A Bit of History
Wanton
Edward Mills Wanton died in 1839. Had he lived until 1840 he could have returned to Micanopy with his fellow settlers. The Government settled for burning down Wanton’s outpost during the Patriot War. Wanton’s goods were valued at $7,051. He was “in the black” despite the panic of 1837 and its accompanying depression. More than half of his estate stemmed from the $4,000 award from the United States for his losses during the Patriot War in which his settlement was burned to the ground. Wanton never saw this money, but it was collected by his family shortly after his passing. Another $2,000 came from the value of his slaves and their wages. A gold watch and debts owed to the estate amounted to another $1,000.#6
Newnansville
The News, St. Augustine, March 20, 1839
On February 25, 1839 the Florida Legislative Council approved legislation to return Newnansville to Alachua County making it again the county seat and the community was legally incorporated the same day. The town flourished, becoming the center for trade and plantation life in the area. With Newnansville going back to Alachua County, Columbia moved its county seat to Alligator which later became Lake City.
Even with the Indian hostilities life in Newnansville went on.
The News, June 29, 1839