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Transcribed by Sarah Baker on June 9th, 2020 from History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family J. Johnson Federal Writers’ Project, Fort George Island; Jan 4, 1937; pg. 1-27. [signed in bottom margin: Don] [There are check marks next to some of the document blanks. They are denoted by *] State Parks District III Administration TO: Jim DATE: 5-18-79 FROM: Don SUBJECT: attached and letter from Dena Snodgrass ____ACTION *____ FOR YOUR INFORMATION ____DISCUSS WITH ME ____FURNISH WRITTEN REPORT *____DISCUSS WITH ME BY PHONE *____FOR YOUR FILE ____INVESTIGATE ____RETURN ATTACHED ____HANDLE ____CONFIDENTIAL COMMENTS: Winton sent this to me. I’m not sure where he found it. It perhaps does add credence to some of the old tales about Kingsley, although it was not done by historians. I assume that Dena Snodgrass and archives, History and Records mgt. are aware of its existence. Also how should the staff respond to questions about the “African princess?” EEH/db 7-21,78 [new page] FEDERAL WRITERS PROJECT American Guide, (Negro Writers’ Unit) Fort George Island, Florida James Johnson History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family Field Worker January 4, 1937 Complete References 1. Attorney Phillip Nays, Lynch Building. Jacksonville, Fla. 2. Information obtained from Atty. Nays, Lynch Building who received same from Mrs. George C. Gibbs, Jacksonville, Florida. 3. From History of Duval County including Early History of East Florida by – Pleasant Gold, Page 72 4. History of Duval County, by Pleasant Gold, Page 70 5. History of Duval County, by Pleasant Gold, Page 172 6. From story of Zephaniah Kingsley’s life in Sunday Times Union Paper dated June 8, 1924. 7. History of Duval County, by Pleasant Gold, Page 73-74 8. Contained in Kingsley’s will dated July 20, 1843 9. It is generally known that Martha and Mary were the daughters of Kingsley and his wife’s will (Anna Madgigiane Jai Kingsley), Probate file #1210, Duval County Public Records, she acknowledged them as the same. 10. Information given by Ophelia Richard Moore, andold [an old?] resident of Jacksonville, Florida, Pippin Street, Jacksonville, FL. 11. From a letter in Probate file #1205 12. History of Duval County, by Pleasant Gold, pages 78079080-82 13. Probate file #1203, Duval County Public Records 14. Senate Executive Document, 48th Congress, 1st Session. 15. Memoirs of Florida, Vol. 11, by Francis P. Fleming 16. History of Duval County, by Pleasant Gold, pages 84-85. 17. Probate file #1205, Duval County Public Records 18. Probate file #1210, Duval County Public Records. [page 1] [right margin states in handwriting: Inaccuracies throughout this article. Use with care KT] [left margin states in handwriting: note: inaccuracies present? Lucy] FEDERAL WRITERS’ PROJECT American Guide, (Negro Writers’ Unit) Fort George Island, Florida James Johnson History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family Field Worker January 4, 1937 Complete 7,489 Words On Fort George Island, located between the Saint Johns and Fort George Rivers; about 18 miles northeast of Jacksonville and lying opposite Mayport; the island is made up almost wholly of shell with something like 1000 arable acres ad several times that many of marsh land, lived a slave trader, planter and traveler, Zephaniah Kingsley. Kingsley, a Scotchman, the son of Z. and Isabella Johnstone Kingsley of Tweeside, Scotland. His parents were married in Bow Church Cheapside, London, September 29. 17963. (1) Eight children were born, viz: Mary, 1784; Zephaniah, 1765; Johnstone, 1767; George, 1768; Katherine, 1770; Elizabeth, 1772; Isabella, 1774; Martha, 1775. Mary and Zephaniah were born in Scotland; Johnstone, George, Katherine, and Elizabeth in the British Isles; Isabella in Charleston, South Carolina and Martha in the State of New Jersey. (2) Zephaniah after he reached manhood traveled in Africa and lived in Brazil and the West Indies where he traveled on horseback engaged in buying coffee. He amassed a fortune in slave trading and was one of the largest planters in East Florida. At one of his plantations (he had several) he raised crops in one year valued at $10,000, he produced five thousand bushels of rough rice, fifty hogshead of sugar, besides a large quantity of cotton, peas, potatoes etc. (3) [page 2] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida Kingsley was also one of the largest land owners in East Florida, the following grants were confirmed to him by the United States Commissioners of 1825 to 1830: 300 acres at the head of Saw Mill Creek; 150 acres Orange grove, Dennis Creek, 50 acres St. Vincents Ferrer; St. Johns River south side, called St. Johns Bluff; 261 acres-place called Laurel Grove; 720 acres Fort George Island St. Johns Rover; 565 acres San Jose, St. Johns River. In addition to these, there were also large grants at Twelve Mile Swamp; Drayton’s Island; Doctors Lake, St. Mary’s River beside owners outside of Duval County territory. (4) Kingsley first lived at Laurel Grove, where he had a plantation, but later moved to Fort George Island. Fort George Island is one of the oldest historic spots in Duval County, Florida. It was originally the island of Alimacani of the Timucuan Indians, but was named San Juan by the Spaniards. It was the site of one of the oldest Franciscan missions, San Juan de Puerto and here the Spaniards built a fort, which Oglethorpe afterwards re-fortified. During the English occupation the island was granted to J. Tucker, Esquire, on May, 1767. His title was lost upon the cession of Florida to Spain. As a Spanish grant it was surveyed under Royal Order in 1792 for John McQueen, a scotchman, and on March 13, 1804, he conveyed it to John R. McIntosh, who lived there for many years and he conveyed it to Zephaniah Kingsley on January 23, 1817. For over 20 years it was the head quarters of Kingsley’s slave trade. (5) It is said that Kingsley received a grant from Spain, dated October 29, 1790 to the island. (6) [page 3] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida It would seem most probable from subsequent events that it was about this time that Kingsley occupied the island. Kingsley was then a comparatively young man about 38 years old. He built upon the north end of the island a comfortable home for himself in the clearing made by Oglethorpe, who a few years before he placed a garrison on the point, owning to its strategic position overlooking the harbor’s entrance. Oglethorpe himself is said to have lived for a time in the residence now known as the “Homestead”. This Kingsley remodeled and added to the out-buildings a semi-circle of slave huts (some sat they were built by the Spaniards.) This cresent [sic] contains 30 or more of these huts, some on each side of the road leading south towares [sic] what is now Mayport. The huts were constructed of the cement-like material made by grinding oyster and coquina shell to the consistency of powder and mixing with lime. The walls of the hits bear testament to the sturdiness of their construction. Quite a number of them still stand erect and could be made habitable, while others have suffered by erosion from winds, water and neglect. While Kinsley’s slave huts have fallen into disrepair, the avenue of oak, palm and cypress trees he planted to line his roadway to the town have prospered. They stand there today, lofty moss hung moments to the far-sighted planter. The oaks set out as seedlings, have outlined Kingsley and his slave huts. (6) When Kingsley occupied this island it is believed that he was then engaged in the slave trade. He owned a large fleet of scooners which loaded the Negroes plied regularly between Africa and St. George Island or his other plantations. It is said that he had a treaty with [page 4] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida An African king who delivered his prisoners of war to Kingsley’s partner, a man named Reuter, who was stationed on the Congo Rover and there collected the Negroes which Kinsley’s scooners brought over. These wild savages were kept on Fort George Island until they were tamed and classified as to their ability and qualifications. After being classified the slave was sent to particular plantation where he was taught to speak the English language or a jargon of English and then trained to some manual labor. Kingsley writes that he himself could speak several of the African dialects. If the slave displayed intelligence and skill. He became an artisan or a house servant, or if of a lower degree of mentality, he became a farm hand or common laborer. When sufficiently trained, he was sold in the Carolinas and Georgia, where it was said that the name “Kingsley’ nigger” was regarded the stamp of value in slave trading. It is claimed that a slave cost him from 25¢ to $50 to import and brought from $1000 to $1,500 after “graduating from Kingsley’s school.” (7). Kingsley built his own frigates on the waters [?] at Mayport and at his home at Fort George, assisted by carpenters who had migrated there. He had an imposing fleet. (6). There is a tower or look-out on the homestead to this day, where it is said that Kingsley would mount and look out in the surrounding waters for sight of his schooners (probably on the return trips from Africa and the West Indians.) [page 5] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida On one of Kingsley’s many expeditions to Africa he became enamored of an African woman, not of low estate but of the Royal family, Her Royal Highness Princess Anna Madgigaine Jai. (6) He married her according to the custom of her native land and brought her to Fort George to live in his house, which still stands. From this union serval children were born, viz.: George, John Maxwell, Martha and Mary. (9) The daughter Mary (nick-named Poli), (10) married one of Kingsley’s ship carpenters, John S. Sammis, a Scotchman, who played a very important part of the early life of East Florida. He was said to have been from New England. Kingsley, it is said, gave him a substantial sum of money as a dowry. Rumor is, that the wedding occurred on the high seas (11) (presumably out of the jurisdiction of Territorial laws.) Sammis himself was considered a wealthy man, owning serval thousand acres of land, a planation and slaves. His home was located at Arlington Bluff, later he moved to Arlington proper, where he has a large plantation. He had three boys: Egbert, (living in Washington, D. C.) Edwin and George. (10) Threr [sic] was also one daughter, Martha. There were all free and respected as children of other races. He had a private school for them and children of other free families were allowed to attend there. (10) After they became of age he sent them to New York to further their education. One old resident who knew Mr. Sammis says that he had a large water mill on Big Pottsburgh Creek where people from all the county side took their corn to e ground. She also said that when the Civil war was in its incipiency ‘Mr. Sammis, wisely sold most of [page 6] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida and on inquiring as to what it meant, was told that they were Sammis’ slaves going to New Orleans. (10) (This information was a free colored woman.) Martha Kingsley, daughter of Zephaniah Kingsley, (nick-named Pat) married Oran Baxter, (10) also a well-to-do man from Cold Springs, New York, August 3, 1803; died September 17, 1847, His body was interred in the Sammis cemetery at Arlington. This cemetery is located about 1000 feet from the easterly bank of the Saint Johns River at the northeast corner of the Markus Fagg estate, Arlington. This is a very interesting burial ground as John S. Sammis, as this particular piece of ground was set aside to be used as Sammis’ private burial ground. (10) Most of his family is buried there a d few persons of color are buried there including some of the Richards and Taylors. A few tombstones remain to be seen to this day, some are as follows: Grant, Silas, Baxter Sammis at al. The brown tombstone of Oran Baxter stands about six feet high amid this slightly noticed and neglected cemetery. Inscribed thereon is the following; Oran