$2 Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 17 NO. 2 WINTER 2006/07 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY Autobiography of Stephen Moreno Whalton

This is the Autobiography of Stephen Moreno Whalton and a narration of events during my early childhood, and the years that followed, all written in response to requests from members of my family and some of my friends. I was born on the 29th day of May in the year of 1872, in a small two-story house which was located on on the lot, where Pepe’s Coffee Shop stands now{202 Duval Street}. I think the building where I first saw the light, was moved to the rear of the lot, and still remains, back of the coffee shop. When I was still a baby, my father moved his family into our new house, which he had built on the corner of Duval Street and the Rocky Road, which was later named Division Street and later still, Truman Avenue. The first outstanding event of my life, which I have never forgotten occurred in 1875 when I was just 3 years old. My mother had a white servant, or maid, this maid had a cousin, who was about twelve or thirteen years old, who use to visit her quite often. On this particular day the cousin was at our home, and our servant, discovered that she needed some potatoes, so she told her cousin to Lorena and Stephen M. Whalton. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. (Continued on page 12) SOCIETY NEWS AND NOTES By John Viele

The Sea Heritage Journal is published quarterly. Subscription is available through membership. Copyright 2006 by the Key West Maritime Historical Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. The art on the masthead, the USS Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir.

Master Sergeant Jeff Burns. Photo credit: John Viele. Editor: Lynda Hambright Production:Tom Hambright In January, the library auditorium the criteria and need for evacuation. was packed as Master Sergeant The Society’s annual meeting Letters and articles are welcome. Jeff Burns, US Army, Green of the general members was held Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys Beret, Combat Diver, described at the end of Matt Strahan’s talk. Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. the facilities and training program Committee chairmen reviewed Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. at the US Army Special Forces activities of their committees Key West Maritime Underwater Operations School on for the past year. The following Historical Society Fleming Key. members were elected to serve Board of Directors In March, Corey Malcom, three-year terms as directors: Don Director of Archaeology and Lowe, Lynda Hambright, Julie President: Edward J.Little,Jr. Curator, Mel Fisher Maritime McEnroe, George Craig, and Corey Vice President: Winifred Fryzel Museum, gave Society members a Malcom. In addition, the following Secretary: Corey Malcom Treasurer: Lynda Hambright personal tour of La Plata del Mar, a new members were appointed to new exhibit of the silver of the 1622 fill vacancies on the board: Frans Frans Boetes galleons at the museum. Boetes and David Harrison Wright. Andrea Comstock Again in March, Matt Strahan, In May, marine artist and newly- George Craig meteorologist in charge of the elected board member David Tom Hambright National Weather Service Office, Harrison Wright, an “Admiral” in Mary Haffenreffer John Jones reviewed the tracks and effects of the Texas Navy described how that Sheri Lohr past hurricanes that have threatened naval force helped Texas to win its Don Lowe or struck the Keys and discussed freedom from Mexico in 1836. Julie McEnroe John Viele New Members David Harrison Wright Andrew Dulcey, Key West; Gladson, Key West; Captain Herb Chesapeake Applied Technology, Poole, ; William Key West; Shirley Freeman & N. Roberts, Lagrange, GA; J. Worth, Harvey Server, Key West; Jane Key West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2006/07 Hackley’s Diary

William Hackley practiced law night. Mangrove swamp which is the in Key West from 1829 to 1857. He Saturday, October 13. Rose at 4 object of the expedition. Davis and kept a diary for part of the time he and went out to Sickmann’s Pond I killed 10 small snipe and saw the was in Key West. Here is the diary and sat till after sunrise and home tracks of a deer. Got off on board for part of October and November by way of Linn’s Pond and Army about 8 and underway for Cape 1855. Barracks, saw nothing. Returned Sable and anchored in seven-foot of and bathed. At 8:40 a.m. barometer water abreast of the lower opening Wednesday, October 10. Rose 29.42, thermometer 79, (at 4 a.m. about half past 5. Got on shore about at 4:30. Shot 1 Teal, 1 Shoveler home thermometer 76), wind east 6 p.m. and walked a short distance Duck and 1 Sora. Returned and 5, clouds 2, weather pleasant. Paid on the prairie. William Randolf had bathed. At 9 a.m. barometer 29.53, for 4 kegs Hazards gunpowder Senator Stephen Mallory’s Sharps thermometer 84, wind northeast $4.25. After dinner fixing for an rifle and William Hinson, the pilot, 3, clouds 4. Paid Captain Welch expedition to Cape Florida in the had my rifle. William bounded a for 1 child’s carriage $5.50, for Cutter on Monday. Found my buck and a doe out of the grass eylet press $3.50, 2 boxes eylets things much out of order. Went within 50 yards of him and fired $.75, freight on flour and candles around to Mary Ann Porter’s with as they ran off, Hinson also fired $1.50, I tin pudding boiler $1.25 Matilda after tea. at them at a distance of about 200 and freight on carriage $1.58. At 4 Sunday, October 14. Rose at 4: yards, also without success. Went p.m. barometer 29.46, thermometer 30 and walked on the beach. Bought on board. 88, wind northeast 2, clouds 2. At 8 mullet for $.25 on the Fort Wharf. Thursday, October 18. Got on 8 p.m. a heavy rain squall came up Returned and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. shore about 5. William Hinson and and blew fresh. The steamer Isabel barometer 29.49, thermometer 79, I go to the eastward and hunt deer. got in about 5. Wrote to Mother. (at 4:30, 75), wind northeast 4, Felix Senac and Daniel Davis to the Thursday, October 11. Rose at 4: clouds 1. west for ducks. I walked up to the 30 and went to the market but was Monday, October 15. Rose at head of the plain at least 12 miles too late all the turtle was sold and 4:30 and down to the wharf and and saw but one deer at which I there was no fishing boats at the took my things onboard the cutter could not get a shot. Saw but few wharf. Returned and bathed. At 10: and got off about 6 and beat up the tracks and several Bear tracks. Also 15 a.m. barometer 29.47, wind east reef to a fresh breeze from the north saw several English Snipes and Sora. northeast 3, clouds 4. Read papers. northeast and some seas which Killed an alligator on the open plain At 5 p.m. attended the funeral of made me somewhat seasick and where there was about six inches of Captain Joseph Ximenez who died went into Bayo Honda about 4:30 water. Saw the east end of the base last night from disease of the heart. p.m. Went into the lagoon with a line of the county survey on my He has been confined to his room castnet to try and get some mullet return to the boat. Found William for several weeks. He was residing without success. Felix Senac, Hinson who had walked only about on the Key when I came here. Daniel Davis and I make the party. four miles and saw but the one deer Friday, October 12. Rose at 4:30 Tuesday, October 16. Got I referred to. About 1 p.m. Senca and went to Sickmann’s Pond and underway about 6 and beat up inside and Davis came in with 28 Teal and sat till after sunrise, saw nothing to of Key Vacas and came to anchor a quantity of Matin Snipe and two shoot. Returned and bathed. At 9:45 inside of Old Matacumbe about 5 White Iris. They found the ducks a.m. barometer 29.37.5, thermometer p.m. and went on shore with guns. scarce. We eat some Pilot bread and 80, wind east southeast 3, clouds 10. Senac killed 5 marlin snips. I had Davis and I went to the same duck The clouds are very thick and bad my rifle to try her at a mark. ponds and found but few and Davis looking, the wind is not high and is Wednesday, October 17. By 5 killed one on the ponds among a variable. The Cutter Florida came a.m. Daniel Davis and I went on dense black mangrove hammock in last night from Charleston. At 4 shore to walk down to the west about 2 1⁄2 miles to the west of the p.m. barometer 29.31, thermometer end of Matacumbe to shoot birds landing and at this time the whole 80.5, wind north 3, clouds 6. Rained and sent the boat back for Felix several times during the day and Senac to go and examine the Black (Continued on page 4)

