Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Halifax County (Va.) Sheriff Records, 1836-1879. Local government records collection, Halifax County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Acquisition Information

These items came to the Library of Virginia in a shipment of court papers from Halifax County. Portions of the collection were transferred under the following accession numbers: 27601 and 33905.

Historical Information

Halifax County was named for George Montagu Dunk, second earl of Halifax, who was president of the Board of Trade from 1748 to 1761. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1752.

The sheriff was responsible for services rendered in the prosecution of court cases (law enforcement.) The sheriff also acted as a combination of both the commissioner of revenue and the county treasurer. He was appointed by the governor from a list of three names submitted by the county court. His term of office was for one year until 1731, after which it was two years. His two deputies, also know as sub (under) sheriffs did most of the work.

Scope and Content

Halifax County (Va.) Sheriff Records, 1836-1879, includes Sheriff records and papers, and Tax and Fee Books.

Related Material

Additional Halifax County Court Records can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult "A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm."

Index Terms

Corporate Names:

• Halifax County (Va.) Circuit Court

Subjects:

• Public records--Virginia--Halifax County

Geographical Names:

• Halifax County (Va.)--History

Genre and Form Terms:

• Local government records--Virginia--Halifax County

Adjunct Descriptive Data