Dade County FlArchives History - Books .....Pioneersand Later Arrivals, Chapter 7 1925
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Book Title: Historical Sketches And Sidelights Of Miami, Florida

CHAPTER VII
PIONEERS AND LATER ARRIVALS

   E. A. WADDELL is one of Miami's earliest pioneers. As a real-estate operator
he has contributed to the progress of Dade County by interesting northern
capitalists in this section of Florida. Mr. Waddell has been closely identified
with the founding of the First National Bank of Miami, of which he is
Vice-President.

   Many will recall the genial Captain John H. Welsh. While not so spry as he
used to be, his mental alertness is still as remarkable as in the days when he
was the life of our social and civic gatherings. His sallies of wit on those
occasions did credit to the race from which he sprung (on a certain occasion he
confided to me that he sprung from no one — he sprang at them). At one of the
annual St. Patrick's day celebrations he gave the following toast as a
compliment to the writer: "If life were a thing that money could buy, the Jews
would live and the Irish would die."

   Another energetic pioneer is Dan Hardie, who was one of Miami's efficient
fire department chiefs. He also served Dade County as sheriff. The popularity of
this quondam fire-fighter was greatly enhanced by his organization of a company
of diminutive Zuaves, composed of boys between the ages of four and ten, whom he
used to drill every Friday night, on Flagler Street, between Miami and First
avenues, to the great delight of scores of spectators that lined the
thoroughfare. The boys were gaudily uniformed and carried wooden swords. Dan,
their wonderful captain, was clad in yellow bloomers, green jacket and crimson
turban. In that picturesque uniform he often responded to fire-alarms, followed
by his faithful company of Zuaves and crowds of spectators.

   Miami's pioneer lawyers have contributed much of their time and talent to the
welfare of the community. My acquaintance with one of the early lawyer pioneers,
Judge G. A. Worley, dates from the day, about a quarter of a century ago, when I
defeated him in a highly exciting game of checkers. Robert R. Taylor, who had
preceded Judge Worley, was strong on chess. Judge Redmond B. Gautier, who
arrived after the chess and checkers stage of Miami's development, experienced
many ups and downs while trying to build up his law practice. Besides an able
lawyer, he finally became an iconoclast and a most loyal disciple of the late
Tom Watson, whom he had defended in a suit brought against the latter, some
years ago, by residents of Fort Lauderdale, whom he was alleged to have attacked
with a rifle in preventing them from anchoring a boat in the proximity of his
winter residence. This episode, Tom Watson termed, "My first and only Naval
battle."

   Judge H. F. Atkinson is one of the earliest pioneer lawyers. He had removed
from Titusville to Miami in 1896. For some time after his arrival he was seldom
seen in the daytime. During his seclusion he was taken by some of his fellow
pioneers for a burglar. It was finally learned that he could not endure the
glare of the white streets during the day. This forced him to reverse the
natural order, namely, he worked at night and slept in the daytime.

   This pioneer jurist has recently been honored with the Circuit Court
judgeship. He had also, for a number of years, presided in the Criminal Court of
Records. In his family life, Judge Atkinson enjoys the rare privilege of having
a consulting judge in close proximity — his talented wife, Edith M. Atkinson, is
judge of the Juvenile Court of Dade County.

   My acquaintance with Judge Mitchel D. Price dates from the night I sat deside
him at a banquet, at the Biscayne Hotel, which was then operated by one of
Miami's earliest pioneers, Salem Graham, Miami's first baker and hotel-keeper.
Judge Price, who looks more like a poet than a lawyer, had thrilled his audience
on that occasion with a poetic eulogy of Mr. Graham's culinary art. Judge Price
was recently honored with the Circuit Court judgeship, but soon resigned owing
to the demands of his law practice.

   The late Judge J. T. Sanders was another of Miami's earliest pioneer lawyers.
He had removed from Titusville to Miami in the spring of 1896. He had been
repeatedly honored with public office, including the judgeship of the Criminal
Court of Records. Judge Sanders had been closely identified with the progress of
Dade County. During the Spanish-American War he was Commander-in-Chief of
Miami's Home Guard, which troop he had succeeded in training to a high order of
military efficiency.

   The late Judge Minor S. Jones, of Titusville, Florida, while not a resident
of Miami, was a frequent visitor, until a few years ago, as judge of the Circuit
Court. Judge Jones was noted and will long be remembered throughout Florida for
his tender-heartedness and for undeviatingly tempering justice with mercy. This
venerable judge was a learned jurist and a great humanitarian.

   F. H. Rand, one of Miami's active young lawyers, settled here when the town
was still in its infancy. After successfully practising his profession for a
number of years, he visualized the greater possibilities in realty and building
operations, and embarked in these enterprises with unexcelled confidence and
enthusiasm. With this as his chief capital, coupled with a high degree of
shrewdness, Mr. Rand has succeeded in acquiring a number of valuable parcels of
desirably located property, which he is developing and is thus contributing to
Miami's forward movement.