WINTER 2006/07 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Hackley from page 3) 6 and took a good bath which Wednesday, October 24. The swamp has about one foot of water I wanted much. At 8:45 a.m. steamer Vanderbilt got off at nearly fresh all over it. There are barometer 29.52, thermometer 6 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. barometer no ducks but teal now in the ponds 87.5, wind east southeast 3, clouds 29.48, thermometer 84, wind south it being to early for the others to 3. Overhauled cloths and gear and southeast 1, clouds 8. Hired a Negro come south but Davis says that he oiled my guns. John P. Smith is woman of William C. Dennis at has seen the ponds full of Mallards captain of the steamer Vanderbilt $12.00 per month and she came and other large ducks. Got out of and was in my office for some about midday. Got up 18 bags of the swamp about 6 p.m. very much time as were William Pinckney Patent Office reports including the fatigued having walked at least 30 and Fernando Moreno. Had the Agricultural of which five copies miles in the day. Ate a hearty supper ducks cleaned and put in a solution were directed to J. Martin. Took of bird stew and slept on deck under of Chloride of Soda to soak before a copy for myself. Bought a large a mosquitos bar it being the first cooking which had the desired box from Charles Howe for $.50 time a bar has been necessary the effect and the stew into which they and hinges and hasp for same for mosquitos are very thick on the were made was said by Matilda $.62. Cut a dome in the top and plain and not many in the swamp. and the children to be excellent. filled it for the Guinea Pigs and Friday, October 19. Went on I ate my usual fare of ochra soup put them in it and locked them up. shore about 6. Daniel Davis and I and vegetables, not tasting any Sweated profusely while at work. to the same ponds down the plain flesh I fell very well and think the About 4 p.m. the wind came from while Felix Senac and William trip has been refreshing. At 2 p.m. the northwest attended with rain Hinson were to go in where we barometer 29.50, thermometer 89.5, squalls till late which prevented my were yesterday and stake the ponds wind east southeast variable and going to a party at Captain Israel nearest the beach. I felt well and light, clouds 6. Wrote up my journal Vogdes to which I was invited to free from soreness except my heels since the 14th. meet several Army Officers who are which are a little tender. Found the Monday, October 22. Rose at here holding a Court Martial for the ducks scarce and I killed four teals, 4:30 went down town and found trial of Privates. Set the alarm for Davis 2. When we got to the beach that the steamer Isabel had got in midnight to see the eclipse of the and found Hinson who had killed a about 2:30 a.m. Got a letter from moon but the sky was so thickly number of birds with shot from my Mother and my papers. Mrs Julius overcast that the moon was not rifle, he says that she shoots finely. Tift & children, Mrs. Felix Senca visible. Senac killed ten ducks. We got on and child and some others came Thursday, October 25. Rose at board about 11:30 a.m. and got in the Isabel. John Sevalle sent 4 and went to Mead’s Pond and sat underway for home nearly calm but me a leg of mutton. At 8:20 a.m. for about 15 minutes during which a squall rising drove us over near to barometer 29.56, thermometer 85, time I saw six men pass with guns Knight’s Key before dark. About wind southeast 1, clouds 5. Some and I left and sat at the Lighthouse seven anchored about three miles rain about sunrise. Weather very hot Pond until after sunrise. Returned from Knight Key in the bay. and oppressive. Read a little in the home and bathed. At 9 a.m. Saturday, October 20. Got papers. barometer 29.59, thermometer 78.3, underway about 5:30 a.m. with Tuesday, October 23. Rose at wind northeast 4, clouds 9. Felix light air from the northeast. Saw 4:30 and walked on the beach. Senac killed eight teals yesterday Sandy Key from deck and the Cape. Returned and bathed. At 8:45 a.m. morning near the Hospital and Came out at Bayo Honda and came barometer 29.57, thermometer 86.5, heard a duck quack this morning down the reef and got home about wind calm, clouds 6. Bought of on the Lighthouse Pond. I heard 12 midnight, having taken all my Charles Howe one pair of walking three guns fired. Seantor Stephen things to the office. Found all well. shoes for $1.25. Sent my big gun Mallory killed 25 ducks, 21 at one We brought 17 brace of ducks with by John Smith to have a piece cut shot with both barrels. Walked to us but they are small, rather strong. off the barrels that is now 46 inch the Lighthouse with Matilda and Took a three brace home. The barrels and I will have 10 inches Mary Ann Porter’s Charlotte who is steamer Vanderbilt was at Tifts cut off. At 3 p.m. barometer 29.47, nine years old today and has a few wharf having got in today. thermometer 88, wind variable, children to play with. Sunday, October 21. Rose about clouds 8. Commenced raining about Friday, October 26. Went to 4 p.m. and rained all night. market and got some beef which