Baxter, born August 3, 1803, Cold Springs, New York. Died September 17, 1843. The graves of his wife Martha Fatt Kingsley and his daughter Julia are also there, having appropriate tombstones. The tombstone of Mary (Poll) Kingsley Sammis, the wife of John S. Sammis is visible also. This is one of the old cemeteries where some of the old settlers and their descendants prominent in the early life, or Florida are buried, its location apparently forgotten. (10) Reverting to my subject Kingsley and his family: After Kingsley brought his Royal bride here, Anna Madgigaine Jai she was taken to Fort George, (aforesaid) said she was mistress of his house and plantation. [page 7] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida She was a woman of leisure, countless number of slaves worked for her. She would at times take a trip up to the Saint Johns River to visit her daughters Martha Baxter and Mary Sammis where she would spend two or three days. (10) Sammis lived at a place called “Strawberry Mill and Baxter at Chaseville. (10) A news correspondent gives a very figurative picture of the man Kingsley, ruler of Fort George Island, it is as follows: “Walking below the arching branches of that driveway (driveway of palm trees leading to his home) now grown up in vegetation, one sees the man himself. A short smart fellow astride a marsh pony clattering up the shell road and throwing himself off at a hitching-post beside the “homestead.” It is evening and the Negroes have finished their day’s work, cultivating the fields of seas island cotton and cane. They sit in semi-circle around the doors of the cabins stretched blissfully at length beside the gray walls of their shell houses. From some habitation along the scimitar line come the vibrant chords of the African melody, thumped out of the instrument of his heart, the guitar, or “box”. Much commotion marks the liarster’s [sic] arrival. There is a flutter of excitement on the porch of the homestead as Kingsley’s wife (or wives) came forth to greet him. He toes the pony up at the rail and strides quickly across the yard to his home. The obdurate nature of the man shows in his determined manner and brisk gait. Just the type of gentleman in beaver, stock and long trousers of the period to not give a “damn” for tremendous criticism. Abolitionists were just beginning to start agitation against slavery. Kingsley had written a rather startling pro-slavery pamphlet, copies of which exist [page 8] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida today to proclaim the aggressiveness, the stubborn pugnacity of the man. A faint haze of fragrance opalescent smoke drifts from the big house and cabins over the tops of the neat rows of trees bordering the drive. The aroma of sundry palatable dishes in the Kinsley kitchen are carried on the freshening breeze to mingle with the odors of humbler cooking in the shell houses. The sun rests for a moment on the ridge-pole, flittering through the wavering smoke, then back of the mansard roof on the big house. Supper is ready. Kingsley, according to the most authentic information, passed may happy hours on the island. Kingsley was a very influential and conspicuous man in East Florida as well be seen from the following: in 1812-13 he took an active part in the up-risings that were occurring in Florida. Settlers from Georgia and Florida banded together to Wrest Florida from Spain; they met at the home of Colonel Ashley and organized a provisional government. The elected General John Houston McIntosh, Director or President, and drew up a constitution; adopted a flag of white color decorated with a soldier with a bayonet charged and moto – “Salus Pupuli – Suprema Lex.” Colonel Ashley was appointed Military Chief and proceeded to organize his “army.” It was a well known fact that the United States was anxious to get possession of Florida, for years England had oppressed American seamen, and the United States was upon the point of declaring war against her. James Madison, then President and James Monroe, Secretary of State, knew that Florida, in the hands of the English, would be to their strategic advantage and realizing the weak condition of the Spanish Government due to internal strife, took steps to appropriate East and West Florida to the American cause. The President appointed secret commissioners to proceed to Florida and negotiate with the Governor for the possession of Florida by the United [page 9] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida States. These negotiations failed, hence the formation of the above mentioned group. They called themselves “Patriots”. Most of the large landowners were loyal to the Spanish Government and saw only anarchy and chaos in this uprising. The “Patriots” immediately gathered boats and proceeded to take possession of East Florida. Articles of Capitalism were drawn up between Don Justo Lopez, Commandant of Amelia Island, in the Province of East Florida, and John H. McIntosh, Esquire, Commissioner, names and duly authorized by the “Patriots” of the District of the Province lying between the Saint Johns and Saint Marys, including the island of the same, whereby the Spaniards gave up their arms and were paroled “not to take up arms against the Patriots etc”. A detachment of the “Patriots” was sent to seine Kingsley who was at one of his plantations called “Laurel Grove,” a few miles up the river from “Cowfard” or (Jacksonville.) Republic of Florida, (the name the new government was called) and offered him liberty and protection as a “Patriot” or imprisonment and confiscation of property if he refused to join them, Kinsley readily consented to espouse the cause of the republic and appears thereafter as a large adherent. In the fall of 1812 an officer named Smith removed his camp to Davis Creek on the King’s Road and converted action was taken by him and forces of the Republic against the Seminoles. According to John Lee Williams’ History of Florida 110 man rendezvoused at Kingsley’s Laurel Grove plantation, from which place Kingsley sent them to boats to New Zealand, to the plantation of Francis