  The group of later arrivals, who had settled in this city in their boyhood,
composed of J. H. Mercer, R. V. Waters, F. W. Cason, W. L. Harris and Lilburn R.
Railey, have participated in many movements in the interest of Miami's welfare.

   T. V. Moore is one of Miami's old settlers who has contributed considerably
to the progress of the city and county. Mr. Moore had arrived in Miami at a very
critical period, when the farmers and merchants were casting about in an
unorganized effort to obtain better transportation facilities. His entrance
immediately upon his arrival, into the former Board of Trade (now the Chamber of
Commerce) marks the transition period of that noted organization. On becoming
its president he set its machinery working towards the relief of Dade County's
transportation problems. In this important undertaking he had the cooperation of
the late A. A. Boggs, Senator F. M. Hudson, T. A. Winfield, R. Hudson Burr, G.
D. Brossier, the late Major Rodman Smith, the Townley Brothers and Judge R. B.
Gautier. Mr. Moore's intensive activity in this direction proved of a highly
educational value in so far as the imperative need of deep water in the Miami
Harbor was concerned. Upon recognition of this indispensable element in Miami's
growth and prosperity, the people had gotten behind this movement and they are
now gratified to have approached its full realization. Mr. Moore's frequent
trips to Washington in this connection have been productive of beneficial results.

   The late Joseph A. McDonald (builder of the entire chain of Flagler's hotels)
did much for Miami. In his intimate association with Henry M. Flagler, he was
enabled to secure many valuable concessions from the Florida East Coast Railway
Corporation to the advantage of this city. It was through his efforts that the
city and county secured the conveniently located sites for their administration
buildings. He served the city as one of the councilmen of Miami's first
municipal administration and in diverse other ways gave the community valuable
service. He was very charitable and profoundly religious. He was noted for his
affability and great influence in the community.

   The late Frederick S. Morse, one of Miami's first real-estate brokers, was
one of the most popular citizens. He was noted for his highly developed sense of
humor. Although suffering from a chronic ailment from his very boyhood, he was
always cheerful and was seldom absent from his business as land agent of the
Model Land Co. He was a man of liberal education, very generous, public spirited
and a true philosopher. It was probably due to his philosophy more than to
anything else that his life was prolonged against formidable odds. Mr. Morse
served the county as its representative in the legislature, and the city as
councilman. Through his association with the Flagler interests he largely
contributed to the agricultural development of the entire east coast of Florida.

   The late Dr. J. M. Jackson, Jr., was an ideal citizen, possessed of many
noble traits of character. He was noted for his sympathy and generosity in the
exercise of his profession. His life was dedicated to the alleviation of
physical suffering. His personality radiated good cheer that proved more
soothing and healing to his countless patients than ordinary medical treatment.
He not only gave his professional services to his poor townsmen without
compensation, but often supplied the necessary medicines at his own expense.
When permitted by the almost incessant demand upon his professional services he
responded to the call of civic duty with avidity. His favorite philanthropy was
the uplift of the town's boys and girls. He was a God-fearing man and a true
friend of his fellow men.

   John B. Reilly is one of the surviving pioneers, who has been intimately
associated with the founders of Miami and who has taken a prominent part in all
stages of its development. On his arrival, early in 1896, he took charge of the
Florida East Coast Railway Corporation's administration office, acting as
employment officer and paymaster throughout the period of Henry M. Flagler's
building operations, and held many other positions of trust. He took an active
part in all public activities and has been an important factor in the progress
of Miami and Dade County. In recognition of his marked executive ability,
coupled with his great popularity with the men under his charge, he was made
Miami's first mayor.

   The late S. A. Belcher was another pioneer who contributed to the progress of
Miami. He served several terms as county commissioner, and was instrumental in
providing Dade County with the finest roads in the state.

   B. B. Tatum, who arrived in Miami immediately after the yellow-fever
quarantine had been lifted, contributed to the progress of Dade County as editor
of the Miami Metropolis (now the Daily News). After severing his connection with
that publication he joined his brothers, the late J. H. Tatum and Smiley Tatum,
in the realty business, and in the course of time became one of the foremost
realty operators and developers in this section of the state. His firm has been
prominently identified with the reclamation of the Everglades and with other
enterprises of large magnitude, including the establishment of a sugar refinery
and the introduction of sugarcane culture in Dade County. The Tatum brothers
were instrumental in interesting Governors W. S. Jennings and Napoleon B.
Broward in draining the Everglades in the vicinity of Miami, and have rendered
the community diverse other constructive service.