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2006/07 is very fine. At 8:15 a.m. barometer Tuesday, October 30. Rose Saturday, November 3. Got 29.55.2, thermometer 76, wind north about 4 and went down to the underway at 5 a.m. for Sandy Key northeast 3, clouds 7. Read papers. wharf and got my things on board where we anchored about 8 a.m. Saturday, October 27. Rose at 4:50 of the Cutter and got off about 7 and after breakfast six guns went and sat till near sunrise at Mead’s Pond a.m. John P. Baldwin, C. Johnson on there and brought off 210 birds and saw several Teal at which I fired and self for Cape Sable. Nearly of all sorts. I fired both barrels into but they were too far for my number calm but as soon as we drifted a flock of small snipe and picked up 6 shot to hit them. On my way home outside the Fort got some wind 39. After dinner went on there by by the beach Linn told me that there and beat up to myself and killed four large Marlins was a wild goose in one of the small where we anchored about dark. Snipe. After tea played Euchre. ponds. I went after it and got within Wednesday, October 31. Got Johnson asleep, he is getting to old 20 feet of it on the edge of the pond underway about 5 and beat up for such exposure. About 9 Jim who and shot it in the head. I found that to Bayo Honda where we went had been out looking for Mullet one of its feet had been shot nearly off inside and by into came aboard and told me that there with a few hours, two days at most as the bay. Nearly calm but got over was a number of birds on the point. the wound was fresh not suppunated nearly to Sandy Key by dark when I went off with him and Robert and at all. Killed four Tringal. At 8:40 we anchored in 10 feet of water. creeping up fired six barrels but were a.m. barometer 29.60, thermometer Thursday, November 1. Got cursed by the grass and killed but a 78, wind east northeast 3, clouds 2. underway about 5 and over to few of what proved to be ducks. I Yesterday bought a lamp of Robert P. the Cape with a light wind and walked down to the point and fired Campbell for $6.00 which has a button came too abreast of the Cape both barrels and picked up 29 ducks just at the top of the flame which faces about 9. John P. Baldwin, William of several species. Jim left for the it and causes the unconsumed vapor Randolph, I and three men went other end of the Key and Robert to come in contact with oxygen and to the duck ponds and found a and I remained and fired four times consumed given a very brilliant light. number of ducks and a great many more into birds. The night was so Read papers. Walked to the Fort with Coots. Killed in all 23 Coots and dark that I could not see my gun or the children. three ducks. There were so many where I was pointing could I have Sunday, October 28. Rose at 4:15 persons tampering in the water seen I might have killed hundreds. and walked on the beach. Returned that I did not get a good shot When we got on board at 12 we had home and bathed. At 8 a.m. barometer the whole day and went through 53 ducks, 22 large Marlin and 20 29.54, thermometer 78, wind northeast all the ponds and one prairie the Bwoitches. Clean them and lying 3, clouds 1. Saw three ducks flying at same way. Johnson went out on two together by the heads and hung the Fort wharf. Read papers. the plain after deer and saw nine them across the spar filling in pretty Monday, October 29. Rose at 4. in one gang but they were startled well there being 52 braces. On my way to the duck pond saw a by our shooting in the swamp and Sunday, November 4. Sent the Raccoon on the dead tree by the hole he could not get a shot. After he boat ashore to look for the wounded of water to the left side of Simonton’s saw two others close to him but and they brought off four ducks and Road. He jumped as soon as he saw snapped at them twice. He was four Marlin. Making in all 62 ducks, me but a dog that had treed him made worn out by the walk and could 28 Coots, 51 Marlin and about 300 him take the tree again and I fired both not help the men. I saw one doe other birds killed on the trip. Got barrels and killed him though could as we were coming out of the underway about 7 and ran down not find him till I returned where he swamp. with a fair wind and got into Key was lying dead within a few feet of the Friday, November 2. Hinson West about 6 p.m. I took 11 ducks spot where I loaded my gun. Killed a and I with rifles (I with Mallory’s) and 10 large snipe. Sent Alexander Mallard duck in Mead’s Pond, the only walked over to the Palm Cape but Patterson four ducks and two snipe one I saw. Returned home bathed and saw nothing not even a duck. Jim and sent Charles Tift a brace each. skinned the conn, which was very fat. and Joe went to the duck ponds Bathed and got supper feeling well, Wind east northeast 3, clouds 9. At 9: and got two ducks and four Coots. a pleasant trip. 20 a.m. barometer 29.56, thermometer Jim snapped at a doe within 15 Monday, November 5. Rose 80. Went to a party at Major William yards. John Baldwin went after at 5 and bathed. After breakfast H. Chase’s with Matilda and remained snipe with my gun and killed a till after 12. number. (Continued on page 6)