P. Patio Jr. From there they proceeded under the command of Colonel Newman of Georgia against Bowlegs and Chief Payne in the Alachua country. After a hard fight and an eight day siege, [illegible] in on all sides by the Indians, they succeeded in cutting their way back, inflicting heavy losses on the savages and killing Payne, the savage chief. [page 10] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida Kingsley raised 27 men and sent them to Newman’s rescue (Williams History of Florida). The Indians made no further attach but wandering bands of Seminoles continued to burn houses, carry off live stock and steal Negroes. (12) Kingsley writes in a letter to General Hernandez at Washington who was prosecuting his claim for damage done in this period and which was later charged against the United States, excerpt of the letter is as follows: “The use of my boats to and from Picolata, this item seems to have been overlooked by my council would have been proved indeed the charge should scarcely have been made, for all these things were in the use of the troops and comes only to have been charged from this unemployment in the service, having been noted in my momentum made after the troubles, but white these transactions were fresh as one more prominent than another. (Referring to Colonel Newman.) The other item is for $250 advanced by me in aid of the expense in fitting out an expedition under Colonel Newman against the Indians. This money was enforced from me under the alternative of furnishing it or having my property sold to raise it. I was informed by the officer who made this demand that it was well known that I was a man of wealth and had the command of money, that the money was required, that I must furnish it or h vy [have] my property sold to raise it. The command was conveyed to me by an officer of the Georgia troops in such manner as to show me that hesitation much less refusal was useless. He further adds in regard to witnesses; I do not know that there were more than two persons privy to the transaction, the person who communicated with me concerning it has been dead for some years, and through I imagine when my claim was filed that I would obtain the testimony of the other. I have been wholly unable to discover what part of the world he has within the last two or three years removed from this province.” (13) (This letter was written by [page 11] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida Kingsley from San Jose, Saint Johns River, February 12, 1843.) Many of the inhabitants of East Florida suffered heavy damages during the insurrection of 1812-13. These claims for damages were charged against the United States Government and under the ninth article of the treaty of 1819 between the United States and Spain, the United States Government agreed to cause satisfaction to be made for those suffering injuries in 1812-13 in Florida. The judges of the Superior Court of East Florida established at Saint Augustine were authorized by Congress to receive and adjust these claims (East Florida Claims) and report their findings to the Secretary of the United States Treasury who would pay them on being satisfied that they were just and equitable and within the provisions of the treaty. Many of those who had suffering losses in 1812-13 presented their claims to the judges at the above-named court, they proceeded to adjudicate them allowing a sum of money for the actual damages to the adjudication. After the awards were made by the judges they were presented to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment. The Secretary paid the principal of the awards in most cases but the interest was rejected. Immediately a controversy arose over the non-payment of this item called interest. (14) The Spanish Government interceded in behalf of the claimants, claiming their rights to the award known as interest. For a number of years this was a matter of intermittent negation between the two governments. (15) [page 12] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida The interest claims were never paid, though many of the claimants lived in the hope that they would be as can be seen by some of their legal papers. It is a matter of record that Kingsley was allowed and paid by the United States Government $73,222, for damages, which gives an idea of the magnitude of is estate. (13) One interesting headlight in Kingsley’s life in East Florida is the time that he was appointed by the Spanish Governor, Jose Coppinger to go with two others, viz., George I. F. Clarke and Henry Yonge to treat with the leaders of the Republic as the Spanish authorities seemed to have been pretty well exhausted by their activities. This committee met with about 40 “Patriots” as Wills Ferry on the Saint Marys River and persuaded them to call a mass meeting at Waterman’s Bluff three weeks later. On the day appointed several hundred met these gentlemen (George I. F. Clarke, Zephaniah Kingsley and Henry Yonge) at the place designated and the “Patriots” insisted that nothing but a representative form of government would be agreeable to them. This was contrary to the principles of Spanish rule, but the committee saw nothing would be accomplished unless they acceded to the terms. Governor Coppinger accepted those things proposed at the meeting and probably Duval and Nassau territory had the first representative form of government that ever existed in a Spanish colony. Thus ended the Republic of Florida that existed for more than four years and finally resulted in the establishment of the representative form of government for the citizens of Duval territory (16) [page 13] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida From the foregoing we can see that Kingsley played an important part in the establishment of the first American form of government in East Florida. Things finally resumed their natural peacefulness in Florida and Kingsley evidently resumed his former activities as planter and slave trader. His daughters, as aforesaid (Mary and Martha) married Sammis and Baxter respectively. His mulatto son George married a French woman of wealth named Anatoile V. Travers Kingsley. (1) They had several children, viz: Georgianna, Estelle, George and Zephaniah. (17). From subsequent events they must have been born in the United States with the exception of one, Zephaniah, who was born in the West Indies in the Dominican Republic at Yorsica near Puerto Plata (refer to letter of George Kingsley to John S. Sammis dated May 28. 