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List of the Sheriffs of Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Sheriffs of Westmoreland County Virginia.
This is our local sheriffs office.
From the "Potomac Interest" newspaper from June 23, 1955.
"Westmoreland County has awarded the contract for construction of a nine-cell jail to John W. Hennage, of Montross, Virginia.
Hennage was low bidder at $53,790."
From the "Potomac Interest" newpaper dated June 9, 1958.
"The Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors Wednesday appointed Arthur R. Coleman of Montross as jailor for the county's $54,000 jail completed last year(1957)."
Sources for this page are from the Westmoreland County Order Books, Westmoreland County Court House, the Westmoreland County Museam, and from microfilm records of the Northern Neck Newspaper and the Potomac Interest Newspaper.
In early Westmoreland County the sheriff's office was first held by one of the justices and they took turn being sheriff as they wished. This resulted in numerous sheriff's during the early period.
In 1705 the Law required the court to nominate three of their number to the Governor, one of whom he selected as sheriff for a term of one year. The sheriff could continue, with the Governors permission, for three more years if so desired. The sheriff's office was a desirable one. The fees were considered good for that day.
This is the most complete list of sheriffs of Westmoreland County Virginia known to exist. Any corrections should be sent to the webmaster via E-mail webmaster at:orvillei@hotmail.com
Sheriff C.W."Buddy" Jackson became sheriff January 1, 1976 and still holds the position.
Prior to that there was Sheriff Charles English who served from January 1, 1948 until January 1, 1976. Sheriff English was the local constable (deputy) under Sheriff Phil Griffith. Sheriff English became a constable in January 24, 1936.
Sheriff Phil Griffith was elected sheriff on November 4, 1919 and began his term on January 1, 1920 and was sheriff until January, 1948. J.M Hutt, H.B. Atwill, and E.S. Walker were his deputies and Mr. Walker was also the jailer. Sam Hall was elected on November 3, 1931 as a constable for Washington Magisterial District along with Boyd Palmer.
During the Summer of 1919 the Northern Neck News ran the following article: "I hereby announce myself as a candidate for the office of sheriff of Westmoreland County, subject to the actions of the Democratic primary to be held in August, 1919 and earnestly ask your support. If nominated I promise to fulfill the duties of the office fearlessly and to the best of my ability. Mr. John Mayo Hutt, of Montross, will be my deputy in case of my election."
Respectfully yours,
P.S. Giffith
Kinsale, Virginia February 26, 1919
In the April 11, 1919 edition of the Northern Neck News the following article was run:
"To the voters of Westmoreland County.
This will announce to the voters of Westmoreland county my candidacy for the office of Sheriff subject to the action of the Democratic primary to be held in August, 1919. I earnestly ask your support and if nominated, promise to fulfill the duties of the office to the best of my ability. Mr. M.D. Thompson(Manning Dunaway Thompson), of Oak Grove, will be my deputy in the case of my election."
Respectfully yours
H.B. Atwill
Templemans X Roads
April 1, 1919
During the primary election of 1919 P.S. Griffth won the election by 147 votes over his rival H. Bascom Atwill.
Sheriff J.W. Harvey was elected sheriff in November, 1904. Phil S. Griffith was appointed as a deputy to J. W. Harvey in 1909. Sheriff Harvey served as sheriff until 1919 when Mr. Griffith was elected to the post. G.A. Sandy was a deputy on Febuary, 1912.
Wat. H. Tyler was appointed to the post of Sheriff in 1899 and served until late 1903. J.M. Hutt was Sheriff Tylers deputy as of October, 1901.
From 1895 until late 1898 the sheriff was Frederick Griffith with Wat Tyler as his deputy.
From 1893 until late 1894 the sheriff was William Marmaduke.
From January 1852 until December 1851 the sheriff was Robert Chewing.
From December 1848 until December 1851 the sheriff was Charles Jett.
From December 1847 until December 1848 the sheriff was Ben Walker.
From December 1845 until December 1847 the sheriff was Walter Bowie.
From February 5, 1843 until December 15, 1845 the sheriff was Lawerance Washington.
From January 10, 1842 until February 5, 1843 the sheriff was John Crutcher.
From December 10, 1839 until January 10, 1842 the sheriff was Robert Bailey.
From December 1837 until December 10, 1839 the sheriff was George Glascock.
From 1836 until 1837 the sheriff was Robert Murphy.
From April 1834 until 1836 the sheriff was William Taliaferro.
