History of Country Cemetery/
Trilby Afro-American Cemetery and The Trilby Community

Section 22 - Township 23 - Range 21 

(Copyright © 2008 by Jeff Cannon- materials and photos may NOT be reproduced without written consent of the autor and contributors)

The Trilby Depot as it appeared ca. 1911.  This was the second depot built in Trilby, the first was built at the same location in 1887 along the Orange Belt Railroad.  (Photo courtesy of the Florida State Archives)

Just at that time the railroad magnate was much absorbed in a second reading of Du Maurier's book, and when the question was asked, he responded: “Let us call the little town site Trilby.” And so it was. Strange to say, the little village at once began to grow. It was put down Trilby on the maps of Florida, and it became conspicuous by reason of the Trilby craze, which was in full frenzy just at that time. Real estate agents took hold and helped to build it up, while the traveling newspaper men passing over the railroad wrote columns about the town that was growing there to perpetuate the name of Du Maurier's book. The town Trilby is to-day a pretentious little place, with a dozen or more stores, shops and dwellings. The streets are named appropriately. The principal square is called Svengali square, and the three leading streets which run parallel and lose themselves in this square are called “Little Billee street,” “Taffy street” and “The Laird.” There are several avenues named after the women folks of the book. —N. Y. Sun."

It seems that it was Henry B. Plant who named the small Pasco County town, Trilby, after the book with the same name published by George Du Maurier in 1894.  It is believed or rumored that Plant decided to change the town name of Macon to Trilby, due to the towns mail being sent to Macon, Georgia on a regular basis.  According to local Trilby Historian Richard Riley, "George Du Maurier(1834-1896) was the grandfather of the novelist Daphne du Maurier and of the Llewelyn-Davies boys who inspired Peter Pan. George was a Frenchman who lived in London and worked for Punch, he created a sensation with his second novel, Trilby, the story of Trilby O'Ferrall, an artist's model, who is transformed into a successful singer under the spell of the evil musical genius, Svengali. Soap, songs, dances, toothpaste, and a town in America were all named for the heroine.  A soft felt hat with an indented crown (worn in the London stage production of a dramatization of the novel) is still called a trilby.

            
(Left) Cover of the 1894 George Du Maurier novel Trilby.  (Right) Illustration from 1894 novel Trilby for which Trilby, Florida was named by H.B. Plant.  (Images courtesy of Richard Riley)

Henry B. Plant was so moved that he not only had the town named Trilby but there were also several streets named after characters in the novel.  Among some of the early street names for the town were: Lou Lou Ave., Little Billee St., Dodd St., Taffy St., The Laird Ave., and Sweet Ave. to name a few.  When the Town site of Trilby was officially surveyed and platted in December of 1896 these names appeared on the plat map. (click here to see 1896 plat map of Trilby)  As you can see from the plat map, Trilby was centered around the location of where two major railroad systems met, both owned by Plant.

As the Town of Trilby grew the name of Macon slowly became a name of the past as everything was changed to the new name of Trilby.  As the railroad became the staple industry of Trilby the population of the small town grew and so did the area surrounding.  As the town grew, more people made Trilby their home, including an African American population who found work through the railroad, local sawmills, and unique to the area was phosphate.  As people began to make Trilby home the need for churches and schools became prevalent.  As early as 1892 school board minutes reflect and show that there was a school established in Macon or Trilby, for the African American children of the community.  According to Pasco County School Board minutes dated July 7, 1892, "A petition was read from the colored patrons at Macon asking for the establishment of a school at that place."  This school was granted and the African American children of Trilby now had a place to receive an education since they were not allowed to attend school with the white children.  According to Pasco County School Board minutes dated October 9, 1893, "On motion a special school for colored children was granted to be taught at Macon. Salary of teacher to be $20 per month and George Burney to be supervisor.”  Many times these special schools held their classes in the local church before the establishment of a permanent structure.

In 1895 an African Methodist Episcopal Church was established to serve the spiritual and likely early educational needs of the African Americans of Trilby.  It was in January of 1895 that the trustees of St. Johns A.M.E. Church in Macon/Trilby began looking for property to build their church.  By January 24th they had located a small lot situated along the railroad tracks at the north end of town.  The lot was being sold by Dade City resident and merchant Nathan H. Garner and his wife Maggie.  According to the 1900 Federal Census, Nathan was born in North Carolina and had been married to Maggie for twelve years.  Nathan and Maggie had two children, Nathan Jr. and Johnell both boys.  According to Pasco County land records, on January 24th 1895 Nathan H. Garner and wife, Maggie W., deeded Lot 3 of Block 1 to the trustees of St. Johns A.M.E. Church in the Town of Macon (Trilby).  It was next to this church that the African American people of Trilby established their own cemetery as burials were not allowed in the local white cemetery.  (Please see more history, about Trilby African American Cemetery, below)

Trilby Methodist Church as it looks today.  This church was established in 1897 by Rev. Sistruck and moved to it present location on C.R. 575 ca. 1920

By 1900 Trilby was becoming a significant town in Pasco County.  The town square became more defined and established as businesses found their roots in Trilby.  According to the 1900 and 1910 Federal Censuses many of those living in Trilby were working for the railroad, there are also many listed as farmers.  However, these censuses also list numerous other occupations of those who lived in Trilby.  In 1900 Alexander Golok was listed as the town druggist or pharmacist.  Alexander was born in Scotland in 1862 and came to the United States in 1880, he received citizenship in 1884.  Joseph M. Abbott is listed as town physician.  Joseph was born in Kentucky in 1844.  Joseph later moved on to south east Pasco where the town of Abbott was established, which is known as Zephyrhills today.  The town Justice of the Peace was E. Stafford who was born in Georgia in 1841.  Hugh Britla who was born in North Carolina in 1874 is listed as being the U.S. Mail Carrier.  Hugh may have in fact been the postmaster for Trilby since there is no postmaster listed in the 1900 census.  One of the more unique occupations was held by African American resident Daniel Green.  Daniel Green was born in Florida in 1845 and held the position of telegraph repairer.