WINTER 2006/07 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 (Hackley from page 5) fellow to mine except that Tift’s is papers and Law magazine. plain, engine turned. Tuesday, November 13. Rose at overhauled my things but did not Thursday, November 8. Rose at 4:30 and walked on the beach and write. John Smith sent me by the 4 and went to the market and took returned home and bathed. At 8:15 schooner Florida, which arrived on beef home and walked on the beach. a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer the first, his dog Dash. He is I think Returned home and bath. At 8:40 82, wind north northeast 1.5, clouds Newfoundland and pointer and a.m. barometer 29.41, thermometer 2. Read papers and Law magazine. a good yard dog and he has been 84.5, wind south 2, clouds 5. Wednesday, November 14. Rose trained on game. John calls him At 4 p.m. barometer 29.36.5, at 4:30 and went up to the Salt Pond setter, he is a pretty dog and good thermometer 88, wind south 1, Plain and through the ponds on with the children. P.M. siesta. Wind clouds 3. Wrote to the Solicitor of the plain by Long Road to Linn’s east southeast and very hot. the Treasury and read papers. Pond and by Flag and Mead’s Tuesday, November 6. Rose Friday, November 9. Rose at 4: Ponds then home. I saw nothing to at 4:15 and went to market. Got 45 walked by the Fort and beach shoot. Returned home and bathed. some beef and took it home and and home by Simonton’s Road. At 8:15 a.m. barometer 29.60, untied Dash and walked round by Returned home and bathed. At 8:15 thermometer 82, wind northeast 2, the beach when finding the tide a.m. barometer 29.40, thermometer clouds 2. A little rain fell last night high returned home through the 82.5, wind south southwest 2, about 10 p.m. Read papers and Law Simonton Road. Wrote up my clouds 4. magazine, p.m. siesta and Putnam’s journal since the 29th. At 8 a.m. Saturday, November 10. Rained magazine. barometer 29.42, thermometer 83, heavily during the night and I Thursday, November 15. Rose wind east southeast 3, clouds 5. thought that it would be to wet to at 4:30 and walked on the beach, Cleaned my gun thoroughly which walk so that I lay till 5:30 when returned home and bathed. At 8:10 took me all the morning. Senator I bathed. At 9:00 a.m. barometer a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer Stephen Mallory directing books. 29.40, thermometer 80.5, wind 82, wind northeast 4, clouds 1. Read William Cooly helping him. (Cooly north northeast 2, clouds 9. The papers and Law magazine. came down in the Florida). The Florida got off at 12 and Senator Friday, November 16. Rose steamer Northern Light came Stephen Mallory went in her by at 4:30 and walked on the beach, in about 1:30 a.m. Took back to way of Pensacola. Wrote to Mother returned home and bathed. At 8 Bowne and Curry a lamp which I and sent her a Treasury Warrant a.m. barometer 29.51, thermometer borrowed and took with me to the for $50.00. Wrote to P. Williams 80, wind east southeast 4, clouds Cape to fire hunt with but did not in Washington, D.C. and sent him 3. Several rain squalls yesterday answer. At 8 a.m. barometer 29.38, Charles M. Johnson’s claim for from 5 to 9 p.m. Prepared a bill thermometer 85, wind southeast 2, bounty lands. The steamer Isabel to regulate Pilotage at Key West clouds 2. The steamer Isabel came came in about 4 p.m. Captain Israel adopting a number of the sections in about 11 a.m. Hatty had some Vogdes went in her. of the Pensacola bill of January children to tea. Got a letter from the Sunday, November 11. Rose 1855, which occupied me all the Solicitor of the Treasure. at 4:30 and walked on the beach. morning. Abram Phillips term of Wednesday, November 7. Rose at Returned home and bathed. At 8:35 imprisonment expired today and 5 and walked to the woods leading a.m. barometer 29.36, thermometer the brig Mystic being in port bound to the Salt Pond. Returned home and 82, wind variable and light with a to New York he shipped on board bathed. At 9 a.m. barometer 29.45, light shower at 8, clouds 4. At 4 p.m. of her and sailed in the afternoon. thermometer 84, wind southeast barometer 29.31.5, thermometer Walked to the Fort with Matilda and 2, clouds 2. The first volume of 84.5, wind west southwest 1, clouds the children. Railroad Explorations came via the 3. Saturday, November 17. Raining steamer Isabel. Walburg brought a Monday, November 12. Rose at at my usual hour for rising and I lay silver watch, Hunters MK 50004 J 4:30 and went round by the duck until daylight when I bathed. At 8:15 from J. Olorenshaw & Company, ponds and barracks. Saw nothing, a.m. barometer 29.49, thermometer Southampton S/W London which I very calm all night. Returned home 81, wind northeast 3, clouds 2. Read requested him to bring for me which and bathed. At 8:15 a.m. barometer paper and Law magazine. he ask $50.00. Julius Tift sent for a 29.38, thermometer 81.5, wind Sunday, November 18. Woke at 4 silver watch by him and bought the north northeast 1, clouds 2. Read found it was raining and continued

