POLICE DEPARTMENT HISTORY - page 2

Below is a listing of the names, years, some information and history on the men who have served the Town of Rutherfordton and were accountable for its Law Enforcement.

On July 2nd, 1887, according to those minutes; a man by the name of F.B. Logan is elected and then appointed by the Commissioners as the first "Town Marshal" to get a "badge, belt, billy and one set of hobbles" to be used in the performance of his office. His salary is $10.00 per month and he serves as Marshal for 2 ½ months before he resigns.

The Town Commissioners elected L.L. Allen as "Town Marshal" on October 15th, 1887. He is paid $15.00 per month and is required to live inside the city limits. He is ordered to "give his absolute and undivided attention to the execution of ordinances . and to the improvements of the streets . and to look after the good order of the Town." On May 14th, 1889, the Marshal's salary is increased to $20.00 per month and he is furnished with two uniforms per year.

W.C. Hardin files his bond for Town "Marshal and Constable" on May 13th 1890. This is the first reference to the combination of the two titles, which were blending with respect to the office (i.e., Marshal, Constable, Police, Police Chief). His salary is set at $22.50 per month and he is instructed each night to light the street lamps throughout Town. Marshal W.C. Hardin also "summoned" all street hands for daily work.

NOTE: On July 6th, 1890, the first recorded reference to "police" is mentioned, when a man by the name of Joseph Hodge is paid $2.00 for two days service as police for the Town. Later in October of the same year, a man by the name of A.W. Morrow is the second person named as paid for his service as police for the Town. These men worked under the supervision of the Town Marshal.

W.S. Griffin is elected Marshal on May 6th, 1891 and serves for two years. W.A. Hampton and J.L. Butler serve as Assistant Marshal under Marshal W.C. Griffin.

John C. Walker is elected Marshal on May 25th, 1893 and serves almost two months before he resigns on July 10th. Amongst his many duties, he is instructed to ". ring the Court House bell, everyday except Sunday at 6 am, 12 noon and 9 pm." Charles E. Hill was paid for services as Assistant Marshal under Marshal J.C. Walker.

NOTE: Here is an interesting bit of information from the July 10th, 1893 Town meeting, "The following resolution was accepted on motion of the Board. It shall be a misdemeanor for any of the Town Commissioners, Secretary & Treasurer or Marshal not to be on hand at an appointed meeting or when called by the Mayor and shall be fined one dollar and cost."

John H. Shotwell is elected Marshal by the Commissioners on July 12th, 1893. Interesting note here, Marshal John H. Shotwell is also appointed "Tax Collector." His salary is "fixed at $16.50 per month, and fees due him and collected by virtue of his office, and 5% commission on taxes collected." Vance Scoggin is paid for services as Assistant Marshal under Marshal J.H. Shotwell.