Past Sheriffs
Sheriff
The Office of Sheriff of Lancaster County has been held by a number of exemplary citizens of the community since 1861, but its accomplishments have been made possible only through the dedication and hard work of the deputy sheriffs and civilian employees who have served the Sheriff’s Office with honor. These men and women have committed themselves to public service, sometimes at considerable peril, and have distinguished themselves by innumerable acts of courage, integrity, intelligence, and determination. Their contribution to the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Lancaster County cannot be overstated.
The following is a list of those who've served as the Sheriff of Lancaster County, sorted by years of service:
| Year | Sheriff |
|---|---|
| 1861 to 1862 | Louis J. Loder |
| 1863 to 1864 | Josiah Chambers |
| 1865 | William Pemberton |
| 1865 | Joel Mason |
| 1866 to 1867 | R. M. Pursell |
| 1868 to 1869 | J. H. Hawk |
| 1870 to 1877 | Samuel McClay |
| 1878 to 1879 | J. S. Hoagland |
| 1880 to 1883 | Granville Ensign |
| 1884 to 1889 | Samuel M Melick |
| 1890 to 1893 | Samuel McClay |
| 1894 to 1895 | Fred Miller |
| 1896 to 1899 | John Trompen |
| 1900 to 1903 | Z. S. Branson |
| 1904 to 1907 | Nicholas Ress |
| 1908 to 1911 | Henry Hoagland |
| 1912 to 1917 | Gus Hyers |
| 1918 to 1919 | L. A. Simmons |
| 1920 to 1921 | Ira Miller |
| 1922 to 1938 | Claude P. Hensel |
| 1938 to 1940 | James Davis |
| 1940 to 1941 | E. Cecil Ward |
| 1942 to 1950 | Myles Holloway |
| 1951 to 1979 | Merle C. Karnopp |
| 1980 to 1987 | Dale A. Adams |
| 1988 to 1991 | Ron H. Tussing |
| 1991 to 1994 | Thomas K. Casady |
| 1994 | John D. Packett |
| 1994 | Samuel Van Pelt |
| 1994 to Present | Terry T. Wagner |