Highlands - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Avon Park Pioneer Homecoming Picnic 2009

BeverlyGHarris — 2009-07-07 23:35:22Z

FYI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by Historical Society of Avon Park

Contact: Larry Levey 385-8618

Sharpen up your appetite and your memories:

Time for third annual Avon Park Pioneer Homecoming Picnic

AVON PARK -- Nancy Weber, a picnic committee member for the Historical Society of Avon Park, hit the nail on the head as she talked about the Third Annual Avon Park Pioneer Homecoming Picnic, set for noon, Aug. 22, at the Avon Park Community Center.

“It’s going to be fun, with plenty of time to visit and plenty of time to eat,” she said.

And sandwiched in between all that visiting and eating will be the recognition of the Avon Park Pioneer Man and Woman of the Year. The two will join Bill Hood and Vera Kirkland, named in 2007, and Duane Kopta and Nancy Nunnallee, the 2008 Pioneers of the Year.

This will again be a covered dish affair, with the society providing iced tea, coffee and tableware, said Jean Jordan, picnic committee chairperson. And assistance will be on hand to help carry the dishes from the parking lot into the community center.

“We are taking table reservations for groups of eight. Any high school class or groups of friends or families can reserve one or more tables for $20 a table.” To reserve tables, send a check, made out to the Historical Society of Avon Park, to Jordan at 600 N. Lake Blvd., Avon Park, FL 33825. Deadline for reservations is Aug. 17.

The picnic is open to the community; and except for the table reservations, admission is free. Donations are accepted and items from the museum gift shop will be on sale. The picnic is also supported by grants from the Southside and Main St. CRA Advisory Boards.

For more information, call Jordan at 453-6957.

Marjorie A BATCHELOR Kirkland, died 3 Nov 1999

BeverlyGHarris — 2009-05-31 23:53:28Z

fyi...

try contacting:

Highlands County Genealogical Society
http://www.flgenhistonline.com/counties/highlands/hcgs.htm
c/o Lake Placid Library
47 Park Dr.
Lake Placid, FL 33852
Mike Flood mikeflood@tnni.net

good luck!

Obit search request: Marjorie A Batchelor Kirkland

hs_carey — 2009-05-30 15:16:21Z

Records indicated that Marjorie died in Lake Placid on 3 Nov. 1999. I am seeking her obit, that of my collateral ancestor. Help or related info will be appreciated... Thanks! My address is hscgenealogy@aol.com .

Re: Al Fantana

paigefrank77 — 2009-05-02 22:58:29Z

You might try contacting Donnie D Crouch.He took care of their estate.
Good Hunting,
Frank

Alden FANTANA, died 9 Apr 2009

BeverlyGHarris — 2009-05-02 18:33:52Z

fyi...

try contacting:

http://www.newssun.com/
The News Sun.
2227 US 27 - Sebring, FL - 33870
863-385-6155

...I had no luck finding obit online...you can order copy of death certificate from Florida vitals for $5...should show funeral home, cemetery, etc...

good luck!

Al Fantana

DFantana — 2009-04-27 15:47:00Z

WE are looking for an obituary for Alden Fantana. dob Sept 29,1921, Mich his dod April 9,2009 Sebring,Fl. He was married to Velma Bellah. She died Dec 15,1996.

John W ROGERS / died 13 Oct 1999

BeverlyGHarris — 2009-03-29 16:16:39Z

try contacting:

Highlands County Genealogical Society (HCGS)
http://www.flgenhistonline.com/counties/highlands/hcgs.htm

Lake Placid Memorial Library,47 Park Drive, Lake Placid, 33852
[863-699-3705]

good luck!