By 1910 Dr. Abbott had moved to Zephyrhills and H.O. Bird replaced him as the town physician.  The 1910 Federal Census list H.O Bird as having a general practice in Trilby.  However, W.C. Abbott, Dr. Abbott's son, remained in Trilby and by 1910 was the proprietor and owner of the Trilby Drugstore.  The 1910 census also reveals that William Groter (sic?) had assumed the responsibilities of Trilby's post master.  Among the other businesses established in Trilby were hotels, general stores, meat shops, jewelery stores, restaurants and tailor shops.  These business offered a wide variety of occupations for those who lived in Trilby.  According to the 1910 census, Herrshal Johnson worked as Trilby's jeweler who is also listed as specializing in watches.  Among those listed as being General Store Merchants in the 1910 censuses are W.H. Edwards, Forrest Bankston, Homer Stephanson, Charles Jensen, and A.H. Bankston.  According to East Pasco's Heritage, "Mr. Edward's [W.H. Edwards] Redfront General Merchandise not only had the town's only gas pump but also stocked coffins long before the days of embalming."  It is likely that Redfront's also stocked headstones or grave markers as did most town general stores of the time period.  These general stores also offered other occupations for the people of Trilby.  Basil Keith and L.M. McLeod are listed as general store salesman and Vernon Brown as general store laborer.  T.J. or Thomas Blitch is listed in the 1910 census as proprietor of soda fountain/ confections.  Thomas Blitch was the owner of The Drug Sundries Store, which had Trilby's only soda fountain.  The Drug Sundries Store also severed fresh homemade ice cream and was a popular meeting place for the Town of Trilby, see advertisement below.

This photo shows downtown Trilby, the photo was taken from the train depot in ca. 1910.  Pictured from left to right is the Trilby Post Office, John Stephens Feed Store, Trilby Drug Store and Ed's Redfront General Merchandise.   The alley between the Drug Store and Redfront's lead to Railroad Pond were the horses were hitched under the trees according to East Pasco Heritage.   (Photo courtesy of Scott Black)

Many of the African Americans residents of Trilby were either employed by the local railroad or they worked on the local farms.  However there were some African American residents who owned and operated their own businesses.  Nathan and John Porter, brothers, operated their own tailoring business and likely sold clothes to the residents of Trilby.  Nathan was the owner of the shop while his brother John is listed as helper.  Others were employed at other local businesses such as the hotels and restaurants.  For example John Rick is listed as a hotel cook and Donna Dixon as a restaurant cook.  The 1910 census also list Dawson McLain who worked as a barber likely at Vernon Hilliard's Barbershop.

According to East Pasco Heritage, other businesses names in Trilby included "Dick Pitt's Meat Market, Edgar Wade's Drugstore (nonprescription), a cafe and Vernon Hillard's Barbershop.  Mr. Hilliard also worked for the railroad.  There was also Matt Lake's colored rooming house, since Trilby was segregated as most towns of the time period were.  There was Joe Roller's Hotel owned by Harvey Worthington's foster family, Hux's Rooming House and Blue Goose Rooming House."  The 1910 census list Margaret Christopher as a hotel proprietor, however it is not known which hotel she owned.  Lott Allen Jr. is listed as a meat cutter at the town meat shop, likely Dick Pitt's Meat Market.  These businesses along with several other businesses prospered and served the people of Trilby for many years.

On May 23, 1901 Trilby became incorporated for the first time under the Laws of the Florida.  According to documents obtained from the Florida State Archives, "Chapter 5094- No. 210 is An Act to Incorporated the Town of Trilby, in Pasco County, Florida, and Provide for Elections of its Municipal Officers.  Be it Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1.  That the Town of Trilby, in Pasco County, Florida, is hereby incorporated and declared to be a municipal corporation under the name of the Town of Trilby, with the territorial corporate limits as follows, to-wit:  Commencing at the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section twenty-six (26), township twenty-three (23) south, range twenty-one (21), and extending north two thousand and two hundred yards to the northeast corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section twenty-three (23); thence west two thousand two hundred yards to the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section twenty-two (22), township twenty-three (23) south, range twenty-one (21); thence south two thousand two hundred yard to the southwest corner of section twenty-seven (27), township twenty-three (23) south, range twenty one (21), thence east to the point of beginning."

From this point the Town of Trilby was supposed to hold a regular election every year to determine a mayor, town council, clerk, tax collector and assessor, marshal, and treasurer; these position were open to all males 21 years or older.  It is not known who held these first positions or the date of the first election if any.  This incorporation was approved by the Legislature of Florida at its eighth regular session April 2 to May 31, 1901.  This first incorporation of Trilby did not last long.  

On May 11, 1909 the Act to Incorporate Trilby was repealed.  According to documents obtained from the Florida State Archives, "Chapter 6106- No. 237 is An Act to Repeal Chapter 5094 of the Laws of Florida, Entitled 'An Act to Incorporate the Town of Trilby, in Pasco County, Florida, and Provide for the Election of Its Municipal Officers.'  Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1.  The Chapter 5094 of the Laws of Florida, entitled 'An Act to incorporate the Town of Trilby, in Pasco County, Florida, and provide for the elections of its municipal officers,' be and the same is hereby repealed."

This repeal was approved by the Legislature of the State of Florida at its twelfth regular session April 6 to June 4 1909.  While there is record of Trilby's incorporation in state records, there is no record of this incorporation in local records.  In most cases there would be records filled with Pasco County.  As previously noted this was the first incorporation, please read about the second incorporation of Trilby below.

