade, with a shop in the rear thoroughly equipped for carrying on the business to advantage. Six experienced mechanics are em- ployed, and tinsmithing, plumbing, gas fitting and, in short, everything pertaining to this department of skilled industry, is executed in the best manner, and in accordance with the most approved sanitary rules. Special attention is given to job work of all kinds, estimates are furnished on application, and all orders are promptly and satisfactorily executed. The firm are recognized leaders in their line of business, and their large and liberal patron- age is drawn from the most desirable custom of the town and vicinity. Mr. R. E. Yonge is a native of Florida. He began business in T884, and three years ago was joined by Mr. Wm. Bachelder under the present firm name. Mr. Bachelder is a native of Maine, but has been for some years located in Ocala. He is prominently identified with the Y. M. C. A., and is respected and popular in all circles of the community. WATERMAN & FULLER, MKRCHANT TAH.ORS, CLOTHIERS AND GENTS" FURNISHERS. The leading city house in the clothing line is that of Messrs Waterman & Fuller, located on Magnolia street next to the post office. The store, 25 x 100 feet in size, is fitted up with plate glass show windows and all the modern interior adjuncts of convenience, utility and attractiveness, and upon the shelves and tables is shown one of the finest and most comprehensive stocks of men's and boys' clothing, hats, caps, and gentlemen's furnishings, to be found in the State. The merchant tailoring department is the leading feature of the business. Here can be found the latest and most fashionable patterns in suitings, trouserings, overcoatings, etc., representing 146 OCALA, FLORIDA. the finest foreign and domestic productions. Only first-class New York cutters aud experienced workmen are employed, and the gar- ments turned out invariably represent the highest attainable artistic and mechanical perfection in this field. A specialty is made of evening or full-dress suits, and military and society uniforms are furnished or made up in the best manner. The house receives a large and liberal patronage and does a general business of pros- perous aggregate. Messrs. N. R. Waterman and J. J. Fuller compose the firm. Mr. Waterman is a native of Ocala, and has been in the clothing business for a number of years. He began as clerk with his father, whom he succeeded as proprietor upon the latter's death in 1889. The present co-partnership was formed in February, 1S91. Mr. Fuller is a native of Alabama. He was formerly in the general merchandise business at Homosassa. Both gentle- men are regarded as representative young Ocala merchants. THE PALACE DRUG STORE. F. A. TEAGl'E & CO., PROPRIETORS. One of the finest places of business in Ocala is that familiarly known as the Palace Drug Store. This fine establishment is most desirably located on the square, facing the Plaza, and in the center of the town. The large, admirably arranged store is fitted up in sumptuous modern style, and, with its plate glass front, elegant interior appartments and tastefully displayed stock, constitutes an attractive feature of this popular shopping district. The stock of drugs, chemicals, surgical appliances, proprietary medicines, toilet and fancy articles, is large, comprehensive and complete; the laboratory is supplied with all requisite facilities for compounding the most difticult prescriptions, and the establishment in appoint- ment and conduct is an eminent type of the first class metropoli- tan drug store. Messrs. Teague &: Co. use only the purest and freshest drugs, and only thoroughly competent pharmacists are entrusted with the compounding of prescriptions. They have a large patronage, composed of the best medical and family custom of the city and vicinity, and do a general business of prosperous proportions. The Palace Drugstore was first established in 1883 by Messrs. T. A. Orr & Co. In 1887 Messrs. Wright & Frazer succeeded to BUSINESS INTERESTS. 147 the l)usiness, and were in turn succeeded in April, iSqi, l)y the present firm. Mr. F. A. Tea.