THE SHERIFFS OF CURRITUCK COUNTY, NC

Researched and submitted by Roy E. Sawyer, Jr. & Doris Ann Younts

Historically, the office of Sheriff was a highly political appointment by the colonial Governor.  Before 1738 a Sheriff was known as "Provost Marshal" but that was abolished on March 6, 1738 and a Sheriff could only serve 2 successive years.  On March 6, 1739 the following men were appointed Justices of  the Peace: Joseph Sanderson, Esq., Isaac Davis, Stephen Williams, Henry White, Thos. Neal, Thos. Williams, Henry Gibbs, Lewis Jenkins, Jno. Etheridge, Jno. Caroon, Wm. Mackey, and Jno. Woodhouse.  Thomas Williams was appointed as Sheriff.

When English colonists set up local governments in America the units and types of officials were patterned after the English model but with adaptations including the appointment of local officials by the colonial governor. Appointment remained the norm until during the Jacksonian era (1820s-1830s) when states switched to election of many county officials. Today the number of local positions still elected has been significantly reduced, but across most of the country the sheriff remains an elected official

Responsibilities included collecting taxes, detaining and transporting prisoners, operating the local jail, and managing elections.  The Colonial period in American history generally spans from 1607 with the establishment of the Jamestown settlement to 1776. On December 23, 1776, the Colonial Legislature authorized an Ordinance appointing Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs and Constables for erecting County Courts for the purposes of holding Sessions of the Peace and putting into execution the laws relative to orphans, guardians and highways until provisions be made by the General Assembly.  For Currituck County these men were chosen as candidates, but at the time it did not specify which role they would play.  Richard Stanley, Kedar Marchand, Samuel Jarvis, Thomas Williams, Willis Etheridge, Nicholas Loving, Taylor Jones, John Nathan, John Powers, Thomas Jarvis, William Ferebee, Nathan Poyner, John Humphries, John Simons, Stephen Brooks, Spencer Hall, Zebulon Williams, Samuel Midgett, Caleb Simons, Maliche Marchant and Thomas Miller, Esquires.  The Court authorized the construction of a jail in Currituck County. The Currituck Jail and the Historic Courthouse remain two of the oldest county government buildings in North Carolina.

Sheriffs run for office in over 95% of jurisdictions in the United States today, as they are elected officials rather than appointed employees.  Across most states, citizens vote for their county sheriff in local or general elections, usually serving four-year terms

Colonial Period (1607 - 1776)

Thomas Williams 1714 Valuation of Property - Thomas Williams valued at £200 (no acreage indicated) Thomas Williams is Listed with 1300 acres in 3 tracts in the 1715 Land Tax paying £1, 12 shillings and 6 pence 1715 Tithables - Thomas Williams is Listed with 4 tithables 1716 Tithables - Thomas Williams is Listed with 4 tithables 1717 Land Tax - Thomas Williams is Listed with 900 acres in 5 tracts paying £1, 12 shillings and 6 pence In the 1717 Levies Thomas Williams is Listed with 4 tithables, paying £3 1719 Levies & Land Tax - Thomas Williams with 1 tithable 1720 Tithable & Land Tax - Thomas Williams was Listed in the Powell's Point Dist. with 5 tithables (himself, and 4 Negroes: Tony, Tom, Bety & Filis).  He had 1631 acres (1558 acre from 3 patents & 593 acres in 4 deeds.) Received a patent for 300 acres on Dec, 3, 1720 in Currituck Precinct joining a marsh by the side of Albemarle Sound and said Sound 1721 Land & TithableTax - Thomas Williams was Listed with 6 tithables (himself, Jno. Herly white male, and Negroes Tony, Tom, Betty & Hilly & 2364 acres held in 8 tracts (1779 acres in 4 patents and 585 acres in 4 deeds) March Court 1723 - Thomas Williams sues Josiah White Received a patent for 211 acres on April 1, 1723 on the Sand banks joining the Sound and Jengick (Jeanguite) Creek Paid Quit Rent of £7, 7 shillings and 31/2 pence on 420 aces between 1729-1732 His will was written in 1732

Maj. William Shergold Appointed by the Governor as Justice of the Peace in Dec. 1744 1745 Newspaper letter to Shergold Listed as Sheriff of Currituck Co. in Feb. 1746 Received a patent in June 1748 for 366 acres in Currituck Co in a place called Buckskin Island joining William Perkins, the Beaver Dam, Buckskin Creek & Tulls Creek 1750s - Commanded a company of men Listed as Clerk of Court in July 1755 His will was written in 1758 & probated in 1761

William Williams Commissioned as Provost Marshal in March 1729 (the title "Provost Marshal" was abolished in 1738 and "Sheriff" was inserted On Nov. 27, 1758 he was allowed £20 for his role as Sheriff in 1755 & 1756 1763 Captains with company troop strength Died in 1768/69 [see his will]

William Bray, Esq. 1748 William Bray's Company Received £10 for his salary as Sheriff in 1760 & £10 for 1761; also Listed Sheriff in 1766 & 1767 1763 Captains with company troop strength Died 1767/68 [see his will]

