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John G. L. Shaffer letter, 1896-12-09

 

Summary

Creator:
Shaffer, John G.L.
Abstract:
The collection consists of one letter from John G.L. Shaffer to his friend, B.E. Buchlan, dated December 9, 1896. In the letter, Shaffer shares his opinion of Florida upon moving from West Virginia, describing the state's weather, wildlife, and sights. He also expresses his negative and racist opinion of African Americans living in Florida. While he finds Florida beautiful at first glance, Shaffer asserts throughout the letter that he does not enjoy living in the state and prefers West Virginia. At the time of writing the letter, Shaffer seems to reside in St. Augustine or Jacksonville, Florida. John G.L. Shaffer moved from West Virginia to Florida during the late 1800s. While not much is known about Shaffer, he is one of thousands of people who migrated to Florida during this era. Census reports show that Florida's population grew exponentially during the nineteenth century. The 1830 census – the first census taken in Florida after it became a state – shows that the population was initially 34,730. By 1900, the population had grown to 528,542, more than fifteen times its population in 1830. While the majority of these migrants to Florida were white, many of them were formerly enslaved people. African Americans faced much discrimination and racial prejudice in Florida and were subjected to Jim Crow laws.
Extent:
0.05 Linear Feet 1 file
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], John G.L. Shaffer letter, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of one letter from John G.L. Shaffer to his friend, B.E. Buchlan, dated December 9, 1896. In the letter, Shaffer shares his opinion of Florida upon moving from West Virginia, describing the state's weather, wildlife, and sights. He also expresses his negative and racist opinion of African Americans living in Florida. While he finds Florida beautiful at first glance, Shaffer asserts throughout the letter that he does not enjoy living in the state and prefers West Virginia. At the time of writing the letter, Shaffer seems to reside in St. Augustine or Jacksonville, Florida.

Biographical / historical:

John G.L. Shaffer moved from West Virginia to Florida during the late 1800s. While not much is known about Shaffer, he is one of thousands of people who migrated to Florida during this era. Census reports show that Florida's population grew exponentially during the nineteenth century. The 1830 census – the first census taken in Florida after it became a state – shows that the population was initially 34,730. By 1900, the population had grown to 528,542, more than fifteen times its population in 1830. While the majority of these migrants to Florida were white, many of them were formerly enslaved people. African Americans faced much discrimination and racial prejudice in Florida and were subjected to Jim Crow laws.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Buckingham Books in 2021 (Accession no. CFM2021_20).
Processing information:

Processed by and finding aid prepared by Asmara Cortes-Caba in 2023.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The entire collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], John G.L. Shaffer letter, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Location of this collection:
John C. Hitt Library
12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2
Orlando
FL
32816-8030
USA