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2006/07 drizzling at intervals all morning, enclosing claim of Shubeal Brown and I returned and walked for some bathed. At 8:20 a.m. barometer for Bounty Land. Brown worked at time on the piazza then filled the bath 29.47.5, thermometer 82, wind Cedar Key for about three months and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. barometer northeast 3, clouds 6. Read Putnam’s during the winter of 1840-41 29.33, thermometer 80, wind south magazine. Rain at intervals. At 4 under the command of the U.S. southwest 4, clouds 6. At 11 a.m. p.m. barometer 29.42, thermometer Quartermaster. Wrote to editor of barometer 29.30.5, thermometer 81.5, wind northeast 4, clouds 8. Knickerbocker magazine asking for 81, wind south southwest 5, clouds Heavy thunder in the Gulf. a certificate of membership in the 6. Bought a pair of Leghorn fowls Monday, November 19. Woke at C.A. Union. Read papers. from Captain Joseph Packer. He 4 but so much rain has fallen that Saturday, November 24. Rose says that his son raised them and it is too wet to walk so I lay until at 4:30 and walked on the beach, that the hen sits but seldom but is broad daylight and bathed. At 8 returned home and bathed. At 8:30 a constant layer. Packer is out in a.m. barometer 29.47, thermometer a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer the schooner Britten Cook and has 80, wind northeast 3, clouds 4. Read 80, wind northeast 3, clouds 8. submarine armor and divers with Law magazine. The steamer Star of the West got him. He will salt Kingfish and get Tuesday, November 20. Rose in last evening about 7, coaled coral until the winter is over when at 4:30 and walked on the beach. and got off before morning. The he goes somewhere, where he will Returned home and bathed. steamer Vanderbilt got off at 8: not say but I suppose on the Spanish At 8 a.m. barometer 29.47.5, 15 a.m. James Filor went in her to Main. At 1:30 p.m. barometer thermometer 80, wind northeast 3, Tallahassee. Yesterday evening paid 29.25, thermometer 82, wind clouds 5. Several Soldiers were put D. Williams for vegetables since south southwest 6, clouds 8. At 5 in jail by the magistrates for rioting, 20th of September, $11.13. Read p.m. barometer 29.21. At 9 p.m. they threatened to burn the town papers. barometer 29.23, wind northwest. down. A large patrol was sent out. Sunday, November 25. Rose Thursday, November 29. Rose Read the Law magazine. at 4:30 and walked on the beach, at 4:50 and walked on the beach, Wednesday, November 21. Rose returned home and bathed. At 8:30 returned home and bathed. At 8 a.m. at 5 and walked on beach, returned a.m. barometer 29.60, thermometer barometer 29.34.5, thermometer 78.5, wind northeast 2, clouds 2. home and bathed. At 8:40 a.m. 72.5, wind northwest 2, clouds barometer 29.50, thermometer 82, The steamer Isabel came in from 2. The wind got to the northwest wind northeast 2, clouds 5. The Havana about 4 p.m. and got off yesterday about 6 p.m. with a light steamer Vanderbilt came in last about 5. Hatty wrote her grand rain and moderate wind. I slept in night. John Smith brought my gun, mother by this mail. the house there being too much she is very convenient and he says Monday, November 26. Rose wind in the piazza. Read papers. shoots as well as any gun can. She at 4:30 and walked on the beach, cost $8.00 but he will take no pay returned home and bathed. At 8 Dr. L. Engle dined with us. P.M. from me. The steamer Isabel got in a.m. barometer 29.55, thermometer walked. about 2:30 p.m. Robert P. Campbell, 80, wind northeast 1, clouds 6. Read Friday, November 30. Rose Jane Randolph and Mary Fontane papers. Got a box of Homeopathic at 4:30 and walked on the beach, came in her. She had a very rough Medicines that Robert P. Campbell returned home and bathed. At 8:45 passage. brought out for me. Cost was a.m. barometer 29.36, thermometer Thursday, November 22. Rose $14.00. Took a treatment of Nux 71, wind northeast 2, clouds 7. Last at 4:30 and walked on the beach, V. for my eyes and changed in the night at 12 an alarm of fire was returned home and bathed. At 8:15 evening to Euphiasia. given which proved to be a house in a.m. barometer 29.53, thermometer Tuesday, November 27. Rose Conch town occupied by Alexander 81.5, Wind northeast 1, clouds 3. at 4:30 and walked on the beach Saunders, it was consumed with all Read Law magazine. returned home and bathed. At 8 the furniture in a few minutes and Friday, November 23. Rose a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer I stopped but a short time, nearly at 4:30 and walked on the beach, 81, wind north northeast 2, clouds calm. Finished my newspapers. The returned home and bathed. At 8 8. Read papers and Law magazine. ship Lavnia which has been ashore a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer Wednesday, November 28. Rose on Loo Key since the 21st came in. 80, wind northeast 4, clouds 4. at 4:30 and got as far as the Hospital Davis’ Windmill pump in full play Wrote P. Williams in Washington when it commenced raining lightly onboard.

WINTER 2006/07 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 The Spanish Influenza

During World War One the Spanish influenza, the name given to the pandemic of an acute influenza, that was spear world wide by the movement of people caused by the war. Key West being large military training base was not spared the effect of the epidemic. Following is the 1918 report of the Monroe County Health Officer, Dr. W.W. Warren, to the Florida State Health Officer. Dr Warren report on the influenza was correct but he was lacking in his report of on tuberculosis that was an infectious disease spear by person-to-person transmission. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was considered the most Dr. W.W. Warren speaking at the dedication of the Hurricane Monument in widespread human infection and Islamorada on November 14, 1937. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. until the discovery of antibiotics morbidity and mortality rates would eliminating the sources of disease in the 1940’s it was an incurable have been remarkably low. and nuisances, was inaugurated and and deadly disease. Tuberculosis, The increase of the population has been continued. The cooperation or consumption as was commonly of Key West by the addition of of the State and City was requested called, was the leading cause of men in different branches of the and was given. The City council death in Key West until World War United States Service, together with passed ordinances requiring Two. the families of the men stationed screening of all water containers here required watchfulness on the and cess pools, the daily collection Report of Dr. William R. Warren, part of the health authorities and of garbage, and provided penalties District Health Officer. necessity for vigilance was warmly for violation of the ordinances. Key West, Florida, February appreciated by the Government, Oiling of cisterns and other water 10th, 1919. State and Municipal officers. As a containers, holding mosquito larvae, result, those in a position to know, was regularly and systematically Dr. W.H. Cox, State Health are fully aware of the improvement carried on by squads of men, which Officer, Jacksonville, Florida. in both sanitary and moral materially abated the mosquito conditions. nuisance. Dear Dr. Cox: The Navy Department under the The vigilance so exercised is I have the honor to submit the supervision of Admiral Fletcher, probably responsible for the fact following report of the District Commandant of the Seventh Naval that there have been no fatalities Health Officer, for the islands of the District, ably assisted by his District among the enlisted men stationed Key West Extension, for the year Sanitation Officer, Doctor G.M. here, from communicable diseases, 1918. Guiteras, have been alert in sanitary other than influenza. During the past year Monroe matters and their efforts and Influenza first made its County has been fortunate in having cooperation have been productive appearance among the Navy a few cases of communicable of results that are very evident. personnel at the Training Station disease within it boundaries, but Systematic inspection of and in the United States Marine for the invasion of influenza, the the entire city, with a view of Hospital.

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2006/07 Headquarters of the Naval Air Station in 1918. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. The disease was brought to the reported during the past year and U.S. Patrol boat and immediately Training Station by recruits from the there were no deaths. isolated at the Marine Hospital, the North and the cases at the Marine Scarlet Fever:-Two cases patient recovered. Hospital were taken from passing reported, no deaths. Tuberculosis:-There were forty- merchant ships, the disease having Small pox:-No cases reported. seven deaths from tuberculosis been contracted in north Atlantic Malaria:-Three cases were during the past year. It seems almost ports. reported and one death as a unbelievable that fifteen per cent of Of the first twenty deaths complication. All of the cases were deaths here should be caused by a occurring in Monroe County, imported. preventable and curable disease. fourteen were among men in Measles:-There were about fifty In a city that boasts of a climate the service of the United States cases reported during the year, and unsurpassed, where sunshine is a Government and six were civilians. there were no deaths. daily visitor, where all can spend There were seventy-nine deaths German Measles, Whooping their hours of recreation and rest in from influenza in Monroe County Cough and Mumps were reported the open, something should be done during the year 1918. Of this in mild form, with no fatalities. by the City and State to educate number forty-four were civilians Diphtheria:-Eight cases were the people and prevent such an and thirty-five were in the United reported during the year with no economic loss. States Government Service. Sixty- deaths. I take this opportunity of nine died in the month of October, Leprosy:-There are nine cases expressing my appreciation of the nine died in November and one died of Leprosy on the island of Key aid and cooperation rendered me in December. West, under the supervision of the by the State Health Officer and his It is estimated that twenty per State and City Health Authorities. assistants during the past year. cent of the entire population of There was one death from Leprosy Monroe County had influenza during during the past year. Respectfully submitted, October, November and December. Acute Poliomyelitis:-One case (Signed): W.R. Warren, Typhoid Fever:-Nine Cases were of this disease was taken from a District Health Officer.