Solomon Perkins born c1746, son of Henry Perkins & Abigail Brent.  Solomon possibly died in 1779 at the Battle of Briar Creek Listed as Sheriff  in 1768-1771 Listed in the Currituck Co. Militia as Captain in Oct 1771 1774 Currituck Delegate to First Independent Provincial Congress 1775 Currituck Delegate to Third Independent Provincial Congress 1776 Currituck Delegate to Fourth Independent Provincial Congress early 1776 - Perkins was Captain under Samuel Jarvis in the Currituck Militia Regiment assigned to guard Cape Hatteras for 2 months April 2, 1776 Solomon Perkins appointed Lt. Colonel in the Currituck Militia Regiment under Col. Hollowell Williams by the NC Provincial  Congress 1777 NC General Assembly appointed Solomon Perkins second Colonel alongside Samuel Jarvis in Currituck Militia Regiment replacing Hollowell Williams who had resigned his commission. Col. Solomon Perkins led Currituck Militia Regiment in the Purrysburg, SC, expedition of late 1778/early 1779, and he led the Regiment at the battle of Briar Creek, Georgia, on March 3, 1779. 1778 & 1779 represented Currituck in NC Senate see 1780 Land Grant for 17 acres

Hillary Simmons/Simons Listed as witness on numerous deeds in the1760s & early 1770s Jan 1, 1762 - Henry Simmons & wife Jean sold 50 acres of swamp land to Caleb Glasgow, part of a tract patented May 20, 1761 bound by James Douge's corner Oct. 5, 1767 - Sold 8 acres to John Simmons for £4 joining James Dauge's line & Absolum Leggett's line Listed as the Currituck Co. coroner in 1772 see his will

Josiah Nicholson Born & raised in Currituck County. Born in the late 1730s & died in 1807 [see his will] 1758 Listed Josiah as a Private in Captain John Woodhouse's Company 1761-1762 Listed on many deeds as a witness one occasion signed his name as Josiah Nicholson, Jr. Appointed Sheriff  Sept. 14, 1774 his official Sheriff's bond to the Crown survives in the State Archives explicitly naming him as Sheriff July 30, 1779 appointed by the Governor that Josiah Nicholson serve as 2nd Major of Samuel Jarvis' Regiment of Militia Listed 1779 Taxables as having an estate valued at £4619 Listed at County Surveyor in various deeds  from 1778-1788 1784 Josiah Nicholson sells 150 acres to Reuben Ball (Deed Bk. 5; pg. 10) Reuben Ball sold 50 acres of this land to Hosea Ball on Feb. 27, 1788. Listed a "Dep. Sheriff " in a 1788 deed registered & recorded in 1784 (Deed Bk. 4, pg, 237-238) Served as Justice of the Peace in 1780s until resignation on Nov. 6, 1789 Land Grant issued on Nov. 13, 1790 for150 acres in Currituck Co, near Coinjock Bay joining Hefford's corner on Evans' ridge Listed as "Josiah Nichols" in the 1790 census Listed in the 1800 census

Col. Samuel Jarvis (Jr.) - born c1730 - d. 1783 son of Samuel Jarvis, Sr. & Bridget Taylor, daughter of Thomas Taylor; married Amey (believed to be Whitehall 1750s Listed as Samuel Gervis, Ensign 1755 on list of Taxables 1758 Lieutenant on muster roll of Capt. John Woodhouse's Company 1763 Captains with company troop strength  Militia officer (1763 - 1768) 1768 taxable, Justice 1771 Major in Capt. John Woodhouse's Company January 1773 - 1775 member of the Lower House of the Assembly 1774 - 1775 represented Currituck as a delegate to the Provincial Congress June 5, 1775 - Appointed Colonel in the American Revolution Dec. 23, 1776 - Listed as one if the Justices of the Peace for Currituck County 1776-1777 - guardian for Lemuel Woodhouse, orphan of his Militia superior, Capt. John Woodhouse  1780-1781 - First Senator from Currituck County after statehood was established Made his will in May 1783 and was dead by June 1783. After Colonel Samuel Jarvis died, Amey married 2nd John Simmons who died in 1785; 3rd Caleb White who died in 1788; 4th James Phillips who died c. 1809

Formation of  a New Nation (1783 - 1815)

William Ferebee. Sr.  born c. 1722 & died 1783 1755 Tax List where William Ferreby was Listed Dec. 1776 Listed a Justice of the Peace in Dec, 1776 Listed as Sheriff in 1778 1779 Taxables List where his estate was valued at £10996 His will was written in 1783 and probated in 1783 Buried in Crawford Twp. at the "Culong" plantation on Indian Ridge near Indian Town

