Page 17 - Clay County: Communities, Families, & Friends 2024

He eventually retired from Clay County Schools, but not
before becoming principal of R. C. Bannerman Learning
Center, an alternative school, during a time when Black
schools were closed or names were changed. That school was
the former R. C. Bannerman Elementary School. One of his
most tremendous feats was his tenure as principal of Green
Cove Springs Jr. High that was the first school in Clay County
to receive an “A” rating. He duplicated those eight times
in 12 years of service prior to retirement. Wayne followed
his father’s footsteps in the School system in procurement.
Eugene worked as a workforce development practitioner, and
eventually became an independent management consultant
and history researcher.
Sanders
Rev. John Sanders, pastor of True Vine Fellowship Church,
is a Clay County native, born and raised in Penny Farms. His
zest and zeal for helping others began at an early age when he
envisioned ways to enhance the lives of those in need. Growing
up in Penney Farms more than 40 years ago, he was inspired
by leaders in his community. People were known to help
each other, share meals, take care of the sick, he recalls. He
thanks the late Rev. John T. Haymon, a pastor and community
leader of Penney Farms, for investing into him at an early age,
and as a result, he became inspired and motivated to become
a leader in his neighborhood. His endeavor to help those
in need began to grow in Clay County when, in 2014, True
Vine Fellowship Church became involved in neighborhood
outreach and programs such as the clothes closet. Shortly
thereafter, The Vineyard Transitional Center (VTC) began in
earnest as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Helping people
going through tough times, or supporting newly released
individuals from jail or simply displaced in society due to hard
times, his passion began showing promise. He continues the
journey of restoration, guidance, and support, were needed to
help reestablish the lives of many in this society.
Pastor John’s intent is steadfast. He walks the talk and in the
process, he is considered a blessing by many in the community
in his quest to eradicate homelessness.
HISTORICAL RECOGNITION TO LITTLE
KNOWN BLACK HISTORY IN CLAY COUNTY
GOVERNMENT
County Commissioner Cont.
Bird Miller (served from 1871-1873)- born in 1820 in
Florida, he was a domestic servant. He died in Jacksonville in
1879.
Henry Bram (served from 1876-1877) – Born in 1829
in Florida, he was a laborer and was alive in Green Cove
Springs in 1893.
CITY OF GREEN COVE SPRINGS
Tax Assessor
Andrew Wiles (served from 1886-1887) – Born in 1852 in
Florida, he was a gardener and minister. The 1990 Census
notes his existence in Green Cove Springs
Council Members
July Bran (service dates 1874-1876, 1878-1879, 1881-1882)
– Born in 1829 in Florida, he was a brick mason. He died in
1892.
Edward Fells (served from 1874-1876) – Born in 1852 in
Florida or Georgia, he worked as a painter and was known to
live in Green Cove Springs at least through 1920.
Lewis F. Forrester (served from 1896-1900) – Born in 1856
in Florida, he worked as a head waiter, and died in 1936.
Samuel M. Patterson (served from 1887-1891) – Born in
1863 in Georgia, he worked as a carpenter and was known to
be alive in Green Cove Springs in 1920.
Richard W. Redmond (served from 1890-1892) – Born in
1869 in Georgia, he was a drayman. He died in 1928 in Clay
County.
Howard Taylor (served from 1875-1876) – Born in 1840, he
was a hotel servant. He was alive in Green Cove Springs in
1880.
Andrew Wiles (served from 1891-1893) – Born in 1852 in
Florida, he was a gardener and minister. The 1990 Census
notes his existence in Green Cove Springs.
Constable
Edward Fells (served from 1890) – Born in 1852 in Florida
or Georgia, he worked as a painter and was known to live in
Green Cove Springs at least through 1920.
Note: Edward Fells is the father of Augusta Fells Savage,
Internationally renowned Sculptress
& Methodist Minister
REFERENCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Florida’s Black Public Officials, 1867-1924, Canter Brown
Jr. (Tuscaloosa and London: University of Alabama Press,
1998.
Who’s Who Politically Speaking in Clay County, Florida
1858-1986, Board of County Commissioners, 1988.
CLAY COUNTY
Voter Registrar
Henry [Harry] Tillman (1867-1868) – Born in 1841 in
Fernandina, Florida, he served in the Thirty-third USC1
from 1863 to 1866. He was a businessman who died in 1903.
County Commissioner
James Andrews [Andreu] (served from 1871-1877) – Born
in 1835 in Florida, he was a farmer.
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