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Source
State Library of Florida, WPA - Historical Records Survey, County Histories
Description
Essay materials from the Lee County, Florida commissioner's minutes transcribed by the Works Progress Administration's Historical Records Survey. Handwritten version also included.
Date
November 20, 1940
Contributors
Format
Coverage
Personal Subjects
Subjects
Geographic Term
Note to Researchers:
Though the WPA field workers included extensive citations for the factual information contained in these county histories, it should be noted that these historical narratives were produced in the 1930s by federal government employees, and might reflect the inherent social biases of the era.
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Vol. 3, p. 508 Sept. 26, 1914. Contract for court house awarded to G. A. Miller at the price $88,674.00.
Vol. 4, p. 2 Jan. 4, 1915. "After a discussion by the board as to what kind of face brick to be used in the new court house, buff colored was adopted. Grade one."
Vol. 4, p. 175 Mar. 6, 1916. New Court house to be dedicated Thursday May 11, 1916.
[Number 9 not in manuscript]
10. County Attorney
a. How and under what law, has each such attorney been chosen? (Cite statute, if possible)
The attorney is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. [sic] by vote. "Commissioner's Record" Vol 1, p. 6, Sept. 5, 1887
b. For what periods has the attorney functioned?
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, p. 46 Jan. 1, 1889.
Mr. W. R. Boyd was appointed County Attorney for one year at a salary of $100.00 per annum. Mr. W. R. Boyd being the [first] appointed attorney in 1889. This county officer has functioned since 1889 --.
c. For What [sic] periods did the board's attorney also prosecute cases in the County Judge's court?
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, 407 Jan. 7, 1918.
S. W. Lawler was appointed [prosecuting] attorney. W. O. Sheppard was the last county attorney to [prosecute] cases in the County Judge court. "Commissioner's Record" Vol. 5, p. 551 Jan. 1, 1925.
11. County Criminal Court
a. In what amount or amounts did the County Commissioners fix the salary of the judge of this Court from 1865-1868? The County was not created until 1887.
b. The solicitor for the court?
The County was not created until 1887.
12. For how long has the county judge appointed a clerk to his court?
The clerk of the Circuit Court, also acts as clerk to County Judge. (Judge Wilson Ward, County Judge)
13. Furnish complete summarized information about all creations and abolitions of justice of the peace districts.
"Commissioners Record"
Vol. 1, p. 2. Aug. 1, 1887, 5 election districts.
Vol. 1, p. 8. Jan. 9, 1888, Precinct 2 district 1 made a justice district.
Vol. 1, p. 34. Sept. 3, 1888. 5 election districts were made into justice districts and numbered as election districts from 1-5.
Title
Lee County Essay Material
Subject
Cities and towns--History
Florida--Lee County
County government
Works Progress Administration, Historical Records Survey
Description
Essay materials from the Lee County, Florida commissioner's minutes transcribed by the Works Progress Administration's Historical Records Survey. Handwritten version also included.
Creator
Works Progress Administration, Historical Records Survey
Source
State Library of Florida, WPA - Historical Records Survey, County Histories
Date
1940-11-20
Contributor
Henley, Frances
Format
local histories
Language
eng-US
Type
Text
Identifier
wpa_county_history_lee_01
Coverage
Depression Era Florida (1926-1939)
Thumbnail
/fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/wpa_county_histories.jpg
Geographic Term
Lee County (Fla.)
Fort Myers (Fla.)
Alva (Fla.)
ImageID
wpa_county_history_lee_01_01
wpa_county_history_lee_01_02
wpa_county_history_lee_01_03
wpa_county_history_lee_01_04
wpa_county_history_lee_01_05
wpa_county_history_lee_01_06
wpa_county_history_lee_01_07
wpa_county_history_lee_01_08
wpa_county_history_lee_01_09
Subject - Person
Hendry, F. A.
Towles, W. H.
Hendry, James E.
Hendry, F. M.
Hendry, W. M.
Woods, William J.
Gardiner, A. A.
Transcript
Copy #3
Sarasota, Florida
November 22 40
Mrs. Sue A. Mahorner, State Supervisor
t: Miss Dodd
Helen S. Wells, District Supervisor
Lee County essay material
Attached is Lee County essay material from Commissioner's Minutes which was prepared by Frances Henley. Please guard this as I have no copy.
We hope to submit plans and buildings forms next week.