Colonel Thomas Poyner, Sr. - Born: 1759 & died Oct. 15, 1836; son of Nathan Poyner (d. 1786) & Anne Sanderson (dau. of Thomas Sanderson who d. 1778) 1776 Private in Capt. Dennis Dauge's Company stationed on the Banks to guard the Coast for about 45 days 1779 served under Col. Samuel Jarvis when the British were in Portsmouth & Norfolk principally near the line of North Carolina and Virginia, was in service about 20 days 1779 served under orders of Col. Samuel Jarvis on Churches Island and Crow Island, 3 days Dec 1779 marched to South Carolina in the First Regiment of NC Militia encamped near the Santee River during the Siege of Charleston in May 1780 before executing a strategic retreat to Cross Creek (present-day Fayetteville, NC) 1780 & 1781 served as Sheriff of Currituck County. Oct 1780 served as Captain with his company for 20 days near the North Carolina and Virginia line under Col. Samuel Jarvis, Major Ashael Simmons acting Commander after the Troops were called out & for his service he has Col. Jarvis' order and were discharged by Gen. Isaac Gregory. 1781 ordered out with his company by Col. Samuel Jarvis and served at Churches Island when a British Privateer came into Currituck Inlet, and was out 3 days Nov 1781 was a volunteer captain took charge of a company rendezvoused at Indian Town remained in service 2 days and was discharged by Gen. Isaac Gregory until further orders. Sep 1782 ordered by Col. Samuel Jarvis to go to Knotts Island then to the Inlet then to Churches Island where a British galley came into Currituck Inlet, was on service 4 days and captured the galley. Aug, 18, 1783 - Land Grant to Thomas Poyner for 106 ¾ acres lying on Cowingjock Bay. Deed Bk. 5; pgs. 298-299 --Dec. 4, 1787 -  I John Simmons Sheriff by command issued by the Superior Court of Law & Equity at Edenton I have taken into possession a certain Island called Burrouses belonging to Samuel Jarvis Deceased and to cause the sum of £216, 16 Shillings & 4 Pence which was recovered by Josiah Collings & James Iredale, Executors of Robert Smith Deceased. The said Island called Burrouses beginning at various courses of a Creek then to Loan Oak Island various courses to Beasley’s Bay various courses along Creek to first station containing 144 acres. On April 29, 1786 at publick vendue then and there appeared Maj. Thomas Poyner who bid the sum of £1 & 2 shillings and was the highest bid, in obedience of Writ I conveyed and granted unto Maj. Thomas Poyner the said Island called Burrouses. Witness: Thomas Heath, Joseph Gray; Registered January 22, 1788 1790 Census 1794-1796 Listed a surveyor of land 1800 Census 1802 Listed a Justice of the Peace 1803 Served in the NC State Senate Aug. 31, 1824 - Served as Chairman of the  County Court 1830 Census March 4, 1831 - Received $462.39 when the Revolutionary War pensions were commenced

Kedar Marchant 1755 Taxables Listed Keader Marchant Jan. 4, 1761- Nathanial Spence West sold Kedar Marchant 100 acres for £50 Virginia money May 20, 1761- received a land grant for 700 acres on the north side of the Northwest River Jan. 5, 1767- Kedar Marchant sold William Read of Princess Anne Co., VA 70 acres for £25 Feb. 20, 1772 - Kedar Marchant sold Willoughby Marchant  (Kedar's brother) 100 acres for £50 current money of Virginia Dec. 23, 1776 - Listed as one if the Justices of the Peace for Currituck County Dec. 23, 1778- Listed as a Justice of the Peace Aug 8, 1783 - Thomas Marchent, "miner [minor] of Kedar Marchent, deceased" received a land grant for 1000 acres lying in Gibbs Neck joining Northwest River

George Powers Feb. 28, 1778 - Listed as admr. of the estate of Dennis Dauge, deceased, on behalf of Nancy Dauge, daughter of the deceased. Listed as Sheriff of Currituck County 1782-1783 and 1785-1786 Oct. 18, 1782 - George Powers, Sheriff, has been commanded by Pasquotank Court of Pleas & Quarter Session held for the County of Pasquotank at Winfield, out of the chattles lands and tenements late of Thomas MacKnight to cause the sum of 860 pounds which was was lately recovered by Matthew Driver Greeves and Rhoda his wife Administratrix all and singular the goods and chattles rights and credits which was of Samuel Warner deceased recovered against the said Thomas MacKnight also 2 Pounds 6 Shillings & 3 Pence like money which was taxed and adjudged to the said Administratrix as her cost and charges. As Fire Farias Writ to me directed was levied on certain piece of land of Thomas MacKnight beginning on North River then North West along Snowden's and Church's dividing line various courses to the Indian Pattent line next to Timothy Etheridge various courses to the first station supposed to be 400 acres. After due notice land was exposed at public sale and Thomas Williams, Merchant, was highest bidder did bid the sum of 500 Pounds and has been granted said land. Dec. 4, 1782 - George Powers, Esq., Sheriff by way of Writ issued out of the Inferior Court & Quarter Session giving me orders that of the estate of Andrew McPherson deceased the sum of Ten Pounds Fifteen Shillings as well as Four Pounds in costs which Colo. Gideon Lamb recovered recently from said Court. The Sheriff did return to Court that he had levied the Execution for the damage & Costs on the land and Tenements of McPherson.  The late Sheriff for and in consideration of the sum of Five Dollars to the said George Powers Sheriff who succeeded Keder Marchant Esq., paid by Abner Ballance, I do grant unto said Ballance said parcel of land situated on the West end of Moyock near Lebanon bounded by the main Swamp various courses to the first station containing 50 acres.  died 1795--see his will]

Spence Hall, Jun'r. Dec. 23, 1776 - Listed as one if the Justices of the Peace for Currituck County Aug, 18, 1783 - received Land Grant #75 for 144 acres in Powell's Point Aug. 18, 1783 - received Land Grant #82 for 164 acres in Powell's Point Aug, 18, 1783 - received Land Grant #86 for 180 acres in Powell's Point Sept. 3, 1783 - Listed at Sheriff of Currituck County. July 29, 1784 - Spence Hall paid  Joseph Tocksey £10 in full for a piece of land in Powell's Point formerly claimed by John Norton & binding on Asa Etheridge Nov. 1789 - These men were chosen to represent Currituck Co. at the General Assembly: William Ferebee, Thomas P. Williams, Samuel Ferebee, Andrew  Duke & Spence Hall May 10, 1794 - Asa Etheridge sold to Spence Hall  for £300, 60 acres in Powell's Point joining the Samson Etheridge line.  The same day Spence Hall sold Asa Etheridge 64 acres for £300 beginning on Tarkeln Point near Currituck Sound and running to Davis' Creek, then to Jesse Dukes and Thomas Gregory's lines. May 4, 1795 - Spence Hall paid Zorobable Harrison 40 shilling for 2 acres in Powell's Point June 3, 1795 - John Minchey paid 35 silver dollars to Spence Hall for 180 acres on Currituck Banks beginning at Jane Guyte Creek [Jeanguite] to the seaside then along the Sand Hills to Herbert's land and agreeable to a deed Hall had with Matthias Toler. Nov. 2, 1795 - William Webb of Chowan Co, sold to Spence Hall for $200 for 80 acres in Powell's Point beginning at Mason's land and  then to Richard Dough's line then to a road to Nathan Hall's line then to Jacob Lutts line and  James Ferebee's land. May 26, 1797 - Spence Hall paid Luke Gregory $35 for 5 acres at Powell's Point. see his  will

