Alonzo shared detailed historical information regarding the 1867 deed transferring land for the Union School Academy in Ocala, Florida.
The deed conveyed 1-1/8 acres in Block #35 from Ebenezer J. Harris to trustees for $68 for school purposes.
The schoolhouse built on the lot later became known as Howard Academy, and the property now contains warehouse and commercial structures.

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The Union School Academy deed:

On 24 August 1867 Ebenezer J. Harris conveyed 1-1/8 Acres in Block #35 of the Town of Ocala FL to Adam L. Eichelberger, Jesse H. Goss, Samuel Small, Singleton Coleman, and Richard Dinkins For $68 “for school purposes.” (Deed Book H, page 274) on August 24, 1867.

The federal Freedmen’s Bureau built a two-room schoolhouse on this lot in 1867-1868. The building when erected was known as the Union Academy. Later the name was changed to the Howard Academy. The school was named in honor of General Oliver Otis Howard, a Freedmen’s Bureau leader and Civil War hero. The school house was located east of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad between Main and Orange Aves.; Sixth and Seventh Sts. S. Main is now SE 1st Ave., Orange Ave. is now SE 3rd Ave., Sixth and Seventh Streets are now SE SE 6th St. and SE 7th St. The property now has some warehouse, commercial structures, residences containing business now.

Union School Academy deed:

Written: August 24, 1867

Recorded: April 3, 1868

Harris Ebenezer J. to Colored Academy

Recorded April 3, 1868

A. S. (Aaron S.) Goin Clerk

Florida

Marion County

State of Florida

Marion County

This Indenture made this August the twenty fourth (Aug-24) Anno Domini Eighteen Hundred and Sixty seven (AD 1867) between Ebenezer J. Harris and Adam L. Eichelberger, Jesse H Goss, Samuel Small, Singleton Coleman, and Richard Dinkins all of the above State and County Witnesseth that the said Ebenezer J. Harris for and in consideration of the sum of sixty-eight dollars ($68.00) to him in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof being hereby acknowledged has bargained sold aliened granted confirmed and conveyed and does by this Indenture bargain sell alien grant convey and confirm unto the parties of the second part the said Adam L. Eichelberger, Jesse H. Goss, Samuel Small, Singleton Coleman, and Richard Dinkins, trustees, for the use benefit and advantage of an Academy called the “Union Common School Academy” and to their successors as trustees a certain lot or block situate in the Town of Ocala in said State and County and known and designated by the new survey of said Town as Block No. 35 bounded as follows to wit on the East by and containing one and 1/8 Acre more or less and the said Ebenezer J. Harris for himself his heirs and representatives will warrant and defend the right title and benefits of said described lot together with all and singular the rights members appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any way appertaining forever to the parties of the second part for the use benefit and advantage of said parties for said “Union School Academy” To be held free from the debts contracts and obligations of the parties of the second part and for the uses above set forth. In consideration whereof the said Ebenezer J. Harris has hereunto set his hand affixed his seal the day and year first above written.

Signed, sealed and delivered

Ebenezer J. Harris

in the presence of

J. B. (Joseph B.) Bell

E. D. (Edmond D.) Howse

Before me A. S. (Aaron S.) Goin Clerk of the Circuit Court for said County personally came Ebenezer J. Harris who being duly sworn says that he executed the foregoing deed for all the purpose therein expressed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 3rd April A.D. 1868.

A. S. (Aaron S.) Goin Clerk

A true Copy of the original ——Recorded the 3rd April 1868

A. S. (Aaron S.) Goin Clerk

Marion County Deed Bk H, p 274