According to Historic Places of Pasco County, it was ca. 1902 when the Twin Lakes Masonic Lodge #141 was moved by horse and rollers to Trilby.  The name was then changed to the Trilby Masonic Lodge #141.  The two story building built in January of 1894 served the community of Trilby for many years.  The upstairs was used for Masonic meeting, while the downstairs was used as a dry goods store and living area.  Today the old building is no longer used and sits in disrepair.  The upstairs of the building once used for Masonic meetings still has the raised platform.

Above, Exterior view of the old Trilby Masonic Lodge #141 moved from Twin Lakes in 1902.   (Photo 2007)



Interior upstairs view where Masonic meetings were held.  The current owner of the property has plans to bulldoze the dilapidated building.  (Photos 2007)

In 1911 Trilby received a major addition to the community, The Florida Tuberculosis Sanatorium.  According to Historic Places of Pasco County, built on "the highest hill in Trilby, Dr. Harvey Byrd built a tuberculosis sanatorium in the summer of 1911.  It was incorporated on January 9, 1914, with a capitalization of $50,000.00.  It is believed to have been the first hospital in Pasco County and the first T.B. sanatorium in Florida.  While the facility was under construction, patients were cared for in a tent and attended by nurse Mamie Hancock.  The finished building had two stories, four gables, and wrap-around banistered porches upstairs and downstairs.  The sanatorium burned down in the spring of 1916."  

According to Pasco County Incorporation Records, "Whereas, William G. DeVane, H.O. Byrd and George T. Butler, filed in the office of the Secretary of the State a proposed Charter of a corporation to be known as THE FLORIDA TUBERCULOSIS SANATORIUM, for the purpose of conducting, operating, maintaining and carrying on a sanatorium of sanatoriums for the treatment of tuberculosis; to treat tubercular and pulmonary diseases in all stages and forms, and to any and all other diseases of every character and description; to make and perform surgical operations incident to the treatment and cure of the diseases."  In addition to the treatment of diseases The Florida Tuberculosis Sanatorium was given the right "to conduct and carry on a trading school for nurses, with power to prescribe a curriculum for the same and grant diplomas upon graduation and completion of said curriculum."  With this provision Dr's. Byrd and DeVane could teach and train nurses.  Dr. William G. DeVane served as President and Dr. H.O. Byrd served as Secretary, Treasurer and General Manager, while George T. Butler was Vice-President.  Charles B. Parkhill and Robert B. Sturkie served as attorneys for the sanatorium; both Parkhill and Sturkie had private practices in law.

By 1912 the Trilby citrus industry had become a profitable business for many residents.  Seeing this as a way to capitalize from the constant and ever growing citrus industry of Trilby, the Florida Citrus Growers' Association was organized.  According to Pasco County Incorporation Records, "On October 12, 1912, W.J. Ellsworth, J.F. Corrigan, and A.C. Johnson" filed a corporation under Florida States Laws.  According to the incorporation, "the proposed Charter of a corporation [was] to be known as the Trilby Citrus Growers' Association, the purpose of this association [was] to build, lease and rent packing houses for the packing of fruit, and produce, which may be grown or controlled by members of this Association."  The principal business of this Association was to be conducted in Trilby and the annual meeting of members was the first Tuesday in May of every year.  A.C. Johnson of Floral City acted as first president, while W.J. Ellsworth of Blanton and J.F. Corrigan of St. Leo served as the first board of directors.

By 1913, four years after the repeal of the first incorporation of Trilby, the Town of Trilby became officially incorporated for the second time.  As previously noted it is not known why the first incorporation of 1901 was repealed but may have been prompted from there be no delegation of city or public officials, since this first group of officials is not known or recorded.  In May of 1913 the decision to re-incorporate was made and the town assembled together to hold a vote electing town officials.  A notice announcing the vote was posted throughout town and according to Pasco County Incorporation records the following information was recorded in May of 1913:  "THE REGISTERED VOTERS OF TRILBY FLA. RESIDING IN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LIMITS.

Notice is here by given to all the registered voters residing in the following described limits to wit:

Commencing at the Northeast corner of NW 1/4 of Southeast 1/4 sec. 22 Township 23 S of Range 21 East, thence west 3/4 of one mile to NW corner of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 sec. 22 Township 23 South of Range 21 East, thence south one and 1/4 miles to the SW corner of the NW 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 sec 27 Township 23 South of Range 21 east thence east 3/4 mile to the SE-corner of the NW 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 sec. 27 township 23 south Range 21 east. thence north one and 1/4 miles to point of beginning Embraceing the Town of Trilby Florida. Are required to assemble at the office of T. S. McCorkle in the town of Trilby Fla. on Thursday the first day of May A. D. 1913, at 8 o'clock A. M. To organize a municipal Government, To select a corporate seal and to select by vote a mayor, Clerk, Marshall and five aldermen which shall be known as the City Council.

Names: H. O. Byrd M. D., T. S. McCorkle, J. E. Beach, R. H. Pitts, G. R. Pitts, D. Foster, W. A. J. Prescott, J. W. Brown, S. A. Lewis, W. G. Devane, M. D., L. M. McLeod, W. M. Watkins, W. H. Edwards, Dal Hilliard, H. Cunningham, Forrest Bankston, A. P. Hix, Geo T. Butler, Pierce Kerrell, L. Allen Jr., B. T. Butts, J. A. Bradshaw, J. J. Roller, B. F. Knott, C. F. Croft, R. B. Tyer, W. C. Mock, J. L. Keller, C. H. Tedder, E. G. Worthington, J. D. Turner, W. A. Croft.

Trilby, Florida.
May 1st 1913.

At a call meeting of the voters of the City of Trilby in the County of Pasco in the state of Florida, having assembled themselves together in the office of T. S. McCorkle in the aforesaid town for the purpose of electing City Officers for the town of Trilby, F. Bankston presiding as chairman, Lott Allen, Jr acting Secretary, and citizens proceeded to vote as follows:

Moved and seconded that the incorporate name shall be the Town of Trilby, motion carried,

Moved and seconded that we adopt the Seal of "The Town of Trilby," same was carried -

Citizens proceeded to vote as follows:

For Mayor, Dr. W. G. DeVane, receiving a majority of the votes cast, was declared elected.

