THE SUMTER COUNTY TIMES EXCERPTS OF HISTORICAL NOTE FROM PAST ISSUES Transcribed by Barb Ziegenmeyer JANUARY 20, 1899 Mr. A.C. Parish was in town Monday shaking hands with friends. JANUARY 27, 1899 Mr. Perry Phelps of Mabel was in town last week shaking hands with friends. APRIL 21, 1899 Miss Fannie Cassady and Mr. E. 0. Cassady visited Leesburg one day last week. Mr. Tom Beville, of Center Hill, was transacting business at the county seat Tuesday. Mr. L. B. McDavid shipped the second car of watermelons from this place yesterday Misses Corn Knight and Essie Helviston visited Coleman Wednesday. Mr.. and Mrs. L. B. David spent today in Bushnell. Mr. D. G. Hull left Sunday night for Tallahassee on business. Mr. F. L. Rutland our genial tax collector spent a few days at home this week. Mr. R. H. Smith a solid Dernocrat of Oxford was visiting with friends in Sumterville Sunday. Mr. D. C. Hull shipped seven crates of squash this week, his being the first shipment from this place. Architect Dewiet and contractor Ben Smith have completed the much needed repairs on the Court House. Alfred Hall shipped a number of crates of beans Tuesday, for which he will doubtless realize good prices. Jolly Jake Marsh was in town Wednesday. MAY 26, 1899   After more than two years of lingering illness, Mrs. Mary Lorena Hinson died at the home of her only child, Mrs. Minnie Hull, at Bushnell Fla., Friday. The deceased was a consistent member of The Baptist Church, and it could be said of her: None knew her but to love her, none named her but to praise . Her husband, the well known Frank J. Hinson died in 1897. TO THE PUBLIC My sincere appreciation is extended to the kind friends who rendered their assistance and sympathy in the last sickness of my husband. These acts of aid and condolence in my great loss and bereavement will always be remembered, and be like bread cast upon the waters that shall not turn void. Mrs. Jas. Field Sumterville, Fla. June 1, 1899. OCTOBER 21, 1904 Qualified electors in Sumter County - Precinct No. 12: Akins, N.W. Branch, B.B. Black, Edward Carter, E.W. Carter, I.H. Collins, A. Dias, H.D. Ellis, W.D. Gribble, W.L. Gideons, E.W. Lee, J.N. Merritt, G.M. Merritt, I.0. Parish, G.P. Phelps, J.P. Revels, W.H. Tillis, W.W. Tomkins, Robert F. Tomkins, C.L. Wade, Andrew E. Wall,W.T. Wade,W.Z. Whitchoad, T. Bryant, G. A. Crawford, M. Carter, E.T. Carter, S.A. English, J.W. Eaddy, C.L. Gideons, G.W Goins, W.J. Lee. L. Merritt, R.D. Pridgen, W.W. Phelps, E.B. Parish, H.C. Slone, J.B.Tomkins, Geo. Tillis, J.D. Tillis, A.P. Wade, J.S. Wade, G.W.   S.M. Graham Supervisor of Registration Sumterville, Florida JUNE 22, 1906 PICNIC AT LINDEN Linden Cemelery Picnic June the 28th 1906. Everybody is invited to come and bring a well filled basket and their pocket books. Let s have a nice time.   JULY 6, 1906 LINDEN COUNTY CORRESPONDENCE 0.L. Eaddy and family are off to South Carolina for a vacation. Mr. Eaddy has been working hard arid says he is satisfied to rest two whole months. The Linden picnic for the benefit of the cemetery was a fine success. Splendid order, abundance to eat, and no runaway couples. Collected $67.90. Net proceeds: $33.86. Rev. H. S. Tabor gave us a sermon in June on the Use of the tongue, and one yesterday on Persecutinn. - warnings to those who persecute, and consolation to the persecuted - when for righteousness sake. CENTER HILL Misses Etta and Nancy Bevill have returned from Jacksonville. Mr. Erquhart and family left Monday for Alabama, to be gone about fifteen days. Mr. Goddard, Dan Smith s partner, expects to be here by the 15th to begin business. Rev. W. T. Tabor filled his appointment on Sunday night. His sermon was very interesting and instructive. JUNE 25, 1909 LINDEN PICNIC REPORT Linden, Fla., June 21, 1909 We think everybody enjoyed themselves on the 18th. Plenty to eat. Thanking you all for good order. Was sorry Mr. A. T. Coleman could not be with us, but Mr. John Stafford was with us to keep order. Glad to say he did not get a job on the 18th. Gross Sales for ice-cream, soda water and lemonade $117.25 Public collection 23.00 Total    $140.30 Total cost including last working of cemetery  $78.28 Total cash up to date $72.93 Cemetery Committee for the year G. F. Tompkins W. Z. Wade R. D. Merritt ADVERTISEMENT: BUGGIES AND WAGONS Sole agents for Blount Carriage and Buggy Co., manufacturers of high and medium grade buggies, surries, sprig wagons and road carts, also the celebrated White