WINTER 2006/07 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 The Carysfort Floating Light

Extracted from a talk by Commander A. E. Carlson U.S. Coast Guard, to the Florida Historical Association, date unknown. (Contributed by John Viele)

The next light established in the Florida area was that at Carysfort Reef. This light is doubly interesting from a historical point of view; first because it was established originally as a Floating Lighthouse, and secondly, when it was established as a permanent light, was built on an entirely new principle and one to be followed in the building of all succeeding reef lights. It should be remembered that Lt. Ramage pointed out that Carysfort Reef, or Carysford, as it was commonly written in early correspondence, was a particularly treacherous shoal 27 miles almost due south of Cape Florida. He recommended the use of Floating Lighthouses, in fact he was of the opinion that the nature of the bottom and the characteristic state of the sea would not permit the building of a permanent structure. Incidentally, this name seems to be a contraction of Carey’s Ford, the significance of which I am not able to report. Acting according to instructions, Jonathon Thompson, District Lighthouse Superintendent and collector of Customs of New York, entered into a contract with Issac Webb and John Allen of New York The Carysfort Lighthouse. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. for the construction of a 220-ton lightship [named the Florida], built in June of the following year. Isaac Floating Light by President John of white oak, with five-foot lanterns Webb was the progenitor of the Quincy Adams in late 1825 and for $18,500. I mention these items famous family of naval architects, a thus began a career that was to since they have some significance name still to be reckoned with in the end in tragedy. He arrived in Key to succeeding events. The date of world of shipbuilders. West to assume command only the contract was September, 1824 Captain John Whalton was to find his new command already and it was to be delivered on station appointed keeper of Carysfort involved in disaster. On her maiden

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2006/07 voyage from New York, she had run that one seaman, fed up with it all, doused to the ruin of shipping. aground 50 miles north of Cape broke the alarm bell and had to be Carysfort sometimes had the report Florida where she was eagerly placed in irons; an incident which of being a bad light according to pounced on by the wreckers. She led to a rumor of mutiny which Mr. many a master. LCDR David Porter was brought into Key West in Pinkney indignantly denied. The for one, but it was never proved August, 1825, and sold as salvage mate said, “Raise my pay ($350 per that the keepers were derelict in to the very contractors that had built year or I quit.” their duty as to completely betray her. All of the stores placed aboard Worse than that, the ship began their trust. Certainly not in the in New York were either lost or to fall apart. Mr. Pinkney’s letters case of Captain Whalton, and it sold, so the collector of customs at record repair after repair in matters was with some personal grief that Key West had to re-oufit her at new of caulking and general shoring William Whitehead wrote to Mr. and considerable expense. The ship up of the vessel. Each time the Pleasonton in June 1837, “A few itself had survived the stranding Superintendent reported that the hours since, the tender to the Light with little injury and was soon ready vessel was in good repair and Ship Florida lying at Carysford for duty. could confidently be expected to Reef arrived at this port in charge Considering the opportunities stay on station for an indefinite of three of her crew, who brought at Key West for seafaring men, it length of time, only to report a few the melancholy intelligence that is not surprising that Col. Pinkney months later that he needed another Captain Whalton and one of his [collector of customs] should have thousand or two to keep the vessel men, on yesterday morning, while difficulty finding men to man the afloat. engaged in wooding on - vessel. He finally shipped six men That was the end of the lightship six miles distant from the ship- were and a mate and the vessel assumed Florida. A second contract was let to shot by the Indians; a party of six her station in April, 1826. Thus Webb and Allen for a new lightship, having secreted themselves behind began an episode in lighthouse this time of 225 tons and built of live some casks near the shore whence history fraught with danger, oak. She was finished in November they deliberately perpetrated the contention, frustration, and disaster. 1830 and assumed station shortly murderous act. Two other men In 1826, the light vessel was thereafter, with Captain Whalton who were with Captain Whalton still in the experimental stage, still in command and with his escaped, slightly wounded, with the first such vessel in the United family, a large one, on board. This, the boat.” He contiues, “Captain States was placed in commission at incidentally was not an uncommon Whalton has left his family in very Craney Island off Norfolk just six practice agreed to by the authorities distressed circumstances, and I years before. The duty was isolated, apparently on the theory that such should be pleased to have authority dreary and dangerous. It still is [the an arragement made keepers easier given to continue the pay to his last lightship was decommissioned to keep. About this time, it was widow for a limited time” in 1985]. Men were hard to get, the common to ship Negroes as crew Captain Whalton was succeeded pay hardly enough to induce men members; a practice followed at by the keeper of the Sand Key to leave a comfortable life ashore. some of the shore stations also. The light.This action had an interesting The original ration was 25 cents status of these colored folk is not sidelight in that Captain Watlington per day per man – later increased too clear; the extant corresponcence tried for some time to convince to 28 cents. Water was always a deals with the problems of slaves his superiors that he was entitled problem at Carysfort; the nearest on these stations, but never quite to draw pay for keeping Sand Key land [where water could be had] makes it clear whether official eyes light as well as the lightship. He not was forty miles away. When the are open or closed to this condition, only tried, but he succeeded, and rains failed, they [the crew] bought and so it went. Records indicate knowing a good thing when he saw water from the wreckers at 50 cents that Carysfort Floating Light was it, he was much put out when a new a cask. Delivery of provisions conscientiously kept and served its keeper was appointed to Carysfort was sporadic and when it arrived purpose in Whalton’s time. It wasn’t - so much so that he claimed and it was high priced. The quality until later that reports were circulated indemnity due him. That he never of the manpower was such that that intimated that Carysfort was in got. disciplinary problems were frequent league with the wreckers and that The lighthouse at Carysfort Reef and difficult. Mr. Pinkney reported its light conveniently dimmed or was completed in 1853.