From December 1831 until April 1834 the sheriff was Thomas Hungerford.
From December 29, 1821 until December 1831 the sheriff was James Jett.
From 1819 until 1821 the sheriff was Richard Jackson.
From 1810 until 1819 the sheriff was Johm Murphy.
From August 1808 until 1810 the sheriff was Walker Muse.
From September 1806 until August 1808 the sheriff was Willoughby Newton.
From July 1804 until September 1808 the sheriff was George Garner.
From July 1802 until July 1804 the sheriff was Henry Washington.
From June 1800 until July 1802 the sheriff was Samuel Templeton.
From June 1799 until June 1800 the sheriff was Willima Jett.
The sheriff was Joseph Pierce from 1778 to 1779.
The sheriff was Thomas Chilton during 1776.
From 1771 until 1772 the sheriff was Benjamin Weeks.
From 1751 until 1771 the sheriff was John Berryman.
From 1738 until 1751 the sheriff was Patrick Spence.
From 1736 until 1738 the sheriff was John Footman.
From 1734 until 1736 the sheriff was Henry Lee.
From 1731 until 1734 the sheriff was Andrew Monroe.
From 1730 until 1731 the sheriff was William Lord.
From 1726 until 1730 the sheriff was John Elliot.
From 1723 until 1726 the sheriff was Thomas Newton.
From 1719 until 1723 the sheriff was George Eskridge.
From March 1719 until late 1719 the interim sheriff was Henry Lee due to the death of Colonel Henry Ashton. Sheriff Lee's deputies were Daniel Tebbs and Bernard Fielder.
On June 25, 1718 Henry Ashton was re-appointed as sheriff and "William Sturman was appointed deputy. Sturman alleged he had not perfectly recovered the sundry maldies he of late laboured under, with the assent of Henry Ashton as Sheriff, Bernard Fielder was admitted as the replacement deputy."
The sheriff from June 26, 1717 was Col. Henry Ashton with William Sturman and Henry Ashton as his deputies.
The sheriff from July 27, 1715 was Benjamin Berryman with Nicholas Minor and William Sturman as his deptuties.
The sheriff from April 29, 1713 was John Sturman with William Davis and William Sturman were his deputies.
From 1712 until 1713 the sheriff was Francis Wright with William Davies and Joseph Weeks as his deputies
The sheriff from April 27, 1710 was Daniel McCarthy with with Nicholas Minor and John Pope as his deputies.
The sheriff from June 29, 1709 was John Sturman with Henry Ashton and George Eskridge as his deputies.
The sheriff from March 28, 1705 was Burdett Ashton with William Davies and Ashton Jones as his deputies.
The sheriff from May 31, 1704 was Charles Ashton with William Davies and Ashton Jones were his deputies.
From May 26, 1703 until the next appointment the sheriff was Burdett Ashton. Henry Ashton and Benjamin Berryman were his deputies.
The sheriff from April 29, 1702 was Lewis Markham with Daniel Tebbs as his deputy.
From January 30,1701 until 1702 the sheriff was Charles Ashton.
From 1700 until 1701 the sheriff was Willoughby Allerton.
From 1699 until 1700 the sheriff was Alexander Spence. The deputies were John Hartley and William Davies.
From May 26, 1698 the sheriff was Samuel Thompson.
from 1696 the sheriff was Henry Rosse and his deputy was John Hartly.
May 31, 1693 "Captain Lawrence Washington presented to the Court his Excellency the Governors Commission to be Sheriff of this County." Mr. Washington was appointed to serve one more year by the Governor. Mr. William Clark was his deputy.
From February 22, 1693 "The Court doe humbly present Mr. Edward Franklin to his Excellency the Governor and request him to confer the Office of Sheriff of this County upon him for the ensueing year." Mr. Franklin asked to be appointed Sheriff but the Governor did not appoint him.
From May 25, 1692 "Captain Lawrence Washington produced to the Court the Rt. Honorable to be the Sheriff of this county and haveing the oaths instead of Supremecy and Allegience was admitted and sworn into the Office of Sheriff" Mr. William Clark and Mr. John Washington, Jr., were his deputies.
From June 24, 1691 Francis Wright was re-elected as the High Sheriff and Mr. William Clark and Nathaniel Pope were his deputies.
From January 28, 1690 Francis Wright was elected as the High Sheriff.
From May 16, 1678 the sheriff was Captain John Lord. John Minor was sworn as deputy.
