Our People

This section contains biographies for folks in Brevard County history. You can submit information about your family at the Contact Us page.

Brevard, Theodorus W.

Theodorus Washington Brevard, born on September 24, 1804, in North Carolina, was a pioneering Florida settler who notably served as the Florida Comptroller for almost a decade, holding office from April 3, 1851, to November 27, 1854, and resuming from January 24, 1855, until December 14, 1860. His legacy is immortalized in the naming of Brevard County, Florida. Coming from a lineage of distinction, he was the son of Alexander Brevard, a revered officer in the Continental Army, and Rebecca Davidson. Theodorus laid down his roots in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1847, establishing a significant presence in the area. He shared his life with Caroline Elizabeth Mays, with whom he had Theodore W. Brevard, Jr., among other children. Theodorus Washington Brevard's contributions to Florida's development and governance are remembered to this day, marking him as a pivotal figure in the state's early history. He passed away in 1877, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Wilson, Thomas Emmett

Wilson, Thomas E., a distinguished lawyer, was born in Putnam Valley, New York, on October 1, 1847, to Hugh C. Wilson and Mary F. (Wardell) Wilson. His education was obtained from the public schools and Peekskill Military Academy, Peekskill, New York. After being admitted to the bar in Brooklyn, New York, in December 1868, he has been actively practicing law in Florida.

His career includes serving as the State's attorney for the Seventh Judicial District of Florida from January 1873 to January 1877, county solicitor for Orange County, Florida (1873-1877), Volusia County, Florida (1874-1877), and Brevard County, Florida (1875-1877). Notably, he played a pivotal role in the development of Florida's railway system, securing charters and serving as attorney for the South Florida Railroad, the Florida Midland Railway, and the Orange Belt Railway. His efforts contributed significantly to the expansion and success of these railways, including the notable commencement of the South Florida Railroad's construction by General U.S. Grant in March 1880.

Wilson also obtained charters for the incorporation of Sanford, Florida, and St. Petersburg, Florida, acting as their attorney and contributing to their growth. His leadership roles included vice-president and general counsel of the Orange Belt Railway (1889-1893) and general counsel of the Sanford and St. Petersburg Railroad (1893-1895). Moreover, he served as Sanford's postmaster from 1877 to 1880.

Thomas Emmet Wilson married neighbor Elizabeth Anna Fox on July 9, 1900, at Sylvan Lake, Florida. He died in 1924.