The Bazzell Murder - 1860

One of the earliest recorded crimes in the Two Egg area was the 1860 murder of William Bazzell. The details surrounding the event remain sketchy, but he is believed to have been the first person buried at the Bazzell Cemetery in Lovedale, a community about three miles northeast of "downtown" Two Egg.

Although the details of what happened are unclear, a reward for the apprehension of two suspects was issued by Governor Madison S. Perry on September 14, 1860. Here is the notice that was published in the Tallahassee Floridian newspaper on October 6, 1860:

STATE OF FLORIDA

$200 Reward

Whereas, Information has been this day filed in the Executive Department that a brutal murder was committed in Jackson County, during the night of the 20th ultimo, on the body of William J. Bazzell, by Daniel O. Neel, and Samuel H. Chisolm, and that they have fled from justice,

Now, therefore, in order that said Neel and Chisolm may be brought to condign punishment, I, Madison S. Perry, Governor of the State aforesaid, and by this my public proclamation, offer TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS reward for the apprehension and delivery of said criminals to the Sheriff of Jackson County.

MEN. – Daniel O. Neel is a middle aged man, about five feet ten inches high, --- black hair, with white lock on the right side of his head; of dark complexion, and heavy countenance, has very penetrating grey eyes, has a scar on his right arm between the wrist and elbow, made by a half ounce bullet, weight about 140 or 145 pounds, and wore at the time of his escape a very heavy beard. He is an Engineer by trade.

Samuel H. Chisolm is about twenty-one years ago, has fair skin prominent nose, blue-eyes, large mouth and dark curly hair; has rather a good countenance, is fine looking, and talks well and freely. Is about six feet high and wighs about 160 pounds, was clean shaven when he escaped.

It Testimony Whereof, I have hereto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Florida. Done at the Capitol, in the city of Tallahassee, this 14th day of September, A.D. 1860.

M.S. Perry,
Governor of Florida.

By the Governor – Attest:
F.L. Villepigue,
Secretary of State.

The Florida Sentinal and Marianna Patriot run four times, and forward bills to the Comptroller’s office for settlement.

September 15, 1860.

Lovedale featured in the "Jackson County Times"

The Two Egg area community of Lovedale is featured in this week's issue of The Jackson County Times. The weekly community newspaper has begun featuring the histories of communities across Jackson County and this week turns its attention to Lovedale.

Lovedale was founded during the late 1800s by families that still live in the area. Unique among the small communities established in Jackson County during that era because it was built around a central square, the community is now the home of Lovedale Baptist Church and Cemetery.

To read the article, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Jackson County Times. If you live out of the area or live in Jackson County and would like to receive the weekly community newspaper by mail, you can subscribe online by visiting: http://www.jacksontimesonline.com/subscribe.html

More on Lovedale

This is one of the oldest graves at Lovedale Baptist Church Cemetery. The stone, located virtually in the shadow of the church itself, marks the burial spot of Charles Weston. He was only 6 weeks old when he died in 1891.

Such tragedies were sad facts of life during the late 1800s, when Lovedale was founded. Disease, malnutrition, lack of modern medicines and other causes contributed to claim many children before they reached the age of 5. The number of graves of children at cemeteries like the one in Lovedale is a sobering testimony to the fact that the "good old days" weren't always so good.

Despite such tragedy, however, the people who survived the hard times built families and homes and helped make Jackson County the special place it is today. There is much history in the tombstones around Two Egg.

Lovedale Baptist Church Cemetery

Located just a couple of miles northeast of Two Egg, the community of Lovedale has been an important part of the area since the late 1800s. The community is unique among similar Northwest Florida crossroads because it was built around a central square. Although there were originally businesses and other structures there, today the peaceful community is best noted as the site of Lovedale Baptist Church and Cemetery.

The cemetery, which includes graves dating as far back as the late 1800s, is beautifully maintained by local residents.

Tombstones here tell the stories of numerous local families. One is even inscribed with a drawing of a man fishing.

Along with Two Egg, Lovedale has for many years been one of the principal communities making up Jackson County's Central voting precinct.