From May 16, 1677 Captain Thomas Youwell was sworne as High Sheriff. John Minor was appointed as his deputy.
1. JOHN7 MINOR I (HARRY6 MINORS, WILLIAM5 MINERS, RICHARD4, THOMAS3,
RICHARD2, PHILIP1) was born Bef. 28 Sep 1625 in Oldfield, Garway, England,
and died Bef. 30 Mar 1698 in Westmoreland Co., VA. He married ELLINOR ? Bef.
1661. She was born Abt. 1643 in Cople Parish, Westmoreland Co., VA.
Notes for JOHN MINOR I:
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 1, page
21:
Page 66, 16 May 1677. JOHN MINOR sworne under sherriffe.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 1, page
64:
Page 122, 17 April 1678. JNO. MINOR sworne under Sherriffe.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 2, page
3:
Page 155, [June?] 1679. JNO. MINOR sworne under Sherriffe.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 2, page
47:
Page 205, 25 May 1681. Coll. William Peirce beinge sworne high sheriffe
presents JNO. MINOR his undersheriffe who tendred as security for the true
performance of his office the Honorable Mr. Secretary Spencer.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 2, page
82:
Page 248, 14 June 1682. John Foxall vs. JOHN MINOR and William Clerke.
The defendants pleading they seiz'd the Negro boy by vertue of an execution
duly obtain'd, the Court nonsuite the plaintiff.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 2, page
85:
Page 253, 14 June 1682. Coll. Peirce being sworne Sheriff presents JOHN
MINOR his undersheriff.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 2, page
86:
Page 254, 14 June 1682. The administrators of Capt. Antho. Bridges
complaine that JOHN MINOR is indebted to his estate by bill for 1,750 pounds
of tobacco as also by bills and accounts put into MINOR's hands as
undersheriff to collect due to Capt. Antho. Bridges' estate for 3,130 pounds
and prayinge judgment for the bill and that the accounts might be retorn'd
them. MINOR for replication saith that hee hath accounts against Bridges'
estate for a greate value and desiringe the Court that they might bee
accepted in discount of the bill and accounts. The Court declare that the
accounts by MINOR alleaged doe not affect the bill and order that JOHN MINOR
pay to John Rosier and Lewis Markham 1,700 pounds of tobacco.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 3, pages
2-3:
Page 259, 26 July 1682. JOHN MINOR complains that John Rosier did assume
that two servants bought by MINOR of Rosier were sufficiently cloathed for
the time of ther service, which was about one yeare. It is by consent agreed
that John Rosier doe allow MINOR 200 pounds of tobacco.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 3, page
30:
Page 296, 25 July 1683. Thomas Pope claymes of Wm. Booth 1,918 [pounds]
of tobacco. Joseph Hemmings and the said Booth did declare that Thomas Pope
did when in this contry accept Mr. JOHN MINOR as paymaster of the ded and did
acquitt Booth. The Court dismiss the cause.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 3, page
37:
Page 306, 31 Oct. 1683. Garrett Lyncolne vs. JOHN MINOR. Garrett Lyncolne
attorny of John Earle complains that John Earle with Abram Blagg stands bound
to William Hardidge in one penall bond of 10,000 pounds of tobacco. John
Earle havinge perform'd the condition the said MINOR denighs to deliver up
the bond. The Court order that Garrett Lyncolne, attorny, doe defray what
charges and fees are contracted by reason of anny suits comenct against Earle
and Blagg and then MINOR, the under sheriff, deliver in the bond.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 3, page
41:
Page 311, 11 Dec. 1683. Humphry Ferris servant to JOHN MINOR adjudged
thirteene yeares of adge from this time and to serve according to law.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 3, page
44:
Page 315, 13 Feb. 1683/84. John Burrage by Jno. Bull his attorny
complayns that Nathl. Pycroft did purchase of Bull, factor and attorny of
Burrage in company, a certaine parcell of goods the perticulars of which
goods are in a note exhibited for 1,578 pounds of tobacco and denighs payment
for the goods to the great damage of the plaintiffe. It appearinge to this
Court by the oaths of John Bull and James Ferse as also by the affirmation of
JOHN MINOR that Pycroft did purchase the goods and doth still denigh payment
for them. The Court order that Jno. Bull doe upon demand deliver to Pycroft
the goods and that Nathaniell Pycroft doe pay 1,578 pounds of tobacco.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 3, page
60:
Page 336, 25 June 1684. Upon petition of JOHN MINOR that hee may bee
permitted to keepe an ordnary neare the Court house, it is ordered that hee
may, provided hee give security to this Court that hee will keepe good order
in his ordnary and sell or otherwise dispose no wine, spiritts, syder or
