In From Wiregrass to Sawgrass: The Blitch Family in the Southeast, Diana Voncelle Goolsby Hunnicutt notes that this land was originally owned by pioneer settler James Young. It passed to his son, Major Thomas Jones Young, whose widow, Laura M. Williams Young, later married John Gideon Blitch. Blitch built the landmark house in 1875. He died just a year later, in 1876, and his brother, William Homer Blitch, Sr., became guardian of the couple’s children. William’s family sold it to Ebenezer (Eb) Starnes Lane in 1905.
Thanks to Kenneth Dixon for sharing the history. Thanks also to Shahn-Ryan Schumacher for bringing it to my attention. The house and grounds are beautifully maintained. It is a private residence.
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