^'ue, at the head of the firm, is President of the City Council anil a prominent figure in phosphate, real estate and other circles. (See sketch ami portrait.) Dr. John AI. Thompson is a native of South Carolina. He accpiired his profession at the Jefferson Medical Ccjllege, from which he graduated in the class of '72, and subsequently for eight years practiced medicine in his native town of Newburg. In Jan- uary, 1889, he came to Ocala and soon built u[) a large and lucra- tive practice, which he still retains. Dr. Thompson is a popular member of the State and County Medical Associations, and a lead- ing local practitioner. C. F. BREWER & CO., MUSIC HOrSE AND DEALERS IN I'lANOS, ORllANS, SEWIN'G MACHINES, ETC. Among her many and varied mercantile enterprises Ocala num- bers a well-stocked and well-conducted music house, where also are handled sewing machines and general supplies therefor. This popular establishment is favorably located on Magnolia street, near the square. The com.modious salesroom is fitted up in attractive style, and the large and comprehensive stock is well displayed. Messrs. Brewer t\: Co. handle the Hardmann, Everett and Mehlin pianos, the Story and Clark organs, and the New Home sewing machines, of which a full stock is carried. They also have a fine line of other musical instruments, including flutes, clarionets, cornets, orguinettes, etc., and their assortment of musi- cal merchandise is complete in every department. The firm sell for cash, or on easy payments, pianos, organs, sewing machines, etc., which are also rented or exchanged for old instruments and machines upon liberal terms. A feature is made of tuning and repairing, and the large and liberal patronage received shows the popularity of the house with both city and suburban customers. Mr. Brewer, the head of the firm, is a native of Chicago, and an experienced and able exponent of the business in hand. Mr. W. S. Pike, the junior member, is a Maine man, a skilful musi- cian, and an expert repairer and tuner of instruments. The firm OCALA, FLORIDA. has been established since 1886, and has built up a prosperous and growing business. DUKKS cV COURTNEY, DEALERS IN CHOICE FAMILY AND GREEN CROCERIES. A popular Ocala establishment in the retail grocery line is that of Messrs. Dukes &: Courtney, located at the corner of Main Street and Ocklawaha Avenue. The store, 20 x 60 feet in size, is fitted up in a remarkably neat and attractive style, with all the modern conveniences for displaying to advantage the large, com- prehensive and complete stock. Here can be found everything in the line of family groceries, also country produce of all kinds in season. These goods are carefully selected from the most reputable sources of supply, with special regard for the require- ments of the high-class family and hotel trade. The house is liberally patronized by the best custom, and a large and highly prosperous general business is done. Mr. P. B. Dukes is a native of Alabama, but came to Florida at an early age. He was formerly in business in the market, but in January, 1891, embarked in the present enterprise. Mr. G. D. Courtney is a Bostonian. Ten years ago he came to Ocala, and finding the climate and town decidedly to his liking, has now become a permanent resident. He is an old hand at the grocery and produce business, having been prominently identified therewith for the major portion of his life. Like his present co-partner, he was formerly in business in the market, and is well and popularly known to the trade. Mr. Dukes is a member of the City Board of Aldermen. gadson's bazaar store. L. A. GADSON, PRUPRIE TOR. F. P. GADSON, MANAGER. An attractive and popular mercantile establishment is that familiarly known as " Gadson's Bazaar." The store, 20 x 70 feet in size, is fitted up in a remarkably tasteful manner. Upon the shelves and in the handsome show windows and counter cases is displayed a fine assortment of dry and fancy goods, notions, glass- ware, ladies' and children's underwear, pictures and frames, and a long list of useful and ornamental articles, too numerous for classification. It is, in fact, as its name implies, an excellent BUSINESS INTERESTS. 