1844, probate file #1205). In July 1839 Kingsley’s colored family left the United States for Hayti to live, viz: Anna Madigigaine Jai Kingsley, (Kingsley’s princess wife) and her children, John Maxwell, George and presumably his family and perhaps a mulatto child Micanopy, by Sara Murphy. Evidently Kingsley had several Negro wives but only one, Anna Madigigaine Jai, who he acknowledged as much and married in Africa. (16) He mentions in his will one Flora H. Kingsley of Camp New Hope and acknowledges her mulatto child, Micanopy as his, but it is believed that he only lived with his wife the princess at the homestead on Fort George Island, Rumor had it that a woman named Hannah was also acknowledged by him as his wife. Hannah and Anna M. Jai [page 14] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida Kingsley is the same person and not two different women as has been thought. An old resident says that the mother of Mary Sammis and Martha Baxter was known as Hannah and was called “Grandma Hannah”. The African princess Anna M. Jai Kingsley acknowledges them as her daughters in her will (Probate file #1210, Duval County Records.) Hannah and Anna are there synonymous. They would also be hard to differentiate when pronounced, which possibly is the cause of the confusion related thereto. The Kingsley family lived in Yorsica, a province near Puerto Plata (port Platt) (17) Republican Dominican, the northern portion of the island of Hayti, in the west Indies. This part of the island was populated by people of Negro and Spanish admixture. Many of the old residents to this day, it is said trace their ancestry back to the Castilians of Spain. There was no distinction shown in regard to color which must have been the reason for their have chosen that land in which to live and as Kingsley expressed that desire in his will, the desire that they “remove themselves and properties to some land of liberty and equal rights, where the conditions of society are government by some law less absurd than that of color.” Kingsley undoubtably owned land there, as some of the early settlers had holdings in the West Indies and did business with that island. He evidently remained in Florida after the departure of his family for Hayti to attend to the business of his plantation here, except for an occasional visit to see them. In a letter to General Hernandes, prosecutor of his claims at Washington, from San Hose, Saint Johns River, dated February 12, 1843, he writes; (excerpt) “It is my intention to proceed to the north in a week or so with a view of making some arrangements for a trip to the West Indies for a a [crossed out] short time.” (13) [page 15] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida About seven months later in New York, New York, in or about the month of September, 1843, at the age of 78, this remarkable, determined and adventuresome man died. (13) He left a will dated July 20, 1843, which has never been equaled in local courts. The major portion of his property was left to his African Princess wife and children. The preamble of his will reads in part; “Whereas I am of sound mind and disposing memory and know what I am doing and whereas I know perfectly well that it is against the laws and conventions of life to marry a colored person, and whereas this is my property and it is not anybody’s damn business what I do with it. – Thus begins the preamble of his will, one of the amazing documents to ever be probated in Duval County, Florida. Another unusual provision os [is] as follows: “ And whereas I have an African wife, who is one of the finest women I have ever known and who has been true and faithful to me, and whereas I believe that the amalgamation of the white and colored races to be to the best interest of America, and whereas I know that what I am about to do it going to bring down upon me tremendous criticism, but I don’t give a damn. Now therefore I give to my wife . . . . . And I further leave $10,000 to each and every child which she might have by a white husband after my death.” Zephaniah Kingsley died completely convinced that his will, although the laws and conventionalities of live as he said differed, was based on principles indubitably correct. Collateral kin brought suit to break the will and were successful. The lower courts of Duval County sustained the attack on the document and declared the will null and void on the grounds that it was against the public policy and the institution [page 16] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida of America. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court of Florida under the style of Broward et al vs Kingsley. A settlement was finally reached among the heirs. (6) A petition to break the same (will) or have the probation of the same revoked was admitted to probate. Benjamin A Putnam, Kingsley P. Gibbs and George Kingsley (testators sons0 were named as executors. Putnam and Gibbs qualified and Letters Testamentary were granted them May 13, 1843 and September 25, 1843 respectively, George Kingsley did not qualify (Petition?) was filed November 4, 1844, the petitioners were as follows: Martha McNeil, William Gibbs McNeil and Catherine Palmer, later Catherine McNeil, of Stonington in the State of Connecticut, Anna Whistler late Anna McNeil, and George W. Whistler her husband of Saint Petersburgh in the empire of Russia, Isabella King late Isabelle Gibbs and Ralph King her husband of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana, Sophia Cooper late Sophia Gibbs of Fort George Island. (13) Note: Martha McNeil above mentioned was Zephaniah Kingsley’s youngest sister, she married a McNeil and had a daughter named Anna (Anna McNeil above mentioned) this