Our Heritage
Sheriffs trace their heritage back to ninth
century England when the King had a personal representative in each Shire
whose title was the Shire Reeve. A shire was the equivalent of an
American county, and the title of Shire Reeve evolved into a single word
Sheriff.
Shire Reeves executed royal writs, and were not only responsible
for the police and jails, but also for collecting taxes. Their
responsibilities as magistrates and chief law enforcement officers gave them
broad duties and powers, but they did not act alone. Each English
citizen was required to get involved in keeping the peace.
When English subjects came to the New World, they brought with
them the traditions of the English criminal justice system, including the
office of Sheriff. From 1608 to 1783 American Sheriffs were usually
large landowners appointed by the colonial governors. With only slight
modification they performed almost the same duties as their counterparts in
England. The Chesapeake Sheriff of early Maryland settlements not only
policed the counties, but also was the chief financial officer who collected
taxes and fees and kept 10 percent of the proceeds.
In North Carolina the office of Sheriff has been traced back to
1739. It was said to have been created in response to public demand
and quickly became one of the most important and influential position in
local government.
Colonel Ebenezer Sproat was appointed the first Sheriff in the
Northwest territory, Ohio Company. On September 2, 1788, Indians
representing the more powerful tribes of the northwest were assembled at
Marietta to negotiate treaties. A great parade of all officials in the
settlement marched to Campus Martius Hall to open the first court. The
Indians were deeply impressed with the pageant, especially with Colonel
Ebenezer Sproat, High Sheriff. He carried a drawn sword, was over sex
feet tall, and so pleased the natives with his gallantry and size that they
cried out "Heap big Hetuk." Hetuk was the Indian name for buckeye.
The nickname never left Colonel/Sheriff Sproat and was gradually conferred
upon all Ohio citizens. |
