William Lee Owen Brown headstone, Oakdale Cemetery, DeLand, FL
Staff Sergeant William Lee Owen Brown was killed in action (KIA) on February 10, 1968. Enemy fire struck the C-130 Brown was a passenger on as they approached the Khe Sanh airfield during the Vietnam War. The damaged plane was able to land but did not stop safely, running off the end of the runway, exploding in flames. Five of the ten passengers escaped the burning wreckage and received treatment at the US Army hospital.
Brown was born January 20, 1934 in DeLand, FL where he attended public schools. Brown joined the Marine Corps in June 1953. He attended military photography schools at Fort Monmouth, NJ and Tokyo, Japan. His many USMC roles included that of recruiter, a drill instructor at Parris Island, NC, and at the time of his death, he served as a non-commissioned officer in charge of the First Marine Air Wing Photo Lab.
During his career Sergeant Brown was awarded multiple decorations. Brown received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Ribbon, was a six-time recipient of Expert Rifleman awards, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat (V), Air Medal and Combat Aircrew Insignia with three stars.
Military headstone for William Lee Owen Brown, KIA during the Vietnam War.
At the time of Brown’s death, his wife Pauline (Kerr), son Hugh William, and daughter Karen Denise, lived in Albany, New York. His mother Emma Lee Brown lived in DeLand. Robert Owen Brown, William’s father, predeceased him.
Sergeant William Lee Owen Brown, who was KIA during the Vietnam War, is buried in Oakdale Cemetery, in DeLand, FL.
The Vietnam War is a controversial and complex topic. I recommend a subscription to the bi-monthly Vietnam magazine.
Sources:
DeLand Sun News
For readers interested in military burials located in Oakdale Cemetery, I invite you to read my blog post about Sergeant Adam Quinn, who perished while serving in Afghanistan.
In a remote mountain stronghold in 1968, six thousand US Marines awoke one January morning to find themselves surrounded by 20,000 enemy troops. Their only road to the coast was cut, and bad weather and enemy fire threatened their fragile air lifeline. The siege of Khe Sanh-the Vietnam War’s epic confrontation-was under way.
To learn more about Khe Sanh, I recommend readers to Gregg Jones, highly regarded work, Last Stand at Khe Sanh: The U.S. Marines’ Finest Hour in Vietnam. With positive reviews from Leatherneck Magazine, Vietnam Magazine, Michigan War Studies Review, and more, this book will take you into the heat of battle and put you on the frontlines with the men who fought there.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.
Keep up with the latest scholarship on the Vietnam War. I invite you to consider a subscription to Vietnam magazine . Click the photo or the link for exclusive subscription savings and your first issue will be in your mailbox soon.
Moses Harshaw–The Meanest Man Alive Died and Gone to Hell
The stories and legends surrounding Moses Harshaw are plentiful. One thing we know is that if you visit Old Clarkesville Cemeteryin Clarkesville, Georgia, you can see a headstone the likes of which you have probably not seen before. It is both funny and sad at the same time. Funny in that somebody appears to have had the last laugh on Harshaw. Sad in the fact that this person was so evil that family chose to remember him in this way. Moses Harshaw–Died and Gone to Hell.
Moses Harshaw was born in 1794 in North Carolina. He wed Nancy England on June 9, 1814 in Burke County, North Carolina. By 1820, it appears that the Harshaw family was gaining wealth, as they owned seven male slaves, all under the age of 44.
At some point in the early to mid-1820s, Moses led the Harshaw family from their home in North Carolina to new lands in the Nacoochee Valley of Georgia. In 1825, Moses purchased 250 acres from W. B. Wofford for the sum of $1,500. It was on this property that around 1837 Moses would build what is now known as the Harshaw-Stovall House, a property that in 1984 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Harshaw was successful in a financial manner. In addition to his farming and gold mining
operation, he supported his family by working as an attorney in Clarkesville. By 1840, the US
Census shows him owning 18 slaves, 11 females and 7 males. The 1850 US Census lists
Harshaw as owning real estate with a value of $20,000. The Slave Census for the same year
show him having increased his human ownership to 20.
