Many families in Citrus County, Florida, trace their heritage back to the Pilgrims who traveled on the Mayflower in 1620. The Van Ness family, who settled in Citrus County, is related to the famous Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden. The Pilgrims were a group of religious objectors, known as Separatists, who felt the Church of England had strayed from its true mission.
The Church of England was in turmoil during the time of King James. The Separatists refused to participate in church services or funding campaigns, preaching that the only path back to traditional values was to separate from the Church and affect change from outside. They migrated to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, but the Dutch viewed them as outsiders. The Pilgrims then made the dangerous voyage to the New World, establishing a colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Descendants of the Pilgrims, including the Van Ness family, eventually settled in Citrus County, Florida. This region, located in the heart of the Sunshine State, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Citrus County was officially established in 1921, and its name is derived from the citrus industry that once thrived in the area.
Today, residents of Citrus County and surrounding areas, including Hernando and Pasco counties, can learn more about their heritage and the history of the Pilgrims at local historical societies and museums. The Citrus County Historical Society Museum in Inverness is a great resource for those interested in learning more about the county’s history and its connections to the Mayflower.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
