The Minorcan's Triumph
Saga of the Black Sloop
Published on 20. February 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
154 pages
979-8-8229-3748-2 (ISBN)
Description
IN 1768, A GROUP OF MINORCANS disembarked in New Smyrnea, Florida, arriving on eight ships. They were brought to work as indentured servants for Dr. Andrew Turnbull at his New Smyrnea plantation. This form of servitude was a common practice during the early development of the United States.
"The Minorcan's Triumph" is an historical fiction that brings to life many of the conditions associated with a colony of people working on a Florida plantation during the British occupation of Florida from 1763 to 1783. The Minorcan colonists made up the largest colony to come to America during the colonial era. Over 1,200 Minorcans arrived in New Smyrnea. Sadly, 964 died and were buried on the plantation from 1768 to 1777. Not one grave has ever been found.
Their history during the nine years they worked for Dr. Turnbull has not been written to the degree their history should be known and studied.
This fictional story tells about things that could have been. Hopefully, this story and the ones that follow will generate interest in scholars and historians to uncover the mysteries that are buried in the sun drenched sand of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Robert P. Jones, now in his 91st year, is steadfastly committed to uncovering the final resting place of Catarina Usina, his wife's fourth great-grandmother. Catarina was among the Minorcans who died and was buried on what was once the Turnbull plantation, an area that is now primarily known as New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Jones is only asking, "Where is her grave?"
More details
Language
English
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
173 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-8229-3748-2 (9798822937482)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Robert P. 'Bob' Jones, a 90-year-old St. Augustine native now residing in Tallahassee, cherishes St. Augustine and its diverse cultures as passionately as anyone ever could. A 1952 graduate of St. Joseph Academy, he served in the USMC before marrying his high school sweetheart, Malinda Louise Usina, on May 28, 1955. He often recalls that day as the happiest of his life. Tragically, Malinda passed away on February 9, 2022, a day he describes as the saddest of his life.During their 72 years together, Bob and Malinda frequently discussed the Minorcan culture, a heritage deeply rooted in Malinda's family. On a visit to St. Augustine, they stopped by the monument of Father Pedro Camps on the west side of the Cathedral. It was there that Malinda pointed out the Usina name and shared stories of her ancestors. They learned that her 4th great-grandmother, Catarina Moll Usina, arrived at the Turnbull plantation, now New Smyrna Beach, in 1768 and died in either 1775 or 1776. The graves of Catarina and 963 other Minorcans remain undiscovered.Bob Jones had a varied career, working as a brick mason and deputy tax assessor for St. Johns County, followed by a stint on the staff of the US Jaycees in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then served as the executive director of the Southeastern Fisheries Association for 55 years.Currently, Bob is dedicated to a poignant mission: locating the graves of the 'Missing Minorcans.' He is driven by a deep desire to unearth these lost pieces of Minorcan and American history, buried somewhere in the sands of time.