[Note: Typed directly from the manuscript, October 30, 1969]
Lee County
__________________
Essay Material
__________________
November 20, 1940
by Frances Henley
6. First Meeting of County Administrative Body.
a. When did it first meet for county purposes?
July 4, 1887 (Commissioner's Record, Vol. 1, p. 1)
b. At what city or town and in what building therein did the administrative body hold its first meeting?
Fort Myers, Florida (Lee County) Towles and Hendry Building (Commissioner's Record, Vol. 1, p. 1)
c. Give the names and titles of the members of the body present at the meeting. Name the presiding officer. Give the names and titles of any other county official shown by the minutes to have been present at the meeting.
"Meeting County Commissioners, July 4, 1887. Meeting called to order at 3 o'clock p. m. and the following business transacted. The following named gentlemen present. F. A. Hendry, F. J. Wilson, W. H. Towles and John Powell. On motion Mr. Hendry second by Mr. Wilson, Mr. Towles was nominated President Board County Commissioners, and unanimously elected.
The Bonds of the following officers were approved:
James W. Bains - Clerk of Circuit Court
N. L. Langford - Collector
James E. Hendry - Treasurer
Irvin S. Singletary - Assessor
Thomas W. Langford - Sheriff
(Commissioner's Record, Vol. 1, p. 1)
7. County Seat
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, p. 16
"Ordered that an election be held on the first Monday in February to permanently locate the county site of Lee County and that the Supervisor of Registration is hereby ordered to open registration book for the proper registration of all electors in said county."
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, p. 20 March 5, 1888.
"Returns of election held February 6, 1888
Fort Myers, Fla. - - 89 votes
Alva, Fla. - - 16 votes
Denaud, Fla. - - 7 votes
8. Public Building
a. "Commissioner's Record," Vol. 1, p. 8 Aug. 15, 1887
Upper floor of Towles and Hendry Stone was rented for courtroom
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to began Sept. 1, 1887 for $225.00 per annum. Also building in rear of F. M. Hendry's office to be used as clerks office at $120.00 per annum to began Jan. 1, 1888. Committee appointed to have all necessary work done on court house.
Vol. 1, p. 48, Jan. 7, 1889. Ordered to accept D. C. Kantz bid for court house for $4000.00 upon the following terms: $1,500.00 April 1, 1889, $2,500.00 April 1, 1890.
Vol. 1, p. 90 Nov. 4, 1889. They seconed [sic] present courthouse for one year [beginning] Jan. 1, 1890.
Vol. 1, p. 119 July 7, 1890. Advertise for 30 days to [levy] a 5 mill tax for two years to build new court house.
Vol. 1, p. 156 July 6, 1891. Advertise for 30 days to [levy] a 5 mill tax for two yeas to build new court house.
Vol. 1, p. 178 Jan. 4, 1892. Renewed lease at $225.00 per annum.
Vol. 1, p. 233 June 5, 1893. Motion to draw plans for court house not to exceed $5,000.00 and building committee appointed.
Vol. 1, p. 242 Aug. 9, 1893. Motion carried that bids for building court house be advertised to be received for Oct. meeting.
Vol. 1, p. 282 Aug. 6, 1894. Plans for Court house submitted by Gamby and Brown but plans of architect Miller were adopted. Bids to be received Sept. 3, 1894 to be accompanied by bond of $3,000.00.
Vol. 3, p. 377. Jan 5, 1914. "Resolved that motion having been given according to law that on this date the question of erecting a court house for the county of Lee would come up and be discussed and acted upon, thereupon after discussion and due consideration of the same to erect a suitable court house and upon motion of Mr. Parkinson seconded by [Captain] Hendry that the foregoing resolution be adopted, same being Hendry, Parkinson, and Towles yes, Collier and Towles no.
There upon W. H. Towles, chairman was authorized to confer with architect and to have plans and specifications made for approval or rejection at the next regular meeting, and that what ever was done by Mr. Towles in this connection the board would stand back."
Vol. 3, p. 385 Feb. 2, 1914. "Mr. Kennard architect from Tampa who had been employed by the county to draw up plans and specifications for the new court house was before the board and presented preliminary plans upon motion of Captain Hendry second by Mr. Parkinson were unanimously adopted by the board and Mr. Kennard was instructed to proceed to draw up permanent plans.
Vol. 3, p. 403 April 6, 1914. The plans for the new court house building and specifications, furnished by F. J. Kennard having been carefully examined, the same here by approved and it is further ordered that notice be given in form required by law for bids by contractors for the purpose of securing the lowest and most responsible bid on plans."
