James C. McArthur

Term of Office, 1855-1859

According to U.S. Census records, James C. McArthur was born in 1818 in Georgia. As a young man he worked as a carpenter and married a young woman named Annie.  The marriage produced four children. Little is known about his younger years or when he relocated to Florida.

Similar to some of the other Santa Rosa County sheriffs, McArthur took a great interest in politics. On May 26, 1845 he voted in the first statewide election. A decade later, McArthur became sheriff for Santa Rosa County. Early county sheriffs were often charged with the duty of collecting special fees. In 1859, McArthur was required by the court to collect a special fee for supporting (caring for) a deranged person. He was paid the meager sum of $612 for carrying out this duty. As a norm, special fees were certified by a judge and handed over to the state or territorial comptroller in order that reimbursement could be made. The fee system that was in place, at that time, was an economic salvation for a sheriff.

McArthur’s term in office ended just as the Civil War escalated. He was succeeded by Isaiah Cobb, Jr. In 1860, Cobb served a partial term as sheriff until the Confederate States of America took over the national government. After leaving office, McArthur enlisted in the Third Battalion Florida Cavalry, Company C on September 17, 1861. He served at the rank of private until his discharge on November 28, 1862. Like many other sheriffs and citizens of the county, McArthur joined the Masonic Lodge #16, in Milton, where he served as the lodge’s secretary. In 1865-1867, McArthur also served as a county officer. In 1896, McArthur became a business partner with John H. Collins in managing a livery stable in Milton. The stable was known to be one of the best of its kind. No documentation could be found regarding his death. It is believed by some that he may have left the county prior to his demise.