daughter Anna married George Washington Whistler who was the United States representative at Russia, from this union a son was born, James Abbot McNeil Whistler, the famous American painter, noted for the painting of his mother. (2) Therefore the celebrated painting of Whistler’s “Mother” is the likeness of Anna Whistler, (described above as Anna Whistler late niece of Zephaniah Kingsley, slave trader of Fort George Island. Hence the celebrated American artist James Abbot McNeil Whistler was the Grand-nephew of Zephaniah Kingsley. In regard to the famous artist the New Practice Feference [sic] [page 17] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida Library Vol V Encyclopedia states as follows; Whistler-, James Abbot McNeil- (1843-1903) and American artist born at Lowell, Massachusetts and educated at West Point. He studied art in England and France and became associated with Du Maurier, who, in his Trilby, represented Whistler as one of the young artists. In 1902 Whistler moved to England, where he died the next year. His etchings are universally praised and his paintings show talent and originality, but they are, to many persons incomprehensible. He called his paintings “Nocturres” and :Symphonies”, loving especially pearl grey and soft pink tones, the results of which were subtle and dreamy effects. Among best are “The White Girl”, now owned in America; “Old Patterson Bridge,” “Sea and Rain”, “portrait of Carlylw”, “Little WildRose”, and a portrait of Whistler’s “Mother”. The New Practical Reference Library Vol V spells “McNeil”, in Whistler’s name – “McNeill” using two (?) ll’s instead of one as used in before-mentioned petition in spelling McNeil in his mother’s name. Hence as “McNeil” is spelled in petition with one (?) – l being a Court Record, seems that it would most probably be the current way of spelling it, for it is assumed that it (the name) was adopted from his mother or grandparents. The objection to the will and the probation thereof by the heretofore mentioned petitioners were as follows: “Objections grounded upon the alleges incapacity of the greater part of the residing legatees to take underthe will, they being it the time of the Testament and still slaves, cannot receive under the will, because slaves at the time of the death; and if free residing in Hayti, an “island somewhere out of the limits of the United States.” (This assertion or statement was evidently [page 18] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida untrue for it was well known that all of Kingsley’s colored children were free.) (13) The court, however, did not decide in favor of the colored family. The answer of the court was in part as follows: “this petition is called upon to do what? To declare invalid not the will itself for any legitimate cause which should affect the Probate but to declare void the Trust of the will in favor of the colored parties a matter exclusively cognizable in Chancery. To revoke the Letters Testamentary granted to the Executors in whom the Testator appears to have reposed so great confidence, without imputing blame to them, and to grant administration to the next of kin or their appointees, persons in whom the Testator does not appear, as far as is shown to have reposed any confidence at all. Upon the whole matter therefore, the Court is of the Opinion that this petition does not contain any good and sufficient reason in Lae [sic] why the Probate of said Will should be revoked”. (13) The Court ordered confirmation of the Will and Probate, charging the petitioners the cost of the court which was $13.06. (13) This however, did not end the fight to have the Probation of the Will revoked as explained. From the court records it appears that the services of John S Sammis, husband of Mary Kingsley Sammis, were enlisted in behalf of the colored family of Kingsley who were not living in Hayti. Two daughters, Mary, wife of Sammis and Martha, wife of Oran Baxter remained in the United States with their husbands and families. (17) A letter written by George Kingsley to John S. Sammis in regard to the Kingsley estate from New York City, dated May 28, 1844, reads in part as follows: “I do not understand how any property can be sold that the [page 19] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida Will does not call for, my deeds have nothing to do with the Will, all those properties up the river are not in the Will and 60 odd slaves, therefore, how can they be disposed of except at a risk of the buyers and sellers.? You know very well all those properties are not in the Will and my father (Z. Kingsley) was my agent. The Will says that if there are any slaves, of mine, to this and that. You see where the lands are disposed of in the Will. My deeds are and must be all recorded in Saint Augustine and Jacksonville, where their values are known. Do you not know that Fort George Island had to have y signature or an agent appointed by me, which was my father to sell to K.B.G. (reference must have been made to Kingsley B. Gibbs, for he received a deed to the island) or otherwise it could not be sold to the valid, etc.” (7) Excerpts of another letter from him to Sammis follows: Batty? Duted—1845 – Letter: Mr. J. S. Sammis My dear Sir: Your letter concerning my sister Poll dated May 26 with one from Mr. Lamotto and one from Mr. Wintergham giving a detail of his voyage in Florida and what he knows that will interested his Hayti friends, for which I am extremely obligated to him, and will answer, I am glad to think you are able, and find an opportunity of giving battle to Mr. Gibbs for the recovery of my property and hope you will be able to show the world as a striking example of the abuses of the power which seem are becoming quite a prevalent disease notwithstanding all the reform societies that are daily made for the improvement of our morals. [page 20] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida As for what may grow out of his and Mr. B. Putnam’s Legerdemain in trying ot [sic] invalidate my Title Deeds I feel to much confidence in your Courts, attending even by entire