A Guide to the Essex County (Va.) Sheriffs' Returns, 1810-1872
A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Barcode number: 1042690
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia800 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000
USA
Phone: (804) 692-3888 (Archives Reference)
Fax: (804) 692-3556 (Archives Reference)
Email: archdesk@lva.virginia.gov(Archives)
URL: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/
© 2012 By The Library of Virginia. All Rights Reserved.
Processed by: Library of Virginia staff
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Preferred Citation
Essex County (Va.) Sheriffs' Returns, 1810-1872. Local government records collection, Essex County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Acquisition Information
These items came to the Virginia State Library (now the Library of Virginia),under accession number 21817, n a transfer of court records on April 11, 1941.
Historical Information
Essex County was formed from old Rappahannock County in 1692. The county was probably named for the English county or perhaps for Algernon Capell, second earl of Essex.
Sheriffs appeared in Virginia when the original shires were formed in 1634. They originally had three functions: 1) law enforcement 2) conduct of elections, and 3) financial officer. The sheriff's duties have been curtailed over the years, but he is still the major law enforcing agent in a county .
Scope and Content
Essex County (Va.) Sheriffs' Returns cover the years 1810-1872. A sheriff's return refers to an officer of the court bringing back an instrument (usually an execution) to the court that issued it. An execution is a court order directing an officer of the court to enforce a judgment, usually by seizing and selling the judgment debtor's property.
Related Material
Additional Essex County Records can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult "A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm" found on the Library of Virginia's web site.
Significant Places Associated With the Collection
- Essex County (Va.)--History--19th century.