Giddens Homestead aka Smith Park - Ridge Manor

There are actually 2 locations with the name Giddens Homestead aka Smith Park.

One is in Ridge Manor and the other is in the Withlacochee State Forest.

This Transcription is for the Ridge Manor Location and the information came from relatives of those buried there.

In 1968 development uncovered burial remains at the site. Relatives stepped in to stop the construction. A compromise was finally reached between the county, developers, and the family. The site was designated as Smith Park. 

Mary McDavid Smith and Henry Leroy Giddens gave the following Information to Opal Tillis Flynn in June 1986. Dates and relationships were taken from research.  They stated that the cemetery was the area Burying ground and since burials had to be made within 24 hours, Indians, Blacks, and members of the Gidden and Mills families are also interred here.

Patrick Giddens - born in North Carolina in 1805 amoved from Decatur County, Georgia in 1838 going to Hernando County, Florida about 1851. He served in the Seminole War in 1856, Stewarts Company, Special Battalion as a private.  His wife was Elizabeth S. Joyce who was born in Georgia in 1815.  It is unknown if she is buried here.

Duncan Giddens - son of Patrick.  Born in Georgia in 1835 and died in Hernando County in 1885.  His wife was Elizabeth Strickland, born in Georgia in 1835 and died in Hernando County in 1889.

Ezekial James Giddens - son of Patrick. Born in Georgia in 1838 and died February 10, 1900. CSA Veteran serving in Capt. John McNeil's company.

Martin Cornelius Giddens - son of E.J. Giddens

Mary Giddens

Mary Green

Elizabeth Giddens - daughter of Patrick. Born in 1846 and died about 1878 in Hernando County.

Patrick Henry Giddens - son of E.J. Giddens. born in 1862 and died of meningitis after 1910

Frances E. "Fannie" Giddens - daughter of Duncan and Elizabeth Giddens.  She was born in March 1862 in Bay City, Florida on the Withlacoochee River and died in 1905 in Hernando County.

John "Jack" Madison Smith - was the husband of Fannie Giddens. Born May 1852 and died 1933 in Hernando County. He was the last person interred in this cemetery.

Children of Jack and Fannie Smith buried in this cemetery

Novella Smith -born 1890 Died 1907
Will Terry Smith - born 1897 Died 1901
Clayton Smith - born 1902 died 1903
Julie and Annie Smith - born and died before 1888
2 male infants