strangers that do not know me personally, that when such glowing facts of injustice present themselves, it must be entirely by the agency of that (Soucley ?) money, that reduces so many of us to object slavery. I am sorry to see the (delay?) that is likely to arise from Flora’s lethargy. I have done all I could to point out the difficulties that she (?) to out (?), but still hope by the same time the Court of December sits, she will have time to calculate her situation. My. Drysdale’s step must be lamented, as I have always understood him to be very able and intelligent lawyer, but at the same time, I feel sorry to think so intelligent and moral a man should have been found entirely arrayed in the rand against understanding.” (Excerpt) “I requested M. Murphy and Maurice to inform you through Mr. Emerson, whose advise I asked about coming to reside in the United States of America and he has written to me stating his views and no doubt you have the same also the values of those letters from my father to me. My ideas in showing him those letters and asking his advise about there to live with my family bag and bag age was to create as much noise as I could and I wish you to hold out that if ever there is a likelihood of my losing my property I am going straight to Boston where I can be near the family of the Kingsley. There is an envoye going through the Country from America- It is very likely mother will write Poll and Fatt by this opportunity. My love and best wished for all of (your) the family. I remain Yours very truly, George Kingsley,” (17) [page 21] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida The above are excerpts as states from a letter of George Kingsley, son of Zephaniah Kingsley and the son of the African Princess to John S. Sammis his brother-in-law, From the above excerpts it appears that John Drysdale, a prominent attorney in East Florida was arrayed against them, taking the part of the complainants which he greatly lamented. The above shows again that his mother the Princess was in the West Indies with him where the letter was written from. It also throws further light upon the Kingsley family (around Boston.) George it seems was spokeman for the colored family and was fighting the opposition (or Kingsley’s collateral kin) through the brother-in-law, John S. Sammis. Unfortunately after the fight for justice in regard to his father’s estate, while on a voyage to the United States from Puerto Plata R.D., the ship Frank Henry which he was aboard was wrecked and he died in that disaster which occurred during the month of February 1846 about two years and five months after the death of his father. (17) He did not die a poor man however, and inventory of his estate in the United States estimates his real and personal estate at $16,167.31. (17) The following tracts the land in Florida that he had at the time of his death are as follows: A tract of land situated in Orange County known as Drayton Island, containing about 1700 acres; Forresters Point in Saint Johns County, known as Buena Vista, containing 1000 acres (San Hose [sic] Plantation.) He also owned a place called Cacuret in the Community of Puerto Plata, Republica Dominicana where he lived. (17) [page 22] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida He also had 40 slaves. (17) His Will was made February 14, 1846, the month of his death and admitted to Probate in Duval County Probate Court, Jacksonville, Florida. The Executors of said Will were his friends George Sammis and Oliver Wood for the property which he possessed in the United States of America. The beneficiaries of said Will were: Anatoile V. Kingsley, his French wife; Georgianna Kingsley; Estelle Kingsley; Zephaniah Kingsley, and George Kingsley his children. His mother, Anna Madgigaine Jai Kingsley was bequeathed the full enjoyment of his possessions at Cacaret in addition to some cattle. The administration of his estate was begun December 21, 1846. (17) In the year of 1860 the princess and wife of Zephaniah Kingsley made her Will which was probated in Duval County, Florida. (18) One provision in the will of especial interest is the bequest of $3,000 for the education of her grand-daughter. (18) She and others mentioned herein have long since passed on to their request. Though these people of color were bitterly opposed in the settlement of the Kingsley estate, they were not stripped of the necessities of life, but lived to enjoy some of its comforts. Thus ends some of the salient facts and dramatic episodes of this adventuresome, determined and sometimes mythical man, Zephaniah Kingsley and his colored family. [page 23] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida COPY OF ZEPHANIAH KINGSLEY’S WILL Dates July 20, 1843 WILL I, Zephaniah Kingsley, of Duval County, Florida, Planter, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and Testament, is follows, viz.: FIRST: I will and devise that all my just and lawful funeral and testamentary charges, and expenses shall be fully paid and discharges, as soon as may be after my death SECOND: To my nephews, Kingsley B. Gibbs, I will and devise one-half of my two thousand acre tract of land in the Twelve Mile Swamp which when divided into two parts will give one thousand acres of land for his one-half of the same more or less, to him, his heirs or assigns: I also bequeath to him in see, my Schooner NORTH CAROLINES WITH all its appurtenances, likewise any books and arms not otherwise disposed of. THIRD: To my nephew George Cooper Gibbs, I will and bequeath in fee simple, absolute, all the remaining one-half of the aforementioned two thousand acre tract in Twelve Mile Swamp, which will be one thousand acres be the same more or less. FOURTHLY: To my nephew Charles I. McNeil, I will and bequeath in fee simple, absolute, a certain tract or parcel of land situate on Beauclerk’s Bluff, between Cohen and Curry, containing sixty-two and one-half acres of land to be the same more or less; also my three hundred acre tract situate at the head of Six Mile Creek (Saw Mill Creek) flat. Also my negro woman Betsy and Peggy the