So, you've been elected as sheriff...what now???

 Movies and TV have glamorized law enforcement in the west. But more than likely, a sheriff's job was full of dull everyday things. We all know that those in law enforcement had to be quite handy with weapons. Their skill with fire arms would have brought them to the public attention. Often, citizens might find a figure in the town that was tall in statue in order to intimidate those who might want to cause a bit of trouble.

Being a sheriff or marshal meant you were in charge of the town. You needed to keep it orderly. You needed to enforce the laws and in some cases, YOU were in charge of cleaning the streets. Remember, no automobiles - your form of transportation was by foot or by horse. Horses do have a habit of leaving their calling card. Imagine in the heat, the smell of horse poop and the hum of flies. It was once noted that in Colonial Williamsburg the layer of poop in their streets was something close to five inches thick. I shudder to think about lifting my skirts to make sure my hems didn't become matted with the muck.

Sheriff's and marshal's were not the final say when it came to law enforcement. There was a tier of interaction. Sheriff served the entire county. In those counties, there were town marshals, deputies, and just plain old peace officers. However, above them all were the Feds - a federal marshal might have the final say in many disputes. If you lived in a frontier town, your law enforcement might fall under the military. Each group would have their own jobs.

Town marshals - elected or appointed.

Sheriff - elected by the county and spent a long time campaigning or taking care of towns, villages etc that had no town marshals.

The US Marshal Service came to be in the year 1789. They were in charge of Federal jurisdictions and matters such as serving warrants, arrest of fugitives, and transportation of prisoners. 

Being in law enforcement was a full time job.Some were known to be called out in the middle of the night and often would show up in their night dress.

Because people wanted law and order. Guns were regulated in towns to keep the peace. Tombstone required weapons to be surrendered for the length of stay. Towns like Deadwood, Virginia City, and Dodge had strict laws. In Deadwood, their laws on weapons said, "No person shall fire or discharge any cannon or gun, fowling piece, pistol, or fire-arm of any description, or fire, explode, or set off any squib, cracker or other thing containing powder or other combustible or explosive material... without permission of the mayor."

Having a family would present the idea that a man was settled and trustworthy. However due to his office, the family would be under constant scrutiny. Imagine living in a fish bowl. Where people watched what you did, how you dressed, whether or not you missed church? You can see where that might have a bit of a strain on your better half.

So, being in charge of a town was a big chore. Often people voted in those who would take advantage of a situation. Graft and shakedowns were common place. Which maybe why we appreciate our "novel" sheriffs to be placed on a pedistal.

 Until next time....

Nan