other stronge liquors during the time of the session of the Court nor that
morninge before the settinge of the Court to anny person or persons
whatsoever.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 4, page
22:
Page 404, 10 April 1685. Wm. Hardidge brought his action against Mr. John
Bull for a hoggshed of tobacco said to be received by Humphrey Limbry, by the
order of John Bull, of Wm. Hardidge by Mr. JOHN MINOR with such costs and
charges as accrued in a suite heretofore dependinge between John Baker and
Wm. Hardidge concerning the hoggshed. The defendant pleaded not guilty. Itt
appearing to this Court by the affidavit of Humphrey Limbry that MINOR had
put the broad arrow upon the hoggshed in the Tobacco House of Baker and would
have paid itt to him for the use of John Bull but the overseer of Baker
averring that MINOR should not have the hoggshead, both MINOR and Limbry went
to the house of Mr. John Newston's where they mett Baker who likewise averred
the same and great contentions arose between MINOR and Baker about itt. And
John Bull deposing that hee gave noe order to any other person to receive the
hoggshead of tobacco but Humphrey Limbrey and that hee did not receive the
same upon any account whatsoever and that Baker told him that neither hee nor
any other by his order should have the hoggshead upon the Sherriffe's
account, wherefore the Court dismiss the cause.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 4, page
39:
Page 431, 24 June 1685. By Act of Assembly this County with others is
required to have a prison. For the present there is noe accomodation for the
prisoners. Mr. JOHN MINOR the next inhabitant to this Court house and prison
petitions this Court that hee may keepe an ordinary and have the charge and
care of all prisoners that shall hereafter bee comitted for any cause
whatsoever. The Court order that JOHN MINOR shall keepe forthwith an
ordinary, hee giving such securitie to this Court as the law requires and
that JOHN MINOR shall have the keeping of all prisoners comitted by any
legall power for any fact, matter or thing whatsoever and that the rules for
the prison begin at the swamp beyond the Court House westward and terminate
att the utmost bounds of MINOR's gence southward and that Minor shall have
the use of the Court House (excepting the studdy which is for the Clerke and
the planck which shall bee disposed att the order of Court) provided
neverthelesse that the Court House and its appurtenances shall bee and is
reserved for the use and benefitt of all his Majestie's subjects of this
County anf more especially his Majestie's justices of the peace at the time
of keeping theire County Courts and all other solemne meetings of the
inhabitants without any let or demand of MINOR or his attorney.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 4, pages
44-45:
Page 440, 26 Aug. 1685. Elizabeth Wilson by her petition prayed that shee
might have letters of administration of her late husband Thomas Wilson estate
which the Court granted upon condition shee give good security. Mr. JOHN
MINOR togeather with Elizabeth Wilson assumed in 10,000 pounds of tobacco for
Elizabeth's true performance of the administration. The Court further order
that George Hinson, George Hardwick and Wm. Hopkins doe appraise the estate
and Eliz. to bring in the inventory.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 4, page
53:
Page 454, 25 Nov. 1685. Humphrey Ferries is ordered to serve JOHN MINOR
for his running away two years and for his charges one yeare, in all three
years.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 4, pages
60-61:
Page 470, 3 Dec. 1685. By vertue of an order 24 June 1685 lycence is
granted to JNO. MINOR to keepe an ordinary and provide for such prisoners as
are committed to his care. MINOR petitioning this Court for some assistance,
the Court order that MINOR or assigns shall receive out of the County Leavie
[Page 471] this present yeare 5,000 pounds of tobacco and alsoe the
succedinge yeare of that leavy 5,000 pounds of tobacco towards the provideage
provitions and other nescessaries for the ordnary and buildinge a sufficient
house neare the Court House, provided nevertheless that MINOR enter into bond
with sufficient security for 10,000 pounds of tobacco before 10 Octr. 1689.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 5, page
22:
Page 519, 25 Aug. 1686. John Lord sheweth that Mr. Wm. Horton and the
plaintiff obtained a pattent for 1,544 acres of land on part of which the
Court house stands Mr. Horton sold his part to JOHN MINOR who not content
with his just due did surveigh, detaine and cleare part of your petitioner's
land to his greate damage. Prayes that a surveigh may bee made with a jury of
the neighborhood. The Court order that a survay be made by a sworn surveyer
in the presence of a jury of twelve legall men of the neighbourhood and Coll.
