A crowd of people and 27 sheriffs, but no one was arrested.

The Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society gatheredTuesday to brush up on their history with Lincoln County SheriffSteve Rushing and to discuss usual business.

Rushing told the group that he has been collecting lawenforcement patches for roughly 16 years, and one day his supplierbrought him two pictures. The pictures were of Lincoln CountySheriffs Grady Case, who served from 1972-1976, and Houston Jordan,who served from 1976-1984.

Rushing said he knew one of the sheriffs immediately, but had todig around to get the scoop on the other law enforcementagents.

However, the lack of records on Lincoln County sheriffs andRushing’s love for history led him on a manhunt like no other.

Rushing educated the society and visitors on all 27 sheriffssince 1870, beginning with John Moore, who is interestingly enoughCanadian and was possibly a Union Army officer. The sheriff saidone of the most challenging aspects of putting together the listwas deciphering through the years that would not occasionally addup.

“It took me forever to get the names right because of theyears,” Rushing said.

The lecture was not only informative, but served as a trip downmemory lane for some audience members.

As the more recent sheriffs were on display, whispers of “Iremember him” and laughs could be heard among the crowd. Spectatorswould also call out stories of where the sheriffs lived, who theirfamily members were and any affiliations to the officers.

“I think history is so important and it’s our responsibility toreport, record, remember and celebrate the lives of those who havegone before us, in particular those who served in law enforcement,”said Miriam Moyer, whose two great uncles served as sheriff inLincoln County.

Rushing hopes to obtain pictures of all the previous sheriffsand place them on display in the sheriff’s department.

Rushing also did not take all the credit for his discoveries. Hesaid society members Sue Dorman and Wilson Farnham gave him a handin finding information.

In addition to a history lesson, society members and visitorswere updated on the status of two very important projects.

Treasurer Mary Frances Philips said the society’s St. StephensRoad historical marker was approved roughly three weeks ago, andthey hope to have the $1,700 marker installed by the end of theyear.

“Those markers help preserve history,” said Philips. “I thinkit’s important to know how people lived and traveled beforeus.”

The road was a trail that began in 1806 and was completed in1811. The trail connected Natchez to Fort St. Stephens, which wasnorth of Mobile.

Philips added that the trail, which runs behind the Shell gasstation located on Highway 84 and 51 and continues to NatchezAvenue, was used for communication and the transportation of goodsand families as settlers began to establish in this part of thecountry.

Soon, history lovers will not have to travel too far to get aneducation on Lincoln County.

Society Vice President Tammie Brewer informed the group thatthey have moved in display cases at the Lincoln County Historicaland Genealogical Society and B’nai Sholom Jewish Heritage Museum onthe corner of Chickasaw and South Church streets.

The museum was deeded to the society under the stipulation thatthe building be used for a museum, and after roughly $15,000 inrenovations- the building can now properly preserve items to bejust that.

“We felt as a group, Lincoln County needed a history museum,”said Brewer. “Hopefully, the kids coming up and adults will comeand learn something about the county.”

Brewer hopes to open museum doors the second week in March.

Brewer added that the society, which is funded mostly bydonations, is always looking for new members and contributors tothe society. Anyone interested can contact Brewer at 601-320-4958or attend the next general in February.