History of Laurel County

Laurel County, the eightieth county to be organized in Kentucky, was established by an act of the general assembly, December 12, 1825, from parts of Rockcastle, Clay, Knox, and Whitley counties. However, the actual operation of the county government did not begin until March 1826. 



Nine men were appointed as the first justices-of-the-peace for Laurel County in 1826. They were:  Samuel McHargue, William Freeman, Jarvis Jackson, David Weaver, William Smith, James McNeil, John Pearl, Jacob Boyer, & James Wood.  They assembled at Jarvis Jackson’s home on the first Monday of March in 1826. After taking oath of office they also appointed Lot Pitman – County Court Clerk; William Stuart, James Elkins, John Elkins, and John Hood – Constables; and John Jackson – Jailer. The following officers were also appointed by the governor, Thomas Buford – Sheriff, Samuel S. Griffin – Coroner,  James McNeil – Surveyor, and Thomas J. Buford – Attorney For The Commonwealth.  



John and Jarvis Jackson gifted land to start the town of London. That piece of land amounted to twenty-five acres and was to be included in the site, part of which they stipulated should be laid out in a public square and town lots. The Jackson brothers also agreed to build at their expense, and deed to the county, a courthouse and a jail, provided the proceeds from the sale of the town lots should revert to them. This proposition of the Jackson brothers was accepted, and plans and specifications for a brick and stone courthouse and a white and red oak jail were drawn up.