Harry Robert Dreggors

 

Harry Robert Dreggors                                                                   ROLE:    Business, Political

Name reported on 1880 census: Robert H Dreggors

Born: 1871                           Ludowici, Long County, GA

Died: 02/28/1962              Punta Gorda FL

Mother:               Laura Jane McGovern Dreggors

Father:                 Daniel Walter Dreggors

Nationality:         USA

Spouse:                Louise Conolly (m. 1903) (died 1967)

Children:              Danette Ruth, 1904 and Howard R, 1912

Burial:                   Indian Springs Cemetery, Punta Gorda

Publications:

Education:

Relationships:    Alexander Stephen Branch, step-father; Arthur, Stacey and Leland Branch, half-siblings; Eugene C Knight and E. W. Smith, partners in Punta Gorda Fish Co.

Places and/or Geographical Areas of Residence:                 Ludowici, GA, Punta Gorda, FL

Occupation, Sphere of Activity:                  Seafood Industry, banking, citrus and vegetable production, retail and wholesale oyster business, founding partner of Punta Gorda Fish Co.; member of Presbyterian Church, civic and fraternal circles.

Titles and Honors

Biographical Summary

Mr. Dreggors was a real pioneer citizen of this area, coming here from his native Ludocici, GA in the early 1890s, just before his 21^st birthday. During his active years he was identified with the seafood industry, banking, citrus and vegetable production.

He first operated a retail and wholesale oyster business. In 1897 he formed a partnership in the Punta Gorda Fish Co. with Eugene C. Knight and later was joined by E. W. Smith. This corporation, in 1962, was City of Punta Gorda’s chief wholesale commercial fishing firm.

He owned and operated one of the most productive citrus groves on Alligator Creek. He also engaged in growing winter vegetables on a farm he developed south of town.

Mr. Dreggors erected the city’s first brick building for mercantile purposes. He provided the town with its first commercial hotel, The Princess Hotel.

Mr. Dreggors served as Punta Gorda’s postmaster, elected city council member, and mayor. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was active in civic and fraternal circles. At the time of his death, Harry Dreggors was the oldest member of Punta Gorda Lodge No. 115 F. & A. M.

Mr. Dreggors was largely instrumental in bringing about the creation of Charlotte County by the Florida legislature in 1921.