Eppa P. Kirby

Eppa Preston Kirby (June 2, 1879 - July 4, 1948) was the Sheriff of Fairfax County from 1927 to December, 1947.[1]

The son of Joshua and Henrietta Kirby, Kirby was born on the family farm and grew up in Fairfax County. He was the youngest of 7 children.

He was educated in the county and at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal.[1] He later attended The College of William & Mary where he was a football star.[2]

He then returned and operated his farm near Falls Church until 1925, when he joined the county government as an assistant land assessor.[1]

In July, 1940, Kirby oversaw the creation of the Fairfax County Police Department, which separated the unprofitable job of law enforcement in the county from the Sheriff's Office.

Kirby was defeated in the Democratic primary held on August 5, 1947 by John E. Taylor.

Kirby was married to the former Beulah Wells and had a son, Floyd, and a daughter Eula.[1]

He died suddenly at his farm on West Morland Drive in East Falls Church.[1]

Preceded by
 
Sheriff of Fairfax County
1927 - 1947
Succeeded by
John E. Taylor

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Eppa Kirby, Ex-Fairfax Sheriff, Dies." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 2. Jul 05 1948. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Web. 4 Sep. 2012.
  2. ↑ "Fairfax Sheriff, 61, Foils Felon By a Tackle" The Washington Post (1923-1954): 20. Jun 29 1940. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Web. 4 Sep. 2012.