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Sollie Mitchell, who died recently, was 103, the oldest veteran in Jacksonville, according to the city.

Marsha Dean Phelts, genealogist, author and resident of American Beach, relates the history of the African American seaside community.

“My husband told me his grandma bought these three lots,” Pasco recounted of the West King Street property. Robert was about five years old at the time. “He was born and raised here,” she explained. It’s a little sketchy as to how the property transferred from her husband’s family, but when the Pascos moved to St. Augustine from Miami probably in the late 1980s, her husband found out the property was available and “he went out and got ’em,” said Pasco. The three-bedroom, 2-story home is about 85 years old, Pasco estimated. Recently, thanks to the St. Johns Housing Partnershi...

Tony Proctor sold his 185 acres in 1824 for $185. The deed, which Proctor signed with his mark, can be viewed and read in the online exhibit. Elias Gould purchased Proctor's land and would transfer ownership later. Edinburg held onto his land until 1831, when he sold his 100 acres to John Hanson for $234. Edinburg too signed the deed transferring his property with his mark. At this time, there many documents were signed with a mark — whether by free Blacks, or whites. Many women also had not been taught to read or write and signed with marks. Proctor may not have known how to sign his name,...