HISTORY OF PASCO COUNTY

James Irvin(g) (Ervin) Spivey (Spivy)

Florida Baptist Minister

June 17, 1837/38 – June 23, 1911

Copyright by Judith R. Jolly 2012 – Used With Permission

Source Key: CSA Soldier’s Pension Claim CSA/W Widow’s Pension Claim HBA Hernando Baptist Association PBA Pasco Baptist Association TT Tampa Tribune (www.genealogybank.com) Ancestry www.ancestry.com RWT Rosemary W. Trottman, The History of Zephyrhills 1821-1921 Other Miscellaneous sources so noted

June 17, 1837. Birth in Thomas County, Georgia. Son of John Aaron Spivey and Martha Davis Spivey. (CSA-1902 claim; Ancestry)

June 17, 1838. Birth in Thomas County, Georgia. Son of John Aaron Spivey and Martha Davis Spivey. (CSA-1909 claim; Ancestry; Other – www.findagrave.com)

Sept. 1, 1843. Birth of Emily Ann Trowell (wife), daughter of Joseph Trowell and Emily Ann Ruth Trowell, South Carolina. (Other – Florida Death Certificate No. 10552, Emily Ann Spivey) (Other – www.findagrave.com)

1850. U.S. Census – Militia District 456, Appling, Georgia John Spivy, 34; Martha Spivy, 33; Irvin Spivy, 13; Effey E. Spivy, 8; Mariah Spivy, 6; Daniel P. Spivy, 4; Mathew Spivy, 1. (Ancestry)

Apr. 1857. Marriage to Emily A. Trowell, Coffee County, Georgia. (CSA/W)

April 18, 1861. Enlisted CSA at Waresboro, Georgia, Ware County, in Company Gordon’s Brigade, Company H, 13th Georgia Regiment (CSA 1902 claim). Company E, 26th Infantry Regiment, Georgia Volunteers. (CSA 1909 claim).

May 10, 1862. Appointed 4th Corporal 26th Georgia (Other – Brantley Historical Society; www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gabrantl/roster-e3.html)

1864. Wounded at Lynchburg, Virginia. “I was shot in the right shoulder (minie ball) and wounded by a bomb shell in the right arm.” (CSA)

April 12, 1865. Discharged at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. (CSA)

Jan. 1, 1875. “resided in state of Florida since January 1, 1875.” (CSA)

1875. “Immediately after the war there was a rush of settlers . . . moving south. So came two brothers whose property in Coffee County, Georgia, had been destroyed by Sherman’s forces . . . John David and Irvin Spivey. Irvin Spivey had a most unusual voice with a unique carrying quality . . . General Gordon of the Confederacy discovered this. Bellowing like a bull, Irvin Spivey transmitted signals in code that could be heard for miles. The enemy learned that Gordon’s frequent devastating raids were in some way connected with this bellowing bull, and, unless they were well prepared, would avoid confrontation. On one occasion, the battle being joined, Gordon realized that his supply of ammunition was running out. He sent for young Spivey and said to him, ‘If you have ever bellowed in your life, do it now. It is our last hope.’ The enemy . . . retreated. ‘The Bull’ was given a citation and presented with a gold fountain pen engraved with his name and the date of that battle, September 4, 1864.”

John D. Spivey homesteaded and “called the place Oakdale.” (Now the site of Zephyr Plaza on Hwy. 301 in Zephyrhills) He started a church, inviting ministers to preach. “When no preacher appeared, Irvin would read the Scriptures and lead discussions and prayers. He became so proficient at this that most Sabbath days found him leading services at Oakdale and nearby communities.”

The home became too small for the crowds, so they built an arbor in the woods. A building was then erected and used as a school and church until Lakeview Baptist Church was built. “The voice that had ‘bellowed like a bull’ in Virginia so shook the walls of their first building and the hearts and minds of the people with the spiritual fervor of the man that people came from miles around.”

These congregations are recognized as the early beginnings of FBC Zephyrhills. (RWT, The History of Zephyrhills 1821-1921)

Dec. 24, 1876. Arrival in Florida, per Mrs. Spivey. (CSA/W)

1880. U.S. Census – Precinct 8 and 10, Hernando, Florida. J.I. Spivey, 41, farmer; Emily Spivey, 37. (Ancestry)

1882. “We notice that the Sand Hill church desires the ordination of brother J.I. Spivy to the ministerial office, we would advise that church to consult a Presbytery of ministers in regard thereto.” (Other – 1882 South Florida Baptist Association Minutes, page 5)

1882. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records)