Despite his apparent business acumen, Moses was person few people liked. His antics had earned
him the moniker, “the meanest man alive.” The period of 1829-1844 saw him charged with
assault on seven occasions, being found guilty six times. His cruelty to slaves became legendary.
When he would hitch his wagon to go to town, he would require the services of a slave on the
trip. He would not allow the slave to ride in the wagon however but would instead tie him to the
back of the wagon and make him run to keep up.
Perhaps cementing his legacy as vile person is the story of when a young slave girl passed away,
Moses wife Nancy purchased a dress for the child to be buried in. When Moses discovered the
expense he demanded the child be dug up, the dress be removed and returned to the store.
Unable to live with Moses and his erratic behavior, Nancy filed for legal separation, which the
courts granted in 1857 (some date this separation as being in 1850). She received several slaves,
farm equipment, and lands in Clarkesville. A portion of the separation agreement reads
from an incompatibility of taste and uncongeniality of temper and disagreement of pursuits, bickering, heartburnings and strife have discovered that it is impossible they should longer live together in peace and harmony and have therefore agreed to separate from bed and board and absolve, release and forever discharge each other from all conjugal rights, privileges, duties and liabilities, further agreeing to live separate and apart and abstain in all and every way from interfering with or molesting each other in all and every way their pursuit of present and eternal happiness.
North Georgia Wine Country Tour. Leaving from Atlanta visit 3 different wineries, including a stop in delightful Helen, GA. CLICK HERE or the image for details.
Moses was to live only a short while longer, passing away in 1859. Despite being a successful
attorney, Moses passed without a will. The courts appointed Moses son Alonzo and E.P.
Williams as estate administrators. His holdings included 11 slaves, farming equipment, produce,
livestock and feed, household furnishings, a lot and house in the town of Clarkesville, and
considerable acreage and a home in Clarkesville and White Counties.
It is possible that Nancy had the last word on their marriage and the life of Moses Harshaw. The
long rotted original wooden marker was carved with the words “Died and Gone to Hell.” A
replica of the marker stands today, reminding us that our worldly actions may not be forgiven
even in death.
Harshay-Stovall House Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Today, visitors to Sautee Nacoochee, GA can stay in the beautifully restored Stovall House. Owners Jeff Sidwell and Erin Fight opened the bed & breakfast in 2019. They offer six rooms (the Terra Cotta Room is pet friendly room) including king-sized beds, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi throughout the house, and more. Water comes from the 350 foot deep well on property. Environmental concerns are taken seriously with kitchen leftovers being composted; leftover soaps, etc. are recycled through Clean the World,the 27-acre property is pesticide free, and cleaning products are eco-friendly. If you are looking for a wedding or event venue, Jeff and Erin are eager to accommodate your needs.
United States Census Reports
1820
1840
1850
1850 Slave Schedule
United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.
Harshaw-Stovall House. June 28, 1984.
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Here is the perfect opportunity to go rafting in the north Georgia Mountains. Click THIS LINK, or the photo, to book your river rafting excursion on the Chattooga River, near Clayton, Georgia.
Jimmy Doodles Sunset Grill has been sold and is currently closed and undergoing renovations. When I drove by this afternoon the windows were taped over but the old sign still remained. The new owners, Doug and Karen Elliott, plan to reopen during March 2023 with a completely new theme. This will now be a pizza and subs restaurant.
I currently have no information on a name or a menu. I do not know whether this will be dine in only or if they will offer delivery. Once I have more details I will create a new post with the announcement. If the food is good this will be a welcome addition to the area, especially for those living in the Oak Hill area, far from most delivery options.
We had the opportunity recently to try a new restaurant in Oak Hill, Jimmy Doodles Sunset Grill. Located adjacent to the Oak Hill Flea and Farmers Market, in the old Camelot Restaurant building, Jimmy Doodles is a nice option for those living in the New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill.
The exterior of Jimmy Doodles
Jimmy Doodles is open from 7am until 9pm seven days a week. The restaurant features indoor and covered outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area. During our first visit, there was outdoor entertainment so we selected inside dining but sat outside with our dog during our second visit. Several other diners had their dogs with them so it was a nice atmosphere.
