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Chronological Discrepancies in the Tombstone Inscription of Reuben "Bone" Mizelle (1837-1921)
Introduction
The accuracy of historical tombstone inscriptions remains a critical consideration in genealogical and historical research. This analysis examines the documented discrepancies in the birth year attributed to Reuben "Bone" Mizelle on his Manatee County, Florida tombstone (1847-1921) through systematic evaluation of primary source materials. The investigation reveals significant inconsistencies between the memorialized date and contemporaneous records.
Methodology
This analysis employs source triangulation, comparing the tombstone inscription against U.S. Federal Census records, military service documentation, and official vital statistics. All referenced materials are publicly accessible through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), FamilySearch.org, and the Florida Department of Health.
Evidence Analysis
1. Tombstone Inscription
The Mizelle memorial at Manatee Cemetery lists lifespan as 1847-1921. This date appears widely replicated in secondary genealogical sources.
Primary Source: FocusQuill, 2023
2. Conflicting Primary Source Documentation
U.S. Army Service Records
Mizelle's January 6, 1856, enlistment documents explicitly state his age as 18 years. Calculating backward (1856 - 18 years) establishes a birth year of 1837 or early 1838.
NARA, Compiled Military Service Record of Reuben Mizell, Florida Mounted Volunteers
U.S. Federal Census Records
- 1870 Census (Manatee County, FL; NARA Series M593, Roll 84): Lists "Reuben Mizzell" aged 32 (birth year ≈ 1838).
- 1880 Census (Manatee County, FL; NARA Series T9, Roll 125): Lists "Rube Mizell" aged 32 (birth year ≈ 1848). This represents the sole primary source supporting the 1847 tombstone date.
- 1900 Census (Manatee County, FL; NARA Series T623, Roll 176): Records "Reubin Mizell" with birth month/year of December 1837.
- 1910 Census (Manatee County, FL; NARA Series T624, Roll 169): Lists "Reuben Mizell" aged 72 (birth year ≈ 1838).
Florida Death Certificate
Records Mizelle's death as March 12, 1921 (consistent with tombstone), but calculates his age as 83 years, 2 months, and 12 days. Retroactive calculation (March 12, 1921 - 83 years) yields a birth date of December 31, 1837.
Florida Department of Health, File #12301
Synthesis of Findings
The evidentiary record demonstrates a clear pattern:
- Three of four census records (1870, 1900, 1910) and the death certificate consistently support a birth year of 1837 or 1838.
- The 1880 census stands as a significant outlier, suggesting a birth year circa 1848.
- Military records provide definitive legal documentation of Mizelle's age (18) in 1856, corroborating the birth year of 1837 or 1838.
- The death certificate's precise age calculation (83 years at death in 1921) mathematically confirms the December 1837 birth date.
Conclusion
Based on the preponderance of primary source evidence, the birth year 1847 inscribed on Reuben "Bone" Mizelle's tombstone is incorrect. The correct birth year is 1837 (specifically December 1837 per the 1900 census and death certificate). The 1880 census record – the only document supporting the 1847 date – likely contains an enumerator error or was misinterpreted when the tombstone was commissioned. This case underscores the necessity of source triangulation in historical research, demonstrating that even widely accepted memorial inscriptions require verification against contemporaneous documentation.
References
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). (1870). U.S. Federal Census - Manatee County, Florida [Series M593, Roll 84].
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). (1880). U.S. Federal Census - Manatee County, Florida [Series T9, Roll 125].
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). (1900). U.S. Federal Census - Manatee County, Florida [Series T623, Roll 176].
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). (1910). U.S. Federal Census - Manatee County, Florida [Series T624, Roll 169].
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Compiled Military Service Records of Florida Mounted Volunteers, Company K (Reuben Mizell).
- Florida Department of Health. (1921). Death Certificate #12301 - Reuben Mizelle. Jacksonville, FL.
- FamilySearch.org. (n.d.). Reuben Mizelle (1837-1921) [Family Tree and Historical Records]. Retrieved from https://www.familysearch.org
