NPS Photo The Florence Family has traced their Virginia roots back to the 1600s. Their family was once in the heart of the Hickory Ridge Community, where today's Scenic Drive meet Burma Road. The family has put together a small book on their family history. Their 320 acre track, purchased by the park on Friday, August 28th, 1936. In addition to the house and outbuildings, the tract contained a gasoline power grist mill, Joe Florence's store , and a neighborning school known as the Thornton School, which was on land donated by the Florence family. The land was purchased for $6/acre at the cost of $1,935.
The oldest grave in the graveyard is for Irvin Florence, who was born on September 28, 1883 and died 13 months later of consumption (now known at Tuberculosis). Irvin was the son of Benjamin and Alice Florence, and sibling to Lucy, Joseph, and John. Alice L. Florence was the matriarch of the family. She was born on September 15, 1850 and Died on December 2, 1914. Alice applied for a pension file after her husband's death due to his service in Company B of the 49th Virginia Infantry.
Her Husband was Benjamin Florence, who was born on August 14, 1836 and died on April 3rd, 1885. Their daughter Lucy was born on March 17, 1867 and died at the age of 20 on April 14th, 1887, reportedly of convulsions. Ralph Florence is also buried in the cemetery. He was the son of Alice and Benjamin's son John and his wife Lula McAlister Florence. He was one month old when he died on August 3, 1918. |
Last updated: October 4, 2018