A PENSACOLA CONNECTION TO WASHINGTON AND NAPOLEON

Catherine Willis Gray Murat

In “The Supposed Portrait of Mary Washington” by Mrs. Roger A. Pryor, written in 1903, you can learn way more about this family than you ever cared to know. I stumbled upon the Pensacola link and decided to explore this further. Most of the following is excerpted from the book to preserve the vintage text and gossipy nature of the author.

MILDRED WASHINGTON GREGORY LEWIS
The widow Mildred Washington Gregory, who was George Washington's aunt and godmother, married Henry Willis in Fredericksburg, Va. Her three charming girls by her first husband, Roger Gregory, were prominent figures as they trod the streets of old Fredericksburg, the streets named after the Royal Princes, clad in their long cloaks and gypsy bonnets tied under their chins. They were soon absorbed by a trio of Thorntons, and their mother Mildred was left alone with her one son, Lewis Willis.

Old Henry Willis, the boy’s father, had married three times, boasting that he “had courted his wives as maids and married them as widows." He was a rich old fellow with a long pedigree and gorgeous coat of arms on his coach panels. Mildred Gregory had wept so bitterly when the death of his first wife was announced to her that a friend expressed surprise.

“Mildred Willis," she explained, "was my namesake and cousin, and I grieve to lose her. But that is not the worst of it! I am perfectly sure old Henry Willis will soon be coming down to see me -- and I don't know what in the world I can do with him!”

Would it be sinister to suggest that the lady was already won? It appears she knew her man. Had he not been her suitor in her girlhood? His grandson says, "In one little month, he sat himself at her door and commenced a regular siege: and in less than two months after his wife's death, he married her."

Through the Willis family, Mary Washington's descendants became allied to the Bonapartes. The second child of Byrd C. Willis (son of Lewis Willis) was Catherine. Her mother was the daughter of George Lewis, the son of George Washington’s sister Betty Washington. Thus George Washington’s mother, Mary Washington, was ancestress of Catherine Willis, who at thirteen years of age married, and at fourteen was a widow, having lost also her child. She accompanied her parents to Pensacola, where she married Achille Murat, ex-prince of Naples and nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. She was very beautiful, this child twice married and a mother before she was fifteen.

The Murat and Bonaparte families at first opposed the marriage, but all opposition vanished when they learned that she was nearly related to General Washington.

It is said that she was well received abroad: "In London she stood up for her country and fought its battles in all companies." She was once accompanied by John Randolph of Roanoke and other distinguished personages on a visit to the London art galleries. In one of these, the portraits of Washington and Napoleon hung side by side, and Randolph (who was always dramatic), pointing to the pictures, said, "Before us we have Napoleon and Washington, one the founder of a mighty Empire, the other of a great Republic." Then turning to Catherine with extended hand, he exlaimed, "Behold! In the Princess Murat, the niece of both, a distinction which she alone can claim."

As it turns out, the mother of Catherine Willis Murat, whose name is Mary W. Willis, is buried in St. John’s Cemetery in Pensacola at Lot 23, Section 19, Block 2 North. She connects to George Washington through his sister Betty, as delineated earlier. Her life in Pensacola is well documented by her great-great grandson, Col. George Willis Tate at http://www.stjohnshistoriccemetery.com/pensacolas_heritages/citizens.htm.

Tate writes in part:
Wife of Pensacola brickmaker Colonel Byrd Charles Willis, Mary W. Willis arrived in Pensacola from her home in Virginia, by way of Tallahassee, in 1825. Her husband was a Pensacola brickmaker who also served as agent of President Andrew Jackson at the Pensacola Navy Yard. His title of Colonel derives from appointment in the Florida Militia. Family genealogical records always identified Mary W. Willis's burial here in a private family plot, but a new look at some old material confirms that Betty Washington's granddaughter and the mother of a princess of France is in fact buried in our St. John's Cemetery.

Pensacola's Mary W. Willis, grandniece of the esteemed George Washington, died here in a yellow fever year on October 7, 1834. At her death, the Pensacola Gazette eulogized that "We have lost a friend and the city has lost one of its brightest ornaments, a lady the center of social attraction, one whose place will not soon be filled." The Gazette went on to lament that the scourge of yellow fever, whose source was not yet understood to be Pensacola's prodigious mosquitoes, had taken her life. "If her life alone could have been saved by preventive measures, they would have been cheap at thousands of dollars."

Two of Mary Willis’ sons are also buried in St. John’s Cemetery, George Willis and Dr. Lewis Willis. Reportedly, some of the brick at Old Christ Church in Historic Seville, Pensacola, was Willis brick.

Tate concludes his report with:

In addition to descent from the Washington family, Mary W. Willis's family was connected to the Bonaparte empire in France. Her daughter Catherine married Charles Louis Napoleon Achille Murat, Crown Prince of Naples and son of Emperor Napoleon I's sister Caroline. Achille Murat's father was Napoleon's greatest cavalry commander, Marshal of the Empire, Grand Duke of Berg and Cleves, and King of Naples, Joachim Murat. Tchaikovsky's famous "1812 Overture" was written to commemorate Murat's thundering cavalry charge at the Battle of Borodino.

After her husband's death, Catherine Willis Murat, daughter of Pensacola's Mary W. Willis, was recalled to France from frontier Florida by Emperor Napoleon III and made a Princess of France. She returned to Tallahassee where she lived out her years, and is buried beside her prince in Tallahassee's St. John's Cemetery. Her simple wood-frame home has been relocated from its original site to the grounds of Tallahassee's Museum of History and Natural Science, a far cry from the glittering palaces of France.

Regarding the Princess Murat, L.M. Blackford of Alexandria, Va., wrote a letter to the New York Times that was published on April 23, 1898. Please note that in his letter, he is referring to the book by Mrs. Pryor, referenced in a Times article in its Saturday Review dated March 26, 1898:

Comment and Query. Achille Murat, Again.
To the editor of The New York Times:
The letters published on the 9th inst. in your Saturday Review of Books and Art in regard to the American wife of the Prince of Naples, Achille Murat, are highly interesting, and in the main correct. Some additional points of interest, particularly in regard to her family and her relationship to Washington, may be added.
Catherine Daingerfield Willis, afterward Princess Murat, born in 1803, was the eldest daughter of Col. Byrd Charles Willis (not Bird Willis) of Willis Hill (not Hall), near Fredericksburg, Va. She married at thirteen Atcheson Gray of Stafford County, opposite Fredericksburg, who lived less than a year. The only child of this marriage died in infancy. The Widow Gray became on July 30, 1826, the wife of Achille Murat, who died in Florida in 1847, and survived him more than twenty years. There was never any issue of this marriage.
Col. Byrd C. Willis, born in 1781, was the son of Lewis Willis, who was the son of Col. Henry Willis of Willis Hill, by his third and last wife, Mildred Washington, the aunt of Gen. George Washington, being her only son. Lewis Willis was the first cousin and schoolmate of Washington, who was but two years his senior. He spoke often of his illustrious kinsman’s “industry and assiduity at school as remarkable. While his brother and other boys were at bandy or other games in play hours, he was behind the door, ciphering.”
Col. Byrd C. Willis at nineteen married Mary Willis Lewis, daughter of Major George Lewis of Marmion, son of Col. Fielding Lewis, whose wife, Betty Washington, was a sister of Gen. George Washington.
Thus it will be seen that Catharine Murat was, through her mother, the great-great niece of Washington, and, on the father’s side, great-granddaughter of Washington’s first cousin.
These particulars are mainly drawn from a manuscript prepared at Pensacola, Fla., in 1834, by Byrd C. Willis, “intended only,” he says, “for the eyes of my own people and expressly for their gratification.” This paper is now in possession of John G. Williams, Esq., of Orange, Va., whose wife is Col. Willis’s granddaughter. Being myself a great-great nephew of Col. Willis, I write also of person knowledge.
L.M. Blackford, Alexandria, Va., April 20, 1898

Mrs. Pryor's book is online at:
www.archive.org/stream/motherofwashingt00pryo/motherofwashingt00pryo_djvu.txt

Jim Crow in the Pensacola Journal: 1905-1907

Jim Crow in the Pensacola Journal in 1905-1907



From Showboat's 2nd version (1936) Paul Robeson - "Ol' Man River," a song originally written for the well-known singer and actor of the time.

Earlier this year, I went to see "Showboat" put on by the Pensacola Opera. The original Ziegfeld production premiered on Broadway in 1927 and was controversial even then.

While the music was so familiar, viewing the play left me uncomfortable. A Wikipedia clarified the discomfort:
Show Boat boldly portrayed racial issues, and was the first racially integrated musical, in that both black and white performers appeared on stage together.[11] Ziegfeld’s Follies allowed single African American performers like Bert Williams, but would never have had an African-American woman in the chorus. However, Show Boat had two choruses — a black chorus and a white chorus, and it has been perceived that "Hammerstein uses the African-American chorus as essentially a Greek chorus, providing clear commentary on the proceedings, whereas the white choruses sing of the not-quite-real."
Show Boat was also the first Broadway musical to seriously depict an interracial marriage, as in Edna Ferber's original novel, and to feature a character of mixed blood who was "passing" for white.
Since the musical's 1927 premiere, Show Boat has both been condemned as a prejudiced show based on racial caricatures and championed as a breakthrough work that opened the door for public discourse in the arts about racism in America. Some productions have been cancelled because of objections.

This week, as I was reading some 1905 issues of the Pensacola Journal that is online at Chronicling America, I came across a "Jim Crow" headline. It was a startling discovery, as I had not realized the Jim Crow laws dated back that far. I immediately began a quest to see how black Americans were covered by the local editors. What follows is a sampling of the material online.

SEGREGATION OF THE STREET CARS
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, April 15, 1905, Image 4
It is said that the committee approval of Mr Avery’s bill providing that street car companies shall furnish separate cars for whites and blacks has caused Hon W H Northup, ex-mayor and present postmaster of Avery’s home town, Pensacola and who is incidentally president of the Pensacola electric railway, undertaker, liveryman, steam tug owner and many other etceteras, to think Campbell a very naughty boy. Hon. J. Campbell Avery is a mere lad unripened by experience but he has caused a flutter throughout the state and quite an increase in the revenues of the telegraph companies.

The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, October 13, 1905, Image 1
JIM CROW LAW EFFECTIVE TODAY
The New City Law Separating the Races on Street Cars Goes Into Effect.
The new Jim Crow street car ordinance which was passed by the city council over the mayor’s veto fifteen days ago becomes effective today. [Mayor was Charles H. Bliss]
The new law is somewhat similar to the state law which was declared unconstitutional. It was drawn however in such shape that it will hardly be declared unconstitutional if any attempt is made to carry it to the Supreme Court.
The street railway company will divide the cars as it did during the time that the state lawwas being compiled with, exept that cards will be posted designating the white and colored parts of a car.
The colored population seems to be well satisfied and it is not expected that the cars will be boycotted as was the case when the state law became operative.
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The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, February 07, 1906, Image 1
DECISION ON JIM CROW LAW WAS EXPECTED
A decision on the legality of Pensacola’s Jim Crow law was expected yesterday but if such was rendered by the supreme court to the state no news of it reached Pensacola yesterday or last night. Yesterday was the day set for handing down the decision but it is supposed that it was not done or some notice of the action would have reached this city. It is now the supposition that the decision will not be made until next Tuesday.
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The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, March 15, 1906, Image 1

JIM CROW CASE TO U.S. SUPREME COURT
Jim Crow Law Has Been Appealed to Highest Court and Will Be Heard April 17
Pensacola’s Jim Crow law which has so far stood the test in every court to which it has been taken has now been appealed by the negroes to the highest court in the land, the United States Supreme Court, and it will be heard on April 17. It was not known that the case had been appealed from the decision of the Florida Supreme Court until yesterday when Marshal Schad was served with a subpoena to be present in Washington on the above date. This was turned over to City Attorney Jones. It is not likely that the marshal will have to go to Washington, neither will the city attorney as the case will probably be submitted on briefs.

