Click on the photo for a larger version
Click here for another version of this photo submitted by Thomas A. Waters

TOWNSENDS OF WEST ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, MID-SUMMER, 1895, AT THE HOME OF HENRY FRANKLIN TOWNSEND, OWNED AND OCCUPIED UNTIL RECENT YEARS BY HIS NIECE, LONA CANNON HALL. LOCATED JUST WEST OF HIGHWAY 129 AT THE TELEPHONE TOWER AND NOW BEING USED FOR STORAGE BY GILCHRIST COUNTY AUTO PARTS.

Top row, left to right: George Smith, Perry Hagen, William J. Cannon ("Cap" in arms), John Light Townsend (John Hill Moses in arms), Archie B. Thomas (William A. in arms), John Henry Waters, Henry Franklin Townsend, Rev. John Hill Townsend, Henry A. Thomas, Rev. Louis Ransom Thomas, Luke Kinsey, William Washington Townsend, Street Jones.

Second row: Ellen Kinsey Smith, Bertha Kinsey Hagen, Henrietta Townsend Cannon & Laura, Nancy Sikes Townsend (Zacchaeus in arms), Malinda Townsend Thomas (Lula in arms), Augustine Townsend Waters (David Solomon in arms), Maria May Townsend (Alec in arms), Nancy Townsend, Cinderella Townsend Thomas, Rachel Townsend Thomas, Levonia Townsend Kinsey (Sarah in arms), Cinda Millard Jones Townsend, Nora Townsend Jones.

Third row: John Cannon, Luvina Townsend, Lillie Townsend, Roberta Townsend,Susannah Townsend, William Jesse Townsend, Minnie Townsend, Walter Street Townsend, Fannie Kinsey, Amos Kinsey, John Calvin Townsend, William Curtis Townsend.

Fourth row: Louis Cannon, Thomas Lee Townsend, Anna Waters, Charles Leighton Waters, Minnie Townsend (Frank's), Asa Franklin Townsend, George Elias Asbury Townsend, Louis Rennels Townsend, Thomas Olin Townsend, Lugenia Thomas, Rachel Kinsey, Mary Lavonia Townsend, L R. Thomas.

Consider the planning, preparation, and effort this event required of these sturdy, God fearing pioneers. The formality accorded the occasion is indicated by the full dress of all, despite the summer heat, and the orderly arrangement in family groups. The ladies' hair indicates recent visits to their hair dressers. These were year-round felt hat days for men, and shuck hat days for girls in the summertime. Note one such on the left end of the front row and another on the knees of Anna Waters. Resourcefulness of the children in entertainment is evidenced by play sticks in the hands of Thomas Lee Townsend and Mary Lavonia Townsend, also by the rag doll displayed by Sarah from the lap of Levonia Townsend Kinsey. Friendliness of the group is shown by the children on the front row, and especially by the four little boys in the center. No frivolous smiles on these faces, but rather a reflection of the sternness of the times on every countenance. Noteworthy also is the absence of any eye glasses. We have the subjects to thank for a "straight-faced" likeness, and also the photographer for good workmanship. Note individual strands of wiregrass and saw marks on rough timbers are discernible.