June 2, 2022Chevy Chase, Maryland Here’s the thing that has puzzled me ever since I started research on Emmett Wilson’s life story: What was the main reason Frank Mayes (and The Pensacola Journal) endorsed Emmett for U.S. Congress? Frank was no dummy; he was a prescient newsman who kept close […]
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
March 31, 2022Chevy Chase, Maryland Emmett didn’t get away with the ‘engagement’ announcement without consequences. Oh no. Emmett was summoned to Columbus, Georgia, by Whit Kelly. I doubt it was by cordial letter. I also doubt Whit would have telephoned Emmett; a telephone call would have been costly. Also, Emmett […]
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
September 29, 2105Santa Rosa County Court ArchiveMilton, Florida One of the reasons Nancy and I decided to add a side-trip to Milton, Florida, was because of a murder case Emmett was prosecuting in 1911; i.e., U.S. vs. Frank Penton. Although Emmett was the Assistant District Attorney, and of course, it […]
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
When I last visited Florida in 2015, I spent most of the time going through courthouse archives in search of testimony and notes for the cases Emmett was prosecuting. Although I didn’t find much in the way of notes, I did uncover a load of paperwork with Emmett’s signature, which […]
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
I spent most of last week in three different courthouse archives: Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Jackson Counties, Florida. I don’t have a favorite. They are all my favorites. Know why? It isn’t about the records. It’s about the archivists — the unsung heroes and heroines who care for ancient and […]
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Friends I have finally booked the second trip to Pensacola. I’m looking forward to seeing my friends again, and filling in some of the information holes in Emmett’s story. I’ve met some very nice folks along the research trek, so, that makes doing work enjoyable. I wish everyone liked their […]
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes