
Chester County elected its first sheriff, Robert Criner, in 1882. Criner was born in Henderson County in 1853. He grew up on his father’s farm as one of 11 children. He served several years as constable and then deputy sheriff in Henderson County. He worked as a clerk in a dry goods store at Center Point and later in a store in Henderson. In 1882, he was elected to the office of sheriff of Chester County which he filled with credit to himself and to the people. After his public service, he engaged with his brother H.D. in a prosperous livery business. His final occupation was that of sewing machine salesman while residing on Second Street in Henderson until his death in 1911.