Hickory Wagons, all sizes and styles. Ask the users about them. Samples kept in stock. F. D. SMITH & CO., Center Hill, Fla. AUGUST 4, 1911 LINDEN AND BELLVIEW Happenings Around these Communities in Short Paragraphs LINDEN: Our school opened on 7th Aug. We welcome Mr. M. J. Rogers who is building near town. We are looking for emigrants this week, from the west, and they will find a welcome among us, for we are assured that those who settle here will make good as citizens. The cypress ponds south of us are being cut for ties, and many teams are hauling to the road now. Probably the best timber in Florida is in our county, bordering the Little Withlachoochee. Only a little has yet been sawed. Before long Linden should have a big mill, seems to us, this fine timber is in easy reach. The showers so far have not filled our ponds and we are making big preparation for raising tomatoes in the fish ponds next winter. My, we know how to do it now! Mr. Eaddy plants 25 acres he is plowing up, and Mr. Rogers 10 acres and W. Z. Wade 10 acres, and G. W Giddeons 10 acres, P.M.  but I must stop, for if the court house don t come to Webster it will be somebody s contrariness I expect, and I don t know who else will get some more of that good land. ITEMS OF GENERAL INTEREST Mr. I. H. Hays, our popular agent for the Seaboard here, received his new Buick 21 on last Saturday morning. Mr. Henry Eaddy is among those who last week bought an Automobile, Buick 27. Mr. Eaddy made a trip in his new car Saturday afternoon to Ocala, Fla., and says his car made the trip there and return without a single mishap. Mr. J. H. Wallace. representing the New York Life, who has been here for a couple weeks or so left Saturday for his Live Oak home, after having done a very satisfactory business. LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Linden, Fla. July 30th 1911 Editor Times: I trust our County commissioners will feel no delicacy in revoking the licenses of all the disgraced boys or young men, who wore pistols on their persons to the tabernacle near Webster last Sunday. I saw one poor fellow standing in twenty feet of the preacher during the most serious and touching exercises, and in open view of all the congregation under the open shed, draw his pistol and threaten to shoot somebody. The lady I was with naturally became tired of the display of pistols and profanity, and asked to let s go home. The preacher and some of the choir left the stand to quiet the roughs, and found a stubborn set. I can got up the names of those wearing pistols on the outside I think, and I am sure our County Commissioners will take away the licenses of any body not an officer going to a meeting with such an advertisement of their lack of decency. I am sure that many of our better class of citizens are not doing their duty in suppressing out breaks of lawlessness. Let s get vigilant and do our part, I am not clear of blame for I was elected Justice of Peace and I am not serving. I had rather preach, but if no one else will do it, I reckon a man can preach today and sit as judge tomorrow about these pistols. When an ignoramus gets one buckled on and strides around, he of course is looking for a place to use it, else why carry it? A chap without good principle as no business with a license to carry one. This is not the Wild West. C. L. Eaddy SEPTEMBER 8, 1911 LINDEN DOINGS Concluded, we do not want the court house any where near. Let it go on to Wildwood or any where that can get it. When we get any money it comes by hard persistent planting, working, gathering, shipping, and the time spent talking and voting, however necessary, gives but poor apparent results. People may move in and get some of our poor land if they wish, but that, too, is but little benefit to those already here. So we are tempted to be selfish enough to stick close to our own little farms, spring and summer, winter arid all, and let the real estate folks do the booming. Three or four years ago if one of our boys married one of our girls and wanted a place to live or a piece of land it was cheap enough; now, hardly a place for sale, or a piece of land, and we think higher prices hurt as many as they help. One acre of many a 40 produce enough one year to buy tie whole 40 acres, so the land buyer is most wise one in a trade around Linden. But will sell some, to get some good folks to move in. We already have a few loafers, during the hot weather anyhow, quite a few tipsters and some drunkards, some chronic fault finders, (hope your scribe is not chief of them) and some very indifferent people to any real high ideals of life. May all of us get a move on, and we need some neighbors, for all of our mutual benefits. Linden is moving: E. W. Carter got back near the depot in a newly painted and renovated building purchased from Mr. Winslow; Mr. Rhyne bought a piece of land near; Mrs. Sallie Merritt clearing more land; more wells in town; Mr. M. Rogers in his new house; Mr. Osteen gone to Ozona, but Mr. Tyn now in the section house; some gone to Arch Creek, but plenty left yet; two good stores; Mrs. Laura Merritt our accommodating P. M.; two cool drink stands; and best of all preaching every Sunday night and two Sunday schools and two monthly preaching appointments by M. and B. and it is healthy too. FEBRUARY 23,1912 MABEL ITEMS We are having quite a lot of rain this season, which has caused the farmers to get behind with their work. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jones of St. Petersburg, visited relatives here Saturday and Sunday. Mrs. Lottie Brown went to Linden on business Friday Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Carter of Linden visited with Mrs. G. W. Page Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. John Winslow of Okahumpka are visiting Mrs. S. T. Vaughan. Mr. J. A. Strickland made a business trip to Linden Friday. Mr. J. S. Dixon visited his daughter Mrs. Vaughan Sunday. Mrs. W. W. Woody and children are visiting relatives in Taylorville this week. Mr. Leon Woody who is attending school in Mascotte visited his parents Saturday returning Sunday. Mr. Enoch Page of Linden visited his brother Mr. G. W. Page one day last week. Mr. Henry Carter of Linden passed through town Monday morning. FEBRUARY 23, 1912 NEW COURT HOUSE UPDATE Hons. Thomas Beville, J. W. Caruthers and J. W. Tidwell, members of the Board of County Commissioners, accompanied by Mr. W. R. Biggers, architect, left Monday for Montgomery Ala., where they will select brick and other material for the Sumter County court house. Note: County seat for Sumter County was once in Leesburg. In 1881, the county seat was moved to Sumterville and was housed in an impressive wooden structure. That burned in 1909, and after much dickering and a vote taken in 1911, the county seat was moved to Bushnell. Bids were quickly let to build new brick structure in Bushnell. The new court house cost $49,759.00 to complete and is still in use today. MABEL ITEMS W. E. Fulford who has been sick with fever, is now better. Messrs. Otis Strickland and Archie Slone made a flying trip to Mascotte Saturday afternoon. Mrs. J. P. Phelps and daughter, Mrs. G. W. page visited friends in Webster Friday. Mrs. Stewart of Groveland is spending a few days with her daughter, Mrs. W. M. Woods. Messrs. L. T. Vaughan and Chas. Strickland went to Center Hill Saturday on business. Mrs. J. P. Phelps and daughter, Alberta, visited her mother Mrs. Carter Saturday on Carter s Island. June 27, 1913 LINDEN PICNIC The Linden Cemetery Picnic was sure fine, other say that there was over a thousand people on the picnic grounds, every body we think enjoyed the day, plenty of dinner on the table a barrel of bread was furnished by the cemetery money, while there were three other tables spread on the ground one on the inside, there was plenty of lumber to have made the table longer, cigars, parched peanuts, ice cream , soda water and lemonade was sold for the benefit of the cemetery. Gross sales was  $197.32, pubic collection $27.65, total $224.97, net proceeds $ 103.46. Two ball games one before noon, TriIby and Linden, scores 8 to 12 in favor of Linden. One in the afternoon Trilby and Webster score 7 to 2 in favor of Trilby. - Correspondent. OTHER NEWS OF NOTE Mr. J. S. Collins purchased a Buick touring car last week. Revival services are being conducted at the at the Methodist church by Rev. S. F. Stephens. Messrs. Emmet and Will They have purchased the drug store of Mr. R. E. L. Pryor. Messrs. Leigh Caruthers and John Hill, withMisses Lamar Robinson and Mabel Varn motored up to Ocala Sunday afternoon. DEATH    OF ROBT. F. TOMPKINS ON OCT. 7, 1914 One of Sumter County s noblest men passed away Bros. Tompkins was 44 years old, was marrird to Miss. Fannie Parish twentv three years ago, and twenty three years ago he he joined the Baptist church, and was baptized by Rev. A. C. Parish. Two years ago was ordained as deacon in Linden Baptist Church. He