The service was very good our first visit while the second it was obvious our server was still learning. She forgot our appetizer but we were not billed for it. No big deal when you see the size of the portions. She was trying hard and I am sure she is much more comfortable by now. She offset her inexperience with her friendly nature.
The menu is pretty much standard diner fare as would be expected. It is not just short order out
of a frozen pouch or bucket though. The food all appears to be prepared to order. The meals look
fresh and appetizing.
We have not visited for breakfast yet but the menu is loaded with omelets, pancakes, biscuits &
gravy, and combo meals. Fresh orange juice from Oak Hill Country Market is available in
addition to coffee, tea, and other standard drink options.
Lunch and dinner menus include Hoffman hotdogs, ½-pound burgers, a variety of sandwiches,
and French fry baskets that are incredible in size and taste. Be sure to check the daily specials on
the board inside or ask your server. Salad options are also available. A selection of sides
including potato salad, cole slaw, beans, and more is available.
The Maytown Burger with tater tots
You cannot visit a diner and not try a burger. I opted for the Maytown Burger; a ½-pound patty with onion rings, pepper jack cheese, and bbq sauce. I selected tater tots as my side. This was a wise choice. Kitchen staff cooked the burger to a perfect medium. My wife had the Chili Cheese Tots and it was more than she could finish. Tater tots topped with house made steak and black bean chili and cheddar cheese sauce. Make sure you get extra napkins.
During our second visit, I tried the haddock sandwich special with fries. This sandwich was loaded with delicious fried fish. It was really overflowing and probably would have been two sandwiches at many restaurants. My wife had the Loaded BLT, which had a seemingly never ending pile of bacon.
You might want to try to save some room once you see the ice cream menu featuring Hershey’s
Brand ice cream. Sundaes, banana splits, shakes, malts, and scoops are available. I see they are
offering a new flavor, chocolate raspberry truffle. Sounds good.
Prices are good with breakfast omelets running $5-$8. Burgers are around $10 with fries/tots.
The loaded fry baskets are $10-$13 with most at the lower end of that range. Hot dogs are $4-$5
and sandwiches are around $10. Most drinks are $3.
Good food, service, and pricing. We will certainly be back and I recommend you stop in if you
are in the New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, or Oak Hill area. It is even worth the drive from
northern Brevard County. If you are at the weekend flea market this is a no brainer, just walk
over.
Jimmy Doodles is located at 351 US-1 in Oak Hill, FL. Their phone number is 386-210-4170.
Breakfast MenuLunch and Dinner Menu page 1Lunch and Dinner Menu page 2
First off, my apologies. My posts have been erratic at best but they should become more regular soon. Life has been pretty hectic but a couple of things are calming down or going away. I will have more time to devote to this page.
First off, for those who know me, you will know I have been attending graduate school. I am happy to announce that I have completed my degree and shortly will have my diploma for my M.A. in History with a specialization in Public History. Thank you to my professors and fellow students at American Public University System for helping me make this a reality. There was no way I was going to be able to do this at a traditional school with my work and personal demands. The closest institution offering such a degree is an hour and a half drive each way, if not longer due to traffic. Working a full time job and trying to handle that was never going to work. Don’t be afraid to try one of the major online universities.
Second, I have been hard at work on a manuscript for Arcadia Publishing. I am happy to report that I am in the home stretch on this book and will soon be submitting the manuscript for review. The working title is Hidden History of Civil War Florida. I am working on image captions currently. After that, another read through to find what are no doubt even more errors or areas that need rework. My goal is to submit on Valentine’s Day. We’ll see. This will be my fifth book with Arcadia and I hope it to be my best and most widely received. I will be sure to keep everybody informed and let you see the cover once designed.
So, let me know, what would you like for me to write about in this blog? Are there history or travel subjects you think would be interesting. Florida based is preferred at this point but there’s no real need to limit things. Book reviews? Restaurant or travel reviews? Public art displays? Museum exhibits?
Stokes, Karen. South Carolina in 1865. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2021. 143 pages, 134
pages of text. Notes, bibliography, b/w photos. ISBN 9781467151344, $21.99.
Thank you to my friends at Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy. A
review will be posted at a later date.
From the publisher website.