For Alderman, F. Bankston, J. J. Roller, R. H. Pitts, W. H. Edwards and Dr. H. O. Byrd, receiving the largest number of votes were declared elected.

For City Clerk, L. Allen, Jr. receiving the largest number of votes for that office was declared elected.

For City Marshal, W. M. Watkins, receiving the largest number of votes was declared elected to that office.

All of said officers taking the following oath, administered by W. P. Edwards, viz:

"That I and each of us, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida against all enemies, domestic and foreign, and that I will bear true faith, loyalty and allegiance to the same, and that I am entitled to hold office under the Constitution; that I will faithfully perform all the duties of the office which I am elected to on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

Under Article #100 General Statutes, count was made of number of qualified voters present, same being thirteen (13) Meeting adjourned.

W. P. Edwards, N. P. My commission expires 10/8/1913.

Filed for record May 6th 1913.

(official seal)

A. J. Burnside Clerk

(illegible) D. C.

Following the incorporation of The Florida Tuberculosis Sanatorium by only a few days, the Trilby Ice and Power Company became officially incorporated, on January 13, 1914, to serve the community of Trilby and surrounding areas.  According to Pasco County Incorporation records, this company was formed by W.M. Watkins, D.W. Pinholster Jr. and M.L. McCormick with a capitol investment of $20,000.00, all three men lived in Trilby.  The purpose of  this incorporation was specifically the" owning, constructing, maintaining and operating of an electric light plant or plants for the purpose of furnishing light and power for Trilby, Fla., and such other places as the Directors may select; to own and operate an ice plant or plants for the manufacture and sale of ice; to own and operate a cold storage plant for curing and preserving meats of all kinds, to buy meat and beef and manufacture the same into all kinds of meat products; to own and operate a system of water works in Trilby, Fla., and such other places as the Directors may select."  With the $20,000.00 there was capitol stock divided into two hundred shares that valued one hundred dollars each; all or any part of the capital stock was payable in money, property, labor or services, or used for the purchase of of property, labor or services, at a just valuation to be fixed by the Board of Directors at a meeting call for that purpose.  These stocks were dived between W.M. Watkins who received 50 shares, D.W. Pinholster Jr. who received 40 shares and M.L. McCormick who received 20 shares; totaling 110 shares.  It is assumed that the remaining shares of the company were sold to the public.

Shortly after the incorporation of both the Tuberculosis Sanatorium and the Trilby Ice and Power Company came the incorporation of The Trilby State Bank.  According to Pasco County Incorporation records it was on April 13, 1914 that the Trilby State Bank inc. was officially filed.  The proposed charter was formed by local residents H.O. Byrd, W.H. Edwards, P.C. Mickler, W.G. DeVane, J.J. Roller, and W.A. Croft.  The much needed Trilby State Bank was incorporated with a capitol investment of $15,000.00, which was divided into one hundred fifty shares of the value of one hundred dollars each, to be paid in cash.  These shares were sold mostly to local residence which included: Dr. W.G. DeVane, 15 shares; Dr. H.O. Byrd, 15 shares, W.H. Edwards, 10 shares; J.J. Roller, 10 shares; J. Kilpatrick, 10 shares; W.A. Croft, 15 shares; P.C. Mickler, 10 shares; R.F. Leedy, 1 share; B.T. Burrs, 10 shares; Henry Bradham, 10 shares; W.S. Entzminger, 5 shares; all being residence of Trilby and G.B. Trulock Jr., 14 shares; O.C. Spence, 25 shares; both from Wigham, Ga.  Appointed as the first officers of the incorporation were Dr. W.G. DeVane, President; W.A. Croft, First Vice-President; P.C. Mickler, Second Vice-President and G.B. Truelock Jr. served as the first cashier.  Appointed as Directors were W.G. DeVane, H.O. Byrd, W.H. Edwards, J.J. Roller; B.T. Butts, W.A. Croft and P.C. Mickler.  The first location of the Trilby State Bank is not known.  By 1918 the Trilby State Bank received it own building to conduct business.

According to Historic Places of Pasco County, "Constructed in 1918, the bank building was a two-story red brick structure.  It was noteworthy for an upstairs living area with octagonal half-dollar-size tile flooring in black and white.  The building was eventually torn down by E.M. Dixon, who used the brick to build a house on River Road east of Dade City which was later owned by E.B. Larkin.  Some of the bricks were also used to build Henry Curtin's old Sinclair gas station on 7th Street and Live Oak Avenue in Dade City."  The Trilby State Bank stood as the center of Trilby's business district for many years, today remains of the old tile floor are all that remain of this once thriving banking point as the doors were finally closed in 1924.  The Aug. 1, 1924 New Port Richey Press reports: “The possession of too large a proportion of their assets in the form of paper not easily convertible into money, combined with a heavy demand for cash caused by the presentation of a large number of Atlantic Coast Line railroad pay checks by employees living in Trilby and others are understood to have been the cause of the failure of the Trilby State Bank, which closed its doors shortly after noon last Saturday.”

All that remains of the two-story Trilby State Bank are portions of the tile floor.  (Photo 2007)



The Former Sinclair gas station on the corner of Live Oak and 7th Ave. in Dade City was built using bricks from the old Trilby State Bank.  This building is now occupied by Garden Delights Cafe.  (Photo 2007)

Trilby eventually became equipped with its own printing press.  With a printing press in operation there were several series of newspapers that were published for the Town of Trilby, the first starting ca. 1909.  By 1915 The Pasco County News was being published in Trilby on a weekly basis.  This newspaper not only carried the weekly news for Trilby and surrounding areas, such as Bay City in Hernando County and Lacoochee only a short distance from Trilby.  This small hometown newspaper was also responsible for reporting on everything from how the Trilby crops were doing to who was visiting town for that week. The times and days of local church services were also printed in the weekly newspaper.  

