In prior discussions I've talked about the store at Flemington where 318 and 329 cross. To the west of the store, along 318, is a small church; I believe the church is called "Canaan" something or other. The church reminds me of a story told to me a while back by a member of the Pardee family. It's a bit gruesome, but, here goes. Esther "Essie" Leona Mixson, daughter of Archibald Riley Mixson (1852) (a brother of James Darlington Mixson (1848)) married Henry Willis Pardee. One of their sons was Albert H. Pardee and a daughter was Rosamond. Back in the late 1920's and 1930's, the family came upon pretty hard times both personally and financially. Daughter Rosamond ran away from home and took a job as a bar maid somewhere in the Palatka area. She joined the "worlds oldest profession"...and became pregnant as a result. Since a "lady of the night" isn't of much use if she's "in a family way", she was "disposed of". Dead at age 19. Rosamond is buried at Micanopy, near her mother. See Rosamond's Headstone Later the family came upon financial hard times. Son Albert lost his job; he was living at home at the time and was told they didn't have enough money to feed him. Whereupon Albert proceeded to the area of Canaan church (west of the store) and hanged himself. Dead at age 31. A (more) gruesome part of the story is that by the time he was found the body was very bloated and difficult to get in a casket. Albert is buried at Flemington, off in a corner by himself. See Albert's Headstone |
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