Sheriff's Office History

There is perhaps no public officer closer to the people, than the Sheriff of the County since he and his Deputies, in their work, come in contact with the people throughout the county. They are symbols of law and protection and feared by wrong doers.

Sheriff's of Tattnall County did not have a courthouse for the first 30 years of its existence. It is unlikely that it had any jail in which to confine prisoners. However, after the county site was located at what is now Reidsville, and a courthouse built there, a substantial jail was erected on the grounds, being a few yards east where the courthouse is. This was used until about 1888, when the present jail was constructed on the west side of the courthouse.

For many years, term of office of a Sheriff was only two years instead of four as at present, and some of the Sheriff's only served one term. Many outstanding residents of the county have filled this office and have descendants living in the county today.

The following have filled this office in the county: