Submitted by Al Cone

THE STORY OF FLORIDA

Information was obtained out of 2 very old and large books.

GOVERNOR FREDERICK P. CONE

Frederick (Fred) P. Cone was elected Governor of the State in 11-1936.  Was a well known banker & lawyer in Lake City, Fl.  Born in Columbia Co, 9-28-1871 - 9th of 13 children of PARENTS:  Captain William Henry Cone and Sarah Emily Branch.  Captain William Henry was born in Camden Co, GA 7-15-1825 and died Lake City in 1-23-1886, served in Indian War of 1857 as Commander of a company.

Married Sarah Emily Branch 11-19-1851 daughter of William Branch and Sarah Shanks.

Served 3 Terms as Mayor in Lake City..8 years member of Fla State Senate and in 1911 was it's president.

                FREDRICK PRESTON CONE

TWENTY SEVENTH GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA - January 5, 1937, to January 7, 1941

HONORABLE SAMUEL DAVID HARRIS - JUDGE

Born in Sumter Co, 4-6-1866, the son of Thomas H. and Permelia Caroline Griffin.  Former native of GA and the later of Newberry, SC.

His family settled in Pinellas Co, which formally was part of Hillsbourough Co in 1867.  His father came from North Atlanta, GA to Fla. in 1850

Married  EMMA CONE - native of Hamilton Co, Fla and cousin of Gov. Cone and daughter of BARNARD CONE  and ADA HURT.

Samuel and Emma had the following children:

**  John David - Attorney, Married Marguerite Cunningham- Children : John David, Annette, and Samuel Wilson

**  Samuel Henry - Attorney also    Samuel Henry Harris born 11-21-1891, son of Judge Samuel David Harris and EMMA CONE.  

Emma native of Hamilton Co, Fla and Cousin of former Gov CONE, is a member of the famous HART Family, which for generations had been prominet in the history of the state

Had the following children:  Samuel Henry, Jr., William Cone, Helen Judith

JUDGE JOHN RITCH TOWNSEND

Born Lake Butler, Fla., 11-18-1876, son of Josiah Efford Townsend and Susan Doris Ritch, both from GA.   Came to Fla in 1875.  Married in 11-22-1897 to Ocela Walker.

Had the following children:

Edith Lorene

Pitt Tomlinson

Cecil Benton         MARRIED   IONA CONE

John Ritch, Jr

Gladys

Myra Lee

Susie Darbie

Ira Edge

IONA CONE and CECIL BENTON had the following children- Melda, Benton, and Helen Townsend.

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