Piecing together Orlando’s mysterious origin is tantamount to
assembling a challenging jigsaw puzzle. Pieces to the puzzle include a
surveyor’s sketch, a black & white photo of Lake Eola, a legend of how the
town got its name, a boy’s recollection of his first visit in 1861 to Orange
County’s seat, and of course, a young girl named Catherine.
Robert ROPER recalled for historian Blackman a journey to
Orlando with his father in April 1861. He recalled the date because along their
way they heard of the Confederate Army attack on Fort Sumter. Roper’s visit is
verified by a deed, wherein William C. Roper bought all the goods of a store
run by Henry ROBERSON.
Robert, 8 years old in 1861, recalled the Roberson name too. He
knew the wife of Henry well, for a year earlier, he and Catherine made the long
trip to central Florida together. Cousins, their families traveled in convoy
from Meriwether, GA to Orange County. Catherine was at the time 15 years old.
The ROPER’S settled at Oakland Plantation, where Winter Garden
is today. Bartlett & Mary REAMES, along with daughter Catherine, continued on
to the then 3 year old, four (4) acre village named Orlando.
Catherine’s father purchased one of the 12 town lots. Lot 1 to
be exact, his parcel was 100’ x 100’, located where Orange County Library
stands now.
Bartlett Reames partnered with Henry ROBERSON to open a store.
Henry apparently took a fancy to Catherine, afor they soon married. Bartlett
also acquired 80 acres adjacent to the east of the village, land abutting
present day Lake Eola.
That April, the 8 year old Robert Roper, Bartlett Reames, and
a pregnant Catherine (REAMES) Roberson returned to Oakland together. Henry Roberson
shipped off to War, never again to see his wife, nor ever to lay eyes on his
son, Henry Roberson, Jr.
At war’s end, Widow Catherine, still a resident of West Orange
County, then married for a second time. Her second husband was Mark Bryan
REAVES.
Catherine (REAMES) Roberson - Reaves is an integral piece of
Orlando’s mysterious puzzle. Her father’s lakeside grove is yet another. I’ll
explain how the puzzle fits together at my FREE downtown Orange County Library
presentation, March 25, 2018. Hope to see you there!
Plan to attend this FREE Presentation
ORLANDO REEVES: Fact or Fiction?
Orange County Public Library Presentation
Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 2 PM
Visit Facebook Event Page:
Tomorrow: The General’s Housekeeper
No comments:
Post a Comment