William H. Kendrick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Kendrick
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| Born | 1822 Hamilton County, Florida |
| Died | November 26, 1901 Jacksonville, Florida |
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| Years of service | 1855, 1861, 1864 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 10th Florida Infantry, Co. E |
| Battles/wars | Seminole Wars |
William H. Kendrick (1822 – 1901), often known as Captain Bill Kendrick, was an important figure in Florida's history. He was a soldier, a state senator, a pioneer (someone who helps settle a new area), and a speaker. He was even called "the original Florida cracker", a nickname for early Florida settlers. The town of Kendrick, Florida is named after him. He is also believed to have named the city of Orlando.
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The Life of William H. Kendrick
William H. Kendrick lived a long and active life. He was involved in many important events that shaped Florida. From fighting in wars to discovering valuable resources, his actions left a lasting mark on the state.
Early Life and Military Service
William H. Kendrick was born in 1822 in Hamilton County, Florida. He became a soldier and fought in the Seminole Wars. These wars were conflicts between the United States Army and the Seminole people in Florida. Kendrick was present when the famous Seminole leader, Osceola, was captured.
Later, he also fought in the American Civil War for the Confederacy. He took part in the Battle of Olustee, which was a major battle fought in Florida.
A Leader in Florida
After his time as a soldier, William H. Kendrick became involved in politics. He served two terms in the Florida State Senate. A state senator is a person elected to make laws for their state. He retired from politics in 1876 to focus on his real estate business.
Kendrick was also interested in new ideas. In 1870, he was part of a company that worked with aquatic plants. They even planned to build a canal.
Discovering Riches
In 1880, William H. Kendrick made a very important discovery. He found large deposits of phosphate in an area known as the Bone Valley region of Florida. Phosphate is a mineral used to make fertilizers, which help plants grow. This discovery was a huge moment for Florida's economy. It helped the region grow and become more prosperous.
Family Connections
William H. Kendrick came from a family that also played a role in Florida's history. His father, James Kendrick, came from Georgia and fought in the War of 1812.
William's brother, Edward Tatnall "Tat" Kendrick, was also a soldier. He commanded a company in the Third Seminole War. "Tat" also served as the sheriff for both Hillsborough County and Polk County. He died during the Civil War.
"Tat"'s son, William, became a contractor. He was known for laying the first brick in Tampa and building the Old Hillsborough County Courthouse. William H. Kendrick's sister, Emily, married William Spencer. Spencer was also a sheriff in Hillsborough County during the Civil War.
Storyteller and Legacy
William H. Kendrick was known for being a great storyteller. He traveled around Florida, sharing his tales and experiences. He passed away in Jacksonville, Florida in 1901. His life showed how one person could be involved in many different parts of a state's growth, from fighting in wars to helping its economy.