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THE ROSA PARKS OF PENSACOLA REFUSED TO GIVE UP HER SEAT BACK IN 1906.

The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, August 15, 1906, Image 1
The Jim Crow Law
The Jim Crow law had another round in the municipal court yesterday morning when Mary Sims, a negro woman, was arraigned upon the charge of seating herself in a compartment in the car other than that provided for colored people, and refusing to change her seat when notified by the conductor. The woman got on the car downtown Monday night and when she refused to get into the portion reserved for colored people, she was arrested. Officer Etheridge, making the arrest upon complaint of the conductor at the union depot. After hearing a portion of the testimony it was decided to hear more witnesses and the case continued until this morning.
Update: The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, August 17, 1906, Image 1
Among the interesting cases in this court was that of Mary Sims, colored, charged with yiolating the Jim Crow street car law. The case had been continued from Tuesday morning to allow further witnesses to be introduced and heard. The recorder, after hearing her case, adjudged the woman guilty and imposed a fine of $5 and costs.

The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, October 11, 1906, Image 1
Negroes Protest Against Jim Crow DiscriminationBy Associated Press
Washington Oct 10 Representative negroes of the South in behalf of their race have complained to the interstate commerce commission of the use by the railroads of the south of Jim Crow cars for interstate passengers and have requested the commission to investigate the subject and on development of the facts to issue an order compelling the railroads not to discriminate against passengers on account of their color. The petition signed by Thomas Oliver and W.D. Johnson of Mississippi and about a dozen other negroes.

URGES NEGROES TO ORGANIZE AND FIGHT FOR RIGHTS
By Associated Press
New York Oct 10 Such men as Hoke Smith, John Temple Graves, Vardaman and Tillman ought not to be able to obtain any services from the colored man, said Oswald G. Villard. In an address before the American Council now in session here, Villard declared that no negro should think of contributing one cent for the support of the anti-negro newspapers in Georgia. He urged the negroes to organize and fight for their rights. He said the time was ripe for serving notice on the country that further efforts to degrade the negro to a servile position and to create a republic with millions of persons taxed but not represented should be fought from now on. “Leave the murdering in cold blood to the race that proudly calls itself superior and better civilized,” he said.

Emancipation ended slavery but only to replace it with an American form of apartheid, euphemistically known as Jim Crow, used to keep African Americans as second class citizens.



November 24, 1906, Page Page Four, Image 4
MONTGOMERY WILL REVOKE STREET CAR FRANCHISE
Ordinance and Company Refuses to Observe Jim Crow --
Council Will Revoke Its Right to Operate In That City
By Associated Press
Montgomery Ala Nov 23 - At a meeting for the avowed purpose of revoking all of the franchise privileges of the Montgomery Traction Company because of its failure to observe the Jim Crow street car ordinance which went into practice today the city council could not take action tonight because of the rule requiring twenty four hours notice of special meetings. A call has been issued for a meeting tomorrow afternoon when it is probable that action will be taken revoking the privileges. Since the issuance of the injunction this morning the cars have been running, after suspension of traffic for two hours and a half.
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The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, July 22, 1906, 1st Section, Image 1
THE JIM CROW LAW
A J Leggitt, Colored, Arrested Upon This Charge by Officer Schmitz
A.J. Leggitt, a colored hackman, was arrested yesterday afternoon by Police Officer Schmitz for an alleged violation of the Jim Crow law. He gave bond for his appearance at the municipal court Monday morning. The arrest was made upon complaint of Conductor Chas Meade of the Street Railway Company who stated to Officer Schmitz that the man had taken a seat in an open car in the space provided for white passengers and refused to change his seat when told that he was in the wrong compartment. The conductor further stated that when the man refused he told him to consider himself under arrest and that after riding a few blocks further Leggitt jumped from the car and evidently walked to the city. A short time afterwards the conductor who knew Leggitt saw him upon the street near the hack stand and calling Officer Schmitz made the charge against him.
Note: August 02, 1906, Page PAGE [ONE], Image 1 Leggitt was later discharged.
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The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, December 18, 1908, Image 3
JIM CROW DINING ROOM
Prisoners confined in the city jail who are working out their sentences on the streets were furnished their meals in the their meals in the “Jim Crow” dining room at police headquarters yesterday for the first time, a large lattice partition
separating the two races. Jeff Spottswood, the city jail chef, says that this arrangement for feeding the prisoners is a great improvement over the method of feeding the prisoners in the cells and all the officials at the police station endorse the change.

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The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, June 09, 1906, Image 1
CONVENTION OF FORMER SLAVES ADJOURNED YESTERDAY
TO MEET IN JACKSONVILLE DURING OCTOBER 1907
By Associated Press
Washington June 8 The The Nation Ex-slave convention today adjourned a four days session here to meet meeting in Jacksonville in October of next year. The convention commended President Roosevelt for his stand for equal constitutional liberty for all. An appeal was issued to congress for legislation pensioning former slaves. Jim Crow legislation was opposed.

The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, August 17, 1906, Image 1
NEGROES WORK TO PROMOTE EQUALITY
By Associated Press
Harpers Ferry W Va Aug 16 - At today’s meeting of the Niagara movement in which the negroes from many states are working to promote negro equality, reports from many states emphasized the organized nature of the movement among the negroes of thirty-two states. Reports say the movement was organized to give prominence to definite principles among which is abolition of all distinction based on color.

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USING VERNACULAR IN THE NEWSPAPER

July 01, 1906, 1st Section, Page PAGE EIGHT, Image 8
LOVE CHAIRS RESERVED
Negroes Sued For Right to Sit Where They Gould Make Eyes
A Jim Crow suit of two negroes against the Baltimore Chesapeake and Atlantic Railway company was tried recently in the city court at Baltimore, says the New York World. Robert Syke, colored, was called to the stand as a witness for the plaintiffs.
“Dey jes excluded us from all de good parts cf de boat,” Syke said.
“What do you mean by the good parts of the boat?” was asked.
“Well,” was the reply, “dare wuz a piannah on de boat, an’ we couldn’t git neah it. Den dey wouldn’t let us neah de love chaiahs.”
“What do you mean by the love chairs?” asked a lawyer.
“Love chaiahs is dem tings wot a fellow sits on when he’s got his gal. Dey’s twisted so’s dey can look into each other’s eyes.”
The plaintiffs lost their case.

David Pilgrim, the curator of the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, grew up in Mobile, Ala.



ARTICLES ON LYNCHINGS AND CITIZEN MOBS:

THREATEN TO LYNCH NEGRO
By Associated Press
Meridian Miss July 21 Charles Hall, a negro and ex-convict, broke into the room of Miss Bettie Davidson at Energy, Clarke county late last night for the purpose of criminal assaut. Hall was employed by the lady’s father who recognized him as he was leaving the house. The negro was arrested this morning and confessed the intention. He was removed to the county seat to prevent lynching by the angry citizens.

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(SHADES OF THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS )

The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, August 15, 1906, Image 1
FIEND WILL BE LYNCHED IF CAPTURED
By Associated Press
Greenwood S C Aug 14 - An attempt at criminal assault was made today on Miss Jennie Brooks the twenty year old daughter of J P Brooks a prosperous merchant and farmer near this place. The young woman was left in I charge of the store and a negro after making a purchase seized a large knife and threatened her. She made a desperate attempt to defend herself with an iron bar but the negro slashed her throat and nearly severed two of her fingers. A posse is in pursuit and the negro will probably be lynched if captured.

Update: The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, August 17, 1906, Image 1
GOVERNOR MADE PLEA TO MOB IN VAIN
Negro Who Murderously Assaulted White Woman Lynched
by Associated Press
Greenwood S C Aug 16 - Bob Davis, a negro captured this afternoon near Ninety Six, was positively identified tonight by Miss Jennie brooks whom he murderously assaulted last Tuesday. He was carried a short distance from the Brooks home and lynched, a negro woman firing the first shot. Governor Heyward made an unsuccessful plea. Governor Heyward reached the scene shortly after the negro was captured and addressed the mob in an effort to prevent the lynching. When he concluded, the mob cheered but took the negro from the governor’s view and riddled the fiend with bullets.

NEGRO FEDERAL TROOPS UNRULY
Killed One Man and Seriously Wounded Another at Brownsville --
Will Be Moved to Prevent Further Trouble
By Associated Press
Brownsville Texas Aug 14 - Angered because of a search made in their ranks in an effort to apprehend the negro who attacked Mrs. Leon Evans at her home last Friday evening, members of a battalion of negro federal troops at Fort Brown near here entered Brownville today and became unruly, firing several volleys down the main street. Frank Natus, a bar keeper, was killed and Policeman Doings seriously wounded and his horse killed. Bullets entered many houses. The negroes belong to the twenty- first regiment and a request has been made that they be removed to avoid trouble.
Update: The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, August 17, 1906, Image 1
Armed Citizens Guard Homes Against the Negro Soldiers
By Associated Press
Brownville Texas Aug 16 - Further trouble is feared with the negro troops. A citizens guard of one hundred and fifty men is stationed along the road between the city and Fort Brown, and if the negro soldiers attempt to leave the garrison, it is the purpose of the citizens to shoot them down. Many people living near the fort are leaving their homes, and an additional appeal is being made to Governor Lanham to send state troops. Business is entirely suspended in the city.

The man who ended Jim Crow: Charles H. Houston ~ Brown v Board of Ed Topeka



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September 12, 1906, Page PAGE FOUR, Image 4
ONE POINT OF VIEW
It is a noteworthy fact that a great deal of the spoken and implied objection to Mr [William James] Bryan’s advocacy of the government ownership of railroads comes from the South and from men of his own party. The reason is not far to seek. We do not conceive that it comes from any deep seated antipthy to the national operation of our great steel highways in spite of the South’s lingering devotion to State rights and opposition to centralization outside the ranks of the ancient bourbons those two issues are no longer very potent. The protest is social in the main rather than economic.
The Southern States practically without exception indulge in what are known as the Jim Crow laws touching upon railway transportation. Their effect is well known to everybody. No negro even Booker T Washington may ride in coaches occupied by whites but must take those reserved for people of their own color. What would be the result of Federal railroad ownership upon the scheme?
Clearly no citizen could be debarred on account of his color in any cars operated by the United States. Every Jim Crow law would fall to the ground at once and the Southerners would have to stomach mixed company as best they could. This is perhaps but a side issue of a very great question but it is interesting as showing how strongly social and racial antipathies can affect men’s views of what is bound to be an important part of the next Presidential campaign.

