Bigelow Plantation House River Front. circa 1920 Floral Bluff (bobman1.jpg)
See link for 2006 information on Richard Family: /rod2006/richard6.htm
See link for 2006 information on Arlington Tour 2006
See link for 2005 information
on Bigelow cemetery and documents
pertaining to property, etc.
see cemetery link: http://jaxgen.home.comcast.net/bigelow.htmSee link for 2002 information on The Bigelow Plantation and Floral Bluff for 2003
Children of Robert and Elizabeth Ann (Mrs. Brown?) (Richard) Bigelow, all born at Jacksonville:
15336.431t Minerva, b 21 July 1833; d 07 Dec 1868; m 04 Sept 1861 George B. Turknett (1819-1868); 1 child.
15336.432t Robert John, b 14(18?) Jan 1835; d Ocoee, FL; m ca 1871 Stella Ward; 2 children.
15336.433t Eugene,
b 11 July 1837(38?); d 09 Feb 1893 Jacksonville, FL; m (1) Anna F.
Turknett, (2) Lillie F. Summerall; 5 children.
Robert's daughter, Eugenia Bigelow (1837-1898), taught at the
Egleston Heights public school in 1890. (this might be a twin of
Eugene, not previously known..ROD)
15336.434 Benjamin, b 10 Jan 1839; d__ Dec 1840 Jacksonville.
15336.435 Annette Rebecca Richard?, (Jeanette 1850 census), b ca 1841(one source 01 Nov 1846); m 02 Aug 1876 Martin Baker (William?) Cleveland; 2 daughters, Maude B.Cleveland, b 1886; Rosalie Cleveland, b 1889;
15336.436t Lucien Benjamin, b Sept 2, 1849(8?); d 05 Feb 1891; m 1877(?) Ella Spears; res. Joplin, MO; 2 children.
15336.437 Alexander Graham, b ca 1845 (one source 03 Feb 1850); m ca 1873 Mary Porter; res. Lake City and Jacksonville, FL; no children.
Sources:
Bigelow Family Genealogy Vol II , p 83;
Howe, Bigelow Family of America, p 323-324;
1850 census FL;
correspondence between descendants and Bigelow Society historian/genealogist;
In the History of Duval co, FL , by Pleasant Daniel Gold; page
115 (Religion)
"The parish organized by Reverend Alphonzo Henderson in 1834
had now grown to the point that the Protesant Episcopal Church of Jacksonville
was incorporated by the Legislative Council on Feb 23, 1839. The Act
provided "that William J. Mills, Samuel L. Buritt, and Robert Biglow,
Wardens, and .....""
Robert Bigelow obtained his land from Francis Richard and it was near
Strawberry Creek (Strawberry Hill?)
In the History of Duval co, FL , by Pleasant Daniel Gold;
page 89 (Spanish Grants)
"Francis Richard secured grant for 200 acres near Pottsburg
Creek from Z. Hogans. Richard also obtained title in 1817 of a mill grant
for 16,000 acres on Pottsburg Creek. He built a sawmill, operated it
for many years. He also bought 350 acres from R. Hogans at "Strawberry
Hill", which was granted in 1817................"
Forge, The Bigelow Society Quarterly; vol 29, no3; July 2000; pg
48:
"Bigelow Cemetery; Floral Bluff, FL; Near Arlington, FL in Floral
Bluff there is an old Bigelow graveyard. This branch of the family lived
in that area for many years. Descendants, whether from nearby or a distance,
still look after the graveyard on a regular basis (I found it quite
overgrown and hard to find on 27 April 2000.....ROD) In this cemetery,
there are a lot of graves that date from the turn of the century when there
was a yellow fever epidemic. The graveyard is fairly large, approximately
150 feet square. Contributed by Rick Clarke, Arlington, FL via Janis Pahnke,
Chicago, IL."
Note1:
These are my cemetery recordings of 27 April 2000, I have video
of this cemetery, and some stills.................ROD
(front row)( ; = next line)
Eugene Bigelow; born July 11 (14?), 1837; died Feb 9, 1893;
Lee Eugene Richard; Bigelow; Dec 2, 1872; May 28, 1940;
(Richard is last name of original owner of land and also maiden
name of grandmother?)
