Confederate Veterans to be honored at Cox Reunion

This year's annual Cox Family Reunion will have a unique feature. The Theophilus West Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will be on hand to unveil markers and pay tribute to three Confederate veterans buried at Circile Hill Cemetery.

The annual reunion takes place at the Circle Hill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on the first Saturday after the 4th of July each year. Cox relatives from across the country and occasionally even from overseas show up to share conversation and memories.

This year's event will begin at 11:30 a.m. this Saturday with ceremonies to honor the three Confederate veterans buried at Circle Hill. One of these has never had a headstone of any kind. I'll take a closer look at all three over the coming days.

New History of Jackson County now available at Amazon.com

The History of Jackson County, Florida: Volume One is now available for online purchase at Amazon.com. The book went into national release this weekend and is now stocked by Amazon and is available for immediate delivery.

Please click here for ordering information.

This book is volume one of what will eventually be a three volume set on the history of the county. It covers events from the years from before the Civil War and covers topics such as early Spanish missions, the American Revolution in Jackson County, the First and Second Seminole Wars, the Battle of Ekanachatte, Scott's Massacre, the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge, Marianna vs. Webbville, crime and punishment, the Calhoun County War, the Trail of Tears, the early steamboat era and more.

Another recent book -The Early History of Gadsden County - is also now available at Amazon.com.

Dozier School's "Mystery Graves"

I have received many questions this week about the supposed "mystery graves" at Dozier School in Marianna. Allegations have been made that these burials might result from cases of abuse at the school for juvenile offenders.

While I have no knowledge one way or the other about the abuse claims, I do know that most if not all of the graves in the little cemetery at the school can be explained.

Ten of them date from a tragic fire that broke out in the main dormitory of the school (then the Florida Reform School) in November of 1914. An oil lamp exploded starting an accidental fire from which eight students and two employees were unable to escape. A number of other individuals, including the superintendent of the school, were injured trying to rescue them.

Twelve more graves date from the great influenza epidemic of 1918. The flu epidemic that year is believed to have been the worst outbreak in American history. An estimated 500,000 people lost their lives, including at least eleven students and one staff member at the school.

These two events, then, account for more than two-thirds of the graves in the school's little cemetery. The others are thought to be those of several boys that died between 1918 and 1949. Among these was a youth who died from illness, a 13-year-old student who was murdered by another student and a 14-year-old who died from exposure in the woods after escaping.

The cemetery is also said to contain the remains of two pet dogs and a pet peacock named Sue. They were buried there by students from the school.

The real history of the little burial ground is undeniably tragic, but at least 28 of the 31 or so graves long predate the recent allegations made by former students of the school.

Annual Christmas Lights this weekend at Three Rivers

The annual Christmas Lights Show will begin this weekend at Three Rivers State Park. Located on Highway 271 (River Road) just north of Sneads, the beautiful park borders Lake Seminole and has been part of the state park system since 1955.

If some in state government have their way, this could be the last year for Three Rivers. The state is proposing that the land on which the park is located be given back to the federal government. The move would save Florida less than $200,000 out of a state budget of more than $70 BILLION. (a budget, by the way, that has more than doubled in the last ten years). Apparently our state leaders can double their budget but no longer have the money they need to maintain Three Rivers and a number of other state parks. I encourage you to voice your opposition to this plan by writing to Gov. Crist at Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com or by contacting your local senators and representatives. You can obtain their emails and mailing addresses at http://www.myflorida.com/.

In the meantime, take the time to head out to Three Rivers this weekend to enjoy the lights. The display opens at 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday night and continues until 7 p.m. If the state goes through with its plans, this will be your last year to enjoy the display.

Special Holiday Sale on Books by Dale Cox

If you would like to purchase any of my books as Christmas gifts this year, you might consider a special online sale taking place for the next three days (Nov. 28th, 29th and 30th).

The prices on all books are reduced and this will be the only sale of this holiday season. Delivery is guaranteed in time for Christmas.

The sale is now over, but please click here for current prices on my books.

Here is a list of the books included in the sale:

• Two Egg, Florida
• The History of Jackson County, Florida: Volume One
• The Battle of Marianna, Florida
• The Battle of Natural Bridge, Florida
• The Early History of Gadsden County
• The Battle of Massard Prairie, Arkansas

Happy Thanksgiving from Two Egg, Florida!

Just a note to night to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope that you each have time to spend with family or friends, but even if you don't, please remember that we all are blessed in ways beyond comprehension.

This time of year always helps me remember just how fortunate I am to be from this wonderful little corner of America. No matter the difficulties we all face from day to day, and I know that for many people they are many, we are all fortunate as well. God has blessed us with a wonderful country, a beautiful state and a heritage in which we can all take pride.

My God bless you this Thanksgiving. May He lighten your load, remind you of good memories and surround you with love and protection.

Dale Cox

2008

Two Egg Oranges - An Unexpected Sight!

I was greeted with an unexpected sight today...oranges fresh from the tree.

This nice sample of citrus was grown by Mr. Eddie B. Watford who lives on the Alabama state line a few miles north of Two Egg. You can judge their size by the Mason jars behind them.

