1914 – Nelson Francis de Sales English died in Key West at the age of 66. He had worked for the post office for more than 20 years and served as postmaster of Key West from 1882 to 1886, the only man of African descent to hold that office. He was also a talented musician and, with his friend Frank Welters, founded the famous Welters Cornet Band.
1940 – Carl Tanzler, who styled himself “Count Von Cosel,” was arrested when it was discovered that he had kept the body of Elena Hoyos. Tanzler had been employed at the Marine Hospital as an X-ray technician when Elena was admitted with tuberculosis, from which she died. He first buried her in the cemetery but later removed the body to his home.
1983 – E.H. “Johnny” Walker, Monroe County School Board chairman, died after suffering a heart attack while attending a Property Appraisal Adjustment Board meeting.
1987 – A majority of Monroe County and Key West city voters said no to a referendum that proposed a one-cent sales tax for capital improvements.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library
Image: Carl Tanzler at his building on Flagler Avenue in Key West, circa 1940. From the DeWolfe and Wood Collection in the Otto Hirzel Scrapbook, Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library. https://www.flickr.com/photos/keyslibraries/8274693727