William A. Whitehead

William A. Whitehead. William Whitehead arrived in Key West in the fall of 1828, after his brother John purchased a fourth interest in Key West. In 1829, he completed the first survey of the Island City. In January, 1831, he became Collector of Customs. In 1831, he was appointed by the Territorial Council to erect a stone jail. Whitehead served on the town council and in 1837, was elected mayor. He helped organize St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the first Christian congregation. Whitehead also worked to establish the first school on the island. In 1838, he left Key West for New Jersey, where he spent the rest of his life. He was one of the founding members of the Historical Society for New Jersey and served as corresponding secretary. William Whitehead wrote editorials for an early newspaper, the Key West Enquirer. It was his interest in history that led Whitehead to keep copies of early newspapers, the Key West Gazette (1831-1832) and the Key West Enquirer (1834-1836). In 1869 he returned the papers in bound volumes to the Monroe County Clerk of Courts Office. With the papers he gave the following advice. I hope my former suggestions have been carried out in relation to the preservation of files of your newspapers in some one of the public offices. We are too apt to underrate the importance of the events of today, forgetful that their results constitute the history of tomorrow. Without the preservation of papers, your changing population will soon be at loss for the connecting links between Key West of the present and the Key West of the future." William Whitehead also wrote an account of his days in Key West. His 10 years in Key West had a lasting effect on our Island. , Donated by , Bud and Lea Brewer.