Sheriff Charles F. McComb

St. Louis County Boasts Four Men on Job in Single Year

When the board of county commissioners appoints successor to Emil M. Erickson, resigned, St. Louis county will have had four sheriffs this year – none of whom was elected by the people.

They are Frank L. Magie, who was defeated for re-election by Mr. Erickson and who held office until ousted March 6 by a supreme court order.  Mr. Erickson, who defeated Mr. Magie, but whose election was declared void and of no legal effect – in other words, was not elected.  Dr. C. F. McComb, county coroner, who officiated as sheriff under state statute after Mr. Erickson resigned.  The board’s appointee, scheduled to be named this afternoon.

The situation is believed to be without parallel – certainly in St. Louis county.

Source:  Unknown – newspaper article, December 14, 1931

McComb Takes Over Duties of Erickson as Sheriff

Sans handcuff, gun or billy but a real sheriff withal, Dr. C. F. McComb, St. Louis county coroner, at 9 a.m. yesterday ensconced himself behind a desk in the sheriff’s office in the courthouse and prepared temporarily to enforce the law in the county.

 And when Dr. McComb, serving until a successor is appointed to Emil Erickson, resigned, became sheriff yesterday morning, he became a sheriff in earnest.  He took off his hat and coat, rolled up his sleeves and questioned deputies. 

“Where are you going, Bert?” asked Dr. McComb as Deputy Duff started to leave the office.  “Got to serve a warrant,” answered Duff.  “All right, let me know when you get back,” said the doctor. 

The new sheriff picked up a telephone and called the jail.  “How many prisoners have you,” he asked Allen Longstreet, jailer.  Longstreet readily gave the figure.  “All right,” said Dr. McComb, “Feed ‘em well.”

So it went.  Deputy George A. Hoel was “fired” for throwing a cigarette butt on the floor and then rehired on his promise never to do it again.  George Kettner, chief deputy was complimented for satisfactorily explaining to a taxpayer that taxes really should be paid and Deputy W. J. Dutcher acted as official guide to Mr. McComb during a tour of the office.

However, there was one thing the new sheriff refused to do.  “I won’t wear a badge,” said Dr. McComb, “and that’s that.”

Source:  Unknown – newspaper article, date unknown