South Carolina in 1865 written by Karen Stokes
The year 1865 brought an end to the war in America, but it also ended a civilization that had existed for nearly two centuries in South Carolina. Plantations, churches, farms, factories and whole villages and towns were pillaged and burned by General William T. Sherman’s army, and a once thriving and wealthy state was reduced to poverty. While Columbia burned, besieging Union troops swept in and occupied the undefended city of Charleston, which Sherman called “a mere desolated wreck,” and then launched raids into the surrounding countryside, including the rich plantation lands of Berkeley County. The surviving records of this period are numerous and revealing, and author Karen Stokes presents many of the eyewitness accounts and memoirs of those who lived through it.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.
Francis “Mac” McBride mural located on Rich Avenue near Woodland Boulevard
If you are standing at the corner of Woodland Boulevard and Rich Avenue next to the former Dick & Janes CoffeeShop be sure to take a look on the side of the building. Here, near the creepy looking stairs leading down to an empty basement storefront, you will see a mural in honor of Commander Francis “Mac” McBride.
Born in Rockledge, Florida, the McBride family had a legacy of police work. McBride’s father and brother were also in law enforcement. His uncle served in the United States Air Force as a military police officer.
The young McBride moved to Volusia County, living in Daytona Beach and Barberville, before moving to DeLand. In DeLand, he began work at Sherwood Medical Industries, before being hired as a rookie officer by the DeLand Police Department in 1975.
The then 77-year-old McBride retired in 2020 after 45 years on the police force. During this time he made many friends and won the respect and admiration of downtown business owners for his community policing style. He is often remembered for his “Night Eyes” program. As a part of this program he would leave notes for business owners assuring them he had checked on their business during his shift.
Former DeLand Police Chief, Bill Ridgway said of McBride, “I got to see how he built relationships and those connections with the community, he was ahead of the curve.”
In seeing his mural Officer McBride stated, “I hope I did the right thing. Everything that I’ve done now goes back to that mural. It’s an honor to know that my legacy is that I cared about the people and people cared about me.”
McBride was honored during his last shift with a retirement party held at the Sanborn Activity Center. After his retirement the beloved officer moved to Alabama to be closer to family.
Detail of Mac McBride muralOath of Honor as seen in the Francis “Mac” McBride mural.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.
If you are interested in memorials to law enforcement officers, please take a look at my post about the memorial to officer Elmer Michaelof the DeLand police force. This monument is located just a short distance from this mural.
Don’t Tread on Me t-shirt featuring the famous coiled rattlesnake from the Gadsden Flag. All sizes available. Pre-shrunk 100% cotton. Warm water wash and tumble dry. Do not iron or dry clean. Let Flagshirt be your go-to online shop for patriotic apparel.
Smithweck, David. The USS Tecumseh in Mobile Bay: The Sinking of a Civil War Ironclad. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2021. 158 pages, 126 pages of text. Three appendices, index, bibliography, notes, b/w images. ISBN 9781467149747, $21.99.
In April 1861, Lincoln declared a blockade on Southern ports. It was only a matter of time before the Union navy would pay a visit to the bustling Confederate harbor in Mobile Bay. Engineers built elaborate obstructions and batteries, and three rows of torpedoes were laid from Fort Morgan to Fort Gaines. Then, in August 1864, the inevitable came. A navy fleet of fourteen wooden ships lashed two by two and four iron monitors entered the lower bay, with the USS Tecumseh in the lead. A torpedo, poised to strike for two years, found the Tecumseh and sank it in minutes, taking ninety-three crewmen with it. Join author David Smithweck on an exploration of the ironclad that still lies upside down at the bottom of Mobile Bay.
Learn about other titles from Arcadia Publishing by clicking HERE.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.
Veterans Park in Edgewater, Florida is a small park located just off Riverside Drive with the
beautiful Indian River on the eastern edge. The small park contains two monuments with plaques
along with retired military equipment that is in stark contrast to the peaceful neighborhood the
park belongs to.
The full view of the 1961 Edgewater, FL Veterans Park MemorialDetail of the 1961 Veterans Park Plaque.