   Charles A. Mills is one of the younger set of Miami's earliest pioneers. His
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gus A. Mills, arrived here when this was still a tent
encampment. Charlie was raised in Miami, and upon reaching manhood joined the
city's public-spirited forces in serving the community. He is still active in
diverse branches of community service, particularly in social-welfare work. He
is past commander of Harvey Seeds Post of the American Legion and is holding a
commission of Lieutenant in the U. S. N. R. F. He is also "Chef de Gare" and
"Grand Cheminot La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux" of Miami Local.

   County Solicitor Fred W. Pine is another of Miami's younger early settlers.
Fred has spent the greatest part of his turbulent life in this city and has
contributed in a large measure to the general progress and welfare of the
community. In spite of the fact that Fred has been the storm center of countless
political convulsions characterized by conflict and hostility, he never ceased
inclining toward the promptings of his heart in his administration of justice.
It should be noted that many an erring boy of Dade County owes his
rehabilitation to Fred Pine.

   Dr. P. T. Skaggs is one of Miami's earliest pioneer physicians — in fact the
only surviving pioneer in the profession. Dr. Skaggs has made an enviable record
as a physician and as a patriotic citizen. He has contributed generously to the
welfare of the community. During the yellow-fever epidemic in 1899 he
distinguished himself by his ceaseless ministration to the stricken, regardless
of compensation. His countless patients and innumerable friends hold him in the
highest esteem. The next oldest physicians are, in the order mentioned, Dr. W.
S. Gramling, Dr. E. K. Jaudon, Dr. A. L. Monroe and Dr. C. F. Sayles.

   Ben Sheppard, while not a pioneer, has contributed his share to the growing
prestige of Miami. He has participated in many drives for the benefit of the
community. He has been prominently identified with the movement that resulted in
a change of the municipal government and in the election of five bankers as city
commissioners which made Miami unique in the annals of municipal
administrations. Mr. Sheppard has served as county clerk for several terms
during which he became noted for his courteousness and competency in the
discharge of his duties.

   Of the pioneers who settled here in their childhood, and who grew up with the
city and contributed to its progress, the following group of citizens are
prominently identified with Miami's history: Judge W. F. Blanton; Chief of
Police Leslie H. Quigg; Sheriff Henry R. Chase; Registration Officer Carl
Holmer, Jr.; County Clerk George F. Holly; Tax Assessor Robert L. Hill; County
Commissioner R. A. Coachmen; County Solicitor Robert R. Taylor, Jr.; City
Attorney J. W. Watson, Jr., and County Tax Collector Robert M. Simpson.

   The election of these young pioneers to their respective offices may be
regarded as an expression of confidence in their integrity by their
fellow-townsmen who had observed their conduct since their boyhood.

   Of the pioneers who settled in this town before it reached its second
birthday, and who contributed to its material and spiritual development, the
late J. Austin Hall has been an outstanding figure. Possessing what was then
appraised as considerable means, he demonstrated his faith in the town's future
by building a number of dwellings which were badly needed. His initial building
operations were confined to the locality where now stands the Federal building
(at the corner of Northeast First Avenue and First Street). A number of years
later, Mr. Hall envisaged the future possibilities of the beautiful section of
the city called the "Southside." He was the pioneer developer of that region and
was instrumental in inducing other investors to continue its development. Mr.
Hall, in his younger days, attracted considerable notice as a writer. His
frequent contributions in the local press were read with much interest.

   The late Judge A. E. Heyser was one of Miami's pioneers and one of Dade
County's earliest settlers. Prior to his removal to Miami he resided at Juno,
Florida, where he held the office of County Judge. With the removal of the
County Seat to Miami, Judge Heyser took up his residence in this city. During
the later years of his life, Judge Heyser practiced law and devoted considerable
of his time to community-welfare work. He has been prominently identified with
Miami's Boy Scout movement.

   The late Edwin Nelson was one of Miami's earliest pioneers who has been
prominently identified with the material and spiritual upbuilding of the city.
He was the leading spirit and the most active worker in the early establishment
of the Northern Methodist church (now the White Temple). As the town grew he
became active in social-reform work and developed into a most formidable
opponent of the open saloon. After retiring from the furniture and undertaking
business, in which field he was the first pioneer, he formed a building and loan
association, which institution has finally developed into the present banking
institution known as The Dade County Security Co., of which Mr. Nelson was the
head up to the time of his death.

   W. F. Miller is another pioneer who has participated in the progress of Miami
from its very infancy. He has been active in social-welfare work as well as in
the business life of the community. Mr. Miller has recently disposed of a very
valuable tract of land and placed the proceeds in trust of the White Temple
church, which organization has been made one of the beneficiaries of this
accumulative fund. While Mr. Miller retired from active business some years ago,
he still retains his membership on the Board of Directors of The Dade County
Security Co., with which institution he has been connected since its foundation.

