JESSAMINE COUNTY, KY HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

A History of Jessamine County, Kentucky by Bennett H. Young, (1898) – 298 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2024.01.29.1904.CD.AR

Jessamine County, Kentucky: A Genealogical Overview

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s scenic Bluegrass Region, Jessamine County is a land of rolling hills, historic horse farms, and the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Kentucky River Palisades. Situated just south of Lexington, it blends a rich agricultural heritage with growing suburban communities. Its history is deeply intertwined with the earliest pioneer movements into Kentucky and the development of the state’s famed equine and agricultural industries.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Understanding Jessamine County’s formation from a larger parent county is the first step for successful genealogical research in this historically significant area.

  • 1799: County Formed: Jessamine County was established on December 19, 1798, from land taken from Fayette County. Its government became effective on February 1, 1799.
  • Parent County: It was created entirely from the southern portion of Fayette County, one of the original three counties of Kentucky. Records prior to 1799 for ancestors in this area would be located in Fayette County records.
  • Subsequent County Formations: The boundaries of Jessamine County have remained largely intact since its formation, and it has not served as a parent to any subsequent counties.
  • Name Origin: The county is named for Jessamine Creek, which flows through it. Local legend holds that the creek was named for Jessamine Douglas, the daughter of a pioneer settler who was killed by Native Americans near its banks.
  • County Seat History: The county seat has always been Nicholasville. It was established in 1799 and named in honor of Colonel George Nicholas, a Revolutionary War veteran and framer of the Kentucky constitution.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: Prior to European settlement, the area was a vital hunting ground for Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee. It was part of the contested “Great Meadow” that saw few permanent native villages but was rich in game.
  • Pioneer Settlement and Economy: Significant settlement by American pioneers began in the years following the Revolutionary War, from the late 1770s through the 1790s. Early settlers were drawn by fertile land perfect for farming. The economy was built on agriculture, with key crops including tobacco, corn, and hemp (used for rope and bagging). The breeding of Thoroughbred horses and other fine livestock quickly became, and remains, a cornerstone of the county’s identity and economy. Early settlements and river landings grew along the Kentucky River, which served as a major commercial artery.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records specific to Jessamine County.

  • Courthouse: Jessamine County Courthouse: Located at 101 N Main St, Nicholasville, KY 40356.
    • The Jessamine County Clerk holds key records including deeds (land records), marriage licenses, and tax books.
    • The Jessamine County Circuit Court Clerk maintains probate records (wills and estates), as well as civil and criminal court cases.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Kentucky began in 1911. These records are held by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. For records prior to this date, research is more challenging. Some scattered records exist for the periods 1852-1862 and a few other years, but compliance was inconsistent. Researchers should consult church records, family Bibles, cemetery records, and newspapers.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage records from 1799 to the present are held by the Jessamine County Clerk. These are often the best source for vital information before 1911.
  • Libraries with Genealogy Collections:
    • Jessamine County Public Library: Located at 600 S Main St, Nicholasville, KY 40356. This library has a dedicated Kentucky Room with local history resources, family files, and genealogical materials.
    • Kentucky Historical Society: Located in Frankfort, KY. This is a primary resource for statewide research, with extensive manuscript collections, library materials, and microfilm.
    • University of Kentucky, Margaret I. King Library: Located in nearby Lexington, this library has vast special collections, including newspapers, maps, and historical documents relevant to the Bluegrass Region.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Fayette County, KY
    • Madison County, KY
    • Garrard County, KY
    • Mercer County, KY
    • Woodford County, KY

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks