An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
Peter Crocker (1843-1911) was born in Steuben County, New York, on July 16, 1843. He was a Civil War Veteran and a lighthouse keeper at Key West. He was married to Sophia M. Crane and had six children.
Civil War Service
editWhen he was 18 years old, he enlisted as a private in the Volunteer Union Army and served two three-year terms. During the Civil War he served in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.[1] His final discharge was at Key West, Florida, on February 9, 1867.
Personal Life
editWhile stationed in Key West, he met Sophia M. Crane. They married on April 3, 1867, and moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1873.[2] They purchased 20 acres of land for $1.25 an acre and built a home southwest of Bay Road and (currently) Tamiami Trail. Sophia had six children, only one of which survived (Fannie).[1]
Crocker was chronically ill while living in Sarasota and attributed it to a bout of typhoid he had in the army. He received a disability pension starting in 1885 at $2 a month and was increased to $3 in 1890.[1]
Crocker died December 21, 1911[3] and was buried by his home near his children.[4]
Life in Sarasota
editThe Crocker Family arrived before the Scottish settlers, making them one of the first families to live in Sarasota.[5] After spending some time in the community, Crocker established a church (Crocker Church) and cemetery (Crocker Cemetery), became a trustee for the Phillippi School, and the postmaster of the Crocker Post Office located in his house. He was also appointed to a committee to help to plan the roads surrounding the Bee Ridge area.[6]
Peter Crocker was also a farmer[7] and the first person to grow tobacco and coffee beans in Sarasota.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b c "St. John's/Crocker Memorial Cemetery | Sarasota History Alive!". www.sarasotahistoryalive.com. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ "Crocker Memorial Church | Sarasota History Alive!". www.sarasotahistoryalive.com. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ "Local Affairs". The Sarasota Times. December 21, 1911. p. 7. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Crocker Cemetery Collection, Sarasota County History Center Archives, Sarasota, FL, Box 1, Folder 2.
- ^ "Oldest Native Recalls "Good Old Days"". Sarasota Herald Tribune. March 23, 1958. p. 11.
- ^ "County Commissioner's Proceedings". Manatee River Journal. March 9, 1906. p. 1. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Where Fruits and Vegetables Grow in Profusion". Manatee River Journal. January 25, 1907. p. 1. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Jacobson, Mike (August 24, 1977). "A Look at Area History". Sarasota Journal. p. 2.