By Mike Simmons
It seems hard to believe, but what began as dissatisfaction from some with the direction the country was headed in the middle of the 19th century turned to winds of war and then to a war that pitted brother against brother. Further, few people grasped that the internal conflict would affect the entire country for many years to follow. After the Civil War, a temporary government was put into place in Florida and in Pensacola.
In early 1885, Pensacola’s charter was revoked by a special act of the Florida Legislature. The city government was dissolved and was replaced by a provisional municipality. On February 16, 1885, Captain W. D. Chipley notified six city leaders that he had their – and his – commissions from Governor Edward Perry to take charge of the affairs of the city of Pensacola. The commissioners were: W. D. Chipley, Ed Sexaner, John Burns, W. H. Hutchinson, S. S. Harvey, F. C. Brent, and George W. Witherspoon.
A smart move was to appoint the top lawman in the county to head up the city government as well – at least temporarily. As Sheriff Hutchinson was appointed as one of the new city commissioners, Joseph Wilkins took his place as top cop in the county. It followed, then, that Sheriff Wilkins was appointed Marshal as well. Duncan Mallett, who had been the marshal until he was replaced by Wilkins, was out. But within a month, Mallett had his old job back. Wilkins continued as sheriff.
Joseph Dominic Wilkins was born in Pensacola on September 24, 1838, to James and Philippa Wilkins. He grew up in various places around town – the Navy Yard, Warrington, and downtown. In his young life, he worked as a clerk, a farmer, and a liquor dealer.
At the young age of 17, Joseph and 18-year-old Angeline Alba got married, on August 30. In all, they had nine children: James, Joseph Jr., Eugenia, Faustina, Mary, Walker, Phillipa, Floresta, and Victoria.
Joseph must have been an upstanding citizen. His first attempt at running for public office was in 1884 when he threw his hat in the ring for Escambia County Sheriff. He was elected in early 1885. Little did he know that the new position of City Marshal (mentioned above) was to be suddenly added to his duties.
He was apparently up for the task. A short article on page 3 of the February 14, 1885, edition of the Pensacola Commercial illustrates how times change. In today’s world, local major crimes receive a great deal of attention, but apparently not so in 1885.
Sheriff Wilkins last night arrested a man named Peter Davidson, charged with assault and attempt to murder. He was indicted by the last grand jury, but had up to the present escaped arrest.
An interesting article appeared in the July 11, 1885, edition of The Pensacolian. It was entitled “SERVED HIM RIGHT,” and read:
All who know Mr. J. B. Roberts, acknowledge his chivalry and courage, but, strange to say, without resenting, he submitted to a terrible caning, a few days since. After the affair was over he bowed humbly, and thanked the party for the chastisement.
We would submit to just such a caning ourselves if some enthusiast would present us with a beautiful silver-mounted cane, with an appropriate inscription, as did Sheriff Wilkins to Mr. Roberts.
Besides the unusual method of punishment administered by the court – and carried out by the sheriff – were the parties involved, namely Mr. J. B. Roberts and Sheriff/Marshal Wilkins. On January 1, 1887, Sheriff/Marshal Wilkins resigned from the position of marshal. The governor immediately named a man to finish out his term. The new marshal was J. B. Roberts.
In 1891, Wilkins again held both sheriff and marshal positions until 1893. The sheriff lived in the community of Millview, about eight miles from downtown Pensacola. On a splendid Sunday morning, October 29, 1893, Wilkins took a stroll through his beloved orchard and garden. When he got back to the door, he told his wife that he had a bad pain in his chest. When the doctor arrived, he was dead[1]. The funeral took place at St. Michael’s church on Palafox Street at 10:30 AM on October 31. It was said to be one of the largest funerals Pensacola had ever seen. His remains were brought from Millview to the home of James, his brother, on Intendencia Street. From there a procession of many people made their way to Palafox Street and up to the church. After the funeral, the burial took place at St. Michael’s cemetery.
Thank you, Sheriff, for your service.
[1] The Pensacola News, p4, November 1, 1893