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Record Group Number: 900000
Series/Collection Number: N2017-148
Creator: Harney, Will Wallace, 1832-1912
Title, Dates: Will Wallace Harney letter and poem, 1898,
Amount: 1 folders
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Biographical/Historical:     Will Wallace Harney (1832-1912) was a famous poet and early settler of Central Florida. He was born in Kentucky and worked as a teacher and principal in Louisville. After marrying Mary Mayer Randolph (1844-1870) in 1868, he moved to Orange County, Florida, with the hope that the warm climate would benefit his wife's poor health. In 1869, their son, William Randolph Harney (1869-1939) was born. Mary passed away in 1870, at the age of 25. The death of his beloved wife influenced his poetry, and he never remarried. Harney continued living in Central Florida with his infant son, making a living through poetry. His writings and poems, which were published throughout the nation, included descriptions of life in Central Florida. These writings are credited as bringing more settlers to the Central Florida area, especially from Kentucky and Ohio.

    Harney eventually built a home, which became known as "Pine Castle." just south of Orlando, Florida. He also established a newspaper, "The Kissimmee Bittersweet," in the area. Harney's home became a landmark of the Central Florida frontier, with the nearby town adopting the name. Harney retired to Jacksonville with his son, publishing a collection of his poems, "The Spirit of the South," in 1909. He was buried next to his late wife in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando. Today, the annual "Pine Castle Pioneer Days" event is hosted in the same area in honor of Harney's homestead and influence on Central Florida.
Summary:     This collection includes a letter from Will Wallace Harney to Maria R. Fletcher. In the letter, Harney implores Miss Fletcher not to be discouraged from continuing to write after a recent rejection from editors. The letter also discusses personal matters, such as the health of her mother and wishing to reunite soon. He ends the letter with one of his poems, "The Bergamot Blossom."
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General Note: Previously State Library of Florida Manuscripts Collection MS173.
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Subject Access Fields: Harney, Will Wallace, 1832-1912 (William Wallace Harney)
Letters. aat
Poems
Orange County (Fla.)
Orlando (Fla.)
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