149 type of the modem "Bazaar" or fancy i^-oods store, with a com- prehensive stock selected with the utmost care, and in variety sufficient to meet the requirements of every taste and fancy. The "Bazaar " receives a merited large and liberal patronage, and is a popular purchasing depot for both city and country people. Mr. Gadson has the agency for this section of the famous Philadelphia clothing house of Wanamaker & Brown, and carries a full list of samples for suits, trousers, overcoats, fancy vests, and for everything in men's and boys' garments. He has a large custom in this department, and it forms an important branch of the prosperous general business. Mr. F. V. Gadson was born in South Carolina, but came to Gainsville, Fl;i , at an early age. In 18S1 he came to Ocala, and in 1885 established the business with which he has since been successfully identified. Mr. Gadson is City Treasurer and Tax Collector, also Sunday School Superinten- dent and a Trustee of the A. M. E. Church, and ranks among the prominent and most highly respected colored men of Florida. Bulletin of Special Bargains offered by L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCA LA, FLORIDA. No. ^3. — 22 acres first-class pine land, near Anthony, in grove. Price, $4,0(:o. No. 74. — Number of lots in Silver Springs Park. Price, S30 to $60. No. 75.-39 acres improved pine land, $150. Also, two parcels, 40 acres each, $100; two parcels, 20 acres each, $50. Above lands in Brevard, Lee and IIillsl;)orough counties. Also, two lots in Silver Springs Park. Price, $20 each. No. 76.— Two lots at Silver Springs Park; storehouse plastered and with shelving and counters, six nice rooms up stairs, on premises; also, stable; near the depot; best location in town. P'rice, $1,650. No. 77.— 20 acres land, with beautiful natural spring and good one-and-a-half-story house, about three and a half miles north-east of Ocala; good location for intending settler. Price, $450. No. 78. — Two lots at Silver Springs Park, on Main street. Each $125. No. 79. — Seven-room cottage, modern type, new, all improvements, half acre grounds, on Exposition street. One of the finest homes in Ocala, all furnished. Price, $3,900. No. So. — 240 acres hummock and pine, two miles south of Wildwood, Sumter Co., said to contain phosphate. Price, $6 per acre. No. 81. — 40 acres, adjoining Dunnellon phosphate mines; good deposit of phos- phate. Price, $20 per acre. No. 82.— Lot, 154 feet on Magnolia and 100 feet on North Second streets. Block 59 O, S. of Ocala; fine building site, or good investment to hold. Price, $2,500. No. 83. — 40 acres phosphate land, five miles southwest of Ocala; will be sold cheap. Open to investigation. No. 84. — 18 acres select orange grove, one-half bearing, balance seven years old, at Citra. Price, $10,000. No. 85. — 25 acres first-class pine land in Oxford, 5 acres in grove, three acres five years old, two dwellings; fine home. Price, $2,500. No. 86.— Valuable place adjoining " No. 85 "—10 acres first-class pine, all in bear- ing grove; produced 350 to 400 boxes. In Oxford. Price, $3,500. No. 87. 10 acres pine land under fence and in grove; 300 budded trees, four- room house, cistern, quarter of a mile from depot. In Candler or "Smith's Lake." Price, $1,000. Also, good unimproved lands adjoining above, will be sold cheap. Bulletin of Special Bargains offered by L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCALA, FLORIDA. No. 88.— Two-acre lot in town of Anthony, eight-room house, detached kitchen and dining-room; i8 pear trees, 6 peach, 230 orange, 2 scuppernong and 3 Concord grape vines. Price, $1,000; $500 cash, balance one year at 10 per cent. No. 89. — 160 acres, 40 hummock, balance pine, 10 acres of pine cleared; near and north of Old Town, Marion County. Price, $10 per acre. No. go.— Five-acre orange tract at Silver Springs Park. Very desirable. Price, $225. No. 91. — 40 acres, section 11, range 19, township iS. Very cheap. Price, $15. No. 92. — 132 acres first-class pine, 227 orange trees— 150 bearing— 70 peach trees, 10 Niagara grape vines, bearing, and other semi-tropical fruits. Dwelling, five rooms and out-buildings. On a clear water lake, near Higley P. O., Lake County. Very desirable home. Price, $5,000. No. 93. — 40 acres near Auburndale, Great bargain. Price, $2,000. No. 94.— Two desirable parcels of land, one 10 acres, one 15 acres, near Ocala. Apply for price. No. 95.