1961
The older monument dates to 1961 and was originally placed on the grounds of the Community Center. The large brick monument contains a smaller bronze plaque reading “Dedicated to those who served in the armed forces in the wars of our nation and in perpetual memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in freedom’s cause.”
The dedication ceremony, held by Edgewater American Legion Post 285, was described in a local paper as “impressive” and featured many local dignitaries. The program began with the advance of the color guard and the singing of the National Anthem by Virginia Henderson. Mrs. Edward Price accompanied Ms. Henderson. Cliff Mosher, past commander of the local Legion post served as master of ceremonies.
Other speakers that day included Judge Robert Wingfield, from DeLand, who gave the principal address; William M. Edwards, commander of the Fifth Legion District provided the dedication address. Commander William Cairnie presented the monument to the City of Edgewater with Mayor Aquilla Hussey and other city officials accepting the gift.
The most moving part of the dedication was no doubt the laying of a wreath honoring those who
have passed in service to the United States by Gold Star Mothers. One of the participants was
Ms. Myrtle I. Cole, whose son James Lee Cole was killed in World War II. Mr. Cole is buried at
the Netherlands American Cemetery. Other Gold Star Mothers attending the ceremony were
Mrs. Thomas Callanan and Mrs. Otto Hovarter.
The Reverend Richard Alexander, of Union Church closed the ceremony with the benediction.
Shown are officers of the American Legion Post 285 who participated in the Veterans Memorial Dedication in 1961. Photo: New Smyrna Beach News Thursday, November 16, 1961
1988
Then Captain John F. Bolt, United States Marine Corps. Photo Courtesy National Archives https://catalog.archives.gov/id/74243136
In 1988, a second monument was added to the park. The tone of the dedication event was decidedly more aggressive with retired Lt. Col. John Bolt as the featured speaker. Bolt was a member of the famous Black Sheep squadron in World War II and was a jet fighter ace during the Korean War. Bolt was the only Marine Corps pilot to record five kills in both propeller driven and jet aircraft. He was also one of only seven aces in the two wars. To be an ace a pilot had to shoot down at least five enemy aircraft in midair combat.
Bolt provided a speech heavy in pro-American rhetoric that many might find appropriate on Veterans Day. He expressed the view that America needed to be strong in order to keep the peace, “Unless you are capable of defending your territory, defending your ideals, someone is simply going to push you off it.” He believed that this strength is what brought the Soviets into discussions resulting in the SALT II treaty of 1979. “The desire for peace is not enough. Peace comes through strength. The veterans we honor here today had strength.”
Gold Star Mothers member Mary Biatek gave another speech. Ms. Biatek spoke on the danger of drugs to our country stating, “This country can be defeated, not on the battlefields, but by decay within.”
The full view of the 1988 monument dedicated in Veterans Park
Rick Weeks, who at the time served as Commander of the Indian River Post 145 of the Disabled American Veterans gave a talk more focused on veterans. He compared the most current veterans to those who served under George Washington. The one thing that remained constant was the pride of veterans.
The ceremony included wreath presentations by many organizations including Daughters of the American Revolution, Gold Star Mothers, the American Legion, Vietnam veterans, and several Disabled American Veterans posts.
Close up detail of the plaque attached to the monument dedicated in 1988 in Veterans Park, Edgewater, FL
To visit Veterans Park:
1811 S. Riverside Drive
Edgewater, FL
Facilities include a fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, 20 parking spaces
I would like to express my thanks to Linda Hulvershorn, archivist at the Sheldon Research
Library located at the New Smyrna Museum of History, for her assistance in finding local reports
of these events.
Sources:
Daytona Beach News Journal
New Smyrna Beach Observer
The Pelican
If you are interested in war memorials in Volusia County, Florida, I invite you to take a look at my post discussing the World War I memorial in Osteen. This monument located just off busy Highway 415 recognizes the service and sacrifice of some of the men from the area who served during the War to End All Wars.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.
In a remote mountain stronghold in 1968, six thousand US Marines awoke one January morning to find themselves surrounded by 20,000 enemy troops. Their only road to the coast was cut, and bad weather and enemy fire threatened their fragile air lifeline. The siege of Khe Sanh-the Vietnam War’s epic confrontation-was under way. 
