James R. Mims

Term of Office, 1849-1851

James R. Mims was born September 1, 1822, in Conecuh County, Alabama. Little information is known about his early years, but it is recorded that he married Emily E. Campbell and had three children. On February 18, 1842, he signed a petition to create Santa Rosa County. Over time, he and his family became long-term residents of the newly created county.

By the late 1840s, Milton had become an area of great prosperity. The boom years in Milton were at a time when Mims began his term of office as sheriff for Santa Rosa County. Little is known about his years as sheriff other than the fact that he did not die in office as is reflected in some historical accounts.

Following his term as sheriff, Mims served in the Florida legislature from 1856-1858. After spending a few years in the political arena, Mims decided to engage in the mercantile business. He became an entrepreneur just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. With the commencement of the war, Mims enlisted in the Confederate military service and held the rank of cavalry lieutenant. He later became the commanding officer of the “Home Guard” or local militia. Following his stint with the military, Mims’ health began to fail. He spent the next few years traveling and spending time with friends and family.

 In 1886, Mims partnered with David Locke in the purchase of the S.H. Blake “Stock of Goods” business in Milton. A year later, tragedy struck Mims and his family, when his wife of many years passed away. Despite failing health and family loss, Mims was determined to enter into still another business enterprise. He soon dedicated himself to working in the log and lumber business at the Morrison Bros. mills in Geneva. Unfortunately, his health became progressively worse and he finally gave up the business and retired. On October 5, 1897, Mims died at the age of seventy-five in Bagdad. Both Mims and his wife are buried in the Milton Cemetery.