Sam Sexton

Samuel Sexton (1876-1955) served as Scott County Sheriff in the 1900s.

See Also: Sheriffs of Scott County
Preceded By: Thomas Jeffers • Succeeded By: William J. West

Early Life

Born in Scott County in 1876, Sam Sexton was the son of Marion Sexton (1848-1917) and Emeline Newport (born 1844) of Helenwood. Sexton’s second great-grandfather was Timothy Sexton Sr., a Revolutionary War veteran who migrated to present-day Brimstone after the war. He was also a great-grandson of Revolutionary War veteran Joseph McPeters, who settled in the Glenmary area.

Sexton married Ida Bell Chambers, of New River, on Sept. 3, 1905. After her death of colitis in 1935, he married Lessie Chambers. His second wife’s father, Marion Chambers, was a longtime deputy sheriff in Scott County, serving under sheriffs Frank Butler and Dorsey Rosser.

Sexton, who was known as “Big Sam,” had at least nine children. His sons were Ezra (1910-1962), William Alonzo (1914-1943), Marvin Hollis (1938-1995) and Lindsey (1941-2019). William Sexton was killed in action in World War II. Sexton also had five daughters.

Sheriff of Scott County

Sexton was elected Scott County Sheriff in 1902, replacing Thomas Jeffers.

Death

Sexton died Dec. 2, 1955 at the home of his daughter in Kingsport, Tenn. He was 79. A funeral service was held at First Baptist Church of Huntsville on Dec. 4, 1955, and Sexton was buried at Harness Cemetery in Huntsville.