An excerpt from the book, “Pensacola’s Finest,”
By Mike Simmons
On October 15, 1923, The Pensacola News Journal reported that Captain Ernest Ellis Harper was appointed chief to replace Mose Penton. Chief Harper was born in 1890 in Roberts, Florida. He moved to Pensacola in 1909 and joined the force two years later. Chief Harper spent time as a patrolman, a turnkey, and a motorcycle officer before being promoted to captain and deputy marshal in 1919. When Chief Harper took over, Prohibition was in full force. A nationwide battle was several years old, and Pensacola was no different. Reports named Sanders Beach as being a “point of sale” that was known by most officers. “The Barn,” located at 105 West Jackson Street, was the party headquarters for naval officers and others. The Black Market was very active, including shiploads being brought in and delivered to the locals at the sight of the ruins of the battleship U.S.S. Massachusetts in the Gulf of Mexico. While it is true that ratification did little to curb the consumption of legal and illegal alcohol; the battle continued to rage.
On September 25, 1921, Captain Harper’s family was enjoying the fall weather at Chumuckla Springs when their 4-year-old daughter became very ill. Their daughter, Marguerite, died that evening. The next day, the funeral was held in the family home at 702 North “E” Street. He was buried in St. John’s Cemetery
On November 17, 1925, City Commissioner Frank Dent Sanders died after suffering cerebral hemorrhages. Chief Harper was appointed to the commission in his place. He was then reelected in 1929. He then went on to become the Police Commissioner in 1930. In 1932, Harper made an unsuccessful play for Escambia County Sheriff. After his defeat, Harper became a deputy sheriff. Then, on June 6, 1933, tragedy again struck the Harper family. Harper’s wife, Amelia Fleming Harper, passed away at age 43.
Harper continued raising his four children as a single father. In addition to Earnest, Amelia, and Marguerite, the family consisted of two boys – Edward & Raymond, and two daughters – Dorothy & Jeanette. He died on July 16, 1951. The funeral was held the next day at the Fisher-Pou Chapel. He was buried in St. John’s Cemetery.
Raymond decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Pensacola police officer. Raymond joined the department, worked his way up to Captain, and was the anchor of the police department for many years through the 1970s.