Anna Eugenia; Bigelow; Sept 20, 1868; June 18, 1945;
(behind Bigelow stones)
George A. Turknett; born; June 18,1819; died; Sept 20, 1868;
Elizabeth Hobence Turknett; born; Jany(or May) 21, 1866 died Sept
13, 1867;
Our own Little Baby; Boys; Turknett; illegible
Rebecca E. Reed; born ____ ; died June 6, 1851
Robert Bigelow; illegible dates d ....1868
In memory of; Elizabeth Bigelow; illegible dates
(To the right of Elizabeth (the first wife))
M. McG Breadalbane; born Feb 25?, 1829 (1889?); died illegible
(Behind Robert Bigelow)
Lucien B. Bigelow; born Sept 2, 1849; died Feb 5,1891
(Right next to Lucien)
Merle Allen; Bowlin; Aug 15, 1889; April 11(14), 1940. (see below)
Rosalie G.; Bowlin; Nov 14, 1892; March 6, 1976. (wife of Merle
above) (see below)
(In front of Robert and Elizabeth)
George Mongin Bigelow; born; Mar 8, 1863; died; Sept 29, 1868
(To the left of George)
Our Baby; Bigelow; died; Oct 22, 1887
Mary Tallulah; Bigelow; Feb. 4, 1866; June 28, 1906
Lillie Victoria; Dixon; Aug. 25, 1858; Nov. 4, 1918
John Marion; Dixon; Dec. 27, 1848; Jan. 3, 1915
(Off to the left corner of cemetery, away from Bigelow stones
above)
Mother; Sarah J. Brenanan; born May 14, 1845; died May 17, 1917
This is some of my research in the spring of 2000. More can be
found on jackvil2.htm.........ROD
9/3/2000.
......................The original plat for Floral Bluff was filed
March 1, 1887 by Gilbert Shepard. The plat contained merely four blocks,
which ran east from the landing in the St. John's River along the north
edge of what is today Arlington Road. The principal early nineteenth
century resident of Floral Bluff was Robert Bigelow (1797-1868), a trustee
of the Francis Richard estate, who constructed a large residence on the
heights, overlooking the river. An extensive orange grove surrounded his
house, extending to the water's edge. Bigelow's house and plantation, later
called the Bacon Place, provided the location for many moving pictures
filmed in Jacksonville and Arlington during the short period between 1915
and 1920 when the industry prospered in the two communities. His daughter,
Eugenia Bigelow (1837-1898), taught at the Egleston Heights public school
in 1890. (this might be a twin of Eugene, not previously known.....ROD)
........Arlington's Cemeteries: The 1995 historic survey recorded
eight historic cemeteries in Arlington. The origin of three of the cemeteries,
the Sammis Family Cemetery in the Clifton area, The Bigelow Family
Cemetery along Floral Bluff Avenue, and the Parsons Cemetery north
of Fort Caroline Road, date to the pre-Civil War period. Surviving headstones
and grave markers feature the names of many of Arlington's early residents,
some of whom played instrumental roles in the history of Jacksonville
and Florida. The Parson's Cemetery, for example, is the final resting
place of Mary Dorcas Parsons Broward, mother of early twentieth century
Florida Governor Napoleon B. Broward.
Descendant note:
Posted by Ann White
February 20, 1999
Thanks for your information in response to my inquiry. I have
researched the spouse's family for about three years and would like
to respectfully submit some clarifying information in relation to Robert
& Elizabeth Bigelow and their families.
Per the marriage license/record on microfilm at the Haydon Burns
Main Library,Florida History Room in Jacksonville, FL, Robert Bigelow
married Mrs. Elizabeth A. Brown (not Broadalbane).
The marriage license was obtained on 25 Feb 1832; the marriage
took place on 26 Feb 1832; S.J. Eubanks, JP, performed the service; the
marriage was recorded and filed 28 Mar 1832.
This information is also found on page 34 of Duval County Florida
Marriages 1823-1867, compiled and published by Aurora C. Shaw, 1983,
©1969, 1970 SG ED.
Robert Bigelow's spouse, Elizabeth (Betsey) Ann, was the daughter
of Rebeckah Hart Richard and John B. (Juan Batiste) Richard. She was
born 2 Dec 1805 on the South bank of the St Johns River, East Florida.
She was previously married
to Thomas Brown, Jr. according to LDS records.
I have been stumped by the appearance of M. McG. Breadalbane who
was the administrator of Rebeckah Read's estate, and who is buried between
Rebeckah and her daughter, Elizabeth Bigelow, in the Bigelow Family Cemetery.
This is probably the "Broadalbane" referred to in your family history
as Betsey's surname at the time of her marriage to Robert Bigelow.
The 1860 Duval County, Florida census lists a "McGregor Breadalbane,"
age 35 who is an Engineer, born in Florida. There is also a "Macomb
Breadalbane" in the same census, age 30 and a Labourer, also born in
Florida.
