IN 1768, A GROUP OF MINORCANS disembarked in New Smyrnea, Florida, arriving on eight ships. They were brought to work as indentured servants for Dr. Andrew Turnbull at his New Smyrnea plantation. This form of servitude was a common practice during the early development of the United States.
"The Minorcan's Triumph" is an historical fiction that brings to life many of the conditions associated with a colony of people working on a Florida plantation during the British occupation of Florida from 1763 to 1783. The Minorcan colonists made up the largest colony to come to America during the colonial era. Over 1,200 Minorcans arrived in New Smyrnea. Sadly, 964 died and were buried on the plantation from 1768 to 1777. Not one grave has ever been found.
Their history during the nine years they worked for Dr. Turnbull has not been written to the degree their history should be known and studied.
This fictional story tells about things that could have been. Hopefully, this story and the ones that follow will generate interest in scholars and historians to uncover the mysteries that are buried in the sun drenched sand of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Robert P. Jones, now in his 91st year, is steadfastly committed to uncovering the final resting place of Catarina Usina, his wife's fourth great-grandmother. Catarina was among the Minorcans who died and was buried on what was once the Turnbull plantation, an area that is now primarily known as New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Jones is only asking, "Where is her grave?"