daughter of Nancy and all their children and issue; Also, one of my horses, saddle, etc. at his choice, all the above to him [page 24] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida in fee, etc. to his heirs, etc. FIFTH: To George Kingsley, my son by Anna Madgigaine Jai Kingsley, I will and bequeath all by nautical instruments including maps, charts, etc. to be sent out to him at Hayti by way of New York or otherwise, clear of expense. SIXTH: It is my will and desire, that as soon after my decease as is convenient to my Executors, that all the specific legacies and devises aforesaid shall be separated, set apart, and reserved, by my Executors for the special purposes aforesaid and that all the remaining part of my property, real and personal, including what sums may be received from Government in compensation of losses in 1812 or 13, or since of what nature or kind soever after the payment of my debts, shall by my Executors, or their assigns, be sold or converted int money, and the net amount be divided into twelve equal parts of shares (12 parts) or shares, one of which part shall be paid to my nephew, Kingsley B. Gibbs, in full compensation for all claims that he may have or devise against my estate. One part (say 1/12th) shall to paid to Anna Madgigaine Jai Kingsley or to her heirs or assigns. Two (2) parts of John Maxwell Kingsley, my son by Anna M. Jai. Four (4) parts to be paid to Flora H. Kingsley, her heirs or assigns. One (1) part to be paid to Micanopy, the son of Sarah M. Kingsley, should be live in to the years of discretion. All the foregoing legacies and bequests in this will are granted in fee simple, absolute, on condition that no further parties against my estate except the usual lawful charges and commissions. [page 25] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida SEVENTH: I do hereby declare that it shall be lawful, for my Executors to retain in their hands sufficient money of the proceeds of my Estate, to defray all necessary charges and expenses in the administration thereof before paying over the surplus as aforesaid. EIGHT: I do hereby order and direct, that whenever I may happen to die, that my body may be buried in the nearest, most convenient palce [sic] without any religious ceremony whatsoever, and that it may be excused from the usual indiscreet formalities and parade of waiting and dressing etc., or exposure in any way, but removed just as it died to the common burying ground. NINTH: Should I leave any slaves, I earnest recommend to my Executors not to separate the families by selling them individually without their consent, if it is to be avoided. TENTH: It is my will and I do hereby authorize my Executors not to separate the families, but so allow to any of my slaves the privilege of purchasing their freedom at one-half the price of their valuation, on consideration of their migrating to Hayti, if they cannot be allowed to stay as free in the territory. ELEVENTH: I hereby appoint Kingsley B. Gibbs, George Kingsley and Benjamin K. Putnam as guardians to my infant natural children, amongst which I acknowledge all of those by Flora H. Kingsley of Camp New Hope, also Sarah Murphy’s mulatto child Micanopy now in Hayti. I do also solemnly enjoin my colored and natural children, that seeing the illiberal and inequitable laws of this territory will not afford to them and their children that protection and justice, which is due in civilized society to every human being; always to keep by them a Will, ready made, and legally executed, directing the disposal of their property, after their death until [page 26] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida they can remove themselves and their properties to some land of liberty and equal rights, where the conditions of society are government by more law less absurd than that of color. This I strongly recommend, nor do I know in what light the law may consider my acknowledged wife, Anna Madgigaine Jai, as our connubial relations took place in foreign land, where out marriage was celebrated, and solemnized by her native African custom although never celebrated according to the forms of Christian usage; yet she has always been respected as my wife and as such I acknowledge her, nor do I think that her truth, honor, integrity, moral conduct or good sense will lose in comparison with anyone. (where is 12th) THIRTENTH: Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint Kingsley B. Gibbs and Benjamin A. Putman of Florida and George Kingsley, the son of my wife Anna Madgigiane Jai, to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament, to whom I earnestly recommend the closing of all concerns of my Estate, etc., as expeditiously as possible, and to see that my intentions in regard to the disposition of my estate are and shall be strictly complied with, for the better promotion of which purpose I do appoint my trusty friend, Benjamin A. Putman to act as legal attorney and advisor in all matters and things relating to the interest of my estate, with a fee to be paid him by it of One Thousand Dollars; and I do hereby revoke all other wills by me herefore made. In witness I, the said Zephaniah Kingsley, the testator, have to this last will and Testament contained in this sheet of paper, set my hand and seal this twentieth day of July in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Three. (July- 1843) ZEPHANIAH KINGSLEY (SEAL) [page 27] History of Zephaniah Kingsley and Family James Johnson Fort George Island, Florida Signed, sealed and published and declared by the said Zephaniah Kingsley as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have at his request hereunto subscribed out names as witnesses thereto in the presence of said testator and of each other at Jacksonville 20” July 1843. Thomas O. Holmes William S. Donaldson This is a copy of Zephaniah Kingsley’s Will as furnished me by Attorney Philip Mays, Lynch Building, Jacksonville, Florida, who received a copy of the same from Mr. Richard P. Daniels of Jacksonville, who copied it from the records at Tallahassee, Florida. |
Last updated: June 16, 2020