September 28, 2015Pensacola, Florida Fueled with coffee, maps, and must-have document lists, Nancy and I arrived in her truck at the Escambia County Circuit Court Archives at 120 E. Blount Street promptly at opening time, 8 am. There were few cars in the parking lot. I was jittery — not […]
October 29, 1909Pensacola, Florida Railroad commissioners named me special examiner to review the passenger rate increase of the L&N Railroad in August, in addition to my work as the Assistant District Attorney, and the cases at my uncle’s law firm (yes, I am a partner — but I am constantly […]
January 2, 1908Pensacola, Florida According to Uncle Evelyn, this was not by accident; he says he recognizes my potential, my humility, my dedication to hard work and the law. I thought, perhaps, Uncle Evelyn might bring me into the firm sometime; but not a partnership! The transition to partner with […]
September 27, 1907306 Brent BuildingPensacola, Florida I’ve done what I’ve been told to do for one year; namely: to keep my head down, to work hard, to follow directions (specifically, of Kehoe, and my Uncle Evelyn Maxwell), to be serious. So far, their advice has paid off handsomely. The directions […]
February 26, 1907306 Brent BuildingPensacola, Florida Right now, I’m cleaning up my desk; organizing a few files at the end of a rather boring Tuesday. Most of the firm’s staff have gone home already, and I like this part of the day, when the office is empty, things are quiet, […]
October 16, 1906John Kehoe House221 W. Cervantes StreetPensacola, Florida The old man had a nice setup here, that’s for sure. I’m staying John Kehoe’s old room with Minnie and Fannie Kehoe. Even as the Kehoes were mourning their father, it all seemed serendipitous — at least that’s what Fannie said […]
May 25, 1906Van Sant & WilsonSterling, Illinois4:45 pm There was a knock at my office door. “Come in.” The door opened slightly. Miss Delp stuck her head in. “Mr. Van Sant to see you, Mr. Wilson.“Please show him in.” The door opened wider to admit Nick, who started a bit […]
May 25, 1906Van Sant & WilsonSterling, Illinois There are black circles under my eyes; a wrinkled red crease impressed on my cheek from my coat. I’d used it as a pillow, wadded up under my head, to sleep on my office sofa. I don’t remember doing that; hell. I don’t […]
May 24, 1906State Bank of SterlingSterling, Illinois The last bank customer had left over an hour ago; Nicholas Van Sant’s private secretary was straightening his desk and packing his briefcase prior to leaving. Frank came over to his desk. Howard glanced at Nicholas Van Sant’s closed door, turned to Frank, […]
May 18, 1906Sterling State BankSterling, Illinois At 11:45 a.m., Frank Heflebower was climbing the stairs of the Van Sant & Wilson law firm, a little out of breath as he labored under the heavy ledgers. “Good morning, Mr. Heflebower. Thank you for being prompt,” said Miss Delp, who simultaneously stood, […]
Tell my story. 