-36 acres fine pine land, 25 acres under fence, 7 acres in grove, mostly bearing, balance timber land, log house, etc. One mile from Electra P. O. ; in view of Lake Bryant. Price, $700. No. 96.— 40 acres mixed land on Orange Lake, near famous "Bishop" Lemon Cirove, $500. Also, two lots in Citra, under fence, set in fruit trees, six-room house. Price, $1,000. No. 97.— 201 acres good timber land, all in township 16, range 24. Price per acre, $10. No. 98.- City (Ocala) lot 112 x 104, house five rooms, three large bearing orange trees, city water, etc. Price, $1,100. No. 99.— 280 acres farm land near Beresford P. O. Price, $8 per acre. No. 100. — 68-^4 acres good farm land in ^L1rion County, adjoining Leroy. Very cheap, $20 per acre. No. loi.— 55 acres on Orange avenue, only about one and a half miles from city limits (Ocala). One of the richest pieces of hummock in the State (por- tion of " Sanchez grant"). Adapted to fruit, vegetable and other farm- ing; rare chance for dairy farm. Good house, cistern, etc. Price, $2,500. FRUITLAND PARK. HIS charming vista of crystal lakes, high, wooded hills, semi-tropical forest and vegetation, highly cultivated orange groves, nurseries, fruit and truck farms, beautiful country homes, etc., etc., is about one hour's ride south of Ocala, on the line of the Florida Southern Railroad, and four miles north of the growing city of Leesburg. It is also at the head of steamboat navigation on 1-ake Griffin by way of the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers, with ample facilities for this delightful mode of travel from Jacksonville. It is also within two miles of the main line of the Florida Central & Peninsular Railroad. Fruitland Park embraces about three square miles of territory. Within this district are twenty-two deep, clear-water lakes, ranging from one to 200 acres in area, each with clear, white, sandy bottom and beach, giving to the waters a wonderful trans- parency and sparkling crystal-like effect, surrounded by lovely building sites. The land is high, rolling and thickly timbered with pine, oak and other indigenous growths, rising, often abruptly, from the lake shores to a height of 20 to 90 feet above the waters of the lake, and the hilltops are equal to the highest altitude on the peninsula. The soil is a rich creamy loam, with clay sub- soil, and is pre-eminently adapted for orange, and, in fact, all citrus fruit culture, as well as for all vegetables and nursery stock raised in the land of flowers. P^ruitland Park is situated upon the great ridge or backbone of Florida in the narrowest part of the peninsula, and the refreshing breezes from ocean and gulf, combined with high, dry land, mois- ture from the lakes and other and peculiar advantages, secure to it a remarkably mild, equable and healthful climate. Here is surelv the region par-excellence for artist, health-seeker, home- maker, horticulturist, and, in fact, for any and every one capable 152 OCALA, FLORIDA. of appreciating a section of country where Dame Nature has deigned to appear in her loveliest garb. From vantage ground there is presented an expansive view of wooded hills, shadowy nooks and valleys, and broad, green fields, the landscape dotted here and there by sparkling lakes set in a framework of white beach with a back-ground of emerald forest and glade, interspersed with magnificent orange groves, nursery farms, etc. Prominent and charming features of the perspective are the broad boulevards skirting the lakes, conforming to the contour of the beach, afford- ing facilities for a delightful drive, canter or promenade; the numerous cottages and baronial residences nestled on the hillsides, in the midst of the evergreen orange groves and perpetual-bloom- ing roses and rare exotics, exhalnig a never-ending fragrance. Fruitland Park is appropriately as well as euphoniously named. It is located in the very heart of the famous "orange belt " of Florida, and the culture of citrus fruits reaches at this point the acme of perfection. There are now over 1,000 acres of orange groves in the highest state of cultivation. Besides oranges, there are grown, with the highest success, lemons, limes, pomello, citron, figs, guava, grapes, plums, peaches, apricots, dates, pears, bananas, mulberries, strawberries, pomegranates, pineapples, per- simmons, and