Social Security Death Index
Name: John W. Rogers
SSN: 266-22-3652
Last Residence: 33852 Lake Placid, Highlands, Florida, United States of America
Born: 12 Apr 1926
Died: 13 Oct 1999
State (Year) SSN issued: Florida (Before 1951)

Obituary search request - John W Rogers

maria19437 — 2009-03-28 21:21:43Z

I am looking for the obituary of John W Rogers who died in Lake Place on 13 Oct 1999. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A.J. Rogers, West Linn, Oregon

Re: whitmore family

stub1 — 2009-03-15 01:14:22Z

Thank you. I have found the family of David A. Whitmore. He was a pilot in WW2 serving in England for the USA air force as a captain. He died in a plane crash in the west of the USA in 1954 while testing new radar. If you are related to David Whitmore or the Parkinson family I would like to hear from you. Stewart

I can take pics in summer 09

samanthaeastman — 2009-03-06 01:38:11Z

Anyone wishing pics taken (of gravestones, houses, etc.)in Highlands County please let me know what you are looking for. I'll only be there a short while so the more specific the better. I will do all I can to furnish requests.
samanthaeastman@telus.net

Re: Voroqua Kersey Johns - Any Info

twiggers96 — 2008-08-05 14:19:59Z

Wow. Thank you. No, I had not seen nor thought of looking for that. I belong to Ancestry but for whatever reason, I sometimes get stuck "thinking in the box". Thank you!!
Ironically, my married name is "Welch" (like yours).

Many thanks!

Re: Voroqua Kersey Johns - Any Info

attocat — 2008-08-04 23:59:41Z

Do you have this?

Florida Death Index, 1877-1998

Name: Viroqua Johns
Death Date: 1948
County of Death: Pasco
State of Death: Florida
Race: White
Gender: Female

Try this for a $5 copy of the certificate:

http://vitalrec.com/fl.html#State

Then look for an obituary. Try Chris Welch (welchmail@msn.com).

Good luck!

Obit Lookup - DeCourcey - Mar 1975

matthewhout_1 — 2008-08-02 22:05:59Z

I'm hoping someone will be willing to locate an obit for a Margaret DeCourcey who passed away in Mar of 1975, she is burried in Avon Park.

Thank you very much,

Matthew T. Hout
Cleveland, Ohio

Obit Lookup - DeCourcey - 1968

matthewhout_1 — 2008-08-02 22:03:59Z

I'm hoping someone will be able to locate an obit for a William H. DeCourcey who passed away in 1968. He is burried in Avon Park, just want to see if he is any relations to my DeCourcey.

Re: OBITUARY REQUEST – PANOLIA LOVE TAYLOR

BeverlyGHarris — 2008-07-15 21:57:03Z

fyi...

Taylor, Panolia L.; 96; 1981
Tampa Tribune (microfilm)
Date: 1981 6 04
Title: Taylor, Panolia L.; 96; 1981
Subjects: Deaths
Page: Funeral Not.-p.D7

http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/liblocales/jfg/
John F. Germany Public Library
900 North Ashley Drive
Tampa, Florida 33602-3788
813.273.3652

good luck!

OBITUARY REQUEST – PANOLIA LOVE TAYLOR

SteveStone94 — 2008-07-14 20:27:55Z

Panolia Love Taylor was born on 10 Feb. 1886, in Covington Co. AL. He died on 1 June 1981, in FL, and is buried in Avon Park Cemetery, Highlands Co. FL.

I would be very grateful if anyone could provide me with a scanned copy or transcript of his obituary.

I am a Taylor Family genealogist, and Panolia Taylor was a kinsman. I am in hopes that his obituary will allow me to identify his children.

Many thanks,
Steve Stone
Pascagoula MS
A Ward Taylor Descendant

Please forward any response to:
Steve.Stone@supshipgc.navy.mil

Voroqua Kersey Johns - Any Info

twiggers96 — 2008-07-07 19:39:47Z

Looking for any info on Voroqua (Kersey) Johns.
(except for census info, thanks but have that!)

I know for fact she was married on 6/11/1890 to George W. Johns.
She was born around June 10, 1872.
Died around Apr 22, 1948.
In Florida - I believe Highlands Co.

She is my kin.
I have seen all of these spellings for her name.
"Voroqua", "Veroqua", "Vira", "Viraqua" and "V.E. Johns"

If you have info please email me. Would love to hear from kin. Twiggers96@yahoo.com

George W. Johns - Obit Lookup

twiggers96 — 2008-07-07 19:37:22Z

Looking for obit for George W. Johns.
Believe he died in 1937.
Born in Florida around 1862/1872.
I know for fact he was married on 6/11/1890 to "Voroqua Kersey".