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The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, October 03, 1908, Image 4

Washington’s Race Trouble
Paramount Issue in Nations Capital is the Negro Question
By WILLIAM E CHANCELLOR in Colliers Weekly
The author of the following article was formerly superintendent of schools in the District of Columbia.
On Friday March 27 in the evening Congressman J. Thomas Heflin of Alabama shot a negro upon Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington and within a few hours all the country knew the story. But there are some features of that story which the North is not likely to know.
Congressman Heflin is a brilliant young man who served his State as municipal attorney and as legislator for ten years before being sent to Congress three years ago. He comes from the Black Belt and perforce holds certain views that he has been free in expressing.
To begin with he is certain that the only way toward any solution or even any endurance of tie negro problem is to reduce the negro to a caste. To forward this purpose he introduced into Congress at the last session a bill to require all negroes riding upon cars in the District to occupy separate cars or definitely assigned rear seats.
Next he saw that in order to control the negroes of the District it was absolutely essential to keep away from them all opportunities for consuming alcoholic stimulants. Consequently he backed in Congress and publicly supported in speeches in the District the bill for prohibition in the capital.
Lastly it was commonly believed that he was a supporter of the Tillman bill in the Senate directed toward removing from the District all persons without known and reputable means of support. The purpose of this bill was to clear out negro vagrants.
All these matters together with the details of the shooting were given out to the national press. Incidentally it is worth noting that the shot that struck the negro Lewis Lumly hit him upon the side of the head flattened there and slipped around for several inches between the skin and skull and then stuck there. The bullet was 38 caliber and was fired at close range as the congressman was leaving the car. The man owes his life to the thickness of his skull.
Some Unpublished Facts
But the matters not given out to the press or at least only hinted at are of greater concern. The cause for the introduction of the bill for Jim Crow cars was by no means mere imitation of the familiar Southern legislation. Nor was the congressman in possession of a heavy revolver because of a habit of carrying concealed weapons.
There are now in the District of Columbia one hundred and ten thousand negroes about one in three of the population. The men and women are in about equal numbers but in the absence of economic opportunity for the negro men in a community without factories or shops not one half of the men are employed. The unemployed live upon the earnings of their wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, sweethearts, mistresses and worse. In some instances granted that they must live here at all is not altogether their fault. The negro man can not in Washington as in many other Southern cities work on equal terms with Caucasians at a trade. Many of the labor unions deny him membership nor is he allowed to form unions allied with those of the whites. The negro therefore is limited to such occupations as domestic service in a population that fluctuates fifty thousand and more between January and July duties as porter and driver about commercial establishments certain minor Government posts and mechanical and other work for his own people including medicine dentistry law and surgery.
Washington or the District of Columbia now the synonymous term is the largest negro community upon the earth and has among its negro residents a group whose average wealth is greater than is that of any other group of negroes in the world. There are three whose wealth is over $100,000 each. These negro landlords and capitalists live in special blocks one of which is famous as quality row.
On the other side of tie social picture there are to be seen the two hundred and eighty-six alleys in which are thousands of small brick and frame houses. In large part owned by wealthy negroes and constituting the Show City’s disgrace.
Add one more fact and the entire situation becomes clear. In the District as of course nowhere else in the country no man votes and therefore the black is upon equal political terms with the white. In consequenc Washington has come the Mecca of negroes of two classes the rich who know that they can live here in fine houses and invest their money to advantage often as silent or side partners with the whites and the poor who know that even if the men of the family can not set work the women can and at good wages in the winter season This latter class of poor negroes is transient its members are going into and out of the District to and from Maryland Virginia and the Carolina all the time.
The Brights are Assertive
The wealthier and the better educated negroes constitute in Washington as permanent a class as the landowning families of the whites and in matters of outward social decorum they are often models. Many of them indeed arc almost white themselves. They are negroes because of class consciousness. But at the same time Washington is the great clearing house for those who would cross the line or go to the whites or go over to white in the familiar phrase. It is useless to go to white unless the family has a fair competence and with that competence if rejected in Washington the
negro has but to go farther north and professing himself and his family to be former Washingtonians he will be received as white without question when really light in color. There are cases in Washington where even a dark child has not forced the family back over the line to black.
There is in Washington negro circles a growing feud between the brights and the black to use the terms of the former or between the “yallers” and the browns to use the terms of the latter. The former are better bred and in general better
reared than the latter.
Among this transient parasitical and generally black element of the colored population are thousands whom if they were white we would brand as rowdies cutthroats thugs cadets holdup men hoboes but whom in our careless scorn we now content ourselves by loosely classing together as d----d niggers. Recently four of them attacked in a street car a white young man who was escorting a young lady.
They cut him with a razor beyond recognition and he lay for weeks in a hospital. The fear of a race war is one of the several blights upon the community and is sufficient to prevent any adequate dealing with the growing trouble.
Makeshift Negro Schools
It might be supposed that the schools being supported by Congress would help in the solution of the problem. But for several reasons they only make bad matters worse.
Twenty thousand children one-third of them colored are upon half-time in the schools and there are about one third as many kindergartens as are required. Instead of building schools congress rents an extraordinary number of miserable buildings paying some forty thousand dollars a year for this item. The negro children go to school for three or four years mostly upon halftime and then drop out to go to work which means to help their parents at home or to enter service. The negroes resent this and congress will not afford any adequate funds for manual and industrial training. What schooling most of them get is worse than nothing for it enables perhaps half of them to read daily newspapers and to acquire much perverse information in consequence of this situation.
Congressman Heflin found himself pursued by hundreds of anonymous letters warning him to quit his attack upon disorder and crime and treated with insolence in the streetcars and criticized by timid District whites for stirring up trouble. This timidity of the whites makes the negro bully in his own eyes sacrosanct. Being
incapable of cowering in this storm of threats and of reproaches as a matter of common sense the Congressman applied to the police for permission to carry a revolver. And when the time came for him to use it after a half-drunken man adding to his load the car itself by taking out a flask freely to imbibe from it had drawn a razor upon him the Southerner could only do what any man would do and used the revolver first as a bludgeon then as a firearm.
Of course it will be said that his life was not in danger. Those who know the situation believe that the life of any and every man in the District is in danger when attempts in any serious way to halt the license of these thousands of brutal negroes.
As matters are now the only other course for a decent man to pursue when thus insulted in a car or upon the street is to move away fast. And this is what most persons in the District do. They get out of the car that has the drunks upon it,
they cross to the other side of the street, they avoid certain streets and they move out of the District.
One sixth of the white population moves away every year. The changes of politics have very little to do with this. The general political condition has much to do with it. The Republican party is committed to preserving things as they are. Republicans who would not allow their own children to go to school with negro children nevertheless maintain as directors of the public schools upon the Board of Education one-third negroes. As one consequence though the city grows steadily there are actually two hundred and fifty less children enrolled this year in the public schools than last. So discredited are these schools that partially as a result two hundred private schools also are maintained in the District.
Some Needed Reforms
The negro problem in Washington will grow steadily worse and worse until some climax comes. It may come when if soon enough the republican regime is overthrown and Southern democrats who alone know how to deal with the negro are given an opportunity to restore self-government with a restricted suffrage to this
Southern city. And it may come in a worse form at some time when crowds gather. The tinder and the tar barrels and the fuel for a great and let us hope never-to-be-realized social conflagration are ready and in place. Only the lighted match and the hand to use it have not yet come. How much better it would here to remove all this inflammable material.
Yet it is not reasonable to suppose that congress will give the District prohibition separate cars ordinances calculated to encourage industrialism practical schooling and laws against vagrancy all of which are requisite for even a partially effective disposition of the negro question. In this disfranchised and helpless appanage of the nation.
Race Hybridization Next?
Strong races from the North arc always diluted into the weaker blood of the more Southern races until all their force is lost. It was so in Greece with the golden-haired blond Hellenes and unless more measures are taken to keep the lines rigid and distinct, it will be so despite the theses of scholars like the late Francis A. Walker in America with the so-called Anglo-Saxons. Of course no man has yet looked upon the face of Skuld; she is but a presented fancy, an illusion beautiful or frightful as one’s mood proposes. But some day it will fall to Urd to record that in the capital city of the American people race-prejudice broke down and amalgamation proceeded through social equality. Only very recently an octoroon family of considerable means moved into a white street of families of the highest standing. And we waited to see what would happen. There was some gossip and then silence came. As I have shown in a quieter way this moving across the line is proceeding with far more rapidity than some people care to admit However others think that race hybridization the Anglo Saxon re-enforcement will ultimately produce in America a fine tawny race superior in physique lo the Amer-indian. This doctrine is spreading out from Washington in quantity and quality very gratifying to these theorists Others think that a race competition will set in that will be immensely stimulating to both whites and hybrids. A considerable number of others the unreconciled look for extermination or at least deportation of the colored folks. Such is the trilemma toi which the results of the great war have brought us undesignedly, of course, and equally of course the result of that miserable conspiracy hatched in this District against the one man who knew, Abraham Lincoln.

IT HAPPENED ON GREGORY STREET

ITEMS FROM THE PENSACOLA JOURNAL
1905-1909
Compiled by Ann Hill, all rights reserved.

In an earlier blog posted here, I took the 1885 and 1893 Pensacola city directories, plus the 1880 census, to locate the names and addresses of many families living in the West Hill / Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood in that decade. What I’ve done with this blog is transcribe the mostly social references to West Gregory Street in the Pensacola Journal, located online at the Library of Congress: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. Through this research, I have found glimpses into the lives of the many families who lived along this corridor, which ran from Palafox to about “I” Street in the early 1900s. Posted here are their birthday parties, card parties, visitors, deaths and other activities that show the lively interaction of the residents at that time.
Journalists at that time took great liberties with the spellings of names and the accuracy of the information they were reporting. For the most part, I’ve left the name spellings as they appeared in the paper.
Because this is a blog, it is not a finished work, so there is much that could be reorganized and categorized, but I’ve done all I care to do for the moment.
If you are acquainted with these families, have photos or care to add information, please note this in the comments or send me email at sfnewsgal at yahoo.com. While this was primarily an exercise for my own enjoyment, I do hope it helps others who are researching their families or Pensacola.
Ann Hill
P.S. Check my earlier blogs for earlier news items that covered the great fire and hurricanes that hit Pensacola in the early 1900s and some other postcards of that era.

Sept 9, 1906 Pensacola Journal: Sept. 27, 1906 nuptials announcement. Bride is Miss Lilla Josephine Ryals of Fort Deposit, Ala. Daughter of Z.A. Ryals.
Note: April 20, 1909: Mrs. McCallister was the guest of friends and relatives in Pensacola yesterday, spending the day in town. It will be recalled that her daughter and family recently removed to Pensacola, where they are now nicely located on West Gregory street. Also found: Felomann McAllister of 415 West Gregory St.
Note: Earlier that year, on Jan. 28, there was one large room for rent at 415 West Gregory, double furnished, with hot and cold bath, board.
Note: June 25, 1905: FOR RENT – Two nicely furnished rooms, with hot and cold water, baths and privilege of telephone. Apply No. 415 West Gregory street.
Note: Another nicely furnished rooms were available at a new house at 212 West Gregory (“good neighborhood and on the car line”) and at 500 West Gregory on Feb. 15, 1906, and a two-story dwelling on West Gregory was for sale.

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Aug 31, 1909: Ad: Large, airy front room, furnished. 127 West Gregory street.

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Sept. 1, 1908: Infant son of Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Witskovski passed away at 500 West Gregory. Funeral at family residence, interment at St. John’s Cemetery.
Note: Sept 2, 1908: The funeral of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Witskovski, who died Monday night occurred yesterday afternoon, a number of friends of the family attending services, which were conducted at their home on West Gregory street. The interment was made in St. John’s cemetery.
Note: Louise Witkovski at same address Dec. 10, 1905.
Note: “Neatly furnished front room for one or two gentlemen; also a suite of rooms for light housekeeping complete, at summer rates. Bath and gas at 422 West Gregory.” Aug. 12, 1906
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July 9, 1905: Miss Katharine Touart of Mobile is visiting her cousin Miss Fodie Eggart, 422 West Gregory.
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June 4, 1905: A PLEASANT PARTY FOR MISS HUNTER’S GUESTS
A pleasant party was given Thursday night by Miss Marguerite Hunter, 201 West Gregory, to her two aunts and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Becht and Mrs. Fletcher of Scranton, Miss.
The rooms were decorated with ferns and flowers, many enjoyable games were played, refreshments were daintily served, and the guests, having a delightful time, did not depart till a late hour. Those besides the hostesses and guests of honor were:
Mrs. Morton Mrs. V Hunter, Mrs. Valanzano , Miss Mellie and Miss Mittie Morton, Miss Rena and Miss Silva Salira, Miss Nora and Miss Hattie Fleming, Miss Hattie Brartram, Miss Dora Mace, Miss Lillian Harris, Miss Hannah Chestnut, Miss B Thompson, Miss Theresa and Miss Regina Valanzano, Miss Agnes Morton, Miss Clara Hunter.
Also, Mr. Jack and Mr. Daniel Benson, Mr. Darby Thompson, Mr. John and Mr. Alex Chestnut, Mr. Victor Mabire, Mr. George Mr. Bennie and Mr. Charlie Howse, Mr. Joseph Salira, Mr. Johnny Webb, Mr. Elvin Grant, Mr. Lawrence Chestnut, Mr. Daniel Mabire, Mr. Ernest Harris and Mr. Charlie Mabire.

