r/claycounty

The Clay County Young Democrats are hosting an evening with Dayna Foster, and everyone is welcome to attend. Whether you’re already involved in local politics or just want to hear directly from a candidate about her vision for Florida, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and be part of the conversation.
We’ll also be recording an episode of the Clay County Speaks podcast after the meeting.
Come meet your neighbors, hear from the candidate, and get involved in what’s happening right here in Clay County.
📅 Date: July 9
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Clay County Democratic headquarters
Hope to see you there!

Albert Symington Chalker was born August 9, 1843 in Horry County, South Carolina. When he was just 9 years old, he moved with his parents and siblings to Clay County, Florida. On May 16, 1863, at the age of 19, Chalker was mustered into the Confederate Army at Callahan under Captain Robert Harrison in Company H of the Second Florida Cavalry. He spent much of his time at Baldwin, Florida, and served as a courier for General Joseph Finegan. Albert Chalker was honorably paroled on May 17, 1865 after Florida's Confederate forces formally surrendered to General Edward M. McCook of the United States.

After his parole, Chalker returned to Clay County and married Martha Ann Bardin in December 1865. Martha's father, William Sims Bardin, gave his Middleburg residence to the couple as a wedding gift. Albert and Martha Chalker settled and remained there for the rest of their lives. Albert Chalker served for 17 years as Middleburg's postmaster, and as tax collector for Clay County from 1881 to 1885. He was also a prominent businessman, and operated both a private ferry on the south prong of Black Creek and a general store in Middleburg. Today their home is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This video features a letter he sent to his then-sweetheart Martha (Maddie) Bardin, where he responds to her inquiry regarding whether or not he'd ever desert the Confederate Army. I hope you enjoy.