History Of The Dummett Family On Merritt Island
Indian River Citrus Grower Living Between The Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon
Wednesday August 23, 2017
Almost every day I drive by the old Dummett property on north Merritt Island I conjure up thoughts of what it would have been like to pioneer Florida in the early 1800's. No roads... no conveniences just you, a wagon, some farm animals and hard work. It must have been rough when the county was then named "Mosquito County" and known for Gallinipper Mosquitoes, rattlesnakes and Florida panthers, Merritt Island was surely magnificently wild and grossly difficult.
Arriving from Barbados as young man and living near Tomoka with his dad Thomas, whom purchased and ran a sugar mill the young Douglas Dummett would eventually became involved in Florida politics and fight in the second Seminole War. Douglas Dummett married in 1837 and divorced in 1844 and from the accounts I've read, his bride had enough of the rough life in early Florida and left him.
Dummett soon married again moving to a secluded area on the Mosquito Lagoon on north Merritt Island near present day Dummett Cove. Dummit was instrumental in cultivating wild oranges and grafting to make them sweet. His crops led to the eventual label of Indian River Citrus and his efforts continued until his death in 1873.
Today you can drive on the old Dummett property where a scouting camp resides. The old oaks, shady roads and Indian River make for a beautiful property from yesteryear.
Dummett, on Merritt Island between the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon was known as the originator producing and growing of Indian River Citrus.
Last modified: November 02 2016 22:28:43.
Published by: Captain Richard Bradley of Lagooner Fishing Guides©