WINTER 2006/07 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 (Whalton from page 1) servant put a ladder in the well and At the age of twelve I entered the standing on the rung, just above the Public school, where I remained for go to the grocery store and buy water, with a stick, she recovered the two years, and completed the 10th them for her, this store was a red ring. grade, that was in 1886, the year of painted building on the corner of Another event in my life that our big fire, which destroyed the Duval and Petronia Streets, just I have never forgotten happened lower part of Key West. 2 blocks below our home and when I was about seven years old, That fire was said to have was kept by a Chinaman, whose at that time there were a very few originated in a coffee shop on name I never knew, but we use to houses on the Southeast side of Duval Street just to the left of the speak of him as the red Chinaman, our Truman Avenue, most of that San Carlos Hall. That fire seemed because his store was painted red. part of the Island was a wilderness, to jump from, first, one side, and This girl cousin took me with her my grandfather and my father then the other of Duval Street and for the outing, I never knew if she raised quite a number of horses in finally got over on to Simonton carried me, she got lost, but I do the woods of Key West, and my Street. Nearly every building on know that I was worn out before grandfather gave me a horse and Duval and Simonton Streets, from I got back home, of course, my my father had him broken to harness the 500 block to the downtown family and the servant were very and saddle, this was a stallion, and water front was destroyed. After much alarmed, when this girl and I somewhat mean. The only time the fire was extinguished you could didn’t return home at a reasonable that I was put on his back, was on stand on the Duval Street in front of time, so they started to search for a Sunday morning, when one of where the San Carlos Hall stands us and found us at about 4 p.m. on my father’s hired men put me on now, and see the Wm. Curry’s Sons the Rocky Road, just below the him without a saddle, as soon as Property at the foot of Simonton North Beach. The one thing that he got out of the yard, he started Street. That fire could not have has always stood out in my mind, to run, and I was too small to stop occurred at a worse time for us. Key was this girl holding me in her arms him, there was a man coming up the West, at that time, owned but one and telling me that she would throw street who stood with his arms open, steam fire engine, and it happened, me into the vat that was right rear but when my horse got near this that this engine was out of order, the slaughterhouse, on the upper man, he made a quick turn to go by and could not be used, hence, our end of the North Beach, because him, and landed me on a flint rock, fire department, which was much I was tired and started to cry, this striking my head. I recovered from smaller and less efficient, than our vat was used in connection with the that accident in about six weeks, but department of today, were surely slaughterhouse for some purpose, I never had a chance to get even handicapped, having only ladders, unknown to me. with that horse, as my father sold hooks and buckets, with which The next event that I have never him before I became old enough to to fight the fire. Speaking of our forgotten was the hurricane of 1876, handle him. This was the end of the volunteer fire department, I was told we had an excellent well in our events of my early childhood, which at an early age, that it was organized yard, a natural spring, this well was have remained fresh in my memory by Mr. William Dorsett, who came about 12-feet deep and 19 feet in down through the years, due of here with his family, from Nassau, diameter, we had an extended deck course, to the fact, that they made a he was a ship carpenter, and he built on the well, and one of the doors great impression on my mind at the a sail boat for my father, the Cleo to our kitchen opened on this deck, time of happening. and one for Mr. Eugene O. Locke, we used the water from this well for Education the Eola. As a matter of fact, we all purposes; during the hurricane, At the age of seven, I started in had no small powerboats here at that day, my father went out to get a a little private school conducted by that time. Mr. Dorsett was the first bucket of water from the well, and an Aunt of mine, my father’s sister, chief of the fire department, and my while drawing the water, the rope and after she closed her school, I father the second. on the draw bucket caught one of attended a school conducted by a In 1886, my father was chief his fingers on which he wore a ring cousin of mine, for awhile, and then clerk in Mr. A. F. Tift’s office, Mr. with a large amethyst setting, the a school conducted by Mr. Robert Tift was the Agent for the Mallory S. ring was pulled from his finger, and Pent. From there, I entered Mr. S. Line, a line of steamships that ran fell into the well where it remained William J. Cappick’s school that was between New York and Galveston, until the day after the hurricane; our the last private school that I attended. Texas, stopping at Key West both

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2006/07 A.F. Tift’s building on Mallory Docks. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. ways. Among the early ships of my mother’s sister, Mrs. M. H. accompany us home. In September this line, operating in 1870’s, were McClusky, who lived in Glenwood, of 1887, I entered the East Florida the S. S. State of Texas and the S. Iowa. We left Key West on the S S Seminary, the State Military S. Rio Grande, later on the San Alamo, for New York, from there, school, located in Gainesville, Marcos, and Guadalupe, the Alamo we went to Jersey City, N. J. where Florida, returning home in June and Lampacas, Comal, Nueces and we spent a week, with some friends, of 1888, expecting to go back to C. H. Mallory. then left by rail, for our destination, school in September of that year, In June of 1886 I left here with where we remained until August but due to an epidemic of yellow my mother, sisters, and my little 1886, we were then joined by (Continued on page 14) brother Joe, for a visit with my aunt, my father, he came out West to

WINTER 2006/07 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 The 1884 map of Key West with the area of the Great Fire of 1886 in black. Photo credit: Monroe County Library .