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Vol. 3, p. 508 Sept. 26, 1914. Contract for court house awarded to G. A. Miller at the price $88,674.00.
Vol. 4, p. 2 Jan. 4, 1915. "After a discussion by the board as to what kind of face brick to be used in the new court house, buff colored was adopted. Grade one."
Vol. 4, p. 175 Mar. 6, 1916. New Court house to be dedicated Thursday May 11, 1916.
[Number 9 not in manuscript]
10. County Attorney
a. How and under what law, has each such attorney been chosen? (Cite statute, if possible)
The attorney is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. [sic] by vote. "Commissioner's Record" Vol 1, p. 6, Sept. 5, 1887
b. For what periods has the attorney functioned?
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, p. 46 Jan. 1, 1889.
Mr. W. R. Boyd was appointed County Attorney for one year at a salary of $100.00 per annum. Mr. W. R. Boyd being the [first] appointed attorney in 1889. This county officer has functioned since 1889 --.
c. For What [sic] periods did the board's attorney also prosecute cases in the County Judge's court?
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, 407 Jan. 7, 1918.
S. W. Lawler was appointed [prosecuting] attorney. W. O. Sheppard was the last county attorney to [prosecute] cases in the County Judge court. "Commissioner's Record" Vol. 5, p. 551 Jan. 1, 1925.
11. County Criminal Court
a. In what amount or amounts did the County Commissioners fix the salary of the judge of this Court from 1865-1868? The County was not created until 1887.
b. The solicitor for the court?
The County was not created until 1887.
12. For how long has the county judge appointed a clerk to his court?
The clerk of the Circuit Court, also acts as clerk to County Judge. (Judge Wilson Ward, County Judge)
13. Furnish complete summarized information about all creations and abolitions of justice of the peace districts.
"Commissioners Record"
Vol. 1, p. 2. Aug. 1, 1887, 5 election districts.
Vol. 1, p. 8. Jan. 9, 1888, Precinct 2 district 1 made a justice district.
Vol. 1, p. 34. Sept. 3, 1888. 5 election districts were made into justice districts and numbered as election districts from 1-5.
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Vol. 1, p. 85. Oct 7, 1889. Justice district no. 3 was attached to district no. 4.
Vol. [1] p. 96. Jan. 1, 1890. Attached justice district no. 1 to no. 2.
Vol. 2, p. 191. July 1, 1901. Justice district no. 5 is blended with no. 4.
Vol. 2, p. 244. July 9, 1902. "On motion the order attaching justice peace district no. 3 to justice district no. 4, is hereby [rescinded] and that election district as it now stands shall comprise justice district no. 3.
Vol. 2, p. 592. Mar. 1, 1909. On motion ordered that election district no. 12 be and is hereby declared to be a justice of the peace district.
Vol. 5, p. 242. Oct. 5, 1922. New justice of the peace district no. 27. Justice district no. 12 added to that of district no. 27.
Vol. 6, p. 198. Mar. 6, 1929. "Whereas the board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Fla., after careful consideration deems it necessary that the county be redistricted as to justice districts, and whereas it is the opinion of this board that Lee County should be divided into 2 justice districts and that it is not practicable that the limit of said districts shall be co-extensive with the limits of one or more election districts. That the justice of the peace districts having been numbered 4 heretofore altered and that all other justice districts in Lee County other than those two described above are hereby abolished."
Vol. 7, p. 28. July 20, 1932. "It is now resolved and ordered by this board that Lee County should be divided into 3 justice districts, and that the boundries or limits of said respective justice districts be and the same are hereby established as follows: Districts 1-2-3.
Vol. 8, p. 279. April 6, 1938. "Thereis hereby created a justice of the peace district in Lee County, Fla., to be [known] as designated as justice of the peace district no. 4."
Vol. 8, p. 284. April 11, 1938. Commissioner Keen moved that the vote by which a resolution was passed on Wed., April 6, 1938, creating justice of the peace district no. 4 be and now reconsidered. All commissioners voted for the motion except Commissioner Storter, not voting. Here upon, the chairman announced that the motion carried, and we do now vote on the motion for adoption of said resolution. All Commissioners voted no.
14. Prosecuting Attorney
a. Have the county commissioners appointed a prosecuting attorney since 1917?
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, p. 407.
