Born February 20, 1820, Jacob Summerlin is widely believed to be the first American-born child in Florida after Spain ceded the territory. He grew up to become one of Florida’s most powerful cattlemen, and most generous benefactors.
By his 40s, Summerlin owned more than 15,000 head of scrub cattle, driving them across the Peace and Kissimmee Rivers. Though he opposed secession, he sold beef to both sides during the Civil War, storing profits in gold to dodge inflation and blockades.
After the war, he began giving his wealth away. He donated hundreds of acres to establish the town of Bartow, including land for a courthouse, churches, and the Summerlin Institute (now Bartow High). In Orlando, his son Judge Robert L. Summerlin, later mayor, named Lake Eola after a fiancée who died before they could marry. Jacob donated the lake and surrounding land to the city, with one condition: that it be kept beautiful for the people.
When a fire destroyed Orlando’s courthouse in 1868, there was pressure to move the county seat to Sanford. During a public hearing, General Henry Sanford offered free land to lure the commission north. Summerlin stood and made his counter-offer: “I will build a $10,000 courthouse here. If the county can pay me back, fine. If not, that’s all right, too.” The deal kept Orlando the county seat, and helped secure its future.
Later that year, the city incorporated with just 85 residents. Jacob Summerlin was elected to the very first city council, and named its president. He died on November 4, 1893, aged 73, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Bartow.
When Florida celebrated its 500th anniversary, Summerlin was honored as one of the most influential figures in state history—right alongside Ponce de León.
Not bad for a cowhunter!
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