The June 18, 1915 copy of The Pasco County News is the only surviving copy of the several newspapers that were printed in Trilby.  Published in this only surviving paper is a letter from the mayor of Lacoochee responding to local rumors that Trilby would soon merge with neighboring Lacoochee to become one town, although it seems that the town councils and mayors did consider this merge at one time.  The article reads, "His Honor Writes from Chicago-- Chicago, June 10.  

Ye Editor, Pasco County News, Trilby, Florida.  

Dear Sir:
We note with much pleasure that you have chosen Mr. C.D. Bradshaw as a member of your scoop staff.  We feel that all stagedom mourns the loss of this bird of comedy, but we are aware of the fact that one's ability to write about a thing depends upon one's ability to do that thing.  For this reason we believe that Mr. Bradshaw will attain even greater laurels as a dramatic critic, if such is possible, than those in store for him on the stage.  There is nobody alive to more of the current events locally and if he lends any of his time to this department Anne Rittnehouse's articles and the 'Advice to Lovelorn' column will have to be laid in the shade.  We trust that his efforts, as a scribe, will be crowded with success and wish to present him with a palm, palmetto or any other greens typifying that he posses the 'pep' to make to make good at any vocation that he chooses.  The news is current throughout La Salle Street that Trilby and Lacoochee will be joined together as one town.  We believed this a year ago but refrained from expressing it publicaly.  With only a mile between us we see no reason why we should not meet half way.  When this takes place the one which preserves its maiden name will be SOME town.  The name Trilby sounds good.  Named after the little musician who displayed such wonderful talent under the influence of that master of mind, Svengali, the town could display a an era of development under the influence of her corps of enterprising citezens that would be the envy of towns now five times her size.  With us we would prefer to preserve our present name.  With a slight change in the first sylable of the name L-a-c-o-o-c-h-e-e, it would be indicative of something real live- synonymous of our progressive movements.  We're both right in the path of progress, served by a network of railroad that meet the sea and a national hiway that connects with the Dixie hiway to Montreal.  A new era of progress for Florida is (illegible).  The communities of the north and east are becoming so dense that the necessity for engaging in agriculture seems to impel thousands to go to the farms where life is easier.  The lure of the 'easy living'  on the Florida farm has been attracting thousands to the state annually.  Almost every setting sun records the information of a new community Land is being cleared, new groves are being planted, and new enterprises of every nature are springing up.  With unbounded resources thrust upon our community by nature our farms and groves should blossom like roses.  The duty devolves upon us to push these resources to the front.  The hottest electric button known to science would availeth nothing if it were not pushed.

Mayor of Lacoochee"

The local newspapers were extremely instrumental in the social development of a community.  Besides what was printed in the local paper a small community such as Trilby was essentially cut off from the news of the outside world, other then the special occasion when a traveler of the railroad would bring a newspaper from another community.  While the local papers reported on many local events and news, it was extremely uncommon for these local papers to report on the news of the African American communities.  However there were some occasions when the death or murder of a local African American was reported, please see cemetery section below for these rare stories.  While none of the newspapers printed in Trilby lasted beyond 1916 the Dade City Banner began to publish the news of Trilby in the 1920's.  

This masthead dated Friday, June 18, 1915 is taken from Volume 1. No. 11 of The Pasco County News.  This weekly newspaper was printed in Trilby and is the only surviving copy of the several newspapers printed at the Trilby printing press, subscription to this paper would cost $1.00 a year.

The Pasco County News was published and edited  by John Tippen and the papers manager was C.D. Bradshaw.

These three ads appeared in the June 18, 1915 edition of The Pasco County News and advertised the local businesses of Trilby.  (Newspaper images courtesy of the Florida Pioneer Museum)

In 1925 a tragic event struck down town Trilby, which would change the community forever.  On May 29, 1925 the entire down town business district of Trilby was devastated by fire and to date was one of the biggest events to occur in Trilby's history.  According to East Pasco Heritage and an article by Charlotte Tyer, "That was the bustling little town of Trilby until one fateful afternoon in May of 1925. Cliff Couey, a boy then, remembers eating blueberry pie when he heard the train whistle long and loud for an alarm. He said, "I'm going to finish my pie even if the town burns!" However, when he heard pistols start shooting, he jumped up and ran out, leaving that pie. Young Bert Edwards was walking back from a fishing trip with Earl D. Tyer's daddy when they spotted the smoke. It was about 1:00 PM when the fire started upstairs in the dry goods store, and it burned until about 5:00 PM. Bucket brigades were formed, using the water hauled from the water tank south of town by train, to protect the train shed. The Dade City Fire Department came out in a Model T firetruck with water hose cart trailing behind; but the stores west of the track burned like tinder. One store, Blitch's Drug-Sundries, being farthest south and not on pilings, was wrapped with a cable and hauled away to safety by a locomotive. Very little merchandise could be saved. The coffins from the Redfront were rescued, and Mrs. Edwards carried out a 100-pound keg of nails that she couldn't budge later. It was a terrible fire, and looters added to the heartache. Some businesses tried to carry on, but Trilby was never the same. The post office reopened in the bank building, and the young folks still gathered there after meeting the trains.  The railroad depot was torn down and the present one built about 1927."

The New Port Richey Press reported that, "Business District of Trilby Burns; Appeal for Help-- Fifteen buildings composing the entire business district of Trilby, seven miles north of Dade City, were destroyed by fire last Thursday afternoon with a loss of approximately $50,000 with only about $5,000 covered by insurance. Requests for help were sent out to Dade City, Plant City and Lakeland. The Dade City fire department responded, but was unable to render any assistance as Trilby has no water works and the fire engine was not equipped to pump water from a nearby lake. A locomotive being run alongside the Atlantic Coast Line station by the direction of Former Chief of the Tampa fire department, W. H. Mathews, prevented that building from being destroyed. There were no casualties.”