all semi-tropical fruits and some tropical fruits. Cabbages, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, sugar cane, tobacco, rice, corn and oats are also successfully cultivated. The nursery business is largely and very profitably represented, and the raising of cattle, horses, sheep, swine and poultry, under proper condi- tions, has been demonstrated to be a lucrative industry. But Fruitland Park, as its name implies, excels most as a fruit- growing district. The fertile soil, mild and salubrious climate, and water protection afforded by the numerous lakes, conduce in a marked degree to the eminently successful following of this branch of horticulture, and nowhere in Florida are more or finer varieties of citrus and other semi-tropical fruits grown. At the New Orleans Exposition of i884-'5, ten citizens of Lake County were awarded nineteen first and twelve special premiums for fruit exhibited, out of sixty-two premiums won by the entire State of Florida. Of this premium fruit, a goodly portion was grown at Fruitland Park and vicinity. The first settler at Fruitland Park was Major O. P. Rooks, the BUSINESS INTERESTS. 153 well-known horticulturist. Major Rooks came here eleven years ago and located what, under his fostering care, has become one of the finest and most noted fruit plantations in Florida. He has now 100 varieties of citrus fruits, almost all semi-tropical and many tropical fruits, vegetables and plants, among which may be men- tioned mango, sappadillo, cheremoyo, Avacada pear, sugar apple, cayenne cherry, tropical paw-paw, Granodillo, Barbadoes goose- berry, pineapples. Major Rooks has been an enthusiastic horti- culturist for years, and by extensive experimenting in selection and cultivation has obtained wonderful results in fruit, vegetable GARDEN SCENE AT MAJOR O. P. ROOKS " FRUITLAND." E-XHTHIT OF MAJOR ROOKS AT I MI-TROPICAL EXI'OSIT'N and flower culture. So diversified are his interests in this connec- tion, that he is now shipping his productions every month in the year, and has oranges for shipment until June. Major Rooks' oranges have a standard reputation, and always command a premium price in market — as for that matter do all his productions. He has during the past two seasons supplied the Executive Mansion at Washington, D. C, with the choicest oranges grown. Of the New Orleans Exposition premiums above mentioned, Major Rooks received twenty-two of the thirty-two awarded to Florida exhibitors. At the Sub-Tropical Exposition at Jacksonville and Semi-Tropical Exposition at Ocala in 1889 154 OCALA, FLORIDA. and 1S90, he was awarded first premium and three gold medals for exhibits, and at the latter Exposition "for best individual fruit display," and also the grand Wilder Medal of the American Pomo- logical Society. Fruitland Park to-day is a progressive and prosperous commu- nity of educated and refined people, with churches, schools, liter- ar}^ and debating societies, and all the advantages of town life. The beautiful lakes afford the best fishing, boating and bathing ; also will furnish an ample supply of water for irrigating purposes, and the woods, teeming with game, are a never-failing source of pleasure for the sportsman. Fruitland Park is destined to become one of Florida's most lovely Winter resorts. Although only partially developed now, it has all the attractions and natural advantages that can be found in the interior of the State. Tourists seeking health, pleasure and rest, in pure, cool, bracing air, and the most delightful tempera- ture in America, amid scenes of semi-tropical grove and garden, should not fail to visit Fruitland Park. Those seeking a Winter residence or permanent home, will do well to take a look at Fruit- land Park. Invalids suffering from catarrh, hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, pulmonary diseases in their first stages, will find the dry atmosphere of these high, rolling pine lands at Fruitland Park a specific and cure, as many already here testify. wmwmmm L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCALA, FLORIDA. NOTICE. To the non-resident tax-payers of Silver Spring Park and Marion County, for whom I acted as agent last year in the payment of their taxes, I beg to state