History of the Sheriff's Office

Facts About the Sheriff's

Jeremiah Whipple was born in the year 1763 and died on September 22, 1840. Whipple was a veteran of the revolutionary war, and a tavern keeper in Cazenovia during 1814. He later owned a store with his son.

Elijah Pratt was the first physician of Peterboro and was the first male school teacher during 1801-1802. Pratt joined the Madison County Medical Society in 1806 in which he held the office of secretary. After he served his term as Sheriff he became a tavern keeper.

John Matteson settled in Madison County with his mother and brothers as a farmer. He became a constable in Smithfield in the year 1809 and died in Lenox on May 27, 1832.

William Hatch was the court crier in 1807, was a Lieutenant in the Militia in 1808 and became a Captain in 1809. During the year 1814 he became a tavern keeper.

Moses Maynard was one of three brothers. He distinguished himself in various official capacities, one being a chief projector of the Chenango canal. In 1816 he was an assemblyman and later in 1814 a tavern keeper. Maynard died on May 27, 1853.

Ezra Cloyes was born in the year 1776 and died in 1839. Cloyes was an ensign in the Militia in 1803 and the year later became Lieutenant.

Ezekial Carpenter during the year 1840 he was the commissioner of loans.

Pardon Barnard played the roles of judge, ensign of the Militia, and a member of Assembly, and a licensed preacher in 1834. Barnard died on May 28, 1841.

Joseph S. Palmer A.K.A. Sheriff Joe Palmer was born on February 24, 1793 and died on June 6, 1849. He was a farmer, commissioner of deeds during 1821, Smithfield Justice of Peace in 1831, and Postmaster of Peterboro in 1832.

Thomas Wylie was one of the advocates of the Chenango canal, 1807 he was an ensign in the Militia and was one of the founders of Hamilton Academy during 1816.

John Messenger was born October 9, 1798, died September 11, 1866. In 1830 he was Assemblyman and in 1832 he held the position of Postmaster.

Isaac Brown was the paymaster in the Militia during 1822.

Samuel French was the brother of Horatio, Thomas, and Jarius. He was a veteran of the war of 1812, was an ensign in the Militia in 1822, was a Marshall for Madison County during the year 1830 and was a Postmaster and merchant at the Town of Sullivan in 1840.

William Brand died on August 18, 1863.

Stephen Potter represented the county in Assembly in 1846 and was chosen Sheriff in 1852; he died at Manlius at the age of 91.

Sanford Chapman was born in the year 1812. He was the owner of Mt. Pleasant farm and was a noted breeder of Durham cattle.

William P. Bonney was a member of the Madison County Central Committee in 1834 and in 1832 was in the Anti-Mason committee.

A.C. Stone taught the E. school in Lincoln during 1832 - 1833. He was a Deputy Sheriff in 1839, state Senator in 1850, District Attorney during 1856 - 1859. Stone died in the year 1866.

Thomas French was a representative to the legislature and later became Undersheriff to Samuel French during 1844 - 1846.

Edwin Barker was a member of the Democratic committee of 1840.

Milton Barnett was the first trustee of the Oneida savings bank, an Assemblyman, and a doctor. Barnett died after laying unconscious for three days.

Researched by Kimberly Winston, Intern (Spring 1995)