Col. Thomas Jarvis, Sr.  born c.1736-38 & died 1795; son of Jonathan Jarvis (died 1776) Apr. 6, 1762 - Thomas Simmons sold to Thomas Jarves for £50, 250 acres on the North River bound by Silver Run Branch. May 4, 1765 - Benjamin Lindsey sold to Thomas Jarvis for £50, 150 acres lying on the Sound beginning at the north of Webbs Creek..... May 2, 1768 - William Banester sold to Thomas Jarves for £100. 100 acres on Roanoke Island, all the said Banester purchased from Moses Caps Nov.  8, 1773 - Richard Barrot sold to Thos. Jarvis, for £15 for land on Duce [Dew's] Quarters Bay joining Thomas Barrot line, Thomas Jarvis; line & Thos. Sanderson's line. 1775-1776 - Delegate from Currituck to the NC Congress Nov. 28, 1776 - Listed as an Ensign from the 7th Regiment in Edenton Dist.; resigned Nov. 22, 1777 Dec. 23, 1776 - Listed as one if the Justices of the Peace for Currituck County 1777 Currituck Judge for Port Roanoke, Court of Admiralty Listed in the 1779 Tax list as Col. Thomas Jarvis Dec, 1784 - John Mercer & Edward Taylor are held & firmly bound unto Thomas Jerves Sheriff in the full & just sum of £5000.  The condition of the obligation is such that John Mercer do well and truly settle an account with Thomas Jerves for all the moneys fees that may arise by virtue of his being appointed as Deputy Sheriff. 1784-1786 seen as Sheriff Thomas Jarves/Jarvis 1790 Census shows Thomas Jarvis Senr, see his 1795 will]

John Mercer Apr. 25, 1782 sold to John Mercer for £80, a tract of Land in Currituck County Except 16 acres that was Sold out of that Tract by the Said Thomas Parker to Samuel Thompson it being the land and plantation whereon the Said Thomas Parker now lives known by the name of bee tree point adjoining the Lands of Thomas Shergold & the lands of Andw. Bates & binding on the Sound & Likewise on the publick road containing 44 acres of land and also all trees woods under woods.  Apr. 28, 1782 John Mercer & his wife Sarah, sold 200 acres for £40 to Thomas Younghusband, said tract of land on a place known as East Ridge  Dec 1784 Listed as Deputy Sheriff in Dec.1784 Mar. 6, 1787 - Josiah Etheridge & his wife Sarah sold to John Mercer, for £150 & 8 shillings, 82 ½ acres included in Vandimore's & James Etheridge's patents, formerly held by Thomas Lurry & James Etheridge see his will