was faithful in all the duties of a Christian man. His body was laid to rest in the Linden cemetery, the 8th with a host of friends and loved ones to mourn his departure. His loving pastor conducted the funeral services using: (Rev. 14-13.) After which the body was turned over to the W. 0. W. and all marched to the cemetery. October 30, 1914 Capt. A.P. Tillis of Tarrytown attended court this week. Mr. J.P. Phelps of Mable, one of the best citizens in the county, was here Monday. SEPTEMBER 20, 1920 Sumter County Census Report: Precinct 10, Linden 19l0 - 335  and 1920 - 432 Friday, September 12, 1924 LINDEN Rev. W. S. Wade filled his regular appointment at the Baptist church here Saturday night and Sunday. Mrs. Wade accompanying him. Messrs. S. A. and E. H. Carter of Tampa, visited friends and relatives here Saturday and Sunday. Mrs. J. N. Lee left Sunday for Waycross, Ga., where she will visit her daughter Mr. James Henson. Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Carter of Mascotte, visited Mrs. Carter s parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. S. Wade here Sunday. They were accompanied home by Miss. Pearl Wade who visited them a few days. Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Jones and Mrs. Clarence Brock of Tampa, are visiting relatives and friends here this week. Mrs. M. J. Tompkins returned home this week after a pleasant visit with her son, Mr. G. H. Tompkins of Wiidwood. Miss. Myrtle Wall left last week for the Gants school where she will teach this term. Mr. F. W. Akins was a business visitor to Dade city Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Roberts of Bushnell were week-end guests of Mrs. Roberts parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Revels. Mrs. Roberts is one of the efficient teachers in the Bushnell school. Mrs. J. W. Merritt returned home this week from Tampa, where she visited her brother Mr. P. A. Tompkins who is in the hospital there. Misses Pearl Wade and Amelia Wall will leave Friday for their respective schools. Miss Wade will teach in the Philip Shore school in Tampa. We are very sorry to lose these young ladies and wish them the best of success in their new field of labor. June 4, 1926 Mr. D. F. Gant of Webster, paid the Times a pleasant call while attending to business in town Thursday morning. Mr. E.D. ,Fussell of St. Catherine, paid the Times a pleasant visit while attending to business here Tuesday morning. Mr. W. F. Hays, one of Webster s good farmers was transacting business at the county seat Thursday. He favored the Times office with a visit and moved up his subscription several years. NOTICE: CUCUMBER GROWERS - ATTENTION For a limited time we will sell cypress cucumber boards at our mill in Coleman for $20.00 per thousand feet. Coleman Hardwood Company JUNE 21, 1929 NOTICE OF SALE OF IMPOUNDED HOGS Notice is hereby given that I have impounded in the City Pound of Bushnell 4 head of hogs - 3 head of black and red spotted, I sand colored - all marked swallow-fork, upper bit in one ear and split under bit in other. If not redeemed on or before June 23, at 2 o clock p.m., I will offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash. M. R. Cam Chief of Police City of Bushnell E.C. ROWELL S BIG SUMMER SALE Webster, Fla. Open Friday, June 21st Peter Pan Suiting          $.19 Silk Rayon                   $.49 English Broadcloth       $.39 Georgette Silk Dresses $4.98 Dimity Bloomers       $.39 Good Broom            $.39 Work Shoes           $1.98 DECEMBER 11, 1931 LINDEN ITEMS: Marguerite Goddard spent last week end with her teacher, Mrs. Kight, in Center Hill. The boys and girls of the 7th and 8th grades have organized a basketball team. Mrs. D. W. Williford and Mrs. A. A. Kight are coaching the children for a community Xmas tree program to be given in the Methodist church. Mrs. W. O. Slone and family and Mr. J. B. Slone and family were guests of Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Merritt here last Sunday. We are glad to have Fornia Spooner back in school this week after being absent the latter part of 1st week on account of getting his eye glasses broken. The 8th grade will give a social on the night of December 12 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Goddard. Each guest will be expected to pay a penny for each year they are old. Benefit of the basketball fund.   Back to Sumter County Home Page Back to Florida Home Page Back to Genealogy Trails Genealogy Trails ©2008