I last found him in the Highlands CO, Avon Park area in the 1930 census.

Also looking for info on his wife. She is my kin.
I have seen all of these spellings for her name.
"Voroqua", "Veroqua", "Vira", "Viraqua" and "V.E. Johns"

If you have info please email me. Would love to hear from kin. Twiggers96@yahoo.com

Re: Orrie Lee RIVERS Revels

susan2rome — 2007-06-03 22:33:48Z

My e mail is Susan2rome@aol.com. Thanks, Susan Rogers

Re: Orrie Lee RIVERS Revels

susan2rome — 2007-06-03 22:32:10Z

"RIVERS" was Orrie's maiden name. She was Orrie Lee Rivers. We do not know whether she married Mr. North or not. This is sort of a family mystery that was not talked about. She did marry Neil Revels who was from North Carolina. At some point, she left Florida and moved to NC. Her Social Security number was done in 1941 in NC. She and Mr. North had two daughters: Annie Ruth and Mildred. Annie Ruth was born February 6, 1926 in Highlands County. According to Vital Statistics , they do not give out birth certificates for living people - so I did not try that route. Maybe if I sent it in in my husband's name - it would process. Did you find Orrie Lee Rivers in an old census. Parents were Jeff and Julie Rivers. Orrie was only 16 when Annie Ruth was born. "Harley" may have been a nickname. I have not asked my mother-in-law about this - as we feared she was illegitimate. I found the name "Harley North" on her marriage certificate - that Harley was born in Florida and deceased in 1971 when my mother in law married a second time. I would appreciate any information that you have - and will try for a birth certificate. That would determine Harley's age. My mother-in law used the name "North" as a maiden name. we do not know whether there was a marriage between Orrie and Harley. We do know that Orrie and her daughers left Florida and went to NC. On another family matter, I saw the name "Revels" for a fruit packager - so there may have been a connection. Thanks for your help. Susan Rogers, Rome, Georgia

Harley North - Highland County Florida

susan2rome — 2007-06-02 21:37:20Z

My husband's grandfather was "Harley North" or Harlee or Harlan North. We know little about him. He was born in Florida. We are sure that he lived in Highland County around 1927. He had two daughters with Orrie Lee Rivers of this area. One girl was born February 6, 1927. We do not know if there was a marriage. Orrie was the daughter of Julie and Jeff Rivers. She was born April 10, 1910. If anyone know where Harley is buried or anything about the family - old census records etc. I would love to hear from you. Susan Rogers

Re: AVON PARK / OLD SETTLERS ASSOCIATION

marthagates — 2007-05-02 20:16:42Z

I'm not related to the Harris family...was doing research for a friend...contact the descendent at xnthelmad@msn.com

Martha

Re: John Reuben RAMER or son, Milton R. RAMER or daug., Jerre M. RAMER

JMerriam1951 — 2007-05-29 22:40:02Z

Per the obit notice in the News Sun 10/30/83 here in Sebring for John Reuben Ramer it shows, daughters Joyce Snapp, Sarah Jean and Susan Ellen Ramer. There were 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. It does not show where the daughters lived. However, there is a Joyce Snapp & J M Ramer listed in our local phone directory.
If I can help you with anything else let me know, I'll do what I can.

Re: Hoping for Obit Lookup - Tampa - Nov 2005 - Bernadine Ames

JMerriam1951 — 2007-06-05 22:43:12Z

Highlands Today 11/08/05,

Ames, Mrs, Bernandine E, 92, of Avon Park, Fla, died Monday morning, November 7,2005, at The Oaks at Avon. A native of Detroit, Mich., she came to this area in 1957 from Michigan. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. She had been involved serving Meals on Wheels until she was 90 and had been a Senior Citizen Volunteer. She is survived by friends, Brian and Faye Blewett and Richard Brayborn. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2005, at 6pm at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Father Leo Frenchette officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Lowell, Mich. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Humene Society of Highlands County. Arrangements entrusted to Fountain Funeral Home, Avon Park, Fl 863-453-3134.