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United Daughters of the Confederacy to meet at the home of Mrs. A.E. McDavid, 310 West Gregory St. Sept 9, 1906 Pensacola Journal
Note: Mrs. McDavid must have also offered furnished rooms at this same address, with or without board. Jan 24, 1906
Note: Nov 12, 1905: Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have returned from Selma and are pleasantly located with their mother Mrs. McDavid, 310 West Gregory.
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Mr. Lee MacDonell of Tampa and Mr. Harry M. Wilson of Sewannee Valley arrived Monday to meet their wives who are visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.E. Wilson, 305 West Gregory St. July 3, 1906 Pensacola Journal
Note: June 14, 1907: Very Peasant (sic) Birthday Party
Miss Christina Wilson, 814 West Gregory street, entertained a few of her little girl friends last Sunday evening in honor of her eleventh birthday. Delicious refreshments of ice cream cake and fruits were served from 4 to 6 o’clock. Miss Christina was the recipient of many presents. Her little friends departed wishing her many more happy and pleasant birthdays. Those present were Julia Anderson, Berith Peterson, Honsena Peterson, Clara Reinhardt, Christine Johnson, Althea Anderson, Blanch Linzee, Homer Lingee, Olga and Anna Wilson.
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Mr. and Mrs. M.E. Batts have taken the cottage at 16 West Gregory and will occupy it as soon as they have it in readiness. July, 3 1906
Note: Henry Monk, general contractor, also gave this address when selling tools on Jan. 24, 1906.
Note: Oct 14, 1906: Mrs. M.E. Batts had company for the winter: Mrs. Harriet Matthews of Nashville.
Note: April 5, 1907: Mrs. M.E. Batts is seriously ill at her home, 16 West Gregory.
Note: Aug 16, 1908: Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Holden of 16 West Gregory street, left yesterday for a visit to Chicago and the lakes.
Note: Jan 22, 1909: MRS J W HOLDEN ENTERTAINED YESTERDAY
Mrs. J W Holden was hostess yesterday afternoon at a delightful bridge and euchre party given at her home on West Gregory street. The house was beautifully decorated in Narcissi, roses and ferns, the color arrangement having been both dainty and artistic. A pretty feature of the afternoon was the fact that each prize was an exquisite specimen of the needlecraft of the hostess which was much appreciated by the lucky winners. Miss Fannie Caldwell won the highest number of points in bridge, receiving a beautiful centerpiece while the first euchre prize was secured by Mrs. Rix Robinson being an elaborate sofa pillow. Mrs. Gant won the consolation, a hand-embroidered pin cushion and Miss Ethel Suter the booby, a crocheted sachet. Elaborate refreshments were served, Mrs. Holden having proved a most charming hostess.
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Mrs. Connell at 712 West Gregory advertised her dressmaking on Aug. 12, 1908.
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Dec. 7, 1909: Bridge club meeting at the home of Mrs. William Gonzalez on West Gregory St. Note: June 22, 1906: The friends of Mrs. William Gonzalez of 505 West Gregory were pained to learn of her illness but will be pleased to learn that she is now improving.
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March 30, 1909: Nomads met at the home of Mrs. Warren E. Anderson on West Gregory.
Also Annie LeBaron was a guest at the home of Mrs. Willie Gonzalez on West Gregory, and Miss Susie Hargis (possibly of 412 West Gregory, need to check whose daughter she was) sang “Face to Face” at the evening service at St. Michael’s Church.
Note: Nov 3, 1908: The Nomads met at the home of Mrs. Warren Anderson on West Gregory street yesterday afternoon, a pleasant and profitable meeting being the result. The subject was “The Dawn of History,” Mesdames C.W. Oliver and L.J. Reeves reading interesting papers on appropriate subjects.
Note: Dec 6, 1908: Mrs. R.M. Bushnell will entertain the Nomads at their regular weekly meeting tomorrow at her home on West Gregory Street. “Nineveh” will be the subject for the afternoon, the following papers to be read: “The Pride of Assure,” Mrs. Thomas V. Hannah; “The Gathering of the Storm,” Mrs. Walker Anderson. Mrs. H.A. Brosnahan will give a reading. Note: Dec 8, 1908: Re: Nomads. “Later Babylon” will be the topic next week, and there will be two papers, entitled respectively “Nebuchadnezzar and His Successors” and “The City of Babylon,” to be read by Mrs. Philip Hannah and Miss Julia Whiting. Mrs. Mallory Kennedy will give a reading.
Note: Nov 4, 1906: The Nomads will meet for the first time this year with Mrs. Wm. R. Gonzalez on West Gregory Street Monday Nov 5th. The subject for the year’s work is “England During the Georgian Period.” In addition to the usual routine, there will be two papers, “The Accession of the House of Hanover” by Mrs. Zeek and “Sir Robert Walpole and his Contemporaries” by Mrs. F.O. Howe.
Note: March 10, 1908: The Nomads met yesterday afternoon with Mrs. Thomas Hannah as hostess at her pretty house on West Gregory street. … Miss Julia Whiting read a beautifully written paper on Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Mrs. F.S. Mellen was on the program for a paper, but was unable to attend the meeting. Miss Hilda Blount gave an interesting talk upon the subject of English painters. The next meeting of the Nomads will be with Mrs. Phillip Hannah.
Note: July 4, 1906: Garbage contract annulled: Capt. R.M. Bushnell told the board that over a week ago he had placed a box of garbage in front of his residence on West Gregory and had complained to the contractor of its non-removal every day, but without results. It had finally been removed by the city carts.
Note: March 10, 1909 Mrs. William R. Gonzalez of 507 West Gregory wins a $10 prize of the winning name “Rockaby”’s Bear’s balm for babies. Lewis Bear, druggist.

March 15, 1908 Warren E. Anderson running for county judge.
Note: May 17, 1908: Dr. and Mrs. Warren E. Anderson, who have an attractive home near the water, have decided to stay in town this summer, as their big comfortable home on West Gregory street with its cool surroundings, is too attractive to leave. However, they will let their home on the bay shore to friends for the season.

Nov. 2, 1906, page 1: (with photo)
Honorable Chas. M. Coston Died This Morning
Democratic Legislative Candidate Expires Four Days Before Election
POPULAR YOUNG LAWYER SUCCUMBS AFTER LONG FIGHT TO
TUBERCULOSIS -- HE WOILD HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO LEGISLATURE
Hon Chas M. Coston, nominee to the Democratic party for representative in the legislature from Escambia county and whose name appears upon the ballots which will be voted at the general election next Tuesday expired this morning about 1:15 o’clock at the home of John L. Pinney on West Gregory street. His illness covered a period of many months and he sought health and relief in the mountains of Virginia returning to Pensacola only a few weeks ago and since then he has gradually declined in health, the end coming this morning.
The news of his death will be received with regret throughout the city and by all with whom he was acquainted. He was a young man and was just entering upon a bright
career when attacked by the dreaded tuberculosis.
Nominated for Legislature
Mr. Coston was nominated for representative to the legislature in the Democratic primary last summer and bore the distinction of leading the ticket. His vote was an exceptionally flattering one especially as he had a number of opponents. Shortly afterwards his health began to fail but he remained in the city until his physicians ordered that he make a change in hopes that it would benefit him. He did so accompanied by his mother
and sister and together they went to the mountains of Virginia, where they spent many months. His health did not improve and finally the family returned to the city, locating with their relatives on West Gregory street.
There for the past few weeks there have been many callers all hopeful that the young man would recover from the attack, but he continued to slowly decline and this morning he passed away.
Born in Norfolk
Mr. Coston was born in Norfolk, Va. on March 27, 1869. He was the son of Capt Henry H. Coston, an officer of the United States Marine service who was stationed at the Pensacola Navy yard for many years and who was the inventor of the Coston distress signal. He received his education in the public and private schools of Norfolk and later took a course in the Washington and Lee University at Lexington, Va. In 1891 he graduated in the law school of that university and in the summer of the same year was admitted to practice law in that city. He practiced there until June 18, when he came to Pensacola on account of the illness of his father, then stationed at the local navy yard. In October of the same year he was admitted to the bar of this city and had practiced law here since then.
The deceased had held several positions of public trust. When the water front commission to adjudicate the titles of the waterfront lands of the city was formed, he was appointed as one of the three members and he also held the position of Circuit Court commissioner for a number of years.
The deceased was prominent in fraternal and social orders being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Eagles, having been elected to the position of worthy
president when the area was formed in this city.
Mr. Coston leaves a mother, sister and one brother to mourn his death, in addition to a large circle of friends.
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Nov 22, 1906: MOTHER FOLLOWS SON TO THE GREAT BEYOND
Stricken With Apoplexy Mrs. Ella V Coston Passes Away
TAKEN ILL YESTERDAY MORNING AT 3 OCLOCK THE AGED AND
RESPECTED LADY DIES AT 6:45 LAST NIGHT BARELY REGAINING CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER THE ATTACK
Stricken with apoplexy yesterday morning at 3 o’clock Mrs. Ella V Coston expired last night at 6:45 o’clock at the home of John L Pinney on West Gregory street thus following her son Chas M Coston to the Great Beyond within three weeks. The news of the sudden illness and later the death of the aged and highly respected lady came as a shock to many and especially to her large number of intimate friends She was apparently enjoying good health although very much affected by the recent death of her son. Mrs. Coston retired Tuesday night at the usual hour and made no complaint of feeling ill. About 5 o’clock her daughter was awakened and discovered that her mother was seriously ill. A physician was hastily summoned but her condition was beyond medical aid and although she uttered a few words she relapsed into a state of unconsciousness from which she never emerged and death came while she was surrounded by loving relatives and friends.
Mrs. Coston had reached the age of 61 years She had long been a resident of Pensacola and the navy yard coming here in 1846 with the family and living at the navy yard. She was the daughter of Major William Morrill who was stationed at the Pensacola yard. There she married in 1859 Jas H Nichelsen and to this union was born one son. Mr. Nichelsen met death on the battlefield at Franklin Tenn. in 1864 at that time being the adjutant general of Finlay’s Florida Brigade. In 1865 she married Lieut H H Coston, USMC, and to them were born four children Chas M, who recently died, Harry, who is in naval service at Norfolk, Miss Ella who is now in Pensacola, and Mrs. Flora Hall, residing in Virginia. Captain Coston which rank he attained before retiring died at the navy yard some years afterwards and the remains are burled in the National cemetery. Mrs. Coston also leaves one sister, Mrs. John L Pinney, and two brothers, Capt W Thomas Morrill US engineering department of Mobile, and Edward Webb Morrill of South Florida.
The hour of the funeral and the place of interment have not yet been announced as relatives have been wired informing them of her death.
Note: Nov 23, 1906:
THE FUNERAL OF MRS ELLA V COSTON
Will Occur This Afternoon From St Katharine’s Church
The remains of Mrs. Ella V Coston who expired at the home of John L Pinney on West Gregory street Wednesday night will lie placed at rest this afternoon in St John’s cemetery. the services being conducted at St Katharine’s church at 3 o’clock. The cortege will move from the residence of Mr. Pinney at 2:30 o’clock and proceed to the church and thence to the cemetery.
The pallbearers will be H Horsler, Herman Pinney, P B Bruce, C M Jones, John B Jones, W L Moyer, A C Blount Jr and J C Pettersen. The remains of this highly respected lady would have been placed at rest in the National cemetery but for the fact that the regulations or the department do not permit of but one member of a naval officers family to be buried in the national cemetery and recently Mrs. Coston had the remains of her son Hon Chas M Coston buried there by his father, thus waiving her right and her body will consequently be interred in St Johns cemetery.
Note: Nov. 24, 1906: FUNERAL OF MRS ELLA V COSTON.
REMAINS OF ESTIMABLE LADY PLACED AT REST YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
The remains of Mrs. Ella V Coston, the estimable lady who died Wednesday afternoon of apoplexy, were placed at rest yesterday afternoon in St Johns cemetery, a large concourse of friends and relatives being present to pay their last sad tribute of respect.
The cortege moved from the family home on West Gregory street at 2:30
o’clock to St Katharine’s church where Rev Mr. Sharpe conducted the services after which the cortege proceeded to the cemetery. Many handsome floral tributes were placed upon
the grave presented by loving friends.
Note: Oct 27, 1905: Capt. W.T. Morrill, who has been visiting his sister Mrs. John L. Pinney, 508 West Gregory street, has returned to his home in Mobile.
Note: April 21, 1905: Mrs. C.M. Coston entertained at dinner Wed. eve. for Mrs. Ahrens of Chicago, guest of Miss Rehfield and Mrs. E.R. Burgoyne. Mrs. Ahrens leaves Friday noon for home.
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April 21, 1905: COMPLIMENTARY TO MRS AHRENS
Mrs. E R Burgoyne and Miss Pauline Rehfield gave a particularly delightfu1 day’s outing for their attractive guest, Mrs. Ahrens of Chicago, that enabled her to see the chief points of interest on land and water.
In the morning they went by “dummy” to the navy yard. There they boarded a pilot boat and went out into the Gulf, where they spent five delightful hours, cruising near enough to the target range of the warships to see the flash of the big guns at practice. They also enjoyed the experience of sending one pilot aboard a big British ship that was coming in and of receiving and bringing in two pilots from the battleships Maine and Kentucky on their way to target practice.
They visited the life saving station and had dinner on board while there, cruised about to the other points of interest on the lower harbor, returned to Warrington for supper and then returned to the city after an ideal day and magnificent sea weather.
In the party besides Mrs. Burgoyne and Miss Rehfield and the guest of honor Mrs. Ahrens were Hon Charles M Coston and Miss Ellie Coston, Mrs. D. Dannheisser and Mrs. Alex Lischkoff.
Hon J Walter Kehoe, Mrs. Kehoe and their sister Miss Minnie Kehoe were also passengers on the pilot boat during the trip.
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April 21, 1905: Mrs. Northup’s at home. The following invitations have been
issued: Mrs. W H Northup at home Wednesday April twenty-six from four to six.
Miss Walker, Mrs. Gustav Eitzen, Mrs. E.E. Saunders, Mrs. J.R. Kellar.
Note: March 15, 1908: Latest in Cornett Puffs and Pompadours offered by Mrs. Sarah Beirne, 508 West Gregory, near corner of DeVilliers.