Yes. S. W. Lawler was appointed prosecuting attorney for $20.00 per case or $50.00 per month. Jan. 7, 1918.
b. For what period? 1918-1925.
"Commissioner's Record" Vol. 1, p. 407 Jan. 7, 1918
"Commissioner's Minutes" Vol. 5, p. 551 Jan. 1925.
c. What compensation have the commissioners set for the [prosecuting] attorney?
By Statute. Mr. Wm. J. Woods County attorney.
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15. Game Wardens.
A. Did the county commissioners appoint a fish baliff between 1879 and 1881?
No, the county was not created until 1887.
B. Did they recommend to the governor the appointment of a fish and game warden between 1897 and 1915?
"Commissioners Record" Vol. 3, p. 354. Oct. 6, 1913.
Yes, F. B. Tippins was appointed general game warden Oct. 6, 1913.
C. Did they recommend to the governor the appointment of a game warden between 1917 and 1925?
"Commissioners Minutes" Vol. 4, p. 511.
Yes, Samuel H. Thompson was appointed game warden Dec. 2, 1918.
D. Did the county commissioners appoint a game warden during the year 1915?
"Commissioners Minutes" Vol. 4, p. 67 July 7, 1915.
Adolphus Carson was appointed game warden at a salary of $600.00 per annum.
16. Bond Trustees
A. Have there ever been bond trustees in the County? Give the period in which they functioned.
"Commissioners Record" Vol. 1, p. 721, Aug. 4, 1890.
W. M. Hendry, J. J. Blount and George Shulz were appointed bond trustees for Lee County. State Board of Administration Acts abolished it in 1929. Mr. William J. Woods County Attorney.
17. County Board of Health
A. Do the Commissioners minutes show that a tax was levied for the support of a County board of health between 1885 and 1897? No.
B. Is there any other indication that a county board of health functioned in the county between 1885 and 1897.
"Commissioners Record" Vol. 1, p. 121, Aug 4, 1890.
Dr. J. V. Harris, Dr. James Kellum and James E. Hendry were recommended to the governor to constitute board of Health, Lee County.
18. County Health Unit
When did a health unit begin to function in the county? Is it maintained by only the county in which field work is in progress, or by that county jointly with one or more other counties?
There is no health unit in Lee County.
19. W.P.A. Nurse
For what dates has the board of county commissioners cooperated with the W.P.A. in employing county nurses? How many nurses are or have been employed?
The board of county commissioners has never cooperated with W.P.A. in employing a county nurse. Mrs. Edna Brown is the only W.P.A. nurse to have work in Lee County 1935-1937.
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20. Captain or Warden of Convicts
What disposition is made of county convicts other than to lodge them in the county jail? For what dates has the county employed a captain or warden of convicts?
Worker has been informed by deputy clerk in sheriff office that no convicts are kept in Lee County, therefore the county does not employ a captain or warden of convicts.
21. Detention Home
A. What disposition is made of delinquent children?
Older children are sent to Marianna or Ocala, children from 3 to 12 are sent to Mrs. A. A. Gardiner at Alva. In some instance [sic] children are paralled out to parents.
(County Judge Wilson Ward)
B. Does the county have a detention home?
Mrs. Gardiner's could be considered a detention home, other wise there is none.
C. Does it share a detention home with another county?
Marianna school for boys and Ocala school for girls is [sic] state owned and all counties (including Lee) are privilege [sic] to send delinquent children to these institutions.
22. Special Tax School District
Taken from "Minutes of the Board of Public Instruction" April 2, 1923, Vol. D, p. 413.
#1 - Fort Myers
#2 - Buckingham
#3 - Alva
#4 - Immokalee
#5 - La Belle
#6 - Okaloa
#7 - Bonita Springs
#8 - Tice
#9 - Naples
#10 - Wulfert
#11 - Boca Grande
#12 - Woodrow
#13 - Pineland
#14 - Estero
Worker can find no reference in Minutes of Board of Public Instructions where school districts 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 became a part of Hendry and Collier counties but we are assured by assistant to Superintendent that they became part of the above mentioned counties when they were created from Lee County. Aug. 23, 1923.
23. Special Tax Road Districts
Trace the evolution of special tax road districts, giving the number and name, if any of each district and the dates during which it functioned.
Deputy Clerk (Mrs. Odom) has informed worker that special tax is levied on Special road and bridge districts for payment of same but they are not called special tax road districts but road and bridge districts.
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24. Special Road and Bridge District
Trace the evolution of special road and bridge districts, giving the name and number, if any, of each district, and the date during which it functional [sic].