1885. Systematic Benevolence & Temperance committees; Ltr of Correspondence to SFBA, Manatee, Alachua, Wekiwa Assns. OM w/Dade City address (HBA)

1886. Served “4 months 14 days” as missionary for HBA “. . . designate and maintain a missionary to labor in the destitute parts of this association . . advisable to appoint Elder J.J. (I.) Spivy who was about to engage in the work of a colporteur in South Florida. . . Brother Spivy resigned on the 12th of April . . . difficulty of raising sufficient funds for his support. We subjoin a report of his work: Number miles traveled 696; Sermons preached 34; Prayers offered 96; Religious visits 58; Baptized 3; Waiting Baptism 1; Collected $25; Time 4 months 14 days. Received of Mission B(oard) $55.50.” (HBA)

1886. Ordained Minister w/Tampa address; Family Worship Committee. Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, Hillsborough County. (HBA)

Feb. 2, 1887. Performed marriage of Thomas Fisher and Delila Walker. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

1887. Temperance Committee Chairman; Ordained Minister w/Keystone Park, Florida address. Pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (petitionary church, Pasco County). Pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, Hillsborough County. (HBA)

May 9, 1888. Performed marriage of Simon J. Gant and Ada J. McCarty. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

May 28, 1888. Performed marriage of Nicholas O. Waller and Sophronia Newbury. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

June 10, 1888. Performed marriage of Green W. Robles and Emmaus E. Strickland. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

1888. Temperance Committee. Ordained Minister w/Magdalene address (Hillsborough). Pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pasco County. Pastor of Withlacoochee Baptist Church, Pasco County. (PBA)

June 30, 1889. Performed marriage of James Jonathan Jackson and Eugenia Strickland. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

1889. Ordained Minister w/Magdalene address (Hillsborough). (PBA)

Jan. 5, 1890. Performed marriage of William J. Gant and Vina Anderson (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

1890. Ordained Minister w/Magdalene address. Temperance Committee; Delegate to Florida Baptist State Convention. Preached Friday night, October 31, 1890, 7 p.m. (PBA)

1890. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records).

1891. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records).

Oct. 7, 1891. Performed marriage of Thomas Crews and Anna Carrington. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

1891. Pastor (Magdalene address) of Double Branch Baptist Church. (PBA)

Jan. 24, 1892. Performed marriage of James A. Jackson and Sarah E. Anderson. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

1892. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records).

Jan. 26, 1893. Performed marriage of Isham J. Thomas and Martha A. Williams. (Other – USF digitized Hillsborough County marriage records).

1893. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records).

1894. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records).

1894. Pastor (San Antonio address) of Double Branch Baptist Church. Pastor (San Antonio address) of Emmaus Baptist Church. (PBA)

1895. Pastor (Pasco address) of Emmaus Baptist Church. (PBA)

1896. Pastor (Pasco address) of Emmaus Baptist Church. (PBA)

1897. Ordained Minister w/Pasco address (Pasco community). (PBA)

1898. Ordained Minister w/Pasco address (Pasco community). Appointed alternate for introductory sermon for 1899 session. (PBA)

1899. Requests Committee. (PBA)

1900. U.S. Census – Precinct No. 7 Pasco, Pasco, Florida. James I. Spivy, 61, June 1838, farmer; Emily A. Spivy, 56, September 1843. Emily A. Trowell, 10, niece, September 1889. (Ancestry)

1900. Ordained Minister w/Pasco address (Pasco community). (PBA)

1900. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records).

1901. Pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (Other – church records).

Aug. 17, 1901. Tampa Tribune (www.newsbank.com) “San Antonio, Florida, August 16 – At the residence of the bride’s parents on Wednesday at 8 o’clock, Mr. D.D. Helveston and Miss Mamie McKindree were united in marriage, Rev. J. V. (I) Spivey of the Baptist Church, officiating.”

1901. Ordained Minister w/Hudson address. Union Meetings Committee; Deceased Ministers Committee. Pastor (Pasco community address) of Six Mile Pond Baptist Church. Pastor (Pasco community address) of Anclote Baptist Church. (PBA)

Feb. 24, 1902. Application for Pension. “I was shot in the right shoulder and wounded by a bomb shell in the right arm.” Following statement by J.G. Wallace, M.D., Dade City, Fla. and Chas. T. Seay, M.D. Dade City, Fla.: “. . . he was wounded in the right shoulder seemingly by a minnie ball, greatly disabling him in the use of the joint of the shoulder. We also find that he has sustained an injury of the elbow of same arm. He is, at present, a sufferer, from diabetes. The injuries above stated incapacitate him from active labor and of earning a living by same.” Was approved for $120 per year. (CSA)

1902. Ordained Minister w/Pasco address; Alternate messenger to Florida Baptist State Convention; Chairman, Temperance Committee. Pastor of Anclote Baptist Church. (PBA)

1903. Ordained Minister w/Magdalene address. (PBA)

1904. Ordained Minister w/Magdalene address. (PBA) Pastor of Anclote Baptist Church.

Feb. 11, 1905. Tampa Tribune (www.newsbank.com) “Other Business – J.I. Spivey was appointed inspector of marks and brands in Precinct No. 5.” (Hillsborough County).

