1839 – A midshipman and two privates belonging to the U.S. steamer Poinsett died at Key West of “brain fever.”
1862 – The yellow fever epidemic that began in August was running its course but still five members of the 90th New York Regiment at Key West, six men at the Marine Hospital Key West and four men at Fort Jefferson would die of the disease during the month.
1863 – Six prisoners escaped in the night from Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas on a stolen bark. Military personnel gave chase and recaptured them 30 miles away. The sentinel on duty was soon after confined for either sleeping on duty or accepting a bribe.
1889 – Between 160 to 200 cattle and 70 to 100 hogs were being processed weekly through Key West’s three slaughterhouses. The livestock was brought to the island on schooners from Havana and Punta Rassa, Florida.
1901 – Frank Adams, an African American Deputy Sheriff, was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was interfering with him in the discharge of his duties. Adams was survived by a wife and five children.
1932 – The Sinclair Refining Company announced the start of construction of a service station at the corner of Grinnell and Fleming streets in Key West. Three buildings owned by Robert Sawyer would be moved to accommodate construction.
1968 – A visitation committee from the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges began a three-day investigation of the Florida Keys Junior College to assess its eligibility to become an accredited member of the Association.
1986 – The Key West City Commission changed the name of Old Island Restoration Commission (ORIC) to the Historic Architectural Review Commission. The change was requested by the Old Island Restoration Foundation because of confusion over the similar names and some controversial decision made by ORIC.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Cattle being herded into West Martello C 1880s. Wright Langley Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.