There is no record in Florida or Georgia of a marriage between
Elizabeth and a Breadalbane. However, the burial placement in the cemetery
and a Breadalbane appearing as Rebeckah's executor gives strong circumstantial
evidence that Elizabeth or her mother had a connection to that family
name. Had Elizabeth married a Breadalbane, the two males listed on the
1860 census would likely be her sons. Can you provide me with a reference
to the "Broadalbane" listed in your records?
I am focusing my research on Elizabeth's mother, Rebeckah, and
have diligently searched primary and secondary records for the past three
years. The Breadalbane character has me stymied and I would gratefully
appreciate any help you can offer.
Finally, a few interesting facts: I have visited the Bigelow Family
Cemetery and found local genealogical/historical data which records
the information on the headstones at the cemetery. Eugene Bigelow, son
of Robert and Elizabeth, is listed as a "Confederate Soldier." He and
his first wife, Anna, along with three of their children, are buried in
the family plot.
Robert Bigelow, his daughter, her husband and a five year old
grandson all died within a few months of each other. Since my focus
has been on Rebeckah, I haven't researched the cause of the deaths but
speculate that they're connected.
Robert Bigelow died
8 Aug 1868
Minerva B. Turknett
died 7 Dec 1868
George A. Turknett
died 20 Sept 1868
George Mongin Turknett
died 20 Sept 1868.
Geo. M. was the son of Eugene Bigelow and Anna F. Turknett Bigelow.
I hope you can shed some light on the Breadlbane connection. And I hope I have helped with this information. Ann White
One last request: do you know of any living descendants of Robert Bigelow
in Duval County or Florida - or anywhere for that matter - that I might
communicate with for additional information? Thanks again
:-)
My mother In-law lives on a old lot with an old
cemetery on it. All the grave stones have the last name Bigelow on it
and I
was wondering if we could get any Information on this lot. The
person who sold the house to her said it was an old sugar
plantation. I believe one of the stones said Ann Bigelow and the
dates I believe are eighteenth century or older I'm not sure. If you
can give my any type of information please e-mail me at darkchylde1_98@yahoo.com.
I believe the Plantation was a citrus or ships' stores plantation
in Floral Park..........ROD
In reference to the cemetery on Floral Bluff Road, in the old
Arlington area of Jacksonville, Florida. that you were able
to connect
to the family of Robert Bigelow, 15336.43. (Forge, Volume 29,
#4,
October, 2000, page 64), I got a phone call from my cousin, Rick
Clarke. He had been out walking in the area, and saw a group
of young
boys, and an older man working diligently at cleaning up the cemetery.
He discovered they were Boy Scouts, doing a "Community Service"
project. Rick told the man that he was connected to the
Bigelow
Family. He meant very distantly, but the man assumed he
was a closer
relative, and suggested that the property would be best if it
were
leveled, and sold. Rick got the feeling that the man was
interested
himself in this possibility.
This is a small (about 1/4 acre lot) surrounded
by a waist high
chain link fence, but overgrown most of the time. Rick believes
there
was a burial there about 10 years ago, but none since. It
consists of
many more burials than stones, but the stones (Bigelows) are old.
In
checking an old map of the area, it appears that part of the cemetery
has been "annexed" by the owners of property that is on the side
where
there used to be an entrance.
It would be a shame if this cemetery were destroyed,
to make some
unrelated person a profit, and instead of a memorial to these
Bigelows,
became a condo, or mini mart.
Do you know of any present descendants of this
family, that perhaps
have the Deed to the cemetery, and can protect it from being destroyed?
Or are there any Bigelows that you know of, perhaps connected
with a
Historical or Genealogical Society in Jacksonville, that might
be
interested in preserving, and maintaining this cemetery?
As you
mentioned in your article, there are "many of Arlington's early
residents, some of whom played instrumental roles in the history
of
Jacksonville and Florida" buried there.
Janis
Comments:
We live one block away from the Bigelow
family gravesite (on Plantation Dr). We didn't even know it was
there until a week ago when they cleaned up the lot, we thought
it was just an empty lot. My daughter is a history freak, and
studied about this area when we moved here a year ago. When
we saw the graves and saw whose names were on them, she was
so excited! We think there should be a historical marker on the
site. The family was too much of an influence here to overlook it!
She got online to do some research after we "found" the graves,
and was thrilled to find they were married by Isaiah Hart. To
whoever cleaned up the property, thanks, you brought a piece of
history into our neighborhood we didn't know existed!