Re: highlands county cemeteries

JMerriam1951 — 2007-12-19 23:12:40Z

Betty, Arrangemnets were made by Stephenson Nelson Funeral Home(863-453-3101) in Avon Park (Highlands County). Hazel was buried in New Hope Cemetery in Wauchula, Fl (Hardee County), which is our next door county. The date of death is correct.

If there is anything else I can help you with let me know.

Re: highlands county cemeteries

JMerriam1951 — 2007-12-19 12:15:26Z

I can check with the local Health Dept. They will also tell me who handled the arrangements. I will see what I can find.

Re: highlands county cemeteries

JMerriam1951 — 2007-12-20 23:26:17Z

The library in Lake Placid keeps copies of all Obit notices.
The next time I'm down that way I'll see if I can find it for you.

Highland Lakes Hotel/Avon Park--anyone with pics?

mistyhollow1 — 2008-01-06 18:34:18Z

I am looking for pictures of the old Highland Lakes Hotel in Avon Park, now the site of Walker Memorial Hospital. I found outside pictures on line, but especially wanted some of the interior. Does anyone know who built it and what brought on its closure?

Re: Highland Lakes Hotel/Avon Park--anyone with pics?

BeverlyGHarris — 2008-01-07 14:09:48Z

fyi...

this site has some info:

http://www.fhhd.org/Mission/History.htm

Walker Memorial Hospital, once located on the beautiful shores of Lake Lillian in Avon Park, first opened its doors on January 6, 1948. The first patients were housed in a Spanish-style building that was once the Highlands Lake Hotel, built during the "Roaring 20's".

..more info at site...

Historical Society of Avon Park may have pictures, etc...

http://www.hsaponline.org/default.htm

Mary Elizabeth (Beth) SULLIVAN

BeverlyGHarris — 2008-03-30 02:45:56Z

Sullivan, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) passed away March 22, 2008, at The Woodside Hospice House in Pinellas Park, FL. A 7th generation Floridian, born on May 16, 1947; she was raised in Avon Park. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Elizabeth Sullivan, her beloved grandmother Alice Oliver Sherman, and other relatives. She is survived by her brother, Leonard (Mariann) Sullivan of Inglis, FL; her nephews, Brian (Angela) Sullivan of Clearwater, FL and Gary (Pam) Sullivan of Trinity, FL; her uncle Dr. Charles D. Sherman Jr. of Rochester, NY; her cousin Winifred Whitehurst of Avon Park, FL; and many other close relatives and friends. She was also the beloved daughter-in-law of Stephen and Irene Beck of Clearwater, FL. She graduated from Avon Park High School in 1965 and earned a BA in Business Admin. and an MA in Education from USF. She also held many certifications. Beth started her career at Florida Power Corporation and worked her way up to be a certified corporate employee trainer. She held positions within Franklin Templeton and Raymond James as a consultant in employee training. She was an instructor at St. Petersburg College. Later she worked for The Transportation Security Administration training National Airport Security Personnel. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and therefore loved her. Visitation will be held April 19th from 12pm - 1pm at The Fountain Funeral Home (507 US 27 N.) followed by a graveside memorial service at Bougainvillea Cemetery in Avon Park, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760 or to The Humane Society, 3040
State Rd. 590, Clearwater, FL 33759.

Orrie Lee RIVERS Revels

BeverlyGHarris — 2007-06-03 22:05:49Z

Cannot find any info on "Harley NORTH"...

When/where did Orrie Lee marry "Revels"...

Orrie Lee did have half brothers with surnames of NORTH & WILLIAMS...

If you will send me more details on Orrie Lee's daughters / full names, date & location of birth - I will try to track them...

Do you have copies of their birth certificates? If not - you should order copies to see what info is given on their "father"...

I have found additional info tracking Orrie Lee...contact me direct & send me your email address and I will send to you...