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Feb. 6, 1907: GEORGE U. BONIFAY HAS PASSED AWAY
Well Known Citizen Died at An Early Hour Yesterday Morning
Geo. U. Bonifay, a well known and highly respected citizen, passed away
yesterday morning at 3:30 o’clock at the home of his sister Mrs. Robert Hargis on West Gregory street. He had been confined to his bed for about a week with a complication of diseases.
Mr. Bonifay had long been a resident of Pensacola and for years was
one of the prominent merchants of the city In later years he was identified with the firm of Halliday Co. and later with W J B Forbes. For the past three years he has been with the firm Hooton Watson as bookkeeper. He was taken ill on January 28th on which date he posted his books at the close of the day’s business, and although he returned to duty the following morning, he was too ill to attend to his duties and went back to his home. Since then he has been gradually growing worse and yesterday morning, the end arrived.
Mr. Bonifay was a man liked by all with whom he was acquainted. His employers spoke highly of him stating that he was a very valuable man in the position which he held with the firm, faithful and trustworthy and admired not only by his employers but by all of those in the employ of the firm.
The deceased leaves a sister, Mrs. Robert Hargis and three brothers, M.G. Bonifay, Peter Bonifay and M. Bonifay, the latter of Bonifay. With the exception of the latter, they are all residents of this city. He also leaves a large number of other relatives and a host of friends.
The funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 o’clock this afternoon at St. Michael’s church, the cortege leaving the family home on West Gregory street at 3 o’clock. The interment will be in St Michael’s cemetery.
The following friends of the deceased will act as pallbearers: F C Brent, W A Blount, J J Hooton, Thos C Watson, Frank Reilly and J Thornton Whiting.
Note: April 14, 1907: Fire Dept. called to home of John L. Pinney on West Gregory, where the roof had ignited from sparks. It was extinguished with but little damage.
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Dec. 19, 1909: BONIFAY FUNERAL WILL BE HELD THIS MORNING
At 10:30 o’clock this morning the remains of the late M.G. Bonifay will be borne from his late residence on West Gregory street to St. Michael’s church, where Father Fullerton will conduct the funeral services. Interment will be made at St. Michael’s cemetery. Close friends have been selected as pallbearers.
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March 17, 1907 page 1 Pensacola Journal
MAJOR GONZALEZ HAS PASSED AWAY
Only Surviving Son of Don Manuel Gonzalez Passes to Great Beyond
Major Sam Z. Gonzalez. One of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Pensacola passed away yesterday afternoon at his home at No 313 West Gregory street after a lingering illness. Death was due to old age.
The deceased had reached the age of 89 years and leaves a wife, a large number of relatives and many friends to mourn his loss. The "Major", as he was known by his numerous friends was a native Pensacolian, having been born here, and he lived here continuously throughout his life. He was respected by all with whom he was acquainted and had a kind word for everyone. He retired from active business many years ago and for the past few years has been seen upon the streets but occasionally.
The funeral cortege will leave the family home on West Gregory street this afternoon at 4 o’clock and proceed to St Michael’s church, where the funeral services will be conducted. The interment will be in St Michael’s cemetery in the family burying ground, and friends and relatives are invited to be present but are especially requested not to bring flowers.
The pall bearers will be six nephews of the deceased as follows: W R, C H, L X, S J, O A and C G Gonzalez.
Was Only Surviving Son
Major Gonzalez was the only surviving son of Don Manuel Gonzalez, who came to Pensacola in a sailing vessel in December of 1784 and who married a French lady Miss Marie Louise Bonifay and they resided at what was then known as the Fifteen Mile House, which is now known as Gonzalez. Don Manuel received at various times large grants of land from the Spanish crown until he came to possess immense tracts lying in Pensacola and surrounding it. Some of these estates were Gonzalia, now known as Gonzalez, Vacaria Baja at Oakfleld and another at Cantonment.
Don Manuel gave the Plaza on Public Square to Pensacola and gave it in the name of Ferdinand VII in honor of the monarch whom Bonaparte exiled in 1808 in order to place his brother Joseph Bonaparte upon the Spanish throne. After West Florida had been ceded to the United States in 1821, the father of Major Gonzalez was made quartermaster general and colonel of the army and it was at his home at the Fifteen Mile House that the first council of thirteen assembled and the first statutes were enacted.
Don Manuel Gonzalez died at Vacaria Baja in 1828, being then 71 years of age and lies buried in St. Michael’s cemetery in this city.
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Oct. 14, 1905: New Cases of Yellow Fever reported. Henry Monk has about passed critical stage. Also new: Mr. and Mrs. Crass of 528 West Gregory; and Thomas Raucher of 634 West Gregory.
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Oct. 21, 1905: Also now with yellow fever: Mrs. Geiger and baby (the baby died of the disease) at 710 West Gregory and Mrs. HC Witt at 806 West Gregory. Count is now at 458.
Note: Nov. 5, 1908: Mrs. J.D. Jordan of Scottsboro, Ala., is visiting her niece, Mrs. A. Gieger on West Gregory St.
Note: June 3, 1908: HENRY C. WITT PASSES AWAY
Former Pensacolian Dies in Houston To Be Buried Here
Henry C. Witt, formerly of Pensacola and an old Confederate veteran having been connected with the Third Alabama regiment and later with the Fifteenth Confederate cavalry died in Houston Tex yesterday morning. The remains will arrive in this city and the funeral take place Thursday morning at 10 o’clock from the home of W C Rowland, 806 West Gregory street.
Note: July 18, 1908: Page one: The remains of John C. Witt, who shot himself at his home in Houston, Texas, Thurs. morning, accompanied by his wife and brother, and will be taken direct from the depot to the home of his sister, Mrs. Rowland on West Gregory Street. The funeral services are to be conducted there this afternoon at 4 o’clock and the interment will be in St. Michael’s cemetery. Much regret was expressed in Pensacola yesterday when it became known that Mr. Witt had suicided. He was known by a large number of the residents of 18 years ago, and they were pained to learn of his death.
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Note: April 18, 1907 ELEANOR ROLAND DIED LAST NIGHT
Eleven Year Old Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W E Roland Passed Away at 9 O’clock
Eleanor Roland, 11 years of age, died last night at 9 o’clock at the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. W E Roland of 806 West Gregory street. The little girl had been ill for a number of weeks suffering from heart trouble and although her death was not unexpected it was nevertheless a severe shock to her parents and relatives, who have the sympathy of their many friends in their bereavement. The funeral services will be conducted this afternoon at 4:30 o’clock at the family home Rev J B Commyns of the First Methodist church officiating and the cortege will move from there to St Johns cemetery where the remains will be placed at rest.

Note: April 19, 1907
FUNERAL OF LITTLE MISS ELEANOR ROLAND
The funeral services of little Miss Eleanor Roland the nine months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W E Roland were conducted yesterday afternoon at the family home on [806] West Gregory street and were largely attended especially by employees of the Pensacola navy yard where the bereaved father is employed. The Interment was in St Johns cemetery and many followed the remains to the last resting place and placed beautiful floral tributes upon the grave. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of their large number of friends in their bereavement.
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June 24, 1906: Misses Helen and Eva Gonzalez of West Gregory St. had a number of visitors, including Annie Kidd and Virginia Lyde of Birmingham. They were accompanied by Mrs. Paul Kuester and Mr. O.A. Gonzalez.




