John Viele

A History of the Pioneers: The Florida Keys - Florida Keys John Viele

Well researched, fascinating accounts of early Keys life. Just 90 years ago, there were fewer than 300 Keys inhabitants, and they lived without electricity, running water, or telephones.  The Keys pioneers were audacious and resourceful in the face of many hardships. Includes Don Diego, a Spanish-speaking native who led in shipwreck plundering in the early 18th century; Jacob Housman, an unscrupulous wrecking captain who amassed a fortune and lost it when Indians burned his town to the ground; Dr. Perrine, a scientist who was killed by Indians; the African Americans who made charcoal for the stoves of Key West; the indomitable Lily Bow, who eked out a living on remote Cudjoe Key.