Note6:
Subject: The cemetery
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 10:10:17 -0500
From: "R. Clarke" < rainproof@toad.net
>
Rod,
Glad to see that there's some interest in "guarding" the Bigelow
cemetery on Floral Bluff. My cousin Janis Pahnke passed some info
from me to you on the recent clearing of the cemetary. While I'm a distant
Bigelow descendant, I'm not one of the Jacksonville Bigelow set.
Cousin Janis is a "double" Bigelow through her grandfather and grandmother,
so is more into the group.
Anyway, my family, the Clarkes, moved to the Floral Bluff area
in August, 1941. My older brothers and sister recall much more
about the Bigelow plantation than I do, but I very clearly recall it
burning on New Years Eve of 1950/51. It was a big place and a BIG
fire. It was sort of an apartment building at the time with two or
three families in it. Some effort had been put out to fix the place
up, but not much.
Our own property is about a block south of the Bigelow property,
so we have some old documents pertaining to it that peripherally show
the properties owned by some of the people in the graveyard. Turknett
is one I recall. The Dixon family members buried in the cemetery
are of a local family that, when I grew up in the 50s, still lived 2-3
blocks east of the cemetery on a small lake called Lake Lucina. There
is a Dixon Road there named for them.
Janis sent you a drawing that my oldest brother Jerry did of the
Bigelow mansion. He, my brother Bill, and my sister Shelby all recall
the old house. We all recall Bill running into the burning mansion
to see who he could help - no one as it turned out. Shelby, as a child,
was surreptitiously inside the house and recalls that it was a fantastic
place. Brother Jerry is in NYC and is easily reached via his e-mail; he,
too, likely will recall some useful details:
Jerrny54@earthlink.net
Hope this helps,
Rick Clarke
P. O. Box 355
Royal Oak, MD 21662
The following is a message I got from my cousin Jerry Clarke (Rick
Clarke's brother) . I thought you'd find it interesting.
It adds a little more info. on the cemetery, besides what Rick sent to
you............Janis
.................
Janis:
Not to labor the point, I hope, I think I mentioned to Rick, that
Shelby, our sister, also walked over to the Bigelow Cemetery a week
or so later, and her impression of the man leading the Boy Scouts, who
were working hard toward their merit badges, was that he was really benign,
not covetous of the real estate, though he thought the Bigelows should
be maintaining the cemetery and he was of the impression that those Bigelows
must have a lot of money to do things like that.
As to historical societies I wish I could help, though I have
a lead that I don't know how to follow. Jacksonville University
is just a mile north on University Boulevard. Maybe I noted before
that they are the repository for the Jacksonville Heritage group's collection
of photos of buildings. JU is, I judge, not the caliber of the state
universities, but it is striving, I know, in much more than basketball.
For instance, they run a high-class looking arts program including a classical
music series. Brother Bill sent me one of their programs. JU also
took the the composer Frederick Delius's house when it was about to be torn
down in Mandarin, way south on the St. John's river. English, though
he was, he learned most of his compositional rudiments in late 19th century
in Jacksonville. It was another famous story about a young man who
fought his father's push into practicality, in this case, managing an orange
grove rather than becoming a musician. JU seems to have the sort of
proximity and maybe more important, the benefactors, who might be interested
in helping out on recognizing an "historic" cemetery. I think JU is
on property just outside the Bigelow share of the Richard grant, but that
part of the matter is nearly irrelevant and if it seems interesting, the
subject should be easily researched by someone in Jax.
I visited Jacksonville U. Library in Jan 2000 and had very
little sucess.
visited in 2003, much more cooperation................................ROD
Some tidbits of info:
Jacksonville City Council 2002, considering ord. to place "granite marker
signs" on four cemeteries...."Bigelow
Cemetery" is one of them. (Ord# 2002-425, I believe)
Eugene Bigelow noted on your web pages as a "Confederate". He joined the
"Bartow Cavalry" under Captain
John W. Brady on 14 Oct 1861, as a private. This unit became attached
to the 1st Cav, Reg. Florida State
Troops. (What happened then, I will leave to someone else. If
anyone finds out...please notify me.)
Odd, four of the people died in 1868. Our "big" epidemics were Yellow
Fever in 1877. Small Pox in 1883, and the
worst... Yellow Fever in 1888 which caused armed guards to be
posted, the politicians to desert town, threats
against refugees from neighboring towns, mail to be fumigated,
etc... (Perhaps there was a lesser epidemic in
1868.)
Regards,
Dean Bird
Jacksonville dsbird@msn.com
< rodbigelow@netzero.net > 
