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- Berry Hampton Tanner was the first Sheriff of Coffee Co., GA.Although born in South Carolina, his family moved to Emanuel Co.around 1820, and this was where Berry grew up. As a young man,he moved to Appling Co. where he met and married his wife, MissEliza Taylor. In 1838, Tanner moved to Telfair Co., and settledin the 748th District, south of the Ocmulgee river. During theformation of Coffee Co., this land was taken into it. BH Tannerwas the Justice of the Peace of the 442nd District of ApplingCo. 1834-1837, and of the 748th District of Telfair Co.1839-1841. In the first election for County officers of the newcounty of Coffee, in 1854, he was elected as the originalSheriff, and served for two years (1854-1856). Mr. Tanner servedin the Indian War in 1838 as a Private in Capt. NJ Holton's Co.of Appling Co. militia. He was also a member of the MasonicLodge, receiving his degrees in 1858 at Waresboro, in the oldWaresboro Lodge #217. He was demitted in 1861, and transferredhis membership to Satilla Lodge #163, nearer his home. BerryTanner died about June 30, 1881, and is buried at WardCemetery,near West Green, GA. His headstone and a ceremonialshovel of dirt were later moved to Camp Ground Methodist ChurchCemetery and placed beside Eliza. Source: Huxford, POWG, Vol1, pg 271-272, Vol 2, pg 319, Vol 3, pg 386
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