Wm. Peirce or in his absence Mr. Jno. Manley is desired to swear them and
timely notice be given to JNO. MINOR and others bordering upon the lands that
they may be present.
From Westmoreland County, Virginia, Order Book, 1675/6-1688/9, Part 5, page
24:
Page 521, 29 Sept. 1686. Capt. John Lord vs. JOHN MINOR for survey. Mr.
William Horton and the plaintiff obteyned a pattent for 1,544 acres on part
of which the Courthouse stands. Mr. Horton sold his part to JOHN MINOR who
not content with his just due did survey, deteyne and cleere part of your
petitioner's land to his great damage and prayes that a survey be made in the
presence of Coll. William Peirce or Mr. John Manley and two or three others
of the neighborhood. The Court order that a survey [Page 522] be made and
that timely notice be given to JOHN MINOR and other of the neighborhood
bordering upon the land.
This information about Mr. John Minor was supplied by Ronald Minor. Thanks for the information. [Webmaster of orvillesworld].
From April 1675. Mr. John Frodsman was elected High Sheriff until about 1677.
From 1664 John Ashton was the sheriff.
From 1658 until probably 1664 the sheriff was John Lord.
From 1657 until late 1658 the sheriff was William Johnson. He was the interium sheriff due to the death in office of the previous sheriff Walter Broadhurst.
From 1651 unti his death in 1657 the sheriff was Walter Broadhurst. Mr. Broadhurst also ran an ordinary here in Montross.
Prior to this date the sheriff was Richard Lee.
This is Charles English (photo taken December, 1976).
This is C.W. Jackson our present sheriff.(photo taken January 1976).
Sam Hall was the deputy under Sheriff English and Hugh Scates was the "turn-key" and deputy if needed.
The oath for sheriff after the Constitutional Oath that is still given is as follows as of at least 1892:
"I swear I have not, while a citizen of the State, since the first day of (four years prior to election) fought a duel with a deadly weapon or sent or accepted, a challenge to fight a duel with a deadly weapon either within or beyond the boundaries of this State or knowingly conveyed such challenge, or aided or assisted in any manor in fighting such duel: and that I will not fight a duel with a deadly weapon or send or accept a challenge to fight a duel with a deadly weapon, either within or beyond the boundaries of this State or knowingly convey such a challenge, or aid or assist in any manner in fightin such a duel during my continuaance in Office. So Help Me God.
Signed: Wat. H Tyler on this 14th day of July, 1896.
NEW SHERIFF IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY JANUARY 01, 2008 WILL BE C.O. BALDERSON.
C.O. BALDERSON
Shakeup coming in Westmoreland County Sheriff's office
Ruth Herrink 05.DEC.07
Big changes are in store for the Westmoreland Sheriff's office, come January 1, 2008.
C. O. Balderson, who ran as a Democrat, won with almost 58% of the votes cast for sheriff.
On Friday, he took his first public step by sending letters to 11 present employees of Sheriff Clarence Jackson, informing them that they will not be appointed by him when he begins his term. They include Captain Bryon Wilkins and Ronald Gene Roberts, who ran for sheriff along with Balderson; Sergeant Blaine England; Corporal Jimmy Gray; Dave Graham; Marie Carol; Billy Sullivan; Merile Jones; Kenneth Wicker; Larry Thrift; and Tamika Shelton.
Thirty-five other present full and part-time employees of Jackson have received offers of appointment.
Balderson, who has been working in the department since November 8, will begin his appointment on January 1.
As soon as his letters hit the street, the county became a buzz with information as to who will be staying and who will be out looking for new employment.
Some of those who have received letters have told others that they intend to take personal and sick leave to fill out the rest of their terms. Balderson, said that any of their actions on leave will be between them and the present administration as he has nothing to do with their status at the present time.
This coming week he said he intends to advertise to fill the open positions in his office. Those persons who are qualified will be able to start work when he begins his term.
While information is floating around as to who will fill some of the positions he has available such as his assistant, Balderson said he has made no definite offers.
Balderson made it known during the election that he had big plans for the office and how it is to be administered. He has now started that process by not appointing almost 25% of the present department employees.
He told The Journal on Saturday that his election has “humbled me more than anything I have ever done. I look forward to working for the citizens of Westmoreland County.”
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