07/07/2025
To recognize history in the month of July, I told the story of Sheriffs Wilson and Cherry who both lost their lives in the line of duty in the month of July. There was such great response to the story that I felt I would be remiss for not telling the Sheriff Peeler story.
The old courthouse that now stands in the historic triangle in Green Cove Springs was build in 1893. Peeler must have been "on top of the world" - he was working out of a brand new office and building, the hotels were filled with northern tourists coming to garner the health effects of the spring, steamboats were traversing up and down the river, the Clarendon Hotel was teeming with guests, and Green Cove Springs was bustling with business. On Saturday evening, May 5th, 1894, with the smell of fresh paint and construction still in the building, Sheriff Peeler left his office and stepped outside the front doors. From the train station (that sat where the current GCS police station now sits) sitting less than 1000 feet away, he could hear an argument. Seeing it his duty to keep the peace, Josephus headed in the direction of the commotion. As he came within sight of the train platform, he could see the two men arguing. As he got closer, the confrontation began to grow physical. Arguing was J.M. Boyette and J.K Griffin - section hands for the railroad. Griffin had accused Boyette of skipping work without permission to go on a picnic; an accusation that got Boyette fired. As Sheriff Peeler approached the two men, punches began to fly. Without hesitation, Peeler stepped between the two men to separate them. At the same instant, Boyette drew his .32 revolver and fired at Griffin but struck Peeler in the side.
Boyette fled the scene disposing of his gun in a local well. It wasn't long before he was captured, clearly overcome with grief and remorse for shooting the beloved sheriff. As there were no hospitals in Green Cove Springs at the time, Peeler was taken to his house only blocks away at the corner of Pine and Walnut Streets. There he laid in pain and dying. In the ensuing days, he was visited by Judge Christian Black whom he informed that he realized that Boyette shot him by mistake. Peeler made if very clear that if he should die, he did not want Boyette tried for murder. Sheriff Peeler passed away 5 days later on May 15th.
On October 16th, 1894, Boyette's trial was held in the upstairs courtroom of the old courthouse. He had been housed in the old jail still standing in the historic triangle. Judge Black testified to what the dying sheriff told him and of his wishes. The jury acted upon this testimony convicting Boyette only of aggravated assault rather than murder. (See original court document which reads in red box....."We the jurors find the person guilty of aggravated assault so say we all."
Sheriff Peeler was so respected and loved that 18 local businesses closed their doors on the day of his funeral. (See their letter to Alice Peeler telling her they would close.)
Wife Alice and 5 children were left behind by Sheriff Peeler.
If you have never been to the historic triangle in GCS, it is definitely worth the trip. The Clay County Historical Society opens the museum on Fridays from 11:00AM - 2:00PM and Sundays from 2:00 - 5:00PM. You can walk in the footsteps of Sheriff Peeler and visit the courtroom. The old jail is opened Monday - Friday during normal business hours.
If you would like to have the story of the 3 sheriffs told at your civic, church, or other organization, I would be glad to present "In the Line of Duty - Clay County's Fallen Sheriffs.
sheriff in the line of duty clay history
