James T. Vocelle collection

Collection

Identifier: MC-029

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the James T. Vocelle Family papers and historical records, including photographs, deeds, slavery transactions, civil war correspondence, political appointments, marriage records, passport and citizenship records, Acadian and family genealogy, artifacts, and maps. The collection also contains personal and professional records, awards, appointments, speeches, and ephemera of James T. Vocelle.

Dates

1775-1982

Biographical / Historical

James T. Vocelle (1897-1992) was born in St. Marys (Ga.) to Lucian and Jane Vance Vocelle. Educated in public schools he attended Atlanta Law School and admitted to the Bar of Georgia in 1916 at age 19. He was appointed County Attorney of Camden County in 1918. He also served in World War I. In 1920, he married Mary Della Schmitt.

He first political service was in the Georgia Legislature in 1921, 1922, and the 1923-1924 session.

After moving to Vero Beach, Florida, he served as the first County Attorney of Indian River County in 1925, and as the City Attorney of Vero Beach from 1924 to 1938. He served on other various legal committees and Commissions.

While practicing law, he formed the law firm of Vocelle and Vocelle with his youngest son, L. B. Vocelle.

In 1914, at the age of 17 he authored his first history book, The History of Camden County, later he authored Remininscences of Old St. Marys, and Triumph of the Acadians. In 1920, he became the editor of the Southeast Georgian nespaper.

Extent

48 Files (1 file drawer, 48 folders) ; 2 linear feet

1 Folder (1 oversize drawer) : 4 oversize historical documents written in French.

1 Photographic Prints (1 oversize drawer) : 1 black and white oversize panoramic photograph

10 artifact (4 display cabinet shelves) : artifacts, books, scrapbooks, and b/w photos

Language of Materials

English

French

Additional Description

Arrangement

Minimal processing was done to the collection. Items were left in the arrangment as presented to the Guale Historical Society.

Condition Description

a small number of the late 18th century slave deeds are in poor condition, fragile and fragmented. Some of these records were sent out for conservation stabilization at NEDCC.