These are the first locally grown oranges I have seen in many years.

Jackson County, of course, was once a major citrus producing area. Satsuma groves were common and Marianna even boasted a Satsuma Festival. Several severe winters during the early 20th century doomed the industry, however, and the groves are long gone. Citrus producers moved south in search of better weather and Jackson County's history as an orange-growing area came to an end.

But, as Mr. Watford has clearly demonstrated, the trees still can and do thrive in the area. The taste of oranges is excellent and their overall quality is outstanding.

Three Rivers State Park Facing Closure - Please Speak UP!

Jackson County is on the verge of losing one of its real treasures.

Three Rivers State Park has been identified by officials in Tallahassee for closure. This park, located near Sneads, brought nearly 23,000 people to our county last year and has been part of our landscape for decades.

While I certainly appreciate the fact that the state needs to reduce its spending, I am inclined to believe that enough overhead could be cut in a few departments in Tallahassee to save every state park in Florida. It seems unfortunate to me that our leaders are looking at closing facilities that have been enjoyed by generations of Floridians and were preserved by our forefathers for the enjoyment of our generation and the generations to come.

I hope you will join me in voicing your objections to any moves to close Three Rivers and a number of other state parks in Florida. Please write to Governor Crist at Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com, Sen. Lawson at lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov and Rep. Marti Coley through her website by clicking here and encourage them all to stop this plan in its tracks before it is too late.

Thank you.

Two Egg, Florida - Order Now for Christmas

If you would like to order a copy of the book Two Egg, Florida for Christmas, the printers tell me they can guarantee delivery in time as long as you order before December 10th.

The book can be ordered online by clicking here.

It is also available at Chipola River Book & Tea at 4402 Lafayette Street in Downtown Marianna (across the street from the Battle of Marianna monument). They carry a selection of my books as well as offerings from other authors.

If you would like a book autographed for someone as a gift, I will do a brief signing event at Chipola Book and Tea on Saturday, December 13th, beginning at 10 a.m. Since the books sold out quickly last year, you might want to go ahead and purchase your copy and then I'll be glad to sign it for you at the event.

Due to health concerns, this is the only signing I have planned this year.

New Blog: History of Gadsden County, Florida

I have started a new blog (web log) on the history of Gadsden County that might be of interest.

Visit it at http://gadsdencountyhistory.blogspot.com.

The new page focuses on the history, historic sites, folklore, culture and people of Gadsden County, Florida.

I have launched the site with excerpts from the chapter about the McLane Massacre from my new book, The Early History of Gadsden County.

I hope you will take time to visit and feel free to let me hear from you with thoughts, questions or suggestions!

The Two Egg Vote - Last Word on the 2008 Election!

Well, about everything has been said about Election 2008 that can be said...except for how Two Egg voted!

Here are the results from Precinct 23 as tabulated by the Jackson County Supervisor of Elections Office:

President of the United States

John McCain/Sarah Palin - 311

Barack Obama/Joe Biden - 285

Bob Barr/Wayne Root - 1

Ralph Nader/Matt Gonzales - 5

Representative in Congress, District 2

Mark Mulligan - 152

Allen Boyd - 431

State Attorney, 14th Judicial Circuit

Steve Meadows - 272

Glenn Hess - 317

State House, District 5

Brad Drake - 194

Johnny McDaniel - 391

Sheriff

Jim Peacock - 175

Lou Roberts - 338

William Nelson - 7

Zanie Williams - 69

Superintendent of Schools

Steve Benton - 295

Lee Miller - 292

County Commission, District 5

Ben Howard Odom - 225

Kenneth Stephens - 357

Amendment Two - Defining Marriage as Between a Man and a Woman

Yes - 507

No - 64

Election Day is Tomorrow!

Just a reminder to everyone that tomorrow is Election Day!

Polls in Jackson County will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Regardless of your candidate of choice, please make sure to take a few minutes to vote and participate in this treasured American right.

Sometimes in the heat of the campaigns we all forget how precious our American freedoms really are and how so many people before us gave the supreme sacrifice to preserve them for us.

Please honor all of those that gave their lives for our freedoms by taking a few minutes to vote!

The Ghost of Bellamy Bridge

The best known ghost story in the Two Egg area is the legend of the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge.

According to the tale, this old iron frame bridge over the Chipola River is haunted by the restless spirit of a young woman who died in a tragic wedding night fire during the antebellum era.

Elizabeth Bellamy was buried in a lonely grave near the present Bellamy Bridge site and legend holds that her restless spirit still roams the area in search of her long lost husband.

There are different versions of the story, but all differ from the true history of Elizabeth Bellamy. If you would like to read the real story of the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge, please visit:

www.twoeggfla.com/bellamy. You can also read a detailed account of the ghost story in the new book, The History of Jackson County, Florida: Volume One. For more information on the book, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/dalecox.

Annual Central School Reunion set for Saturday

Former students of Central School will gather at the old school site near Two Egg on Saturday for their annual reunion.

The school served children of Two Egg, Lovedale, Parramore and the surrounding areas from 1927 to 1952.

The old building no longer stands, but its ruins remain and former students and their families have erected a monument on the grounds.