1905. Ordained Minister w/West Tampa address. Pastor of Anclote Baptist Church. (PBA)

1906. Ordained Minister w/Anclote address. Pastor of Anclote Baptist Church. (PBA)

May 1, 1906. Annie Trowell, niece, married R.E. Baillie Book 2 Page 43, Pasco County, Florida

1907. Messenger from Anclote Baptist Church; Chairman, Periodicals Committee. (PBA)

June 24, 1909. Tampa Tribune (www.newsbank.com) “Rev. Irving Spivey of Tarpon Springs will hold all day services next Sunday at the Magdalene Baptist Church, dinner to be served on the grounds.”

Aug. 2, 1909. “bona fide citizen of Pasco, Florida.” Owned “40 acres land, Pasco Co, Fla. valued at $500, 1 horse valued at $75, and household goods and kitchen furniture valued at $100. Total value $675.” “Crippled in right shoulder and arm.” Approved for $120 per year. (CSA)

Aug. 2, 1909. “My post office address is Tarpon Springs, County of Hillsborough, State of Florida.” (CSA)

1909. Ordained Minister w/Tarpon Springs address. (CSA)

1909. Chairman of Pasco County Commissioners January 1909- December 1910. (Other – Plaque in Board Room, Historic Pasco County Courthouse, Dade City).

1910. Chairman of Pasco County Commissioners January 1909-December 1910 (Other – Plaque in Board Room, Historic Pasco County Courthouse, Dade City).

1910. Ordained Minister w/Dade City address. (PBA)

1910. U.S. Census – Anclote, Pasco, Florida. James I. Spivey, 71, fruit farmer; Emily A. Spivey, 67. (Ancestry)

1910. U.S. Census – Anclote, Pasco, Florida (next door to J.I. and Emily A. Spivey) R.E. Baillie, 26, fruit farmer; Annie Baillie, 20, md abt 4 yrs, 1 child, 0 living

June 23, 1911. Death of Rev. J. I. Spivey. (See following Tampa Tribune article)

June 24, 1911. Tampa Tribune (www.newsbank.com)

NOTED WAR CHARACTER HAS PASSED TO BEYOND

J.I. Spivey, one of the heroes of the Civil War, known widely as “General Gordon’s Bull,” died at his home near Keystone Park at 4 p.m. yesterday, at the ripe old age of seventy-five years. Funeral services will be held at the home at 1 p.m. today, the Rev. E.M.C. Dunklin officiating. Interment will be held in Magdalene Cemetery, three miles north of Sulphur Springs, Gooding & Smith directing. A large number of friends who knew and loved the deceased during his lifetime are expected to be present.

Mr. Spivey comes from one of the pioneer families of Hillsborough county. He fought gallantly in the Civil War. He became known as “General Gordon’s Bull” by the fact that he had one of the most powerful voices in the Confederate army. At the command of General Gordon, under whom he fought, Mr. Spivey would get to one side of the enemy in the night time and make such an uproar with his voice that the Federals thought that they were about to be attacked. While their attention was thus diverted, the Confederates would attack them on the opposite side.

June 25, 1911. Tampa Tribune (www.newsbank.com) “SPIVEY – The funeral of J.I. Spivey, the Confederate Veteran who died at his home near Keystone Park Friday, was held at 1 p.m. yesterday, with interment in Magdalene Cemetery, under direction of J.L. Reed.”

June 30, 1911. Mrs. Spivey filed a Widow’s Pension Claim. Assets were a “house & lot at Green Springs, Fla., household goods, 1 horse & buggy, $600 cash.” (Green Springs is present-day Safety Harbor, Pinellas County.) (CSA/W)

Nov. 7, 1912. Tampa Tribune (www.newsbank.com) “Notice of Final Settlement. Six months after date hereof I will present to the County Judge of Hillsborough County, Florida, my final account and voucher as administratrix of the estate of James I. Spivey, deceased, and will make my final settlement as such administratrix and ask to the discharged. Dated this 6th day of November 1912. Emily A. Spivey, Administratrix” (Also published November 7, 1912; December 7, 1912; January 7, 1913; February 7, 1913; March 7, 1913; April 7, 1913.)

