KYGENWEB: Magoffin County

	Welcome to KYGenWeb Project Magoffin County, Kentucky Old Courthouse 1890 - 1957
Salyersville, the Magoffin County seat, is located on the Licking River. A settlement was attempted nearby in 1794. The settlers, Archibald Prather (Prater), John Williams, Ebenezer Hanna, Clayton Cook and others, were subsequently driven off by Indians but returned in 1800. The original settlement was known as Prater's Fort. The first post office, Licking Station, was established at Prater's Fort in 1839. The post office moved to the present site of Salyersville in 1849 and was renamed Adamsville for William "Uncle Billy" Adams, a prominent local resident. Magoffin County was formed in 1860 out of parts of Floyd, Johnson and Morgan Counties. It was named after Gov. Beriah Magoffin (1815-1885). The county seat Adamsville was renamed Salyersville in 1861 for Rep. Samuel Salyers, who sponsored the bill creating the new county.
Salyersville in 1937 Photo courtesy of James E. Allen Salyersville, KY
Looking north on Church Street, the two-story stone house on the left and the long single-story building beside it were the residence and department store of Eugene B. Arnett. The Magoffin County Historical Society cabins are now located in this spot. The large brick building next to the store is Salyersville Grade and High School, built in 1936. The courthouse tower is visible near the center of the photo.
About Magoffin County Population (2010): 13,333 Area: 309 Square Miles County Seat: Salyersville, population (2010) 1,833 Other communities: Ever, Bethanna, Cutuno, Elsie, Foraker, Fritz, Gapville, Gunlock, Gypsy, Harper, Hendricks, Ivyton, Royalton, Stella, Swampton, Waldo, Wheelersburg, Wonnie. Neighboring Counties: Morgan, Johnson, Floyd, Knott, Breathitt and Wolfe. Research prior to 1860: Magoffin was formed in 1860 mainly from Morgan to the north and Floyd to the south. Floyd was formed in 1800 mainly from Montgomery to the west and Mason to the east. Morgan was formed in 1822 mainly from Floyd to the south. Montgomery was formed in 1797 mainly from Bourbon, which had been formed in 1785 when Kentucky was still part of Virginia. County records are retained in whatever county had jurisdiction during the year(s) being researched. Researchers should also be aware of which parent counties have lost records. Bourbon County Courthouse � some records were lost in a fire on 8 May 1872. Floyd County Courthouse � some records were destroyed by fire in Apr 1808. Montgomery County Courthouse � fires on 4 Mar 1851 and 2 Dec 1863 destroyed many records. Morgan County Courthouse � courthouse records were lost twice: in Oct 1862 and in 1925.
Links Carmel Indians of Magoffin County Books & Publications FamilySearch Page for Magoffin - lots of great information and resources Findagrave for Magoffin County - 726 cemeteries listed Kentucky Genealogy - a comprehensive list of what's available somewhere for Magoffin albeit chargeable Magoffin Fiddlers in the Old-Time Fiddlers Hall of Fame John Morgan Salyer William Hamilton Stepp Magoffin County Archives Magoffin County Funeral Home - recent obituaries Magoffin County Government - county clerk's address & phone number Magoffin County Historical Society Magoffin County Public Library Melungeons in Magoffin County in 1900 & 1910 Ordering Kentucky Vital Records Salyersville Funeral Home - recent obituaries Salyersville Independent Newspaper - recent obituaries
Contacts Tricia Aanderud, County Coordinator Jeff Kemp, State Coordinator Tricia Aanderud, Assistant State Coordinator
Copyright � 2024 - Magoffin County, KYGenWeb site, and it's contributors. All rights reserved. This information may be used by libraries, genealogical societies and personal researchers; however, commercial use of this information is strictly prohibited without prior permission of the owners. When copied for non-commercial use, this copyright notice must appear with the information.

About Magoffin County

Links

Contacts