Note: Sept 23, 1908: SHEPPARD-GONZALEZ LOVELY WEDDING YESTERDAY
The first of the fall church weddings occurred yesterday afternoon at half after five o’clock at St Michael’s church when Miss Eva Gonzalez, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O A Gonzalez, was united in marriage to Mr. Oscar Mixon Sheppard of this city.
The ceremony was characterized by its sweet simplicity which added a charm to the impressive marriage rites. The church was decorated in ferns and potted plants, the rays of western sunlight shining through the stained glass windows adding a touch of red and gold to the feathery green of the ferns and stately palms.
At the appointed hour Mendelssohn’s wedding march, played by Miss Fannie Kehoe, poured forth its sweet strains, filling the church with music as the bridal party entered. The lights on the altar burned brightly, marking the arrival of the wedding party. First came the pretty maid of honor, who was charmingly gowned in a lovely creation of grandmother Swiss, elaborately trimmed and worn over a slip of white taffeta silk. She wore a becoming white picture hat, trimmed in white plumes. A bouquet of pink carnations completed a very chic costume.
Following the maid of honor came the fascinating bride leaning upon the arm of her father. She was simply gowned in white grandmother Swiss over white taffeta fashioned al a princesse and elaborately trimmed in tiny val lace. Her lovely brunette type of beauty was enhanced by her soft white bridal robes and the big bouquet of fragrant carnations and feathery ferns which she carried.
The bridal party was met at the altar by the groom and his brother. Mr. Raymond B. Sheppard, who was best man. Father Fullerton performed the impressive marriage ceremony, after which the young couple and the bridal party were given a delightful dinner at the home of the bride’s father, No 503 West Gregory street. At eight o’clock Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard left on the steamer Tarpon for a visit to relatives at St Andrews.
As Miss Gonzalez the bride has many friends in Pensacola where she has lived her young life who wish her much future happiness. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis H Sheppard of St Andrews, both of whom attended the wedding and are guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Gonzalez.
Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard will reside at the home of Mr. Frank Riera on North DeVilliers street, as Mr. Sheppard holds a responsible position with the Garfield Ice Company, the future home of the young couple will be made in this city.
Many lovely presents were received from their many friends here and
elsewhere.
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Oct. 4, 1908: Bridge luncheon at Mrs. E.H. Simpson of West Gregory.
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Nov. 3, 1908: Dr. W.E. Anderson to erect a one-story frame bldg at 223 West Gregory for the storage of coal.
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July 1, 1906: John Frenkel (502 West Gregory) was a winner of a pound of Huyler’s candy at Mr. D’Alemberte’s drugstore.
Dec. 10, 1905: Ed. M. Frenkel at the same address.
June 20, 1906: Mrs. Morris Frenkel of Monroe, La., is the guest of her mother, Mrs. F. Frenkel, 501 West Gregory.
April 9, 1905: The wedding of Miss Evelyn Frenkel and Mr. Archie L. Rosenstein will take place Monday evening, April 17. The ceremony will be followed by a large reception at the residence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. M. Frenkel, 520 West Gregory, at 8:30.
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May 18, 1909: Thomas Pate was painfully kicked in the abdomen by his horse while hitching the animal to a wagon at his home on West Gregory street.
Also: Sam Canteraker, charged with keeping open store and selling groceries on Sunday, was fined $11 in the recorder’s court. He conducts a store at the corner of Gregory and Barcelona streets and was arrested at that place by Policeman M. Fillingim.
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Feb. 18, 1906: COLONEL TARBEL’S FUNERAL TODAY
FORMER MAYOR OF PENSACOLA WILL BE BURIED THIS AFTERNOON IN ST. JOHN’S
The remains of Colonel John Milton Tarble who expired at his home on West Gregory street Thursday night will be placed at rest this afternoon. The funeral cortege will leave the family residence at 3:15 and will proceed to Christ church where the services will be conflicted. Afterwards the cortege will move to St John’s cemetery where the remains of the former mayor of Pensacola will be placed at rest with appropriate ceremonies.
The news of the death of Colonel Tarble came as a shock to many persons in the city, some of whom were not even aware of the fact that he was seriously ill.
The colonel for many years was a familiar figure on the streets of Pensacola, but in recent years his health was such that he rarely appeared on the streets. His death is regretted by many, especially those who knew him when he was in the prime of life.
Note: Jan 5, 1906: Colonel and Mrs. Tarbell are now located at 515 West Gregory.
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Jan 27, 1909: MR AND MRS E H SIMPSON CELEBRATE 17th ANNIVERSARY
On Thursday last at their pretty home on West Gregory street Mr. and Mrs. E H Simpson entertained a number of their friends In celebration of the seventeenth anniversary of their marriage. The house was prettily decorated for the occasion, red and green forming the motif for the color scheme. Ferns, lovely red roses and white narcissus made the dining rooms very pretty and attractive. Mrs. Simpson was assisted in receiving her guests by Mrs. J S Johnson, Mrs. Mahoney, Mrs. Joe Hughes, Mrs. A Neil and Mrs. Jack Langford.
The guests present were Miss Aeneid Barrow, Miss Delia Johnson, Miss Emma Greneger, Miss Annie Langley, Miss Gertie Burns and Mr. Claud Mahoney, Mr. Ben King Mr. Nick Conlin, Mr. Toney Licata, Mr. Willie Stanley, Mr. Oscar Burns, Mr. G H Simpson, Mr. Jack Langford, Mr. Joe Hughes, Mr. Charles Neil, Mr. Jim Burns and Mr. Dudley Johnson.
After spending a very pleasant evening in playing games and dancing the guests were invited into the dining room where steaming plates of gumbo were served.
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were remembered by their friends with several
handsome presents.
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Dec. 3, 1909: An 18th birthday party for Miss Mabel Wilson, the popular and very attractive daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson of West Gregory. Chaperoned by Mesdames Hernandez and Rheinhardt. Attending: Misses Lucille Gray, Mabel Pfeiffer, Geraldine Boras, Irene Hernandez, Ada Reidei, Stella Rheinhardt, and Messrs. Paul Gray, Herbert Pfeiffer, Guy Holland and Otto Rheinhardt.
Note: Feb. 6, 1909: Mrs. Wilson hosted the Ladies Mission Society at her home, 305 West Gregory. Also Miss Alice Quina hosted bridge club at her home, corner Gregory and Baylen.
Note: July 12, 1906: The merry summer reunion and house party that has been so delightfully entertained by Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Wilson at their home, 305 West Gregory, for several weeks past breaks up today. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wilson and little son, John Powell, of Suwanee Valley, left Tues. for home. Mr. and Mrs. Lee MacDonnell of Tampa leave this morning for Jacksonville, where they will visit Mr. McDonnell’s relatives before going home.
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Dec. 11, 1909: C.B. Lewis of Jacksonville, Illinois has a winter home on West Gregory St. and is a big promoter of Pensacola tourism. He is particularly pleased with improvements made in his immediate neighborhood: “I really wouldn’t recognize my street. I think that with the paving getting on so well, and everything else considered, that everyone should catch the improvement fever, too, and clear up the yards, paint the home, and have the best looking street in the city out there. In the line of improvements, however, the entire city appears to be getting in line. I have seen more changes for the better this year than in any past five years, and still there are indications of more work being done by next year.” Upon being asked what had impressed him most upon his recent return to Pensacola, Mr. Lewis said that outside of the street improvements, the new ten-story bank building and the new half-million dollar hotel had struck him as most noticeable. “That hotel means a lot of the right kind of tourist travel for Pensacola. Mr. Lewis was president of the Tourist Club for several years and has watched the city grow for a quarter-century. Note: He’s probably referring to the Hotel San Carlos, now torn down.
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Dec. 19, 1909: Lyda May Lancaster, 15, of 305 West Gregory, submitted a Christmas poem to the paper.
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Dec. 10, 2005: William Sibley at 112 West Gregory among newspaper contest entrants, as was Lillian Friedman, 204 West Gregory (where the main library is now).
Note: Feb. 17, 1907 Mrs. Alec Friedman hosted the Euchre card club at her home on West Gregory. Delicious refreshments of ices and cakes were served in the dining room, which was lovely with flowers, cut glass and handsome silver. First prize was won by Mrs. Max Klein, a pretty bric-a-brac ornament. Second prize, a half dozen handkerchiefs, was awarded to the hostess, and the guests prize was presented to Mrs. Ischbaum, Mrs. B.H. Solomon’s guest. The club will meet this week with Mrs. Morris Bear at her home of Palafox hill.
Note: April 28, 1907: Ann’s note: Worst headline of the year – charmingly is misspelled and the birthday girl is 16, not 60!
MISS ETHEL FRIEDMAN CELEBRATES
CARMINGLY HER SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY
A birthday party which for a genuine good time will be long remembered by the happy crowd of boys and girls who attended was that of Miss Ethel Friedman, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S A Friedman.
The party occurred Friday night at the handsome home of her parents on West Gregory street and after the very bad weather of the week the night was clear and the moon shone with such dazzling radiance that one could almost believe the April rains had polished its face.
Miss Ethel looked very dainty and sweet in a pretty dress of pink and white organdie, finished with pale pink ribbons. She was assisted in receiving her guests by her mother, Mrs. S A Friedman, and her aunt Mrs. David Edrehi, Miss Lillian Friedman and Miss Alice Wagenheim, the two latter young ladies being prettily gowned in white organdie.
The color scheme of the decorations was pink, white and green. The reception hall was beautifully decorated in English ivy, the parlors and dining room being in pink roses and pink carnations intermingled with the graceful tendrils of ivy.
The wide back gallery was waxed and most of the evening was spent in dancing. There were two prizes offered, one each to the girl and boy who made the best rhyme the subject being “sweet sixteen.”
Miss Goldine Jacoby captured the ladies first prize, a silver jewel case. The prize winning rhyme was: “Out of childhood into girlhood days, sweet Ethel has ventured, with her winning ways.”
The boys first prize, a silver ink well, was awarded Lazarr Cahn, his rhyme being as follows:
“It was midnight
And the sky was bright.
When the happy guests
Bade sweet Ethel good night.”
There were many very clever little rhymes about Miss Ethel and her birthday, the judges, Rabbi Schwartz, Mrs. Dave Kugleman and Mr. Simmons, selecting Mr. Cahn and Miss Jacoby as the prize winners.
The dining room was the most elaborately decorated of any of the rooms and looked very lovely in pink roses, ferns and English ivy. The refreshments were very sweet and dainty and bore the color scheme throughout. The centerpiece was a big birthday cake pure white, with Sweet Sixteen in pink letters upon it. The ices were pink and white and the bonbons and small cakes were pink white and green.
Little J Montrose Edrehi, the seven year old cousin of the hostess proposed the toast to sweet sixteen as follows:
“Sweet sixteen is girlhood’s fondest dream,
To you dear Ethel so pure and true,
May heaven’s blessings rest on you.”
Miss Friedman received many pretty presents from her friends and she, as well as her happy guests, will always remember the sixteenth anniversary of her birthday and the great pleasures of the evening that with minds and hearts free from care they spent in the company of each other.
The following guests were present: Miss Lillian Friedman, sister of the hostess, Miss Alice Wagenheim, Miss Sara Goldstucker, Miss Jannette Israel, Miss Lena Alfman, Miss Rosa Zung, Miss Goldine Jacoby, Miss Sadie Cashman, and Messrs Bertram Coleman, Bertram Heinberg, A Freinkle, Lazaar Cahn, Leon Mandle, Asbury Weiland, Leo Israel, Lep Heinberg, Max Gugenheim, J Montrose Edrihi.
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Jan 27, 1907: Mrs. W.H. Northup of West Gregory (now Pensacola Victorian B&B) to give a large card party at her home.
Note: March 22, 1908: Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Quinlivan are now located with Capt. And Mrs. Northup, corn Spring and Gregory streets. … Mrs. Northup will give a thimble party to a few of her friends next Monday afternoon at her home on West Gregory street. The guests will indulge in various games. After this there will be a cutting for the golden thimble.
Note: March 24, 1908: Yesterday afternoon Mrs. W.H. Northup gave a pleasant party to a number of her friends. Although the rain fell in torrents, every guest was present and one of the most delightful of afternoons was spent playing bridge and euchre. The pretty home was beautifully decorated with roses from Mrs. Northup’s rose garden which is one of the ornaments of West Garden Street. After the games the prize, a beautiful gold thimble, was cut for by six of the guests and a peculiar feature was that all six of the ladies cut the tray of various suits in the park of cards, the prize finally falling to the lot of Mrs. E.E. Saunders. Refreshments, which were dainty and delicious, were served and consisted of ices, bon-bons and cakes.
Mrs. Northup’s guests were Mrs. E F Bruce, Mrs. Fred Marsh, Mrs. Frank Dunn, Mrs. Irving Post, Miss Fannie Caldwell, Mrs. William Johnson, Mrs. John Holden, Mrs. E E Saunders, Mrs. Bleeker Forbes, Mrs. Simon Johnson, Mrs. Hollands of Detroit, Mrs. Frederick Gilmore, Mrs. Rix M Robinson, Mrs. M E Batts, Mrs. Quinlivan, Miss Lizzie Rogers, Mrs. Ammerman of Illinois, Mrs. Sheppard.
Note: June 17, 1906: Mrs. Fred Gilmore – Nellie Cravey Gilmore the writer – left Friday noon for Jacksonville, where she is the guest of her brother and sister-in-law Mr. and Mrs. George Cravey for a few days. She will also see her uncle Mr. E.C. Cobb of Gainesville, who will go to Jacksonville and meet Mrs. Gilmore there.
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Note: Oct. 1, 1908:
MRS W H NORTHUP ENTERTAINS AT BRIDGE
Mrs. W H Northup entertained a number of friends at a cozy little bridge party given at her lovely home on West Gregory street yesterday. There were twelve guests present and bridge was played from three until six o’clock after which dainty refreshments were served. The house was very prettily arranged with potted plants and cut flowers, Mrs. Northup’s rose gardens always yielding a quantity of beautiful flowers which at this season of the year are particularly lovely and went far in brightening the pretty furnished rooms.
There were three tables of bridge, Mrs. Jas. Macgibbon [813 North Barcelona] making the highest score and winning the first prize, a handsome drawn work bureau scarf. The consolation prize, a deck of imported playing cards was won by Mrs. John Stillman.
Mrs. Northup’s guests were Mrs. Bleeker Forbes, Miss Fannie Caldwell, Mrs. W B Runyan, Mrs. George Wentworth, Mrs. A O Anson, Mrs. E F Bruce, Mrs. Jas. Macgibbon, Mrs. Walter Kehoe, Mrs. John Stillman, Mrs. T F McGourin, Mrs. T H Lannon, Mrs. L J Reeves.
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Jan. 30, 1907: Mrs. T.C. Watson entertains at cards at her handsome home at 20 West Gregory St.
Note: Oct 6, 1908: Mrs. F.D. Watson, who has been very ill at her home on West Gregory street, is convalescing, much to the please of her many friends.
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Note: Oct 24, 1908: Mr. and Mrs. William Runyan are pleasantly located with Mrs. W.H. Northup, West Gregory street.
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March 30, 1905: Mrs. H.R. Insley, wife of Paymaster Insley of the USS Olympia, and her sister, Miss Gard, are at Mrs. H.C. White’s, 222 West Gregory.