The Dade City Banner also reported on this tragic event and reported a slightly different story then the New Port Richey Press.  According to the June 5, 1925 Dade City Banner, "Business Section of Trilby Burned--  Seventeen Buildings, Including Stores and Post-Office, Destroyed Friday.  

Practically the entire business section of Trilby, comprising a row of frame buildings occupied by stores, post office and express office, were destroyed by fire Friday afternoon, causing a loss of approximately $40,000, with insurance of not more than $5,000. The fire was caused from a spark from a chimney, or a defective flue, in a two-story building owned by Mrs. Henry Bradham and occupied by Lonnie Wiggins as a store and residence.

The fire was discovered shortly after noon and an alarm immediately turned in. A brisk wind was blowing and as the town had neither waterworks or fire-fighting apparatus, the flames soon spread    until the entire row of buildings was ablaze. Calls for help were sent to Dade City, Plant City and Lakeland and the fire truck from Dade City responded, but was unable to do anything, as it is not    equipped with a pump and so could not pump water from the lake close by. Plant City and Lakeland sent word that they could not send their apparatus so far away.

When the fire was first discovered J. S. Matthews, formerly chief of the Tampa fire department, happened to be in Lacoochee. He saw the smoke and hurried to the scene, where he voluntarily took     charge of such fighting as was possible and had locomotives pump water and steam on the Coast Line station, which was close by, and which caught fire in several places. By this means this building     was saved without any damage of any consequence. Complete information as to the amount of the loss has been impossible to obtain, as the buildings destroyed were old and their value apparently not known. Only three of the owners of the buildings and businesses they housed carried any insurance, the total of which was not more than $5,000. The losses, as far as it has been able to estimate them, were as follows: Mrs. Bradham, building, $1,000, no insurance; Louis Whidden, who occupied it with a store and residence, lost approximately $1,200 in stock, fixtures and household goods, with no insurance; J. W. Stephens, building and general merchandise stock, $10,000, insurance $2,000; F. Bankston, building occupied by the post office, $1,500, no insurance; W. H. Edwards, building and general merchandise stock, $10,000, with no insurance; R. H. Wade, meat market, $250, no insurance; J. E. Wade, Trilby Drug Store, building and stock, $6,000, insurance $1,000; Abbott building, vacant, $800, no insurance; a man named Ward, who had a restaurant in the building, lost his equipment valued at $500, with no insurance; Burt building, $1,000, no insurance; the American Railway Express Company office, located in this building, lost their records and books, but little of value; Hilliard building, $750, no insurance; and Mr. Mullins, who operated a barber shop here, lost his fixtures valued at $200; Bauknight building, $1,000, no insurance; A. H. Bankston, building and grocery stock, $5,000, no insurance; T. J. Blitch, building and confectionery store, $2,500, no insurance; two buildings occupied by negroes as a pressing club and boarding house were burned with a loss of $1,500, and the residence of Mrs. Amy Reynolds was destroyed, adding $2,000 to the total, with no insurance."  The fire forever scared and marked Trilby, which would never be the same.

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History of The Country/ Trilby African American Cemetery
While the name of this cemetery and its history have eluded many for years and the cemetery has often been referred to as the "Country Cemetery". It has been historically known as "The Trilby Colored Cemetery" through many accounts, such as documentation in historic Coleman- Ferguson Funeral Home records.  It is believed that the once small Country Cemetery began as a quite church cemetery in ca. 1895.  According to Pasco County land records, on January 24, 1895 Nathan and Maggie Garner, his wife, deeded lot number 3 in block number 1 in the Town of Macon or Trilby to the trustees of the St. John A.M.E. Church. (click here to see 1895 church deed)  This small African Methodist Episcopal Church severed the spiritual needs to the African Americans of Trilby and was likely established before the 1895 deed since there are designated trustees already in place.  The exact date the church was established is unknown.  Eventually the St. John A.M.E. Church started a small church cemetery, which evolved and became the community cemetery for Trilby's African American residents.

Current view of the Trilby African American Cemetery.  Over grown the property appears to be a wooded lot and not actually a cemetery.   (Photo 2007)

The St. John A.M.E. Church and Cemetery was situated on this property, which was at the north end of town along the east side of the South Florida Railroad tracks.  Sometime by the early 1900's to 1920 the St. John A.M.E. Church was discontinued, the exact date that services ceased is unknown.  After the church ceased operation the cemetery property was enlarged and added to as different people became owners.   Eventually in 1926 there appears to have been a cemetery association formed for what has now become the "Trilby Colored Cemetery".  According to Pasco County land records, on July 24, 1926 Thomas B. and Lucy V.F. Wright, his wife, by Jas. E. Turner, her attorney, relinquished "Lots One and Two and Three in Block One, Town of Macon (Trilby), Section 22/27, Township 23 South, Range 21 East now used for burial or cemetery purposes."  These lots were deeded to W.E. Evans, M.C. Speight, J.D. Howell, Grant Williams, George Garvin, Sillas Bond, Ed. Bond., Henry Jones, L.Z. Roland, Madison Lake, J.M. Smalley and Abe Wess; all of Pasco County and most living in Trilby.  (click here to see 1926 cemetery deed)  The properties were purchased for $115.00.  While the deed does not state the reason for these individuals uniting together, it is believed these individuals had joined together for the purpose of forming a cemetery association, to look after and care for the cemetery.  This sale also included the purchase of the original St. John A.M.E. Church property, where this cemetery had been started.  