   Dr. A. L. Monroe, one of Miami's oldest physicians, has contributed much of
his time and talents to the welfare of the community. He has taken a keen
interest in educational matters and has served, for several terms, as chairman
of the Dade County School Board.

   The group of public-spirited citizens composed of Robert L. Zoll, J. A. Riach
and Hamilton Hopkins, are great factors in the success of Miami's community
drives for funds through regaling the workers with their vocal talents.

   C. J. Rose is one of Miami's earliest pioneers. Prior to his removal to this
town he had resided at Coconut Grove. When Miami passed out of its frame
building stage of development, Mr. Rose entered into the manufacture of concrete
blocks which proved a highly satisfactory building material for this section of
the country for structures of moderate cost. This invention acted as a great
stimulus to Miami's building enterprises.

   Marcus Milam and F. G. ("Pat") Railey, while not belonging to Miami's
aristocracy of the first train, are regarded as old settlers. Both are prominent
in the business and social life of the community. "Marcus" and "Pat" can always
be depended on when community workers are needed and when funds have to be
raised for civic purposes. The former is noted for seriousness of thought and
stern practicality in the councils of welfare boards, and the latter for his
infectious sense of humor — Mark Twain had nothing on " Pat."

   Dr. J. D. McKenney is one of the many Miamians who unfailingly respond to the
call of civic duty. He has been prominent in numerous drives for the benefit of
the community and is a generous contributor to all worthy causes.

   T. A. Pancoast is another public-spirited citizen. He has for a number of
years been prominent in the councils of Miami's Chamber of Commerce and has
given the community very valuable service. Although a resident of Miami Beach
and one of its foremost boosters, he never severed his identification with the
progress of the city of Miami.

   Clifford H. Reeder has been identified with the progress of Miami since his
arrival a number of years ago. He has taken a prominent part in many community
drives and still figures in various civic activities. He achieved an enviable
record, during the World War, in overseas service in the U. S. Engineer Corps,
and has served a term as commander of Harvey Seeds Post of the American Legion.

   Hamilton Michaelson, is another of the later arrivals who is giving the
community unstinted service. He is taking a deep interest in the schools of Dade
County and is a loyal champion of the unprivileged child.

   Fred L. Weed, the efficient secretary of the Miami Chamber of Commerce, is
entitled to considerable credit for the proper functioning of this organization.
His valuable experience as newspaperman is being utilized for the benefit of the
city and county. Its results are noted in the wide publicity enjoyed by Miami.
In addition to his secretarial duties, Mr. Weed edits and publishes the Miamian,
a very creditable monthly magazine issued by the Chamber of Commerce.

   Caspar Hefty is one of Miami's citizens who is swiftly responsive to the call
of civic duty. Mr. Hefty has given the community faithful service and has added
to the commercial prestige of Miami through his development of one of its most
important industries, namely, printing and book-binding. He has also served the
community as a member of the City Council for several terms.

   Among the early settlers in this city, the group composed of Thos. J. Peters,
John Seybold, J. K. Dorn and the late Phillip UllendorfF, who came here
practically penniless and have amassed large fortunes, stands out as a striking
demonstration of the great opportunities afforded by the Magic City to young men
of determination, ambition and industry. While these pioneers made their
respective starts many years ago, it is only in the last few years that they
have emerged from economic insecurity and nerve-racking struggle, entailed in
tenaciously holding on to their gradual accumulation of property, which has
finally placed them among the wealthiest citizens of Dade County.

   Captain G. Duncan Brossier is one of Miami's earliest pioneers who, until
recently, has given this community continuous and most valuable service. For a
number of years he served without compensation as secretary of the Board of
Trade, in which position he manifested marked ability and unselfish devotion. He
also served as president of the first Real Estate Board, which was organized
about twelve years ago and which was the forerunner of Miami's present strongly
organized body of realtors. He was a member of Miami's Commission-Manager
Charter Board. He also served a term as president of the present Chamber of
Commerce after the merger had been effected.

   Captain Brossier has distinguished himself as publicity writer and
statistician. His booster articles in the local press and his statistics
relating to real estate taxation and comparative property valuation received
wide circulation and attracted much capital to Miami and Dade County. As special
assessor he saved the city thousands of dollars through his revaluation of
taxable property.

   Another early pioneer who has given Miami faithful service is Captain J. F.
Jaudon who is noted for his affability and true southern chivalry. Captain
Jaudon has for a number of years been active in local politics and had served
the county as tax assessor. He has been captain of the Dade County Home Guard
and Major of the local company of National Guards. For the past few years he has
been engaged in Everglades-land development.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

HISTORICAL SKETCHES AND SIDELIGHTS OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
BY ISIDOR COHEN

MIAMI
PRIVATELY PRINTED

1925

Copyright, 1925,
By ISIDOR COHEN,
MIAMI, FLORIDA

PRINTED IN THE U. S. A. 
UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, MASS.


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