Notable Sheriffs of the Old Jail
For over 60 years, the Old Jail served as St. Augustine’s primary correctional facility, housing criminals, debtors, and those awaiting trial. During that time, several key sheriffs shaped law enforcement in St. Johns County, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Old St. Johns County Jail while enforcing the laws of the time.
From tackling Prohibition-era crime to modernizing law enforcement practices, these sheriffs played a major role in the Old Jail history.
A Towering Figure in Law Enforcement
Sheriff Joe Perry
(1917-1946)
Sheriff Joe Perry was the longest-serving sheriff at the Old Jail, remembered for his commanding presence and hands-on approach to justice. Standing at 6 feet, 6 inches tall, he was an intimidating figure who personally handled arrests, prisoner discipline and executions.
During his time at the Old St. Johns County Jail, Joe Perry oversaw the incarceration of some of the region’s most dangerous criminals. He was known for his strict enforcement of the law, ensuring that prisoners followed the rules with no exceptions. His leadership left a lasting mark on the Old Jail’s history.
Leading During St. Augustine’s Growth
Sheriff Silas E. Davis
(1946-1949)
Sheriff Silas E. Davis came from a distinguished law enforcement family and served during a time of rapid change in St. Augustine. As tourism increased, managing both local law enforcement and the growing number of visitors became a new challenge.
While ensuring that the Old St. Johns County Jail remained secure, Silas E. Davis had to balance protecting residents while handling an influx of outsiders. His tenure reflected a shift in priorities as St. Augustine’s law enforcement adapted to the city’s evolving landscape.
Cracking Down on Prohibition Crime
Sheriff Elmer E. Boyce
(1913-1917)
During the Prohibition era, Sheriff Elmer E. Boyce was responsible for shutting down illegal liquor operations throughout St. Johns County. Moonshining and bootlegging became widespread, and Elmer E. Boyce led multiple raids on hidden distilleries.
His commitment to enforcing Prohibition laws made him a controversial figure, as many residents secretly supported the moonshiners. Despite the challenges, he upheld strict law enforcement policies, ensuring that the Old Jail remained a key site for housing those caught violating alcohol restrictions.
Modernizing Law Enforcement
Sheriff Jurrant T. Shepherd
(1949-1951)
Sheriff Jurrant T. Shepherd introduced new technology to enhance law enforcement efforts in St. Augustine. Under his leadership, two-way radios were implemented, allowing officers to communicate in real-time, which was a major advancement at the time.
By adopting these innovations, Jurrant T. Shepherd ensured that St. Johns County officers could respond to crime faster and coordinate more effectively. His time at the Old St. Johns County Jail marked a turning point for law enforcement efficiency.
A Lasting Legacy
Sheriff Lawrence O. "L.O." Davis
(1951-1953)
Sheriff Lawrence O. “L.O.” Davis played a crucial role in the transition from the Old Jail to a modern correctional facility. In 1953, he oversaw the closure of the Old St. Johns County Jail and helped establish a new improved jail that reflected changing correctional standards.
Beyond his role at the Old Jail, Lawrence O. “L.O.” Davis made a lasting impact by helping create the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, an organization dedicated to helping troubled youth turn their lives around. His efforts extended beyond traditional law enforcement, leaving an enduring contribution to St. Johns County and beyond.
Reforming the Old Jail
Sheriff Henry L. “Slim” McDaniel
(1953)
As the final sheriff to oversee the Old St. Johns County Jail, Henry L. “Slim” McDaniel focused on improving conditions for inmates. Recognizing the need for rehabilitation, he introduced educational and vocational programs, giving prisoners opportunities to learn new skills before reentering society.
Sheriff McDaniel was also responsible for officially closing the Old Jail in 1953, marking the end of an era for St. Augustine’s correctional system. His efforts reflected a changing attitude toward incarceration, moving away from strict punishment alone and toward offering inmates a path to rehabilitation.
The Old Jail Today
The Old St. Johns County Jail may have closed its doors in 1953, but its legacy lives on. The sheriffs who once walked its halls left behind a lasting impact on St. Augustine’s law enforcement history, shaping how justice was carried out in their time.
Today, visitors can step inside the preserved jailhouse and learn about the leadership styles of Joe Perry, Silas E. Davis, Elmer E. Boyce, Jurrant T. Shepherd, Lawrence O. “L.O.” Davis and McDaniel. Each sheriff played a unique role, from cracking down on crime during Prohibition to modernizing law enforcement practices.
Guided tours offer a closer look at historical artifacts, original jail records, and the very spaces where these sheriffs enforced the law. The Old Jail’s history remains a powerful reminder of how law and order evolved, giving visitors a chance to experience the past firsthand