John Simmons/Simons Dec. 23, 1776 - Listed as one if the Justices of the Peace for Currituck County July 15, 1785 - I John Simmons Sheriff in obedience of a Writ issued out of the Inferior Court of Law commanding Me as Sheriff to cause the sum of £40 out of the goods, chattels and land of Edward Nickens deceased which Thomas Hayman recovered against Edward Nickens. I did take into possession a certain tract of land beginning at a corner in a place called Woolf Pit Ridge that divides the afsd. land & Frankey Nichols land along her line a Northerly course to Joseph Haymans corner then a Westerly course along said Thomas Haymans line along his line to George Mays corner then along Mays line that formerly belonged to John Bright then Southwesterly course to corner of divides Mays land & that of Nichols, 200 acres  On July 10, 1785 Thomas Hayman did appear and bid the sum of £42 and was the highest bidder and I John Simmons Sheriff by virtue of Writ did grant unto Thomas Hayman said property. Feb. 7, 1786 - I John Simmons Sheriff by writ have been commanded by the Currituck Court of Pleas & Quarter Session to take of the goods, chattels, lands & tenements of William Chaplin, deceased, and cause the sum of £10, 4 Shillings and 5 Pence which lately Joshua Campbell recovered against the said William Chaplin. In obedience John Simmons Sheriff took into possession a tract of land beginning at Broad Neck Point an Eastward course along the swamp side to John McCoy’s line various courses to the first station containing 150 acres. November 22, 1785 at Public Vendue then and there James Chaplin did appear and bid the sum of £10 and 12 shillings for the said land and was the highest bidder.  I then conveyed, and granted unto James Chaplin the aforesaid land. July 26, 1786 - I John Simmons, Sheriff by Command of the Inferior Court to cause the sum of 144 to be made out of the goods, chattels, lands etc. of Jacob Goodman Sen. which Solomon Etheridge recovered against him. In obedience of the Writ I John Simmons Sheriff have taken in my possession a tract of land beginning at John Haymon’s line various courses with the patent to James Glasgow’s line various course to Goodman’s patent that holds the land then to the first station, February 18, 1786 at Publick Vendue when and where as Phillip Northen in behalf of John Northen did appear and bid the sum of £15 and was the highest bidder. By virtue of the Writ I John Simmons Sheriff have given and granted said tract of land unto John Northern. July 26, 1786 - John Simmons, Sheriff. Goods and chattels of Francis Williamson, late of Currituck in the hands of James Phillips, Esq., Adm. £106 and 13 shillings. Said Negro boy, Tony. July 26, 1786 - John Simmons, sheriff, to Edw. Doughty, for £41. Goods and chattels of Francis Williamson, deceased. Two negro boys. /s/ John Simmons, Sher. July 31, 1786 - I John Simmons Sheriff in obedience of a Writ issued by the Currituck Inferior Court for Able Etheridge which he recovered against Jacob Goodman damages the sum of £32 & 5 shillings and there upon in obedience of the Writ, I took into possession of the goods, chattles & lands of Goodman a certain tract of land beginning at a corner between Goodman & Jesse Bennet standing in John Bennets line & bounded by the land of Jesse Bennet and the land that was formerly Dennis Dauges, the said land was offered at Publick Vendue on January 27, 1786 whereupon John Townsend appeared and bid the sum of £43 & 5 shillings and he was the highest bid and I John Simmons Sheriff have given and granted unto the said Townsend said tract of land. Oct. 24, 1786 - I John Simmons Sheriff in obedience of a Writ issued out of the Inferior Court of Law commanding Me as Sheriff to cause the sum of £40 out of the goods, chattels and land of Edward Nickens deceased which Thomas Hayman recovered against Edward Nickens. I did take into possession a certain tract of land beginning at a corner in a place called Woolf Pit Ridge that divides the afsd. land & Frankey Nichols land along her line a Northerly course to Joseph Haymans corner then a Westerly course along said Thomas Haymans line along his line to George Mays corner then along Mays line that formerly belonged to John Bright then Southwesterly course to corner of divides Mays land & that of Nichols, 200 acres  On July 10, 1785 Thomas Hayman did appear and bid the sum of £42 and was the highest bidder and I John Simmons Sheriff by virtue of Writ did grant unto Thomas Hayman said property. 1785-1788 - Listed as Sheriff with a balance due the State of NC of £11,13 shillings & 4 pence see his will

James Phillips, Esq. March 3, 1779 - Capt James Phillips was serving in the Currituck Co, Regiment during the American Revolution Aug. 18, 1783 - Land grant #76 to James Phillips containing 28 acres in Buckskins beginning at Evan Thomson's corner various courses to Richard Campbell's line then Southeast to the edge of Poyner's old field various courses to the first station. Aug. 18, 1783 - Land grant #85 to James Phillips a tract of land containing 1000 acres in Moyock Distract beginning at a corner between Lamuel Wilson and Henry Ballentine thence Northeast to the mouth of a gut on Southerly side of North West River along the edge of River various courses to a gut called Slaks various courses to the joining of Ballentine's lands, Templeman's land and Marchant's lands to the first station. Nov. 13, 1783 - James Phillips sold to Thomas Campbell for £4, 10 acres Listed as a coroner in 1785 Sheriff in 1786 List of Insolvents) Listed 1785-1787 as Sheriff Dec. 1787 - The General Assembly proposed that the militia field officers for Currituck County would be James Phillips as Lt. Col., Andrew Drake as 1st Major and Thomas Poyner as 2nd Major July 21 - Aug. 4, 1788 - NC Constitutional Convention named delegates to represent Currituck Co.: John Humphries, Joseph Ferebee, James Phillips & Wm. Ferebee Aug. 30, 1797 - James Phillips & wife Amey of Currituck Co. sold to John Ansell of Princess Anne Co., Va. , for $1875.00, a tract of land on Knotts Island containing 125 acres, this being the land and plantation that Ansell sold & conveyed to Amey White now the wife of said James Phillips.

Asahel Simmons Post-revolutionary records have him managing local tax assessments and court executions  Listed as Sheriff in 1787  [see his estate record]

Alexander LeGrand Whitehall, Esq. (b. c1750 & died 1795) Sheriff in 1788 - List of Insolvents and also 1792-1794.  By Nov. 1790 when the Comptroller balanced the books of the Sheriffs of Currituck County,. Alexander L. Whitehall owed £544, 17 shillings & 7 pence to the State of NC May 30, 1797 - By virtue of order from the Court I, Alexander Whitehall Sheriff, have granted & conveyed the said land unto Thomas Garrott, and I, Solomon Alcock , present Sheriff in consequence of the death of Alex. Whitehall, former Sheriff, do convey afsd. land. [see the 1797 Alexander L. Whitehall estate record]

Kadar Mulder Received a land grant for 322 acres in Gibbs Neck Currituck Co. in 1782  Listed as Sheriff in 1789-1790  [see Augustus B. Morse Bible]

Thomas Pool Williams Dec. 23, 1776 - Listed as one if the Justices of the Peace for Currituck County Dec, 20, 1790 - General Assembly confirmed unto Thomas Pool Williams of Currituck Co., an indivisible 2 acres at Bellsville in said county. Listed as Sheriff 1790-1792 [see his will]

Samuel Salyear, Jr. Oct. 29, 1782 received a land grant for 623 acres on the Sand Banks Listed as Sheriff in 1793-1795 Sept. 18, 1814 received a land grant for 10 acres in Currituck County beginning on the edge of the shoal Nov. 28, 1814 received a land grant for 21/2 acres known by the name Foster's Island