Perry Alfred KING, died 26 Aug 1972 Highlands Co, FL

BeverlyGHarris — 2007-07-19 23:14:52Z

contact:

Sebring Historical Society-Museum
321 West Center Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 [863-471-2522]

they may have newspaper archived...

Florida Death Index
Name: Perry Alfred King
Death Date: 26 Aug 1972
County of Death: Highlands
State of Death: Florida
Age at Death: 78
Race: White
Birth Date: 25 May 1894

...you can order copy of death certificate from Florida vitals for $5...

good luck!

Re: John Reuben RAMER or son, Milton R. RAMER or daug., Jerre M. RAMER

BeverlyGHarris — 2007-05-24 22:43:50Z

...can order copy of death certificates for $5 from Florida vitals...should show funeral home, etc...

...copy of obits may yield info on family...

good luck!

Alexander Ewing HARRIS Sr.

BeverlyGHarris — 2007-05-01 22:38:34Z

sent additional info to you direct...

Chronicling America, enhancing access to America's historic newspapers

BeverlyGHarris — 2007-03-24 17:44:56Z

fyi...

thanks to: Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

http://www.loc.gov/chroniclingamerica/home.html

Welcome to Chronicling America, enhancing access to America's historic
newspapers. This site allows you to search and read newspaper pages from
1900-1910 and find information about American newspapers published between
1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National
Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress as part of the
National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP).

View newspaper pages from 1900 to 1910 from the following states:
California, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Utah, and
Virginia.

Ebenezer Jackson HARRIS / died1945 Highlands Co, FL

BeverlyGHarris — 2007-02-25 02:18:30Z

fyi...

Florida Death Index

Name: Ebenezer Jackson Harris
Death Date: 1945
County of Death: Highlands
State of Death: Florida
Race: White
Gender: Male

((can order copy of death certificate from florida vitals for $5...should
show parents, cemetery, funeral home, etc))

...have found additional info...will send to you direct...

Ebenezer HARRIS or Alexander HARRIS

BeverlyGHarris — 2007-02-24 20:55:59Z

...have not found those names in my HARRIS family - yet...

...I do volunteer look ups...

...email me direct & I will be glad to try to find some info on your friend's family...

Re: AVON PARK / OLD SETTLERS ASSOCIATION

songspiritUSA — 2007-05-01 22:09:35Z

http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=catherineburr357

I am a descendant of Alexander Ewing Harris Sr. & Jr. I am in contact with another cousin in this line, and another cousin in Ebenezer Jackson Harris' line (through James Armstrong Harris).

After AE Sr. died in the Mexican War, we have his widow, Violet, living with 75-year old Easter (born in PA) in Leon County in the 1850 census. Both Ebenezer and AE Sr. are reportedly born in SC, and their father in NC. (Of course, state & county lines were problematic at that time.)

Please let me know what information you have on the connection between the two men. We believe they may have been brothers, but don't have explicit proof. And I would be very pleased to put a name on my gggg-grandfather!

Highlands County Cemetery Information

MyCt42 — 2008-03-16 21:58:35Z

I have made an attempt to locate places on the internet where cemetery information is available. The Highlands County page is on MyCemeteries.com Florida page http://mycemeteries.com/USAFL.htm

Please do not be upset if a cemetery is misspelled or is otherwise inaccurate from your viewpoint. It was listed because it contained information that may be helpful to anyone looking for family in Florida.

I would appreciate assistance in making sure the listing is accurate and complete and especially if more information exists online that I am unaware of.

Please send me corrections and additions to T42@MyCemeteries.com or just reply here.
(Allen Wheatley)

Obituary Lookup Requested for PERRY A KING

joking140 — 2007-07-18 17:39:55Z

I would appreciate help with finding an obituary for a distant relative of mine.

Perry Alfred King died in Sebring, Florida in August, 1972.

Thank you for your help.

