Volusia County FL

Slave Narrative of “Prophet” John Henry Kemp

Prophet John Henry Kemp, an 80-year-old ex-slave from Daytona Beach, Florida, reflects on his traumatic past on John Gay’s plantation in Mississippi, renowned for its cruelty. Kemp recounts the harsh treatment slaves endured, including brutal whippings and degradation. Born from a forced union between his mother and Gay, he describes the meager provisions allotted to families and the atmosphere of fear and oppression. Despite these experiences, Kemp emphasizes his beliefs in faith and his prophetic abilities to foresee the future, often using charms and insights.

Fresh Water Indians

The Fresh Water Tribe, or Agna Dulce, comprised inhabitants of several towns in eastern Florida, including Anacape, Antonico, and Maiaca. Their history aligns closely with that of other Timucua groups, marked by Ponce de León’s arrival in 1513 and Spanish missions in the 17th century. Following early conversions to Christianity, the population dramatically decreased, with 300 individuals being Christianized by 1602. The remaining communities faced significant decline, with the last Timucua names surviving in place names like Tomoka Creek.

Utina Indians

The Utina, a prominent division of the Timucua Indians, inhabited the area between the Suwannee and St. Johns Rivers. Their name, potentially derived from “uti” meaning earth, signifies power, likely referencing their chief. The Utina territory included numerous towns such as Aguacaleyquen and Ayaocute, and they played significant roles during interactions with French and Spanish settlers in the 16th century. Their population, estimated at around 1,500 in 1602, faced decline due to epidemics and conflicts, ultimately leading to their historical disappearance.

Acuera Indians

The Acuera tribe, part of the Timucuan linguistic division, was located near the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River. Initially noted by De Soto, they served as an allied group to the Utina. Despite their inland position limiting documentation, encounters with Spanish forces occurred in 1604, and Acuera missions were established in 1655. Over time, the population declined due to disease and conflicts, ultimately leading to their disappearance by the late 18th century, though some may have merged with other tribes.

Biographical Sketch of La Zell Tanney

La Zell Tanney, born on October 8, 1862, in West View, Ohio, pursued his education at Baldwin University and Oberlin College before graduating in law from Valparaiso University. He began his legal practice in Cleveland in 1888 and partnered with A. W. Barber in 1906. Tanney was married twice, first to Cora Tricker, with whom he had a son, Leigh, and later to Violetta Giddings, with whom he had a daughter, Florence, who sadly died young. He was also a member of the I.O.O.F. and K. of P. and enjoyed baseball.

Timucua Tribe

The Timucua Tribe, prominent among the tribes of Florida, was first documented by Spanish and French explorers around 1565, inhabiting regions near the St. John River and St. Augustine. Led by a chief known as Utina, the tribe comprised several subchiefs and towns. They experienced significant changes through Christianization by Spanish Franciscans by the late 16th century. The tribe diminished following the destruction of their missions around 1705, with remnants eventually settling at Pueblo de Atiniucas near Mosquito Lagoon, surviving into the early 19th century.

History of Florida Indians

The history of Florida’s Indigenous tribes includes significant interactions with the Creek Confederacy, especially notable with the Timucua and other tribes, who retained distinct identities despite geographical proximity. The Timucua, known through early French exploration, were organized into various provinces under powerful chiefs. Spanish missionaries later chronicled their societies, conversions, and conflicts, notably with the Potano and other groups. As Spanish control expanded, the resilience of these tribes faced increasing challenges, including epidemics and invasions, culminating in their decline and integration into other tribal identities, notably with the Seminole.

Yuchi Indians

The Yuchi Indians, a distinct linguistic group, were historically located in eastern Tennessee and parts of the Southeast, including Florida and Georgia. Known by various names, including Tsoyaha (People of the Sun) and Chisca, they comprised several bands and occupied various villages. Their early interactions included conflicts with European settlers, notably during the De Soto expedition. Over time, many Yuchi joined the Creek Confederacy, moving westward. Despite changes in population and location, they have maintained a unique cultural identity, particularly noted for their language.

Volusia County Florida Cemetery Records

This page lists known online cemetery transcriptions, burial records, and gravestone images for Volusia County, Florida. Resources vary by cemetery and may include full surveys, partial records, mapping, or photographs. Links lead to external sites providing the available data.