John Humphries Listed as Sheriff in 1795 see his will, estate sale notice and news of his death

Solomon Alcock, Esq.  Listed in the 1790 census Listed as Sheriff 1795-1797 & 1802-1805 General Assembly Dec. 1799 -  Solomon Alcock to collect arrears owed him as Sheriff in 1795-1797 see his will

Jacob Perkins Listed as Sheriff in 1798-1802; 1810-1813 see his 1816 will]

Caleb Etheridge, Esq. L:isted in the 1800 census Listed in the 1810 census-- 4 males 0-10; 1 male 26-45; 1 female 0-10, 1 female 16-26; 13 slaves Listed as Sheriff 1805-1814 Feb, 1803 Caleb Etheridge was guardian to Polly Taylor, orphan of Thomas Taylor, dec'd. May 31, 1804 Caleb Etheridge & Samuel Salyear, Jr. were sureties on a bond taken out by Josiah Nicholson to have an ordinary in his home.  [In early American history, an ordinary was a licensed public establishment that provided food, drink, and sometimes overnight accommodations, which later evolved into what we call taverns or inns.] Sept. 2, 1809 -  I Caleb Etheridge Sheriff by virtue of an Execution issued out of the Superior Court commanding me out of the goods, chattles, & lands of William Etheridge, Sen. which you have been commanded 4 times to cause the sum of £12 10 Shillings with interest which John Williams, Sen. recovered against him also the sum of £9 4 Shillings & 5 Pence for cost. By virtue of Execution I offer for sale to satisfy Execution a negro woman named Nan, where & when Mary Conley bid the sum of £24 & was highest bidder. I Caleb Etheridge, Sheriff, have granted the said negro unto Mary Conley.  Witness: Dennis Dozier Sept. 5, 1809 - I Caleb Etheridge, Sheriff ,by an Execution issued out of the Superior Court which has commanded me out of the goods, chattles & lands of William Etheridge, Sen. to cause the sum of £5 which was recovered by John Williams, Sen. for damages also the sum of £14, 12 Shillings & 5 Pence for cost against William Etheridge,, Sen. In obedience to Execution I offered for sale 1 bed & furniture, 1 horn, 1 negro boy named Jacob. Mary Conley appeared & was highest bid, for bed 10 Shillings, horn £5, negro boy Jacob £9.  Witness: Dennis Dozier

Antebellum Period (1820 - 1861) (Sheriff records are scarce between 1836 & 1849)

`Simeon Sawyer August 1806 Listed as a Constable Listed as a Deputy Sheriff in 1809-1812  [Simeon Sawyer was a Deputy sheriff for Jacob Perkins & Caleb Etheridge] [see his 1814 will]

Isaac Baxter, Sen. Served as Sheriff from 1813 -1840  [We are assuming these were probably not consecutive years but with gaps in-between] Dec. 25, 1832 - Isaac Baxter, sheriff, gave notice in the newspaper that the lands of Nancy Poyner, dec'd, , lying in the Coinjock Dist. & bound by the land if Nathan Poyner to satisfy the taxes from 1823-1831. see the 1855 obit of his house guest for 14 years, Mahala Forbes see the 1859 obit of his wife, Letitia Baxter [see his 1858 will]

Samuel B. Dozier Nov. 27, 1839 - Caleb S. Walker of Tyrrell County sold to Samuel B. Dozier of Currituck Co., for $400.00, a piece of land being in Currituck, bounded as follows: north by Ann Simmons, east by Levi Walker, south by Elizabeth Gray, containing 128 acres. 1840 Currituck Co. census Mar. 1842 - Willis Sawyer: property owner in Currituck County, associated with land bordered by the heirs of Josiah W. Forman (deceased) and Mathias Etheridge; Josiah W. Forman: deceased, referenced through his heirs who owned neighboring land; Mathias (Matthias) Etheridge: neighboring landowner in Currituck County; Cary Etheridge: purchaser of Willis Sawyer’s land at public sale, likely residing in Currituck County, possibly related to Mathias Etheridge; Samuel B. Dozier: Sheriff of Currituck County who conducted the sale; Benjamin T. Simmons: Clerk of the Court at Currituck; Thos (Thomas) B. Butt: creditor or recipient of proceeds from legal action involving Willis Sawyer 1850 Currituck Co, census - Samuel B. Dozier served as the Currituck Co. Sheriff from the late 1840s until he died in Dec. 1850.  Because he died mid-term, legal complications arose regarding the collection of tax arrears.  His administrator was involved in prolonged lawsuits regarding the outstanding county taxes Dozier was responsible for collecting during his final years. Jan. 13, 1851 - In the House of Commons, a bill presented to Thomas Griggs, administrator of Samuel B. Dozier, late Sheriff of Currituck Co.  (Thomas Griggs was later called "Sheriff of Currituck County" in 1852 while he was administering Dozier's estate.)

Thomas Griggs   Born Feb 28, 1816 & died Aug. 9, 1852; buried in the Fisher Cemetery in Jarvisburg, NC 1840 Currituck Co. census 1850 Currituck Co, census Jan. 13, 1851 - In the House of Commons, a bill presented to Thomas Griggs, administrator of Samuel B. Dozier, late Sheriff of Currituck Co.  (Thomas Griggs was later called "Sheriff of Currituck County" in 1852 while he was administering Dozier's estate.)