March 12, 1907: Miss Margaret and Miss Mabel Allerman, two charming young ladies of Marianna, are the guests of their aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. David Edrehl on West Gregory St.
Note: Feb 28, 1905: Miss Blanche Metzner of Tallahassee arrived Sat. night on a visit to Mrs. David Edrehl, 202 West Gregory.
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March 14, 1907: Mrs. Kauffman, 422 West Gregory, telephoned the Journal as follows: “Please take out my ad. I have rented all my rooms and I still have calls for them.”
Note: Sept. 2, 1906: MISS KAUFFMAN’S CANDY PULL
Miss Myrtle Kauffman entertained quite a number of her little friends on Wednesday afternoon with an old fashioned candy pull at her home at 422 West Gregory street. There were two prizes, a first and second to be given to the ones who made the most perfect initial with the candy after it was pulled and it was decided that Miss Gladys Smith and Mr. Fred Kuester were entitled to the prizes. The happy crowd of children who were fortunate enough to be present were Merci and Fred Kuester, Lilian McDonald, Ethel McDonald, Florence Bobe, Louise Wolf, Vergie Reed, Gladys Smith, Florida Wallace, Thelma Hinson, Dudley Gonzalez, Rosco Wallace, John Franklin, Harry Smith, Dent Smith, Alfred Reed, Louis Kauffman, Sherrod Hinson, Oral Gonzalez.

Note: Sept 24, 1907: A Buster Brown Party
Master Louis Kauffman entertained a large number of his young friends at a Buster Brown party at the home of his parents, No 422 West Gregory street, yesterday afternoon from 4 to 6 o’clock. The event was the celebration of his ninth birthday anniversary and the large number of little guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Three prizes were given and the winners were Misses Lillian McDonald and Sadie Kugleman and Master Warren Riera. Before they departed for their homes delicious refreshments such as ice cream, lemonade and cake were served and greatly enjoyed. The young hostess was the recipient of many pretty presents from his guests. Those who were present were Masters Ernest Gonzalez, Asbin Howe, Warren Riera, Clint and Eugene Bonifay, Montrose Edrehi, Edward and Bert Pooley, Alfred Reed, Emmet Reinhardt, Sam Alfman, John Van Pelt, Harold Goldring, Sherrill Hinson and Lamar and Celestine Serra, Misses Sadie Kugleman, Lillian and Ethel McDonald, Virginia and Cora Reed, Mercy Kuester, Evelyn Hartford, Julia and Rosie Alfman, Florida Wallace, Thelma Hinson, Della Cashman, Ruth Van Pelt, Lucile Goldring and Myrtle Kauffman.
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March 29, 1909: Miss Reffie Smith of West Gregory street is preparing to leave for Gulfport, Miss., in the near future, where she will be the guest of relatives. Miss Reffie’s many friends are anticipating a pleasant sojourn for her in the delightful Mississippi town.
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Sept 20, 1908: Mrs. Martin McDonald, formerly of 415 West Gregory street, has moved to the former Fisher residence, corner of Palafox and Gregory streets, where she is at home to her friends.
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May 22, 1907: Miss Janie Lehman of Greenville, Ala., is visiting the Misses de la Rua at their home on West Gregory street and will remain several weeks.
Note: Aug 6, 1908: Mrs. P.J. McKay and Mrs. Langon and daughter left for their homes in Mobile after spending a few days with Mrs. L.O. Kauffmann, at her home of West Gregory street. … Miss Myrtle Kauffman left Wed. for Mobile to visit friends for a few weeks.
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June 2, 1907: Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Mathis have moved into the handsome residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Dunham, No. 419 West Gregory St, where they will reside during the summer months.
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June 16, 1907: Miss Edna Ward and Miss Addie Tiener are expected today from mobile to visit Miss Etta Kauffman, 422 West Gregory St.
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Note: Dec 4, 1908: Mrs. L.A. Kauffman, who recently underwent a serious operation, is convalescing in a most satisfactory manner at her home on West Gregory street. The operation, which was for the relief of appendicitis was a thoroughly successful one, much to the satisfaction of the many friends of the worthy lady who were interested in her condition.
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Nov 18, 1908: Permit to Joseph Wyer to repair the building on West Gregory street, near “I”.
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Aug. 12, 1906: George W. Seniba, residing at No. 212 West Gregory street, expired at his home yesterday morning at 4 o’clock after a painful illness. The deceased had reached the age of 85 years. He leaves a wife, who in is New York, and one daughter.
Note: Ad Sept 30, 1906: Miss Georgia Sensiba, graduate of Knox College, Illinois, and Ferris Kindergarten College, Mich., will open a Kindergarten and Primary School Oct 1 at her home, 212 West Gregory street. Terms $3 per month.
Note: Ad Sept 30, 1906: Private instructions given in advanced English, French, stenography and the usual grammar school studies. Apply to Miss Z.D. Adams, 411 West Gregory street or Box 798.
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April 2, 1909: Mrs. Welch has been ill at her home on 138 West Gregory street.
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May 7, 1909: The Pensacola Maidens’ Club held a pleasant meeting on Thurs. night at the home of Miss Annie Ainsworth on West Gregory street. Euchre was playing, a delightful evening having passed. The ladies’ ace prize was won by Miss Antoinette DiLustro and the booby by Miss Annie Ainsworth. The gentleman’s ace was secured by Mr. Elliot and the booby by Mr. Thos. White. Delicious refreshments were served during the evening, which was one of real pleasure, reflecting much credit on the charming young hostess. The next meeting will occur at the home of Miss Hilda Touart on East Intendencia street.
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July 4, 1908: Mr. M. Hirscher of Montgomery is the guest of his daughters, Mrs. Sidney Cahn and Miss Celestine Hirscher on West Gregory st.
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Sept 4, 1908: Misses Mabel and Pearl Morris of Mobile are the guests of Mrs. R.C. Sackoff at 112 West Gregory street.
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Oct 26, 1908:
THE EXCITEMENT LAST SATURDAY AT HANNAH BROS
Was Caused By a Monster Parasite Alive 62 Feet in Length Head and All Complete Was Expelled by Mr. Walter L Lankford Who Resides at No 2012 (sic) West Gregory Street Whose Spark of Life Was Slowly But Surely Growing Dimmer Day by Day Is Transformed From a Life of Misery and Despair to a Life of Happiness and Sunshine in a Few Short Hours
At No 2012 West Gregory street resides Mr. Walter L. Lankford with his loving wife and baby. Everything was peace and happiness in the home with one exception: That was the poor health of the head of the family, although never so sick as to be in bed but always had that tired languid feeling.

Some four years ago when Mr. Lankford was a member of the 8th U S Art. Band, he had a very hard spell of sickness a raging fever, his stomach was bloated to enormous size, he had shortness of breath, dizzy spells, sharp shooting pans in his lower bowels and the back of his head; he partially recovered from this attack, but ever since he has been troubled more or less. He had a ravenous appetite most of the time; sometimes he could not eat at all. The very sight of food would make him sick; a bad, nasty taste in the morning, sometimes fluttering of the heart, tongue coated, especially in the mornings.

For the past 8 months, he was employed as conductor by the Pensacola Street Car Co., but he had to give it up owing to his poor health and nervous condition. Mrs. Lankford had read and been advised by his friends about the wonderful cures Gray, the Quaker health teacher, was making at Hannah Bros. with his wonderful Quaker Herb Extract and Oil of Balm; he decided to call on Gray. After hearing about the remedies he purchased one bottle of the Herb Extract and in just three days expelled a monster life-sapping tape worm 62 feet in length squirming and alive, head and all complete. He brought it down to Hannah Bros. drug store for Gray to see and the worm is there now and can be seen by all who wish to call, absolutely free, and Gray will answer all questions pertaining to parasites in the human system and how easily Quaker Herb Extract will expel them. No sickness or starving.
Gray claims the Quaker Herb Extract and Oil of Balm will cure rheumatism, catarrh in any form, stomach, kidney, liver and blood troubles, in digestion and constipation. It’s a system purifier and a worm and germ destroyer. Gray has been telling you he proved what he said. How does he prove it? By curing the people right here in Pensacola the same as he has done in hundred of other cities. He has the same medicine here that he has used for years with the same wonderful success. Call today. It costs nothing to talk to Gray. If you can not call, order by mail. The goods will be sent you by express on receipt of price. Quaker Herb Extract, $1.00 per bottle, 3 for $2.50 Oil of Balm, 25 cents, 5 for $1.00. Gray prepays all charges on orders of $3.00 or over. Our mail order department is complete. Gray proves what he says at Hannah Bros drug store 17 South Palafox Street from 9 a m to 9 p m. Come to the Quaker free show on West Garden street next to McHugh’s Grocery Co Every night 7 pm. Don’t forget - free to all.
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Nov 3, 1909: Encroachment suits. The city attorney was instructed to enter proceedings against owners of property on West Government, near DeVilliers, and on West Gregory, near Reus, who had refused to move property from encroachment on the streets. The motion was that the attorney be instructed to proceed in the matter of enforcing the city’s legal rights.
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Nov 5, 1905: A HALLOWEEN PARTY
Mrs. Smith entertained a party of young friends Tuesday night at her home on West Gregory street with a Halloween Party. Those present were Miss Maud Cercuti, Miss Hazel Johnson, Miss Agnes Quigley, Miss Amelia Johnson, Miss Ivy Smith, Miss Quilla Smith, Miss Marie Smith, Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Chip Klumpker, Mr. Cecil Hovey, Mr. Robert Pine, Master Robert Smith. They enjoyed the evening by playing games, telling fortunes and with music. After the “ghosts” appeared they were served with refreshments. The party broke up at one o’clock, each one voting it the best time they have had in a long time.
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Nov 15, 1905: page one: Mrs. Bonar, wife of Frederick Bonar, deceased, former British vice-consul at this port, is very ill at her home on West Gregory street. In fact this morning it was reported that she could hardly recover, being at that time in a dying condition. Mrs. Bonar has been ill for many weeks, or before her husband died of yellow fever. Her critical illness and probably death will be learned with regret by her many friends.
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Jan 21, 1909: E.E. Forum Sr. was painfully injured yesterday afternoon by the breaking of a scaffold on which he was painting the ceiling in the building being erected at the southeast corner of Government and DeVilliers street. He was carried to his home on West Gregory street, where he received medical attention.
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Feb 7, 1909: Mrs. Fred Gillmore will be hostess tomorrow afternoon at an informal bridge party at her home on West Gregory street. A number of invitations have been extended.
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Feb 28, 1909: Yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock, a conference was held at the exhibition hall by the physicians of the city. Plans were thoroughly discussed as to present and future work of the campaign against tuberculosis, which has aroused much intense interest among all classes of people.
Among other things, the following doctors volunteered to out today to the colored churches of the city and make a personal appeal to the various congregations not only to attend themselves, to the exhibition on next Thurs., but to do everything in their power to help the good work on:
Dr. Pierpont will speak at the Houser chapel at 2200 North Hayne street.
Dr. Simpson will speak at Mount Norris church at 716 West Gregory street. …
Dr. Hargis will speak at Bethel church on Brainard between F & G streets.
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March 5, 1909: Mrs. F.M. (Frank) Thigpen and charming little son (of Montgomery) are guests at the home of Dr. and Mrs. R.C. White on West Gregory street. Mrs. Thigpen’s many local friends are enthusiastically welcoming her during her sojourn in the city.

