From an online search I found this opinion from the Attorney General of VA which sheds some light: >It is my opinion that the only change created in this structure by the >enactment of § 15.1-796.1 was that, beginning on July 1, 1971, the city >sergeant would have the title of city sheriff.17 The General Assembly >adopted § 15.1-796.1 at its 1971 Special Session as a transition statute >to effect the changes in the titles of local officers brought about by >adoption of the 1971 Constitution. Under the 1902 Constitution, each city >was to elect a city sergeant,18 and each county was to elect a county >sheriff.19 The 1971 Constitution eliminated this distinction between >cities and counties. Article VII, § 4 of the 1971 Constitution requires >each county and city to elect a sheriff. Accordingly, the General Assembly >amended a number of statutes throughout the Code,20 including the sections >relating to the transition of towns to cities,21 to substitute the term >"city sheriff" for the term "city sergeant." http://www.oag.state.va.us/media%20center/Opinions/1999opns/jul998.htm There is more discussion there of the nature of a city sergeant. It seems to be the equivalent of a sheriff, but for a city rather than a county. Rhode Island has them too: >The City Sergeant works in conjunction with the City Clerk's Office in the >distribution of all docket and other agenda material for City Council >meetings. The City Sergeant's duties also include the service of writs, >summonses and other legal instruments under the direction of the City >Solicitor. http://www.providenceri.com/government/citydir.html Probably other places, too..... But I never heard of it before! :) Martha Grenzeback graymatters@alltel.net At 09:07 AM 9/7/2005 -0500, Karen Hangsleben wrote: >I received an obit from the Winchester Star dated 1935. A Robert Forney had >died and listed among those family members who had predeceased him was a >brother Adam Forney. Adam was identified as for many years the "city >sergeant". > > > >What was Adam's job? What would it be called today? > > > >Looking to connect with this FORNEY family through an ANDERSON family both >of Winchester. > > > >Thanks, Karen Nelson Hangsleben > > > >==== OLD-FREDERICK-CO-VA Mailing List ==== >Our Old Frederick County list messages can be reviewed at >http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/old-frederick-co-va > >============================== >View and search Historical Newspapers. Read about your ancestors, find >marriage announcements and more. Learn more: >http://www.ancestry.com/s13969/rd.ashx