By Mike Simmons
An article in the May 13, 1921, edition of the Pensacola News Journal reported that Deputy Sheriff Walker of Hillsborough County had been busy searching for the request of Tom Brown for his last dinner before hanging. Brown was tried and convicted for the murder of the aged merchant of Lutz, Captain Albert Chambers. Chambers, a well-known steamboat captain, was robbed and killed by Brown with a hatchet.
When Sheriff Spencer, to make Brown’s last days more pleasant, offered him anything he wanted within reason, he asked for a supply of cologne, scented soap, a huge steak, and some Turkish cigarettes. He spent his last days writing letters to friends and relatives inviting them to his execution in Tampa.
His real treat, however, was saved for his last day. He wanted possum and taters.
