William Riley Maynard (1875 – 1947)

First Sheriff of Collier County, Florida

Appointed July 7, 1923, when Collier County was formally established. Sheriff Maynard served as the first law enforcement officer for the newly created county and played a key role in establishing its early civic order.

This information is based on historical records and preservation society materials:

• Everglades Society for Historic Preservation – “Sheriff Maynard”
• Historical Marker Database – First Jail Site (Collier County)
• Collier County Sheriff's Office Official History

William Riley “W.R.” Maynard stands as an important historical connection within the family tree, linking the broader O’Neal lineage to early public service in Florida’s frontier era.