Eventually the members of the cemetery association grew old and passed away.  Over time association member M.C. Speight became the last surviving member.  Speight became the last legal owner of the cemetery property and as he passed away, as stated in the deed; "his heirs, executors and administrators" became owners of the property, possible unknowingly.  Currently, according to Pasco County land records the Trilby African American Cemetery property is owned by Willie Zell Speight, a descendant of M.C. Speight who is named in the 1926 deed.  Unfortunately six to eight months ago Willie Z. Speight passed away.  Again the cemetery property has unknowingly been left to Willie Speight's heirs, executors and administrators since the property has never been legally deeded to anyone since 1926.  It is a rather unfortunate case of property being in limbo.  Over time as these caretakers of the cemetery became too old to care for the cemetery the way it needed, the property began to fall in disrepair and has remained in this state for many years.

For many years the Trilby African American Cemetery has been unmaintained and nature has crept in.  If one doesn't know where the cemetery is located they may not find it due to its appearance looking as a wooded lot.  While at first glance the cemetery appears to be small, there have been over 180 marked graved identified in the cemetery.  Many of these graves are marked with temporary markers that have hand written paper tags with information written for each individual.  The names of the funeral homes who placed these temporary markers are Milton Funeral Home, Evans Funeral Home, Harper Funeral Home and Coleman Ferguson Funeral Home; all local.  Some of these paper tags are still legible while others have faded away forever erasing the memory of those buried there.  Many of these small temporary markers are hidden in the overgrowth and aren't easy to locate.  It is nothing short of a miracle that after 75 years these temporary markers still remain, it is a somewhat ghostly sight as if the cemetery remains completely in tact below the vines and vegetation that have crept in and taken over.  In addition to the numerous temporary markers in the cemetery, there are also numerous unmarked graves identifiable by a sunken area, these unmarked graves are believed to be the oldest in the cemetery dating to the 1890's when the cemetery started.  Very few African American burial records exist.

This paper temporary marker, placed by Harper Funeral Home, for Oscar Robinson dates 1942 and is still legible. (Photo 2007)




This paper temporary marker has faded over time forever erasing the name and information for the person buried here.  (Photo 2007)

It was very rare and uncommon for the local newspapers to report on the death of local African American residents, including an obituary.  Among the earliest articles reporting the death of a Trilby African American resident is the Aug. 6th, 1915 Dade City Banner, this was the death of Will Leak.  "Negro Pays Penalty With Life When Trilby Mob Breaks In Jail-- Will Leak Charged With Rape, Taken From County Jail and Hung in Trilby--  Will Leak, a negro, who was being held in the county jail here on the charge of assault with intent to rape a young white girl in Trilby, was taken from the county jail early this (Friday) morning, at about 2 o'clock, by a mob from Trilby and carried to the place and hung to an oak tree in front of Hilliard's barber shop in the center of town.  Leak was arrested about six weeks ago on the above state charge and was landed in the county jail pending trial.  He was given a preliminary hearing before County Judge Wilson, Wednesday at which time the girl identified him and he was bound over to the grand jury.  Deputy Kirby, who also acts as jailor, and lives in the residence part of the jail, says he was awakened early this morning by a noise in front of the jail and went down expecting to find a deputy there with a prisoner.  He was in his night clothing and unarmed.  On opening the door he was confronted by a mob of eighteen or twenty masked men, all armed, who demanded the keys to the jail.  Upon Kirby's refusal to tell where the keys were, he was seized by several of the men while the others broke the outer lock of the jail.  They then entered the jail and broke the cell lock and got the negro and took him by automobile to Trilby, where the lynching took place.  Sheriff Sturkie was in the building at the time, but it is reported that he was sick.  Up to the time of going to press no inquest had been held."  While Leak was only being held on intent, he never made it to trial.  It is believed by many that once Will Leak was finally laid to rest, he was interred in the Trilby African American Cemetery.  During this time the cemetery may have still been the St. John A.M.E. Church cemetery.  There is no marker in the cemetery for Will Leak but it could possibly lost to the overgrowth.

In July of 1921 the tragic and unfortunate death of Will Smith was reported.  On July 15, 1921 the Dade City Banner carried the small story describing the events of how Smith left this world, the article reads; "Negro Drowned in the Withlacoochee yesterday evening, July 10, a young negro by the name of Will Smith, an employee on a construction train, of the A.C.L. Railway Co., was drowned in the Withlacoochee river, just above the new steel bridge, north of Trilby about two o'clock.  For the last several Sundays the construction train, Conductor Johnnie Warren in charge, has been laying over in Trilby, and knowing that the river was not far away, a goodly number of the train hands would resort to the river for a swim, and as usual they went for a swim, and the recent rains had caused the river to be somewhat turbulent, and almost brimming full.  They had been in the river for some time, and while they were all out on the back, Will Smith complained of being cold, but swam across the river again, and walking up the other side so as to make it back across the river, plunged in and when about mid-way hollered for help, and one of his comrades got within four feet of him when he went down his last time.  Mr Warren was notified of the drowning and he, in company with T.J. Blitch, proceeded to the place of drowning, and made efforts to recover the bode, but were unsuccessful.  They had no other means but a fishing pole with hooks fastened to the end, and Mr. Warren had four of his hand to swim out to where he went down, but they could not reach him."  It's not known if the body of Will Smith was ever recovered but if so was likely interred in the Trilby Cemetery.

On Friday, March 30, 1923 among the Trilby News in the Dade City Banner was a small article telling of the death of local resident Edgar Donaldson.  Edgar had met the same fate as Will Smith, "Colored Laborer Drowned-- Edgar Donaldson; a colored laborer employed on the "extra gang" of the railroad went swimming in the Withlacoochee Sunday near Rital.  He either had an attack of cramps or got out of his depth and was drowned.  The body was recovered and brought to town where it was buried Monday."  The small town of Rital was located near Richland, just outside Dade City.  Rital was a small railroad town with a small African American population who were mainly employed by the railroad.  While Donaldson has no marker, through this article we know he was buried in the Trilby Cemetery.  

