James Gettis

He was the second lawyer admitted to the bar in Tampa, on October 24, 1848, and tutored other law students, including John A. Henderson and Henry L. Mitchell. James McKay Sr. was one of his clients. His law office was on Franklin Street. In 1865, Gettis was appointed Circuit and Probate judge. ==Civil War==

Though he held no slaves, Gettis was a pro-slavery secessionist and was one of two delegates from Hillsborough County to vote for secession when the Convention met in January 1861. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War for a brief period, as captain of the 7th Florida Infantry, Company B, the "South Florida Rifles". Gettis was singled out for his bravery by Captain John William Pearson during the Battle of Tampa. ==Personal==

He was a Master Mason and a member of the American Party. He had no children, but raised the brothers of W. B. Henderson after the death of Henderson's father. In his will, Gettis left all his property to James F. Henderson. He is buried in Oaklawn Cemetery in downtown Tampa. ==References==