John Foley Horr facts for kids

Captain John Foley Horr (born February 15, 1843, died February 13, 1926) was an important person in Florida's history. He was a brave soldier, a smart businessman, and a federal official. He owned a special place called Horr's Island (now known as Key Marco), which is at the southern end of Marco Island.

A Civil War Hero

John Horr joined the Union Army in 1861 during the American Civil War. He was part of the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He started as a Second Lieutenant. After a big battle called the Battle of Perryville in 1862, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. Then, after another important battle, the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863, he became a Captain. He showed great courage and leadership during the war.

From Soldier to Businessman

After the war ended, Captain Horr moved to Nashville, Tennessee. He worked in the brokerage business, which is about buying and selling things like stocks. Later, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There, he bought coal mines in Lexington, Missouri. To move his coal, he built a steamer named the J. F. Fraser. This boat helped him transport his products along the Missouri River. Captain Horr eventually sold his mining businesses. For the next five years, he transported goods along the Red River and Ouachita River before settling in Florida.

Life in Florida

In 1876, Captain Horr started working as a clerk in the Office of the Collector of Customs in Key West. About four years later, he became a bookkeeper at the John White Bank of Key West. While working there, Captain Horr bought an island. This island was later named Horr's Island. It was located in what is now Collier County.

Pineapple Plantation

On Horr's Island, Captain Horr started a very successful pineapple farm and packing business. He grew pineapples to supply his wholesale grocery business in Key West. As the pineapple business grew, more people came to live on the island. In 1877, a home was built for Captain Horr. A school was also built to help the children of the growing community.

Important Roles

In 1889, President Harrison chose Captain Horr to be the Collector of Customs for Key West. During these years, Key West became a very busy and successful port. In February 1898, President McKinley appointed him as a Federal Marshall. This job covered the area from Jacksonville to Key West in Florida. President Roosevelt re-appointed him to this role in 1902.

Political Involvement

In the election of 1900, Captain Horr was chosen to be the Republican candidate for Secretary of State for the State of Florida. This was an important political role.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1920, Captain Horr retired and moved back to Ohio. He sold Horr's Island in 1923 for $10,000. Captain John Foley Horr passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 13, 1926.

His home on Horr's Island, known as the Captain John Foley Horr House, is a special historical site. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on October 8, 1997.

Images for kids

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  Capt. John Foley Horr's House, Key Marco (Formerly Horr's Island), 2013