Reconstruction Period (1865 - 1876)

Jesse B. Lee Feb. 10, 1840 - Samuel B. Dozier was listed as the administrator of Richard Knight Aug. 28, 1849 - Jesse B. Lee & his wife Judith sell 120 acres to Israel Fanshaw for $1800.00. see the 1850 census Tulls Creek Dist. June 20, 1850 - Israel Fanshaw hath produced a Deed of conveyance made to him from Jesse B. Lee and Judith his wife of a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Currituck in our State and procured the same to be proved in the Court of our said County of Currituck and it being represented to our said Court that Judith the wife of the said Jesse B. Lee is so infirm that she cannot travel to the Court of our said County of Currituck, to be privately examined as to her free consent in executing said conveyance. Know ye that we in confidence of your prudence and fidelity, have appointed you and by these presents do give unto you or any two of you, full power and authority to take the private examination of the said Judith wife of the said Jesse B. Lee, concerning her free consent in her executing the said conveyance, therefore we command you or any two of you that, it such certain day and place as you shall think fit, you go to the said Judith, if she cannot conveniently come to you and privately and apart from her husband examine her the said Judith whether she executed the said conveyance freely and of her own record, without fear or compulsion of the said Jesse B. Lee her husband, the examination being distinctly and plainly wrote on the said Deed or on some paper annexed there to and when you shall have so taken the said examination you are to send the same closed up under the seals of you or any two of you, together with this writ, unto our said Court to be held for the said County at the Court House on the last Monday of August next. Aug. 1850 - This Indenture made and entered into this the (blank) day of August A.D. 1850 between Israel Fanshaw of the first part and Jesse B. ee and wife Judith of the second part all of the State and County aforesaid. Witnesseth that whereas the said Jesse B. Lee & wife Judith have by deed bearing date August 21st A.D. 1850 sold and conveyed to said Israel Fanshaw ….a certain piece and parcel of land containing by estimation One hundred and twenty acres more or less which land was maiden land being the land of said Judith wife of said Jesse and whereas said Judith joined in said convey and from her husband and herself on condition that in consideration of her so joining and conveying her rights in said land & title should be made to her husband, herself and the children between them begotten or that my be begotten between them of the land to be hereafter described in manner to be hereinafter named. Therefore for and in consideration of the premises and the further consideration of the sum of Two hundred dollars to him the said Fanshaw in hand paid by the said Jesse B. Lee and wife Judith which money is part of the consideration of the sale of said land spoken of above. The said Fanshaw hath given granted bargained and sold and by these presents doth give grant bargain and sell unto the said Jesse B. Lee and wife Judith their children between them begotten or that may be begotten a certain piece or parcel of land situate and being in the County and State aforesaid butted and bounded as follows: Beginning at a marked poplar in Caleb Williams line, running thence down said Israel Fanshaw’s line to Thos. L. Sanderson’s line, thence down Sanderson’s  line to Robert Poyners line thence along Poyner line to Jonathan Lindsey’s line thence to Caleb Williams line to a marked corner thence along said line to the first station containing by estimation One Hundred and twenty five acres more or less. To have and to hold said piece or parcel of land to said Jesse B. Lee  and his wife Judith for life and the life of the longest liver of them, remainder to their children begotten between them living at the death of the longest liver of the said Jesse or wife Judith or the legal representative of their children should any of them die before said Jesse & wife leaving lawful issue living at the death of the longest liver of said Jesse & wife share and share alike to each child or their representatives one share to said children their heirs and assigns as tenants in common forever.  Listed as Sheriff 1858 -1867 see the 1860 census Courthouse Dist. died before Dec. 6, 1870; 1 year support set off to his widow, Judith, on Dec. 6, 1870 by J.W. Baxter, adm'r. of the estate

Thomas C. Humphries  Born: July 8 1833 Currituck Co., NC  to John Humphries (1809-1847) & Adelia Haywood Ferebee (1813-1873)                                        Died: Oct. 8, 1909 Berkley, Norfolk Co., VA Listed in the 1850 Currituck Co. census Listed in the 1860 Currituck Co, census Listed as Sheriff 1864-1868 Reorganization of Currituck Co. by the Board of Magistrates shows T.C. Humphries as Sheriff Filed for bankruptcy in 1868 1908- His 75th birthday is celebrated see his 1909 obituary and his wife's (Mary H. Humphries) 1910 obituary

Thomas F. Baxter Dec 1845 - Land Grant for 312 acres in Currituck County see 1850 census Mar. 1, 1853 - Benj. P. Dey sold 38 acres to Thomas F. Baxter for $125.00 in the Courthouse Dist. bound on the north by Buckskin road, on the east by the lands of James Snowden, deceased, on the south by the land of Thomas F. Baxter and on the west by William R. Gordon. see 1860 census April 1868 - Elected as sheriff Listed as Sheriff 1868-1874 1870 Currituck Co. census - Crawford Twp. 1880 Currituck Co. census - Crawford Twp. see his 1891 death notice, his will and his estate record

Industrial Period (1877 - 1900)

John F. Frost   Born: Dec. 1, 1828 - Died: Nov. 20.1900; Married Sarah Stevenson (1836-1915) on Jan. 21, 1858 see 1850 Currituck Co. census - Indian Ridge Dist. see 1860 Currituck Co. census - Courthouse Dist. Mar. 14, 1870 received a land grant of 241/2 acres in Crawford Twp. 1871 - List as a Deputy Sheriff Feb 4, 1874 - Thomas F. Baxter tendered his resignation as Sheriff of Currituck Co. and John F. Frost was appointed to fill the unfinished term as sheriff and gave bond of $10,000 Listed as Sheriff 1878-1882 see his 1895 will

William Henry Bray Listed as Sheriff 1883-1884 & 1886-1887 Sep. 27, 1886 - Received of W.H. Bray, Sheriff of Currituck Co., $4750.00 in part payment of $5000.00 of Canal money. Feb. 2, 1887 - W.H. Bray, Sheriff of Currituck County, settled for state taxes, paying in $1835.26. Feb. 4, 1889 - W.H. Bray, ex-sheriff of Currituck Co. was paid $60 for mileage he traveled for 20 days to meet with the finance committee. Jan. 10, 1905 - Appointed 4th Class Postmaster for Currituck Co.