1920. U.S. Census, Elfers, Pasco, Florida Robert E. Bailey, 36, farmer; Annie M. Bailey, 31; Emily Spivey, 76 (Ancestry)

1930. U.S. Census, Elfers, Pasco, Florida R.E. Baillie, 46, md age 22, fruit farm; Anna E. Baillie, 41, md age 17; Roy Baillie, 10; Irene Baillie, 8; Emily A. Spivey, 86, md age 13 (Ancestry)

June 15, 1935. Death of Emily A. Spivey, age 91 years, 9 months, 14 days, at 5:00 p.m., Elfers, Pasco County, Florida, where she had lived many years in the home of her niece, Emily Ann Trowell Baillie, wife of Robert E. Baillie, citrus farmer. Cause of death was general arteriosclerosis with contributory cause of facial carcinoma. Undertaker: David Black, 440 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. Informant: Annie E. Bailey, Elfers, Florida. (Other – Florida Death Certificate No. 10552) (Other – Ash, Pauline Stevenson, Florida Cracker Days, page 168 (Baillie info)

June 16, 1935. Tampa Sunday Tribune, Sunday, June 16, 1935 – Page 4 “Mrs. Emily Spivey, 92, Hillsborough Pioneer, Dies” “Mrs. Emily Spivey, 92, pioneer resident of Hillsborough county, died yesterday at the home of her niece, Mrs. R.E. Baillie, at Elfers. She was the widow of the Rev. J.R. Spivey who was engaged in the Baptist ministry and missionary work in Hillsborough county for 45 years. She came to this section 65 years ago from Georgia. Besides Mrs. Baillie, she also is survived by two other nieces, Mrs. L.M. McLeod and Mrs. J.B. McLeod, Tampa. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 4 o’clock at Lake Carroll cemetery.” (Copied from microfilm, John G. Germany Public Library – October 24, 2012)

June 16, 1935. Burial of Emily A. Spivey at Lake Carroll Cemetery, Tampa (formerly known as Magdalene Cemetery) (Florida Death Certificate No. 10552; www.findagrave.com)

1935. Florida State Census – Precinct 15, Pasco, Florida R.E. Baillie, 51, 8th grade, owner, farmer; Annie Baillie, 45, 7th grade; Roy Baillie, 15, 8th grade; Irene Baillie, 13, 8th grade (Ancestry)

1940. U.S. Census – Pasco, Pasco, Florida Robert E. Baillie, 55, foreman, citrus, 11th grade; Annie E. Baillie, 50, 12th grade; Roy Baillie, 19, picker, citrus (Ancestry)

1945. Florida State Census – Precinct 15, Pasco, Florida R.E. Baillie, 61, 9th grade, farmer; Annie E. Baillie, 55, high school; Roy Baillie, 25, 9th grade (Ancestry)

June 13, 1946. Death of Emma Annie Trowell Baillie (born September 15 1889), niece of Emily Ann Trowell Spivey, in Pasco County. She was buried in East Elfers Cemetery. She was survived by her husband, R.E. Baillie, her son, Roy, and her daughter, Irene. R.E. Baillie (January 15, 1884-December 25, 1960) remarried after his first wife’s death. He and his second wife (md 1947 Pasco), Effie Estella Butler Baillie (1891-1973) also buried at East Elfers Cemetery. (Ancestry Florida Death Index 1877-1998; Other – www.findagrave.com)

June 14, 1946. Tampa Morning Tribune – Page 2 “BAILLIE, EMMA ANNIE – Emma Annie Baillie, 56, died at her home in New Port Richey Thursday afternoon, June 13, at 6:45 o’clock. She is survived by her husband, R.E. Baillie, one son, Roy, of New Port Richey, and one daughter, Mrs. Irene Dukes, of Lake City. Also, two sisters, Mrs. Edith McLeod and Mrs. Jannie McLeod, both of Tampa. Services will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, at Anclote Baptist Church, Elfers, Rev. E.S. Haney and Rev. A.E. Young officiating. Interment in Elfers Methodist Cemetery. Arrangements in charge of David Black, mortician. Tarpon Springs.”

June 15, 1946. Tampa Morning Tribune – Page 2 (The text of the Funeral Notice is verbatim to that of Friday, June 14, except for the names of the pallbearers added in this issue.) “Pallbearers: Harry McLeod, W.T. McLeod, Billy Baggs, Lovert Baillie, Arthur Baker, Merrill Baker.”