Pike County Court, Mississippi - History and Judges

Court History: The Pike County Court was established during the Mississippi Legislative Session of 1930. Since that time, seven individuals have presided over the tribunal.

Complete List of Judges:

Hon. William Barrett "W. B." Mixon

Elected: November 4, 1930
Took the Bench: January 12, 1931
Service: Died in Office April 17, 1932

Hon. Fenelon Dobyns Hewitt

Appointment: Appointed by Gov. Bennett Conner on April 27, 1932
Service: Served until December 31, 1934 when his term expired and did not seek reelection as county judge as he made an unsuccessful bid for circuit judge

Hon. William Franklin "W. F." Jackson

Election: Defeated W. A. Parsons in the 1934 General Election
Took Office: January 1, 1935
Service: Served until his death on July 15, 1955

Hon. Hansford L. Simmons

Appointment: Appointed by Gov. Hugh L. White
Sworn In: Tuesday, July 19, 1955
First Bench Appearance: Late September 1955
Service: Served until December 31, 1967, when he retired

Hon. A.T. "Thad" Leggett III

Election: Elected June 7, 1966, defeating L.S. McLauren and John B. Ewing
Took Office: January 1, 1967
Service: 32 years on the bench, ending December 31, 1998
Notable: Longest serving Pike County Court Judge

Hon. John Phillip Price

Election: Elected in a runoff election on November 17, 1998, unseating his predecessor (a 32-year incumbent)
Took Office: January 1, 1999
Service: Retired December 31, 2022
Notable: Second longest tenure with 24 years of service

Hon. David Lee Brewer