(Whalton from page 13) Company B. During my first year I had no inclination nor desire to be at the East Florida Seminary, our a lawyer, so I told my father that I fever, occurring in Gainesville that Commandant was a retired Army didn’t care to study law, and as he summer the East Florida Seminary Captain, Captain Chas. H. Curtis, would not agree to my becoming a did not open until January of 1889, a fine old gentleman. During my Doctor, I didn’t get a profession. so as the school term, was so short, last two years, our Commandant In 1893 I worked a part time job I remained at home until September was a Naval Lieutenant, Charles in the office of the Southern Express of 1889, when I went back to school, S. Ripley, who was also a fine man, Company with my cousin Mason S. returning home in June of 1890, and one whom I came to know Moreno, who was the Agent of the and back to school in September quite well. While attending the East Company at that time, and in the of 1890, graduating in May of Florida Seminary, having come same year, when Grover Cleveland 1891, and returning home in June. from a family of bookkeepers and was elected President of the U. S. In looking back over these years I accountants, I decided to pursue for the second time Mr. Moreno spent at the East Florida Seminary, a commercial course, comprising was appointed Post Master, and I feel quite proud of the record I bookkeeping, accounting, banking during the four years that he was maintained during my stay there. etc., so that I would be prepared in the Post Office, I conducted the In my second year, I received three to earn a living, in the event that I promotions, I was first promoted to were not able to get the profession EDUCATION PROGRAM Corporal and assigned to Company that I wanted, which was that of SPONSORS A and about three months later I a Medical Doctor. My father, for $100 OR MORE TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS was promoted to Sergeant of Field some reason or other, never known BETTY L. DESBIENS BUD DRETTMANN Music and put in charge of our to me, didn’t seem to want me to JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE SHIRLEE EZMIRLY Drum and Bugle Corps, this position study medicine, although I always MARY HAFFENREFFER TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT I held just a short while when there felt that I would be a good Doctor. CAPT. FRANKLIN & JANEY HARLAN The evening that I returned home CLYDE W. HENSLEY was a Commission Officer vacancy, JOHN H. JONES from school, my father told me that EDWARD B. KNIGHT occurred and I was again promoted, TOM KNOWLES he had arranged with his friend Mr. ROSS & ANN MCKEE this time to 2nd Lieutenant and BILL MUIR George B. Patterson, for me to go JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON assigned to Company B. We had DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT into his office and read law for a LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN three Companies, A. B. and C. When JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS while, and then go away to a good MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW I returned to school in September ED SWIFT of 1890, I was promoted to the law school to finish. JAN & TY SYMROSKI rank of Captain and commanded None of that appealed to me, as

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2006/07 Express Office. At the expiration University of Florida. He graduated of Mr. Moreno’s term of office, in 1895 with the rank of Colonel and as Post Master, he returned to the was considered one of the oldest Express Office, and resumed the alumni of the university of Florida. BUSINESS MEMBERS position of Agent, and I remained He was married on February CAPE AIR with the Company as Cashier. In 21, 1898 at St. Paul’s Episcopal KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KEY WEST 33040 800-352-0714 those days, there were several Church to the former Lorena Bethel. th CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY Express Companies operating They recently celebrated their 67 623 SIMONTON STREET in this Country, among which, wedding anniversary at St. Mary KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381 COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. there was the Adams Express of Star of the Sea Catholic Church. 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE which, the Southern Express, was Of this marriage are two children, , FL 33042-0839 295-8844 CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. considered the Southern division, Mary (Mrs. C.W.) Halbrook and 601 DUVAL ST. the American Express, the Pacific, S.F. Whalton, both of this city, KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS and Wells Fargo. I worked very four grandchildren and 14 great P.O. BOX 236 hard during the years that I was grandchildren, all of whom survive ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 him. DR. ELIAS GERTH with the Express Company. The 3412 DUCK AVENUE express all came here by water, via Whalton’s first job after college KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 was as an agent for the Southern HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION the Plant Steam Ship Company who 510 GREENE STREET operated the steamers Mascotte Express Co., a forerunner of the KEY WEST, FL 33040 and Olivette from Port Tampa present day Railway Express HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. to Key West and Havana, Cuba. Agencies. He was associated with his P.O. BOX 2200 KEY LARGO, FL 33037 What really made the express work father at the J.C. Whalton Furniture KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. harder, was the fact, that sometimes Emporium for many years and then P.O. BOX 2521 KEY WEST, FL 33045 the steamers would meet a low tide was head bookkeeper at the Florida THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. when coming over the Northwest National Bank for 18 years. 821 GEORGIA STREET Bar, and would have to wait for a Whalton was for many years a KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY high tide which always made them leading musician in Key West as 200 GREENE ST. arrive late, which naturally caused leader of the Key West Light guard KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 MILE ZERO PUBLISHING us to work late at night, after Band, playing the cornet. He will 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 working all day. This delay in the also be remembered by the older KEY WEST, FL 33040 USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM arrival of the ships occurred only residents as leader of the orchestra P.O. BOX 186 during the winter months. that played Sunday afternoon KEY WEST, FL 33041 OLD TOWN TROLLEY concerts at the La Brisa Pavilion for 6631 MALONEY AVENUE many years. KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 He was a charter member of the PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 500130 original Council of the Knights of MARATHON, FL 33050 Columbus here and was made an A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. 1803 EASTPORT DR. honorary life member of the present TAMPA, FL 33605 813-247-4550 “The Key West Citizen” of council three years ago. SEACAMP ASSOC. RT. 3, BOX 170 March 8, 1965. He purchased his present home at BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043 872-2331 1419 Truman Ave. and resided there SEA STORE 614 GREENE ST. Stephen M. Whalton, 92, died up to the time of his death. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3438 early this morning at Monroe His body will lie in state at SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA General Hospital after a long 1319 DUVAL STREET the Lopez Funeral Home. Rosary KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 illness. service will be conducted by the ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. He was born in Key West May 3928 CLAYTON AVE. Rev. Rodney T. Kissinger, S.J., at ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 29, 1872, son of Joseph and Susan 8:30 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral WASHINGTON STREET INN Barker Whalton. He graduated 807 WASHINGTON STREET home and Requiem Mass at St. Mary KEY WEST, FL 305-296-0550 from Key West schools and Star of the Sea Catholic Church attended the East Florida Seminary Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. burial will at Gainesville, a Military Institute be in the family plot in the City and forerunner of the present Cemetery.

WINTER 2006/07 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 Key West from the west about 1945. Photo credit: Wilhelmina Harvey Collection Monroe County Library.

Key West Maritime Historical Society NONPROFIT ORG. P.O. Box 695 U.S. POSTAGE Key West, FL 33041 PAID KEY WEST, FL PERMIT NO. 30

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