Documented through the Dade City Banner, Trilby section, was the burial of a former slave who lived in Trilby.  On Friday, February 22, 1924, in an extremely rare case, the obituary of Lucy Green was published, "Aunt Lucy Green, Former Slave Passes Away-- Aunt Lucy Green, an old slave time darkey was buried in Trilby Wednesday.  Aunt Lucy was about a hundred years old, she was and old time darkey and was thought lot of by the white people as well as colored."  While it was extremely uncommon for an obituary of an African American to be printed in the local papers, Lucy Green was revered enough throughout the community to have hers published.  While Lucy's does not have a headstone in the cemetery, the Green Family has a rather large family plot.  Marked graves included in the Green Family Plot are; Clara Green b. 1947 d. 1986, Clarence W. Green b. 1872 d. 1952, Emma Green b. 1889 (only date), Mattie C. Green b. 1964 d. 1980, Sarah Green b 1878 d. 1944 and Tom Palmer Green Sr. b. 1926 d. 1964.  According to the 1870 Federal Census, Lucy Green, 22, was wife to Alexander Green, 25; during this time the family was living in Brooksville.  Alexander and Lucy were listed with two children, Gilmore, 4 and Jannie, 3.  According to the 1900 Federal Census, Lucy and Alexander had moved to Trilby and were living in the Macon voting precinct number 1.  Lucy is listed as being born in May of 1856 in Alabama, while Alexander was born in January of 1836 in North Carolina; they are listed as being married for 30 years.  The 1900 census also indicated that Lucy and Alexander had 10 children, 6 of which were still living.  Listed in the home of Lucy and Alexander Green was daughter Nancy born in April of 1871 and grand daughter Brenda born June of 1898.  There are likely many more Green Family members buried in the Trilby Cemetery then those that are known about through means of markers in the cemetery.

In December of 1925, on Christmas Day, local African American resident George Lark was shot and killed by Sheriff Leon Hudson.  The article published in the Dade City Banner on December 29, 1925 reads, "Negro Killed Christmas Night-- George Lark Shot by Deputy Sheriff Leon Hudson In Self Defense.  George Lark, colored, was shot and killed by Deputy Sheriff Leon Hudson at Trilby Christmas night after he had first fired at the officer, who was attempting to arrest him for being intoxicated and carrying a fire arms.  A coroner's jury was empaneled by Justice of the Peace T.J. Blitch, and an inquest resulted in a verdict exonerating the officer.  According to the account given out by the sheriff's office, officers were sent for to stop a lot of indiscriminate firing which was featuring the Christmas celebration in the negro quarters at Trilby, in which pistols were taking the place of fire crackers sanctioned by old time southern customs.  Mr. Hudson had placed one negro under arrest and had ordered Lark, who had been dodging from him, to halt.  Instead of obeying, the negro reached for his hip pocket and drawing a gun, fired as he raised it, the flame from the shot singeing the officer's hair.  The deputy immediately pulled his gun and fired at the negro, who had kept on running.  After getting about ten yards from the officer Lark stopped and fired a second shot, whereupon young Hudson emptied his gun at him.  The negro ran a short distance farther and fell, mortally wounded, dying shortly afterwards."  It is not known what provoked George Lark other then the moonshine he was likely drinking during the Christmas celebrations.  According to the 1900 Federal Census George Lark was living in the African American Community of Bay City in Hernando County, Lark is listed as, 37 and being born in January of 1863 in South Carolina.  George Lark was not a permanent resident of Bay City as he is listed as a "Lodger" in 1900.  By 1910 George had married, had a child and moved to Trilby, according to the 1910 Federal Census, George Lark, 44, was married to Emma Lark, 48 and they had an 8 year old son named Milton; the Lark family is listed as living the voting Precinct number 2, Trilby.  George and Emma likely married in 1902 since their child is 8 years old in 1910.  According to the 1920 Federal Census the Lark Family was still living in Trilby with George chopping railroad ties to support his family.

Today the Trilby African American Cemetery has grown to 2.2 acres in size and still serves the community of Trilby.  While the cemetery lies in disrepair there are many residents of  Trilby who are concerned with the deterioration of this historic cemetery.  There have been several attempts, by the community, to clean and clear some of the growth, however the cemetery needs special attention so that the many temporary markers are not lost.  The cemetery has been overgrown for so many years that it will take some time to clear the years of growth.  The Trilby African American Cemetery is not only a historic cemetery but also an active cemetery too.Among the marked plots in this cemetery is the plot of Alvergin A. Crowe, born Dec. 9, 1941 interned on Dec. 31, 2003.  

This article was contributed by Jeff Cannon. It was last revised on August 12, 2007.

Images of Trilby African American Cemetery (2007)

   
(Left) Headstone of Lela Barnes b. March 2, 1884 d. January 17, 1952  (Right) Double headstone of Willie Griffin 1903-1918 and Willie Mae Griffin 1903-1925, likely twins

Years of growth and neglect have taken over the Trilby Cemetery.

   
(Left) Headstone of Veteran Thomas Rains d. December 25, 1933, Florida Pvt 550 Engrs.  (Right) Home-made headstone of Willie Lee Sirmon b. February 12, 1932 d. November 7, 1950

This very special headstone for Mrs. Gussie Robinson was placed by her co-workers and friends as clearly noted "From Friends of Pasco Packing Co".  Pasco Packing House was a citrus packing company located in Dade City where Gussie Robinson worked.  Gussie Robinson b. 1902 d. 1962

  
(Left) Home-made headstone of Eddie W. Davis born December 23, 1932 died July 22, 1949.  (Right) Veteran Lee Jenkins, Florida PFC 16 Engr. SVC CO FORS World Wared I; born January 28, 1894 died December 28, 1960.

The above ground crypt of Girley L. Thompson 1889-1971.

Headstone Transcriptions provided by Scott Black and Historical Research by Jeff Cannon- Copyright ©2008
This page was last revised on July 12, 2008