What’s the difference between a marshal and a sheriff?

What’s the difference between a marshal and a sheriff? Mavis Starner Hanover, Pennsylvania Traditionally in the Old West, the sheriff was an elected county official. Towns elected or appointed marshals and also constables. A U.S. marshal was a federal appointment and covered outlaws who broke federal laws. A federal marshal (or deputy) could also pull double duty as a sheriff, sheriff’s deputy, town marshal or deputy marshal. Towns that were county seats, like Tombstone, would ha