Research Symposium

BIO

I am a second-year undergraduate student studying political science and economics. Currently, I am the President of Young Americans for Liberty, a member of the Network of Enlightened Women, a legislative intern at the Florida Senate, and a student researcher with the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). As a student researcher with UROP, I was able to work alongside Theater with a Mission to explore historical figures from the period of territorial Florida. As a result, I analyzed the life of Mary Ellen "Florida" Adair White Beatty for my project titled "Perspectives on "Florida" White (1801-1884).

Perspectives on "Florida" White (1801-1884)

Abstract

The research for this project involves an analysis of the life of Mary Ellen “Florida” Adair White Beatty. This analysis is focused on comparing and contrasting different perspectives from which Florida White has been viewed and described, both throughout her lifetime and in assessments of Florida history. During the early 1800’s, Florida White lived with her husband Joseph Mills White, who served as Florida's territorial delegate to Congress. While Joseph White's influence was great in territorial Florida during his lifetime, Florida White overshadowed him after his death. This shift in perspective is seen through primary and secondary sources, and illuminates discrepancies between who Florida White was and how she was depicted. These discrepancies lead to questions concerning Mrs. White's religion, politics, and teachings. Ultimately, Florida White was portrayed by the media and in letters as a southern belle with deep Christian roots, who shared the gospel through teaching her slaves how to read and write. This portrayal would later be questioned by her family, especially her niece Etta.

Keywords: Territorial Florida, History, Women, Perspectives