Period of Significance 1820 - 1845 (statehood)

The pioneer Bessent Family settled on the central ridge area during the Territorial Period of Florida. In 1995 only one gravestone remains (Ann A. Bessent 1810 - 1883).

John E. King, a descendent of the Bessent Family and owner of the property in the 1880's is the historic name associated with this property. (Note: Descendants, Ruth Christ and Fred Grannon, members of the Citrus County Historical Society, have reported the husband of Ann, Cornelius C. Bessent, and others are also buried there but exact names of individuals is not known.)

Site Assessment

In 1995, the historic gravesite(s) is surrounded by century old magnolias of which only three remain in a cleared pasture used for cattle and horses. The gravesite has no fence; therefore, not physical protection is given. The one existing headstone was broken into two (2) parts and its facial surface deteriorated.

Project: Restoration/Re-installation of Gravestone and fence installation.

A restoration project by History Associate volunteers to restore the 112 year-old deteriorated headstone located in the small, private family cemetery which pre-dates Florida statehood.

istory Associates, Pauline Lansden and James Hoge, arranged with LaPerle, local maker of contemporary headstones, to restore the 112 year-old limestone marker.

The restoration was conducted at LaPerle's and re-installed back at the King Property Cemetery site.

** Private, Family Cemetery**