The annual event provides a chance for former students to gather and remember their school days at Central.

Things get underway on Saturday morning and everyone should be gathering by 11.

New Book - "The Early History of Gadsden County"

I am pleased to announce the release of my latest book, The Early History of Gadsden County.

The book is now available for online order and delivery directly from the printer. Just click here for more information.

The official release of the book will take place on Sunday, October 19th, at an event hosted by the West Gadsden Historical Society, Inc., at the Gadsden Art Center across from the courthouse in Quincy. The event will begin at 3 p.m. (Eastern) and the book will only be available for online purchase and delivery before that date.

Proceeds from this book will help the West Gadsden Historical Society in its efforts to preserve and interpret the rich history of Gadsden County.

The book covers a number of episodes from the county's early history and hopefully will be of interest to anyone curious about the history of Gadsden County, the upper Apalachicola River valley and the area in general.

Chapters include:

• Hernando de Soto
• Santa Cruz de Sabacola
• Chislacasliche and the Apalachicola Fort
• Ellicott's Observatory
• Nicolls' Outpost and the War of 1812
• Scott's Massacre
• Andrew Jackson in Gadsden County
• First Settlers and Neamathla's Reserve
• King Cotton and Prince Tobacco
• Early Scientists of Gadsden County
• The Comte de Castelnau
• The U.S. Arsenal at Chattahoochee
• The Second Seminole War
• The McLane Massacre
• Seizure of the U.S. Arsenal
• The C.S.S. Chattahoochee
• Gadsden County and the Battle of Natural Bridge

Battle of Marianna Tours set for September 27th

The Blue Springs Society of the Children of the American Revolution is offering a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the most important events in the history of Jackson County.

Next Saturday (Sept. 27th), the C.A.R. will host guided tours of the site of the Battle of Marianna.

The tours begin at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the historic Russ House (Jackson County Chamber of Commerce) on West Lafayette Street in Marianna.

Each tour will last 60-90 minutes and will give participants the opportunity to learn more about the battle and visit some of the key sites associated with the fighting, including St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The cost to participate is $5 (12 and under are free), with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the C.A.R. in its effort to stimulate interest in history among Jackson County's school students.

If you have questions, please feel free to email me by visiting www.twoeggfla.com/contactus.

New Book is now Available in Hardcover and Paperback

I am pleased to let you know that my latest book - The History of Jackson County, Florida: Volume One - has officially been released.

If you pre-ordered a copy, your book should arrive no later than the end of next week. If you are expecting a copy and it hasn't arrived by then, please let me know so I can check on it for you.

If you are interested in ordering a copy, I recommend you order directly from the printer for fastest service. I'll include details at the bottom of this post.

This book is the first in a three volume series on the history of Jackson County, Florida. Although the book is technically a county history, Jackson County was so closely tied to major events in the early history of Florida and the Deep South that I think you will find it of interest far beyond the borders of the county.

Volume One covers the years from 1674-1860 and covers the Spanish mission era, American Revolution, War of 1812, First Seminole War, early settlements, Second Seminole War, Trail of Tears and even includes an in-depth study of Jackson County's favorite ghost story as well as the truth behind the legend of the county's lost pirate treasure.

The book is large (well over 300 pages) and features maps, photographs and a detailed appendices that includes the county's 19th century Native American census. Paperback copies are $24.95 and hardcover copies are $29.95. Profits from the book are being donated to the Daughters of the American Revolution to assist in developing a new historic marker program for Jackson County.

Please click here for information on ordering a paperback copy of the book for $24.95.

Please click here for information on ordering a hardcover copy of the book for $29.95.

Battle of Marianna Tours set for September 27th

On Saturday, September 27th, the Blue Springs Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution will be hosting guided tours of the site of the Battle of Marianna.

I rarely do things like this because of my health, but I really enjoy trying to encourage an interest in history among our school students, so I will be guiding two tours.

The tours begin at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and the cost to participate is $5. I am donating my time to help the CAR, so 100% of the money collected will go to the organization.

The tour will give participants a chance to hear stories about the battle that I learned while researching my book, The Battle of Marianna, Florida. We will also explore the scene of some of the heaviest fighting and visit the interior of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

If you would like to reserve a spot, please just email me by visiting www.twoeggfla.com and clicking the "Contact Us" button.

Tropical Storm Fay impacting Two Egg area

If you are in or around Two Egg (or anywhere in Florida, South Alabama or South Georgia now), you already know that Tropical Storm Fay is causing big problems today.

It is one of the most potent tropical storms I can recall and has dumped more than 30 inches of rain on some areas of Florida.

If you want to keep up with the storm, the Jackson County Times newspaper is offering good information on its website, including video reports on the storm's path and access by link to a variety of weather information. You can visit them by clicking here.

Two Egg, Florida now available in Hardcover Edition

Due to numerous inquiries about obtaining copies of my book - Two Egg, Florida: A Collection of Ghost Stories, Legends and Unusual Facts - in hardback, arrangements have been made to make it available in hardcover print.

The hardcover editions are now available for $25 (plus shipping and handling) directly from the printer.

You can obtain more information or place an order by clicking here.