FLDESOTO-L Archives

From: John <>
Subject: City directory inquiry 1890's
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 11:44:08 -0600

In September, 1894 the most of the west half of the block bounded by
Banana, Guava, Mango and Orange Streets in Harbor View (and probably
fronting on either Banana or NW corner of Orange) was owned by a
partnership business named Hinckley and Company. The partners were
Benton Hinckley and Summer P. Hinckley. Summer P. Hinckley had died,
and the property was sold to my greatgrandfather, Frank Fiala, by deed
dated 22 Sep 1894. Frank Fiala owned this property until 1 Oct 1895.

I am interested in knowing what kind of use was made of this property by
the Hinckley's and then Frank Fiala. Stories have it as a sawmill, or
an orchard. Supposedly Fiala transported his horses and cattle from
Nebraska to Florida by rail. By mid October 1894, all his cattle were
dead, and by Christmas all his horses were dead. We don't know why, nor
how many animals were involved. If these animals were kept in this
block of land, what kind of place was it? Were there living quarters
there too, as well as a business?

If a city directory exists for any years from 1890 to 1895, I would
appreciate someone looking up this property and letting me know what is
said about it. Also check ads for businesses to see if either the name
Hinckley or Fiala shows up. Thanks for any help.

John Fiala

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• City directory inquiry 1890's by John <>