Edward Tillett  Born:: Apr. 22, 1843, son of Thomas B. Tillett (1795-1862) and Lucinda Harrison (1803-1850);  Died: Apr 29, 1923; Married: Genova Waterfield on July 4, 1877 1850 Currituck Co. census (age 7) 1860 Currituck Co. census (age 17) Listed in the 1867 Voter Registrations Listed as Sheriff 1890-1898 see his 1923 newspaper obituary see his death certificate

John Etheridge Barnard   Born: June 21, 1845 -  Died: Feb. 21, 1932   Married: Mary Virginia Ferebee; Buried: Jarvis Farm Cemetery, Moyock, NC 1850 Currituck Co. census (age 5) 1860 Currituck Co. census (age 14) Listed as Sheriff 1904-1908 see his 1932 newspaper obituary (with photo)

The Progressive Period (1905 - 1929)

Robert Lee Griggs  Born: Sept. 1, 1867 & died May 9, 1950; Buried: Powells Point Christian Church Cemetery; son of Daniel Griggs & Robanna Gallop Listed as Sheriff  1910 - 1912 Sept 1912 - Robert Griggs & his deputy are said to have large families May 1922 - Running for another term as sheriff. Nov. 1932 - Bankrupcy Notice June 1940 - Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrated May 1950 - see his obituary

Robert Edward. Flora   Born: Apr. 20, 1863 - Died: Oct. 4, 1951; married Martha Adelaide "Addie" Baxter Listed as Sheriff 1898-1904 & 1910-1917 see his 1951 obituary & another obituary His son, Will Flora, was a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Eastern Dist, of NC from 1939-1959.

John Howard Forbes  Born: in Jarvisburg, NC Sept. 3, 1894 to John L Forbes (1862-1946) and Sirley Sykes (1862-1930) and died in Elizabeth City, NC on June 30, 1975; married: Thetis Mae Walker in Portsmouth, VA on Dec. 10, 1929 June 5, 1917 signed his draft card in Jarvisburg Listed as Sheriff  1926-1938 1930 Currituck Co., census shows John H. Forbes lives on Narrow Shore Rd. in Poplar Branch Twp. and is listed as sheriff of the county. June 1938 - Howard Forbes defeated  L.L. Dozier & J.A. Sumrell for Sheriff 1940 Currituck Co. census "Howard" Forbes is listed as a farmer in Poplar Branch, NC 1950 Currituck Co census  listed as "Howard E." & his wife Thetis Forbes: in Poplar Branch Twp. and as Clerk of Court & farmer see his obituary

The Great Depression & WW II (1929 - 1945)

Lawrence Lucian Dozier, Sr.  Born Feb, 7, 1897 & died Aug. 19, 1963; Married: Sudie Wright Forbes Listed as Sheriff 1938 - 1958 June 12, 1942 - L.L. Dozier wins the Sheriff position when there was a recount of the votes demanded by N.N. Hampton. see his obituary

Post War (1946 - Present)

Luther Leary Sanderlin  Born in Currituck Co. on March 10, 1901 & died in Chesapeake, VA on Oct. 6, 1985; Buried: Highland Park Cemetery, Elizabeth City, Pasquotank Co., NC..  He never married. Listed as Sheriff 1958 - 1970 Oct. 1963 - Sheriff Luther L. Sanderlin's deputy, Watt Franklin Morgan, was shot and killed by Robert Lewis Owens see his death certificate

William Norman Newbern, Jr.  Born Mar. 8, 1939 & died July 8, 2017; son of William Norman Newbern, Sr. and Vertie Barrow Newbern; Married: Dora Faye Butts Listed as Sheriff  1970 - 1994 see his obituary

Glenn Everett Brinkley  Glenn Brinkley joined the Currituck sheriff's department in 1971 and ran for the position of sheriff after 23 years with the department. Listed as Sheriff  1994 - 2000

Susan D. Johnson  Elected the first female sheriff of Currituck Co. Susan Johnson: served as sheriff from 2000 until May 2019, completing over 28 total years with the Currituck County Sheriff's Office before retiring. She was awarded the Old North State Award upon her retirement.

Matthew W. Beickert Listed as Sheriff  2017 - present

SOURCES:      North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, NC      The Colonial & State Records of North Carolina covering Vols. 1-25 by Stephen B. Weeks      Currituck County Sheriff's Office      Currituck County Deed Books      Currituck County Voting Records on Family Search      By A Line of Marked Trees, Abstracts if Currituck County, NC Deed Books by John A. Brayton      The Heritage of Currituck County by the Albemarle Genealogical Society      Newspapers.com      Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters      Revolutionary Army Accounts, Treasurers & Comptrollers Records; Vol. 11, pg. 18. folio 21      Currituck County Tricentennial Celebration:  Report of the Historical Committee on Outstanding Citizens, 1670 - 1970; Book D, pp 6, 305