that my time is now entirely occupied with other matters, so that I will Ix- unable to look after the tax business this year. If you desire to pay your taxes through an agent here, I would respectfully refer you to Messrs. L. J. Haisley & Co., of this city, who, I feel sure, will serve you in an acceptable manner, as they have pre- pared to give this branch of their business prompt and careful attention. Very respectfully, A. McINTYRE. Referring to the above notice of Mr. A. Mclntyre, we take this opportunity of offering you our services in looking after your taxes in this (Marion) county. We are prepared to attend to the payment of taxes and assessments for non-resident property owners, to see that the property is properly listed and assessed, and to act generally in the interest of owners. We have been engaged as agents for the investment of capital and the transfer of real estate, including the payment of taxes and all matters incidental thereto, for the past seven years. Our correspondence extends throughout the United States, Canada and England. In order to enable us most effectually to serve our patrons and protect their interests, it is necessary that we should have full and correct description of prop- ertv, with Number, Section, Township and Range; if town property, with num- ber of Lot and Block. This can be ascertained by reference to the last tax receipts. If favored with your instructions, we will at once examine the tax books and notify you as to the amount due on your property for the year 1890. You may rest assured that, on the receipt of the money, we will give our immediate and careful attention to your business and avoid all unnecessary delay. Very respectfully, L. J. HAISLEY & CO., Ocala, Fla. T^HAT printer's ink fer- tilizes business as phosphate fertilizes soil. But it must be applied with discretion. Printing ought to be neat, tasteful and artistic, for people will judge your business by your printing, just as they guage a man by the ap pearance of his face. THE REPUBLIC PRESS, 536-538 PEARL STREET, NEW YORK. printed this book. What do you think of it? Isn't it creditable to us'? Isn't it a big advertisement for the interests described therein"? We are Art Printers, and make new and original designs for all sorts of publica- tions : we study ancient and modern publications for finest effects of types, inks, papers and bindings; and execute letter-press work in the height of art. Of course you have to have printing done ; for if you don't blow your own horn, nobody will blow it for you. Then when you need the aid of the "Art Preserv- ative," send to us. THE Norwich Line, ^^ FAVORITE INSIDE ROUTE'' BOSTON AND ALL: POINTS NORTH AND EAST. DIRECT ROUTE TO NEW LONDON, NORWICH AND WORCESTER. STEAMERS, including: Palatial "CITY OF WORCESTER" (" Queen of the Sound Fleet,") Leave PIER 40 io^I nuviber^, N. R., next pier above Desbrosses Street Ferry, DAIL V, except Siuilays, at 5.30 P-M. d' %ym&^i^aii2^ ^^ iM- Mam Scfiedui& SimemU i^, C. H. COLBY, pi70tO(^rapf7er, PAS'J'EL, CRAYOX, ALL MODERN POR'LRAIirk'l: 1)i;ai,f,k en PHOTOGRAPHERS' SUPPLIES. {Photos used ill this work by " COLBY.") SMOKE ^^CO ^^^-r T- *^ J- CIGARS CHAS. PEYSER. Sole Manufacturer and Proprietor of the El Troi^ico CiCtAR K^cxory, r CjiMtltljtul ^t,?x'ttc»»t of ^lovt^it. See Bulletin List for Special Bargains. Always mention " List No. — " In remitting send New York Exchange, or Post Office Money Order, adding $1.25 for the Recording of the Deed, to order of L. J. HAISLEY & CO., OCALA, FLORIDA. B. 3. j^atefe^ ^ €0/6 ^pectaf Offer. For a limited time onlv we will sell at the below unprecedcntedly Low Prices, the lots descrilied in the following diagram, situated in West End, Ocala. Directly opposite the beautiful grounds of the Semi-Tropical Exposition. Ten Minutes' Walk from the center of the City. Street car line passes these Lots on Broadway. Your choice of lots fronting on Broadway, for $15(1; of those fronting on Warren avenue $100, and those fronting Arlington avenue, Florida avenue or tlie Boulevard, $50. " First come, first served." Delays often lose great bargains. Purchase at once and thereby secure the first chance at these Unexcelled Bargains. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 541 277 8