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July 24, 1909:
HOME OF J.M. COE ENTERED - IT IS NOT KNOWN WHAT THE THIEVES SECURED AS MR COE AND HIS FAMILY ARE ABSENT FROM THE CITY
A door in the residence of John M. Coe, No 113 West Gregory Street, was found open yesterday by Rev. Julian S. Sibley, who resides across the street from the Coe residence and who is looking after the home during the absence from the city of Mr. Coe and family. An investigation of the interior of the residence showed that the place had been ransacked by an unknown party but owing to the absence of the Coe family it has not been learned whether anything was taken from the building. The matter was reported to the police who are making an investigation. A copy of The Journal of July 16 was found on a lounge and the police are of the opinion that the intruder took a rest and perused the paper during his visit to the residence.
Note: March 10, 1907: Lawn party set at the residence of Mr. J.M. Coe, 113 West Gregory by the ladies of St. Catherine’s church.
Note: June 23, 1907: Miss Margaret Eliston and Mr. H.S. Shapiro will be married at 8 pm at the residence of Mrs. McDonald, 133 West Gregory street, Rabbi Schwartz officiating. Thurs. afternoon Euchre Club meets with Mrs. Francis Commyns at 4 pm. Miss Marie Bonifay and Mr. Harry Thompson will be married at St. Michael’s rectory June 26 at 6 o’clock pm. Miss Mabel Gonzalez entertains at cards from 4 to 7, honor of the young college set.
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April 1, 1906: Mr. Celestine H. Gonzalez and family have removed to 416 West Gregory where they occupy the residence of the late Judge Bonifay.
April 1, 1906: Miss Beck of The Journal is pleasantly located at Mrs. McDavids’ 310 West Gregory, where she has her own private phone in her room, just as she had in her sister’s home, and the same number – “669”.
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March 21, 1909: Permit to Leslie E. Brooks to repair wooden dwelling at Nos. 710 and 712 West Gregory street.
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July 31, 1909: Mr. W.L. Hart, with his daughter and son of Marianna, have been the guests of Mrs. J.D. Johnson on West Gregory street for the past few days. They will return home today.
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Sept 8, 1909: James Lovett and William Duffee and Miss Katharine Duffee of Apalachicola are visiting their uncle, James Lovett at 431 West Gregory Street. William Duffee to St. Bernard’s College, near Cullman, Ala.
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Sept. 14, 1909: Mr. and Mrs. Oscar M. Kruester, of No. 513 West Gregory street, are the proud parents of a fine son.
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June 5, 1908: McKENDRICKS-KUESTER WEDDING WEDNESDAY
The marriage of Miss Isabelle Kuester, daughter of Mrs. Emily Kuester, and Mr. Richard McKendricks of Mobile occurred Wednesday at six thirty o’clock in the evening at St Michael’s rectory, Rev Father Fullerton officiating. The wedding was a quiet one, only relatives of the contracting parties being present. The bride wore a pretty going away gown with hat and gloves to match and looked very pretty and dainty. Her flowers were brides roses. After the ceremony the young couple left for Mobile and other cities of Alabama.
Mr. and Mrs. McKendricks will probably make their home in Pensacola. The bride is well known and popular in Pensacola, being the daughter of Mrs. Emily Kuester, residing on West Gregory street. Both Mr. and Mrs. McKendrick have the best wishes of a host of friends for much future happiness.
Although the wedding was very quiet, a number of handsome presents were received from friends which will go far towards beautifying their home.
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June 25, 1908: KUESTER-DURANT WEDDING AT ST. MICHAEL’S
One of the pretty weddings of yesterday which was quietly and simply celebrated was that of Mr. Oscar Kuester and Miss Mary Eulalie Durant which occurred at St. Michaels church at five thirty o’clock, Rev Father Fullerton officiating.
The ceremony was performed in the presence of friends and relatives after which an informal reception was held at the home of the bride’s mother. Mr. L Durant, brother of the bride, gave her away and as she entered the church leaning upon his arm she was the object of many admiring glances. Her gown was of white grandmother Swiss beautifully made and trimmed in filmy lace in which she looked the picture of sweet girl hood. The groom and his best man Mr. Eric Gonzalez met the bridal party at the altar where the ceremony was performed.
After the reception the young couple left for Texas, where they will spend a few weeks. The bride wore a pretty going away gown of brown toile over silk with hat and gloves to match. The bride is well known and popular in Pensacola. Her sweet disposition endearing her to every one Mr. Kuester is one of the valued employees of the Louisville and Nashville railroad and numbers his friends by the score. Mr. and Mrs. Keuster will make Pensacola their home and will reside with the groom’s mother on West Gregory street. Many beautiful presents were received which will go far to beautifying their future home. Good wishes and congratulations went with the young couple on their honeymoon journey.
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Jan. 30, 1908: Little Engebar Bovett of Myrtle Grove is very ill at the home of her grandparents on West Gregory street.
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Oct 16, 1906: QUINA-WHITING WEDDING OCTOBER 24
The following invitation has been received by the friends of Miss Bernadette Quina and Mr. Frank Whiting in Pensacola and elsewhere: Mrs. Mary Alice Quina requests the pleasure of your company at the wedding reception of her daughter Mary Bernadette and Mr. Franklin Moss Whiting on the evening of Wednesday the twenty-fourth of October from half after eight until ten o’clock, One hundred and three West Gregory street, Pensacola Florida.
At home after the 15th of November, one hundred and nineteen West Gadsden street. Both Miss Quina and Mr. Whiting are well known and popular members of Pensacola’s society set, and have many friends who wish them much future happiness.
The wedding will take place at the home of the bride’s mother Mrs. Mary Alice Quina and will be attended only by the intimate friends and relatives of the contracting parties. Rev Father Fullerton of St Michaels church will perform the ceremony. Immediately afterward a reception will be held to which a large number have been invited.
Miss Quina’s bridesmaids will be her sister. Miss Celestine Quina, maid of honor, and Miss Belle Whiting, a sister of the groom.
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Feb 25, 1908: The many friends of Miss Esther Johnson will be glad to hear that she is improving. She has been confined to her home on West Gregory street with the measles.
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March 11, 1908: Mr. Ray Guest of Honor at Tea
Miss Cecilla Robinson entertained at tea at her home on West Gregory street in honor of Donald Ray of Fayetteville N C. The tea was informal and much enjoyed by the guests. The decorations were in yellow and purple and were very pretty and tasteful. The pretty parlor was decorated in yellow jessamines, the dainty fragrance from the pretty golden flowers being especially pleasing to the senses. Jonquils and violets furnished the decorations for the dining room , which was prettily arranged. The evening was delightfully spent.
Miss Colin Smith dressed as a gypsy and created a good deal of amusement reading the palms of the hands of the guests. Miss Robinson’s guests were Mr. Ray, Miss Velma Maura, Miss Margaret Campbell, Miss Colin Smith, Miss Georgia Collins, Mr. Herron D’Alemberte, Mr. John Lewis, Mr. A J Robinson.
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Jan 26, 1905: The many friends of Mr. J.K. Dailey, formerly of Millview, regret to know of his serious illness at his home, 520 West Gregory, Pensacola.
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Feb 7, 1905: The Presbyterian parsonage, lately destroyed by fire, is being replaced by a very handsome new structure, which will add greatly to the appearance of West Gregory.
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Jan 3, 1907: The meeting of the Jewish Woman’s Council will not be held until next week On Thurs. afternoon, with Mrs. S.A. Friedman, 206 West Gregory street.
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Feb 9, 1905: SURPRISED MISS SERRA
On Monday evening by a very clever ruse a number of young ladies succeeded in giving Miss Annie Serra the most agreeable surprise of her experience to celebrate her 17th birthday.
With a party of friends she started to the theatre but when they reached the residence of Mrs. M McDonald, 415 West Gregory, they entered on some pretext when the lights were suddenly turned on displaying the surprise.
The entire first floor had been thrown in one great reception hall and beautifully decorated with holly, ferns, palms and Mrs. McDonald's wealth of potted plants. And here a jolly crowd of young people were already assembled to help her celebrate the day and wish her many returns.
Music, dancing and games served to while away the hours all too rapidly.
Miss Florida de la Rua and Miss Hela Gonzalez presided at the punch bowl and Mrs. C C Brown and Miss Daisy Horsler served delicious hot chocolate.
Those present were Miss Hela Gonzalez, Miss Florida de la Rua, Miss Eva Gonzalez, Miss Isabel Cuesta, Miss Daisy Horsler, Miss Carrie Horsler, Miss Violette Gonzalez, Miss Louise Bond, Miss Cora Murphy, Miss Teal of Indiana, Mr. and Mrs. C C Brown and Mr. and Mrs. M. McDonald.
Also Mr. Hargiss McGuire, Mr. Edgar Langford, Mr. C M Coston, Mr. Harry Brooks, Mr. Eric Gonzalez, Mr. Oscar Cuesta, Mr. John Riccards, Mr. Willie King, Mr. Hargiss Gonzalez, Mr. Tucker of London, Eng, Mr. Willie Hautz and Mr. Ray Horsler.

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March 1, 1905: VOLK - ROBINSON
A quiet and pretty wedding was that of Mr. August Volk and Miss Margie Robinson, which took place at the bride’s home on West Gregory on Monday night. Rev George W Carpenter officiated with the ring ceremony in the presence of a very few friends. The pretty home was decorated with flowers and potted plants and the lights were softened by harmonizing shades. Mr. and Mrs. Volk left on the late train for Montgomery Ala, where they will visit his people during a part of their honeymoon.
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March 2, 1905: NEEDY CASE WORTHY OF ASSISTANCE
The Journal learns of a very needy case which is well worthy the attention of the charitably inclined people of the city. The case is that of the Godwin family at 630 West Gregory street. The father died about two weeks ago leaving the mother and four children without means. The mother and two of the children are now down with typhoid fever and are greatly in need of attention. Some assistance has been rendered them by the Rathbone Sisters but the latter’s’ means are not sufficient to furnish the relief necessary and assistance is now greatly needed.
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March 29, 1907: John N. Day realty, located at 6 West Romana, advertises for $1250 a 50-foot lot on West Gregory with two small houses on the lot, each renting for $7 a month, making a 13 percent investment.
Note: may 21, 1907: John N. Day realty offers a 5-room house at 519 West Gregory, close in, for $2600. The house has bath, gas, sanitary closet, hot water boiler and has just been painted outside and in, and nicely papers. Has cabinet mantels and tile hearth and bronzed fronts in fire places and 9-foot hall in center.
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July 27, 1905: Miss Maude Walthall of Vicksburg, Miss., is visiting her aunt Mrs. J. M. Moreno on West Gregory.
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May 18, 1905: ANTONE-ROBERTS. There was a quiet home wedding at the residence of the bride’s father, 802 West Gregory Wed morning at 9:30 o’clock, when Mr. Ira Augustus Antone and Miss Clara Gertrude Roberts were married. Rev. Frederic Jones, pastor of the First Baptist church, officiating. Mr. Antone and his bride are both Pensacolians, and will continue to reside in the city.
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