Joe King

Re: highlands county cemeteries

odessaprincess — 2007-12-18 03:35:02Z

Avon Park or Sebring could be the final place of rest for Hazel Marie Sanders Albritton. How can I find her? Was she remarried or was she cremated or what? She is not on the SSI index. Where would I find her obituary? Who keeps old newspaper records in their collections? I have tried LDS and no luck. I am batting but stricking out. Any help or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Betty

highlands county cemeteries

odessaprincess — 2007-12-15 15:58:15Z

Does anyone have access to Avon park cemeteries? I am looking for Hazel Marie Sanders Albritton 's grave July 11 1990 in Highlands County.

Re: highlands county cemeteries

odessaprincess — 2007-12-20 06:55:12Z

I can't say thank you enough I was so fustrated. I called today, the Higlands newspaper and they could not find the obituary in the paper. I still want to find it, but this helps so much. I think I got the message that "this phone is not in working order" when I called Stephenson-Nelson on the 863-453-3103 line. I called all the grave yards and funeral homes in Lakeland and surrounding areas. So I called but thought they were out of business. I called so many but I traced my tracks with my cell phone records. I had found a Hazel B Albritton from Leesburg but not my Hazel Marie Albritton.

Thank you so much!!! If you need anything from Tampa Bay let me know as I would like to return the favor to you.

Betty

The Floyd Family in Camden County Before Civil War

goparkit47 — 2007-10-26 17:33:14Z

If anyone would like information on the Floyd Family in Camden County, Georgia before the Civil War I am sure I can help you. I have handwritten books by Richard F. Floyd and Mary Ann Floyd (his wife) that begin in 1830 and end in 1890s at their last location in Green Cove Springs, FL. Richard also had a family record he kept that has birth, deaths and marriages dating back to the 1600s. I will be glad to address any questions asked.

Re: highlands county cemeteries

SuGenClayFL — 2007-12-19 03:24:07Z

Florida Death Certificate, $5.00. Will give you her place her burial.
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/planning_eval/vital_statistics/

Re: highlands county cemeteries

SuGenClayFL — 2007-12-20 03:53:10Z

http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/fl/hardee/cemetery/newh...

ALBRITTON, Edward D., b. Sep 25 1927 (no death date)
ALBRITTON, Edward D., b. Sep 25 1927 (no death date)
ALBRITTON, Hazel, b. 1923 d. 1990
ALBRITTON, James Grady, b. Jul 2 1908 d. Feb 13 1980
ALBRITTON, Jesse "Buddy", b. Mar 23 1952 d. May 17 2000
ALBRITTON, Juanita Bryan, b. Dec 29 1909 d. Mar 8 1987
ALBRITTON, Mary Jane, b. Feb 25 1930 (no death date)

Find a grave web-site:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&GScid=7...;

Re: John Reuben RAMER or son, Milton R. RAMER or daug., Jerre M. RAMER

SuGenClayFL — 2007-05-24 23:30:35Z

Try searching Highland County Public Records..
http://records.hcclerk.org/OncoreWeb/Search.aspx

Births

HighlandsCountyGenWeb — 2001-07-27 01:43:25Z

Hello:
Ok then call this number and when the extention number is given for vital records that is the one you want.
Then give your information to the lady and see if they have one on file.
(863)386-6040
If this fails then you will have to go through Jacksonville.
The laws are changing in Floirda about getting Birth records due to the high rate of fraud.
Good luck,
Gail

Birth

HighlandsCountyGenWeb — 2001-07-27 01:43:25Z

Hello Again:
Ok she is giving me a hard time again and saying that this can not be released until 2014 or some such date.
So you will have to try through Jacksonville. Good luck.
Gail

John Reuben RAMER or son, Milton R. RAMER or daug., Jerre M. RAMER

JohnHRamer — 2007-05-23 11:32:38Z

Seeking descendants of either John Reuben RAMER, b. 24 Oct 1903, MN; d. 25 Oct 1983, , Highlands Co., FL; or his son, Milton R. RAMER, b. 21 Jul 1925, FL; d. 29 Nov 1979, , Highlands Co., FL or his daughter, Jerre M. RAMER, b. Abt Mar 1930.

J. Reuben RAMER was a family researcher and am seeking access to more of his work on members of his line.