Pinellas; A Brief History of the Lower Point

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1914. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER I. FIRST SETTLERS. In beginning this narrative I will say that it is my intention to confine myself to a historical sketch of the lower end of the Pinellas Peninsula, from the year 1843, the date of the first authentic settlement, until in the year 1888, when the last rail was laid and the final spike driven for the Orange Belt R. R. in St. Petersburg. And I will just mention in passing, that there were Spanish people living in Tampa and here and there along the coast, for many years before Florida was ceded to the United States, who gave Spanish names to some of the islands, as also to some points on the mainland. For instance: Point Pinellas was called Punta Pinal, meaning Point of Pines. So far as I have been able to ascertain, the first man to settle on the Point was Antonio Maximo, who did so in 1843, under a land grant from the United States government for services rendered during the Seminole War of 1836-7 and 8. At the extreme point, which now bears his name, Maximo, he proceeded to establish a fishery for the supply of the Cuban market. Here he remained until about 1848. Also, about 1845, William Bunce located on one of the Mullet Keys, known as Hospital Key, and for the same purpose. This is yet familiarly known as Bunch's Ranche, and the neighboring pass as Bunch's Pass. The hurricane of 1848 totally destroyed both these ranches, thus putting an end to the fishing business for the Cuban market in this section until 1859, when Abel Miranda, William C. and John A. Bethell put up a ranche at Maximo, and carried on the fishing business, until the beginning of the Civil War, which put an end also to all traffic with Cuban markets. The next settler after Bunce was John Lavach, who located on what is known as the Adams Place, on Boca Ceiga Bay, ...