 Upon the recommendation of US Secretary of the Interior Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, Sheakley was appointed a United States Commissioner for District of Alaska, a position equivalent to a U.S.Circuit Court judge, on June 23, 1887.After starting this position in Wrangell, Alaska on August 9, 1887, the Commissioner of Education added to his duties by appointing his superintendent of Schools for southeastern Alaska.