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Blitchton, Florida facts for kids

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Blitchton is a small, unincorporated community in Marion County, in the U.S. state of Florida. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's part of the larger county.

The Story of Blitchton

How Blitchton Got Started

A post office opened in Blitchton in 1888. It helped people send and receive mail. This post office closed in 1917. The community was named after a very important person, Dr. Simeon Hardee Blitch.

The Blitch Family's Journey

The Blitch family's story in Florida began with James Blitch. In the mid-1830s, James moved from Georgia to Florida. He first lived in Nassau County for a few years. Then he moved to what is now Marion County. Here, he applied for land under the 1843 Homestead Act.

The Homestead Act allowed people to get 160 acres of land. To keep the land, they had to build a home. They also had to grow crops. And they had to help keep Native American Indians off the land. A special traveler checked on these conditions. James Blitch even received a weapon to help protect his land.

James built his home, called a "cracker home," from trees. He cut these trees down himself on his new property. To fill the spaces between the logs, he used a mix of clay and Spanish moss. James Blitch had married Martha Willis in Georgia. Martha was from the Williston family. Williston is a town not far from Blitchton today.

James and Martha had several children. Their youngest child was Simeon Hardee Blitch. Simeon grew up to be a very important person. He was well-known in the areas around Williston and beyond.

Dr. Simeon Blitch's Impact

Simeon was born on March 19, 1855. He became both a doctor and a dentist. He was a much-needed member of the community. Dr. Blitch traveled far to help people. He even went as far as Raiford State Prison near Gainesville, Florida.

James, Simeon's father, also helped him in other ways. He helped Simeon buy a key piece of land. This land was at the crossing of two important "wagon trails." Today, these trails are modern highways. They are Highway 326 and State Highway 27.

Over time, the area around this intersection became Blitchton. The town is named after Dr. Simeon Hardy Blitch. Dr. Blitch was known throughout Marion County and all of Florida. His work was very hard. He worked long hours in tough conditions. But he always helped those who needed him. Dr. Blitch later became a State Senator for Marion County, Florida.

People said he "worked his fingers to the bone." When he passed away, The Ocala Evening Star newspaper reported great sadness. It said "All over Florida, deep sorrow will be felt." Simeon was a beloved old-fashioned country doctor.

Notable People

  • Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. was born in Blitchton. He later became a Florida Secretary of State.
  • Dr. Simeon Hardy Blitch was a Florida State Senator. He was also the person for whom Blitchton, Florida, was named.
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