William Adam C. Benbow

Term of Office, 1878-1881

 W.A.C. Benbow was born in 1824 in South Carolina. He was the son of Adam and Susannah Benbow. The Benbow family tree extends back to the 1700’s when their ancestors came from the Montgomery Shire in Wales, as indentured servants, to settled in the area of Philadelphia. Little else is recorded as to the early years of Benbow’s life.

In 1831, Benbow resided in the Mt. Negis community near Montgomery, Alabama. On June 9, 1845 Benbow married Elizabeth Ann Franklin in Pike Co., Alabama. The marriage produced no children. The Benbow’s later settled in Milton. In 1871, Benbow worked as a county officer as an inspector of timber and lumber. He also became a member of the Masonic Lodge #16 in Milton.

In 1878, Benbow became sheriff for Santa Rosa County and served in that capacity until 1881. He was the first sheriff to establish his office in the newly constructed courthouse located on “Courthouse Square.” His constituents often referred to him as the “High Sheriff.”

Benbow’s term as sheriff followed an era of “martial law” that was instituted from 1867-1874 coupled with the period known as “reconstruction” which ended just prior to him taking office. Reconstruction, following the Civil War, had taken place from the mid 1860’s to 1877.  The withdrawal of the last federal troops from Florida occurred at that time. All of the rebel states were now redeemed. Conservatives were now in control of the Florida legislature.

No information could be found on Benbow’s path in life following his time as sheriff. It is believed that he left Santa Rosa County and that he died and was buried in Alabama were most of the Benbow descendants are buried.