"Commissioners Record" Vol. 1, p. 3 July 4, 1887.
"Motion made by Mr. Hendry seconded by Mr. Wilson that the election districts be adopted as road district, carried.
District no. 1 Punta [Rassa]
" no. 2 Fort Myers
" no. 3 New Prospect
" no. 4 Orange Creek
" no. 5 Alva "
"Commissioners Minutes"
Vol. 4, p. 109, Oct. 21, 1915 - Special road and bridge district created, paying for such improvement by bond issued.
Vol. 4, p. 310, Nov. 27, 1916 - Caloosa Valley Highway Special Road and Bridge District created.
Vol. 5, p. 63, Jan. 3, 1921 - McGregor Blvd. Special Road and Bridge District created.
Vol. 5, p. 72, Jan. 27, 1921 - New Prospect Special Road and Bridge District created.
Vol. 6, p. 43, March 22, 1927 - Bonita Springs Special Road and Bridge district created.
Vol. 6, p. 202, March 13, 1929 - Pine Island and Bocilla Island Special Road and Bridge district created.
25. Superintendent of Public Roads
For what date has this officer functioned in the county:
"Commissioners Record" Vol. 1, p. 115 - July 7, 1890 - 1920.
26. County Engineer
For what dates has this officer functioned?
"Commissioners Minutes" Vol. 5, p. 55.
Dec. 8, 1920 ---
27. Drainage and Improvement District
A. Are there any drainage or districts either partly or wholly within the County? If so, list them by name, indicate how long each district has functioned in the county, and give the location of the office of the board of supervisions of each district.
Iona Drainage District was created in 1916, charter runs out to 1968.
Mr. Allen, #9 Collier Arcade is supervisor.
Fort Myers Drainage District created 1933. Walter Ashton Smith, president, 19 Rhode Island Ave., Fort Myers, Fla.
28. Bicycle Sidepath Commissioners
Have the officers ever functioned in the County? For what dates?
The county judge had power to appoint these officers from 1901 -1903.
There has never been any bicycle sidepath commissioners in Lee County.
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29. County Bureau of Immigration
Did the board of county commissioners ever establish a bureau of immigration? How long did it function?
"Moved by Mr. Nelson and second by Mr. Wilson that communications have been received from commissioners of Immigration and read, that the same be answered that the Commissioners of this county are not in a situation to vote an appropriation for the same."
Vol. 1, p. 109, May 5, 1890.
30. Cattle Inspections and Cattle Districts
A. Did the county court or board of county commissioners appoint beef inspectors between 1834 and 1885?
The county was not created until 1887.
B. Did the board appoint clerks of beef markets between 1885 and 1891?
No, the [first] market clerk was appointed Mar. 8, 1899. Vol. 2, p. 13.
C. Did the board appoint inspectors of marks and brands of slaughtered animals between 1891 and 1907?
Yes, William M. Wilson inspector of mark and brands of cattle slaughtered.
Aug. 4, 1902. Vol. 2, p. 246.
D. Distinguish, if possible, between cattle inspectors appointed, 1903 to 1907 and inspectors of marks and brands appointed during the same period.
R. A. Owens inspector of marks and brands of all cattle slaughtered for market. Nov. 2, 1904, Vol. 2, p. 349.
S. W. Sanchez inspector. Nov 2, 1904 Vol. 2, p. 349.
32. Board of Fruit and Grove Commissioners
For what period has this board functioned in the county?
Lee County has never had a board of this kind.
33. County Agricultural Agent
Has the board of county commissioners ever assisted in the employment of an agricultural agent? For what dates? Yes, July 7, 1920 --- Vol. 5, p. 9.
34. Home Demonstration Agent
Has the board of county commissioners ever assisted in the employment of a demonstration agent? Yes, Nov. 27, 1922 - 1932. Was discontinued July 31, 1932 due to lack of funds.
35. County Agent (School)
For what periods has the board of public instruction employed agricultural agents?
Sept. 1940 -- Mr. Carl Heuck, [county] agent.
Chicago Manual of Style
Works Progress Administration, Historical Records Survey. Lee County Essay Material. November 20, 1940. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. <https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/321125>, accessed 28 June 2025.
MLA
Works Progress Administration, Historical Records Survey. Lee County Essay Material. November 20, 1940. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/321125>
AP Style Photo Citation
(State Archives of Florida/Works Progress Administration)