John R. Wilcox's law enforcement career had all of the elements of a blockbuster true crime thriller: stakeouts, shootouts, crime rings, jail breaks, car chases, and much more. According to local newspapers, John had "a natural detective ability" and "an enviable reputation as an officer of the law." His official career spanned nearly five decades, including 21 years serving as Washington County's top law enforcement officer. Unofficially, John's career began at age 13 at the Washington County Jail (today the Center's headquarters) when his father Charles was appointed jailer. Running one of Rhode Island's county jails was a family affair, and John gained valuable experience as he assisted his parents. He later worked as a warden at the state prison, a Narragansett Pier police officer, town sergeant, jailer, and Deputy Sheriff. In 1903 the General Assembly voted unanimously to elect John as Sheriff of Washington County. Stories about John's many successful pursuits were published in newspapers across the state. While pursuing a robbery suspect in 1895, John "used a half dozen horses" and covered an estimated 350 miles across the region, catching up with the man in Norwich, Connecticut. After a fire destroyed a Carolina Mill stock house in 1908, John chased the suspected arsonist from Charlestown to Matunuck, through Wakefield, and ultimately apprehended him in Narragansett. In 1922, John's professional life collided with one of his favorite hobbies, raising award-winning chickens. He learned of a planned fight between roosters from Rhode Island and Connecticut and sprung into action. Chasing the suspect from Peace Dale to Kingston, John "jumped from his automobile, driven at high speed by Deputy Sheriff Phillips, to the running board of the car containing the ten game cocks and grappled with the driver." He brought the suspect's car to a stop, arrested the man, and confiscated the birds, which he then delivered to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Story continued on next page. Although John was described as "popular with those committed to his care," there was no shortage of attempted escapes during his years as jailer. While John was on vacation in late 1898, one pair of would-be escapees cut through the ceiling of their cell in hopes of reaching the unsecured attic space above. The prisoners nearly succeeded, but their plan was foiled when John returned home earlier than expected and spotted plaster and wood hidden beneath their beds. Early-20th-century social reform movements also had a major impact on John's work. There was public outcry over illicit gambling and the sale of intoxicating liquors, especially in South County's immigrant neighborhoods and resort areas. One letter to the editor suggested that local law enforcement was not discouraging these crimes, "for the Kingston jail has no horrors or terror for the jail birds." Another letter accused John of ignoring the sounds of roulette wheels, which he had been ordered to seize. During his many years of service to Washington County, John Wilcox earned a larger-than-life reputation as a expert detective who stopped at nothing to capture even the most elusive criminals. Sheriff Wilcox will be featured in our upcoming exhibit exploring the history of the Old Washington County Jail. Stay tuned! An opening date will be announced soon.
Above: John R. Wilcox (1858-1924) Gift of Christine Hendrick in Memory of Benjamin Potter Right: Wilcox family outside the Washington County Jail, ca. 1895 Gift of Linda and Sandra Allen in memory of Donald and Barbara Allen
True Detective: South County
Summer 2026
Newsletter
A front page story detailing Sheriff Wilcox's efforts to protect Washington County Fair attendees. Narragansett Times, Sept. 25, 1908
Can you identify this home? The Center is recruiting virtual volunteers to help identify people and places in photos like this.
Are you a true detective? Volunteer and help solve history mysteries!
True Detective (continued)
The Center is seeking virtual volunteer researchers to work on a variety of projects, such as identifying locations in historic photos and compiling information about South County people, places, and events. If you are interested in volunteering your skills, please visit SouthCountyHistoryCenter.org/volunteer.
The Center's Adopt a Collection program helps preserve new and unprocessed collections, making them accessible to researchers and the general public. There are MANY treasures that need your support, including: Fayerweather Family Photos (right): When Kingston's Fayerweather House was saved in the 1960s, a collection of photographs found in the home was donated to the Center. The donation included 125 photos with condition issues that require further attention to ensure their preservation, which can be accomplished with a $150 donation. We also hope to digitize this collection, possible with a $250 donation, which will help us identify people in unlabeled photos. Sylvester Robinson Collection: This large collection includes hundreds of 19th-century letters and documents. With a $150 donation, Robinson's papers about the construction of the Wakefield Baptist Church can be archived. A $300 donation will allow us to preserve documents from Robinson's service as postmaster in the 1820s and 1830s. A $2,500 adoption will allow us to process the entire Robinson collection. Marjorie Vogel Artwork (below): This collection includes prints, original artwork, and Christmas ornaments designed by South County artist Marjorie Vogel. With a $250 donation, the collection will be processed and preserved. Learn more about all of our adoptable collections and make a donation at SouthCountyHistoryCenter.org/adopt. Many, many thanks to all of the generous donors that have already adopted collections!
Join Us This Summer! Check out this summer's programs and exhibits featuring the Center's collection: Presentation: "Using Local History Resources for Genealogical Research" Presentation by Erica Luke at Maury Loontjens Memorial Library (narlib.org) Monday, July 13, 6 p.m. Program: "Faces of History: The Lives and Portraits of Violet Hazard and Oliver Gardiner" Presentation by Erica Luke at Hale House (halehouseri.org) Wednesday, July 15, 5:30 p.m. *Registration Required* Exhibit: "Marketing Matunuck" Featuring the Center's Champlin Family Collection Hale House (halehouseri.org) June 24 - September 2 Exhibit: "Threading Place and Time" Featuring items from the Center's collection Hera Gallery (heragallery.org) June 27 - August 1 Civil War Col. Isaac Peace Rodman Display Featuring Col. Isaac Peace Rodman's sword Varnum Armory (varnumcontinentals.org) On-going through 2026 Be sure to check our partners' websites for more information about these exhibits and programs.
Adopt a Collection Updates
2636 Kingstown Road Kingston, RI 02881
Need help with a research question? Research appointments can be scheduled through our website, or we can assist you virtually. New materials arrive weekly, and return visits are encouraged. Visit SouthCountyHistoryCenter.org/research to submit your research inquiry.
The South County History Center is dedicated to preserving the history of South (Washington) County, RI. The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and our work is made possible by generous donors and volunteers. To learn more about scheduling a visit, donating to the collection, or making a financial contribution, please visit: SouthCountyHistoryCenter.org.